Natural areas, peaceful lifestyle draws new residents. The South has a well-know reputation of having a slow paced, easy-going kind of lifestyle. Although Jacksonville is a growing commercial, residential and industrial city, there still are some parts of the area that have the lax and laid-back feel that is typical in parts of the South. Macclenny and neighboring Glen St. Mary certainly live up to the Southern lifestyle with its friendly people and quiet living.

Only 30 minutes west from Jacksonville in rural Baker County, Macclenny and Glen St. Mary are in prime locations for easy access to anyone's needs. Macclenny's residents are diversified in their career choices, with many of them commuting to neighboring Jacksonville to work. However, some residents work for the Baker County schools, hospitals or the Wal-Mart distribution center in Macclenny. The area offers large acreage as well as houses.

Residents of Macclenny enjoy a variety of recreational activities that include hunting, fishing, hiking, golf and water sports. The town is near, or among, many nature parks and preserves such as the Osceola National Forest, Ocean Pond and the St. Mary's River. Baker County High School sports are also a big draw, as families come out in droves to support their children.

Macclenny also offers residents a less-congested setting than does the more urban setting of Jacksonville. With few traffic jams and vast areas of land to purchase at reasonable prices, Macclenny and Glen St. Mary residents not only see what unspoiled Florida looks like, they can own it if they wish.

Sanderson
People-pleasing place

The laid-back country lifestyle of Sanderson continues to attract new residents from Jacksonville, particularly those seeking relief from traffic.

Although about 50 miles west of Jacksonville on Interstate 10, Sanderson offers a faster commute to downtown than some communities with a Jacksonville ZIP code. Homebuyers can often get a larger house and more property for less money then they would in other Jacksonville communities.

Sanderson residents also are proud of having one of the state's highest graduation rates. The school system consists of Macclenny and Westside elementary schools, Keller Intermediate for fourth- and fifth-graders and the Family Service Center, which offers community education and extended-day programs. Baker County Middle School accommodates students in grades 6 through 8, and the high school is located in Glen St. Mary.