OakLeaf Plantation: Suburbia Built to Last?

Established in 2002, Oakleaf Plantation is a massive 6,400-acre planned community located partially within Jacksonville and in Clay County. Known for its affordable housing prices, good schools, pristine streets, and recreational areas, Oakleaf is one of the fastest growing communities in Northeast Florida.


Oakleaf in 1999

While staunch urbanists may view it negatively because it's suburbia, visually, it's a significant improvement above the haphazard sprawl that defines Clay County's congested Blanding Boulevard corridor. Adjacent to Jennings State Forest, when complete it will include two pedestrian friendly Village Centers, a public library, five public schools, 11,000 homes and 2.5 million square feet of commercial space.


Oakleaf in 2014

As of the 2010 census, it was home to 20,315 residents. According to Oakleaf's website, the community is more than your new home. It's also your new hometown. The same could be said of Arlington and Cedar Hills fifty years ago. Judging from their current revitalization struggles, the challenge facing OakLeaf will be if it is able to stand the test of time, once the new-ness wears off. With that in mind, here's a look at the five distinct districts that make up Oakleaf Plantation.


Forest Hammock



Most of OakLeaf's current residential development is taking place within Forest Hammock. Located west of the clock tower on OakLeaf Plantation Parkway. The 203-acre development consists of 700 single family lots surrounded by nature preserves with lakes and ponds.