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Buying a waterfront home isn't just about finding the perfect property—it's about embracing an entirely different lifestyle. As someone who specializes in Jacksonville waterfront real estate, one of the most common questions I hear is:
"I love the idea of waterfront living, but how do I know if I'll actually enjoy boating?"
It's a great question, and one that deserves more than just an answer. Sometimes, the best way to find out is to experience the lifestyle firsthand.
Our Houseboat Weekend on the St. Johns River
Recently, my husband and I rented a houseboat in DeLand, Florida, just a two-hour drive from Jacksonville. We spent two nights cruising the beautiful St. Johns River to Silver Glen Springs, and it turned out to be one of the best ways to experience life on the water without the commitment of owning a boat.
The houseboat was surprisingly comfortable. It featured two bedrooms, one bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and everything we needed for a relaxing weekend. It truly felt like staying in an Airbnb that just happened to float.
One of the biggest surprises? You don't need a captain's license to rent and operate many houseboats. After a brief orientation, we were confidently navigating the river, monitoring the depth finder, learning how to anchor, and getting a real feel for what boating is like.
Why This Matters Before Buying Waterfront Property
Many people fall in love with the view from a waterfront home, but they haven't experienced what life on the water actually involves.
A weekend on a houseboat gives you the opportunity to:
- Experience navigating Florida waterways.
- Learn how to read water depths.
- Practice anchoring and docking.
- Understand the pace of boating life.
- Discover whether you'll actually use a boat as often as you imagine.
For many buyers, this experience either confirms that waterfront living is exactly what they've dreamed about—or helps them realize they'd prefer simply enjoying the view from their backyard.
Either way, it's valuable information before making a significant investment.
Nature at Its Best
One of my favorite parts of the trip was the incredible wildlife.
We watched spectacular sunrises and sunsets, spotted turtles, fish, and countless species of birds along the river. If you decide to take a similar trip, I highly recommend bringing a Florida bird identification guide. I was amazed by the variety of birds we encountered, and there were several I couldn't identify.
It's a reminder that living on or near the water isn't just about boating—it's about being immersed in nature every single day.
A Great Test Drive for the Waterfront Lifestyle
If you're relocating to Jacksonville or considering purchasing a waterfront home, renting a houseboat for a weekend is one of the best ways to "test drive" the lifestyle.
You'll quickly learn whether you enjoy cruising the waterways, relaxing on the deck with your morning coffee, watching the wildlife, and slowing down enough to appreciate everything waterfront living has to offer.
For many people, that's exactly what they're looking for.
Thinking About Waterfront Living in Jacksonville?
Whether you're searching for a home on the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway, a canal, or the ocean, I'd be happy to help you find the property that fits your lifestyle—not just your budget.
Waterfront real estate is about much more than location. It's about choosing a way of life that you'll enjoy for years to come.
If you'd like to learn more about buying or selling waterfront property in Jacksonville, or if you're planning a move to Northeast Florida, feel free to reach out. I'd love to help you navigate the process.
And don't forget to watch my latest YouTube video, where I take you along on our houseboat adventure and share why I believe every future waterfront homeowner should experience boating before buying.