From the Publisher

Quite simply, there is no other print publication that covers the real estate market so completely and offers buyers so much useful information. And that's important when you're moving to a new city-especially one as big and diverse as Jacksonville.

In fact, "Jacksonville" is a region encompassing all of Northeast Florida. Even the city alone is geographically daunting, at more than 840 square miles.

So how can such a big place feel like such a small town? The answer is simple-there are so many self-contained neighborhoods that offer small-town environments.

When I first moved here from Detroit-talk about culture shock-my daughter and I settled in San Marco. As far as we were concerned, we lived in a quaint New England village where friendly shopkeepers knew us by name and everything we needed was within walking distance, including a vintage downtown movie theater and an ice-cream shop.

Now we live in Mandarin, which is bigger and newer but has its own unique charms, such as lovely parks, great schools and-last but not least-terrific shopping.

More recently, however, I've found myself fascinated by Jacksonville's ritzy downtown condominiums. And Springfield's Victorian fixer-uppers. And Ponte Vedra Beach's oceanfront mansions. And...

Well, you get the idea. I've lived here nine years and I still can't decide which part of Northeast Florida I love the best.

But maybe we can help you decide. Jacksonville Homebuyer combines what you might glean from a dozen other sources and presents it in a one colorful, reader-friendly package.

You get neighborhood profiles and local history, a guide to public and private schools, insider tips, fun facts and directories galore, including the most comprehensive development directory ever compiled for the region.

It's specifically written and designed for people who are moving to Northeast Florida from out of the area-and for people who already live in Jacksonville but are moving elsewhere in the region.

Once you read Jacksonville Homebuyer, you'll have a better feel for the city than most longtime residents have.

Our company, Gulfshore Media, has been doing this for more than 30 years. Our magazines are recognized around the country as the best of their kind, and we've got a wallfull of plaques and trophies to prove it.

But our greatest reward is helping people like you-and people like me-settle into a new home in a new city.

And since we're going to be neighbors, how about giving me a call at (904) 724-3330? Let me know how we can make Jacksonville Homebuyer an even more useful tool.

Welcome to Jacksonville!

Penelope Geismar

Publisher