If you have orders to NAS Jacksonville, Clay County is one of the most popular places to buy. The base sits on the St. Johns River on Jacksonville’s southwest side, right next to Orange Park, so much of Clay County is a short drive away. You also get a school district rated A by the state in 2025 and 2026, a long-established military community and more home for your money than in many Jacksonville neighborhoods. Here is how to choose an area and buy with a VA loan, even if you are still at your current duty station.
Why Military Families Choose Clay County
- Short drive to the base. Orange Park borders the base area, and Fleming Island, Oakleaf and Green Cove Springs are all within a reasonable drive.
- Schools. Clay County’s school district earned an A from the Florida Department of Education in 2025 and 2026.
- A military community. Many neighbors, coaches and teachers have military connections, which makes moving every few years easier on kids.
- Value. Homes in much of Clay County cost less than similar homes in St. Johns County.
Where to Look
Orange Park
The closest option to the base, with established neighborhoods, shopping and services. Homes are generally older, with a wide price range. See living in Orange Park.
Fleming Island
Newer planned neighborhoods along the river, community amenities and higher prices. Popular with families who want newer homes. Compare it in Orange Park vs Fleming Island.
Oakleaf and Middleburg
More new construction and larger lots at lower prices, with a longer drive. See new construction in Clay County and living in Middleburg.
Green Cove Springs
The county seat, a small riverfront town that also puts you closer to Camp Blanding. See living in Green Cove Springs.
Drive your real commute at rush hour before you commit. Traffic on the main routes into the base varies a lot by time of day.
Buying With a VA Loan
Most eligible service members can buy with a VA loan, often with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. A few things to plan for:
- Get your Certificate of Eligibility and pre-approval early, ideally before you arrive, so you can make offers as soon as you find a home.
- Budget around your BAH, not just what the lender approves. You can look up your rate with the Defense Department’s BAH calculator.
- Know the VA funding fee, which can be financed and is waived for many veterans receiving VA disability compensation.
- Expect a VA appraisal that checks the home meets minimum property standards.
Our step-by-step guide to VA loans in Florida covers the process in detail.
Buying Before You Arrive
PCS timelines rarely line up neatly. Many military buyers start their search remotely with virtual tours and video walkthroughs, then visit for a house-hunting trip or buy sight-unseen with a trusted agent on the ground. If you go that route, make sure your agent attends the inspection, checks the neighborhood at different times of day, and tells you honestly about anything a video won’t show.
Think About Your Next PCS Now
Most military families move again in a few years, so buy a home that will be easy to sell or rent when you leave. Homes near the base, in good school zones and without unusual features tend to rent well to the next family arriving at NAS Jacksonville. If you might rent it out, read our guide on whether to sell or rent out your house before you buy.
Start Your Clay County Search
Kassidy Babcock helps buyers across Clay County, including service members relocating to NAS Jacksonville. She can set up a remote search, tour homes for you by video and coordinate the purchase around your report date.
