Sunset over the ocean with a wooden walkway leading to the beach and grassy dunes in the foreground. Overlaid text reads 'Northeast Florida Real Estate Blog' and 'Neal Brown Realtor'.

Welcome to my Northeast Florida real estate blog — your local hub for everything St. Augustine and Jacksonville. I’m Neal Brown, a REALTOR®, Veteran, and Investor with iHeart Realty.

Here, I share neighborhood news, buyer and seller tips, market updates, and community stories that help you make smarter real estate decisions. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or relocating, you’ll find hyper-local insights to guide your next move.

Neal Brown 1/22/26 Neal Brown 1/22/26

🎤 Ludacris to Headline THE PLAYERS Military Appreciation Day at TPC Sawgrass

Ludacris will headline THE PLAYERS Military Appreciation Day on March 10, 2026, at TPC Sawgrass. The week also includes a Military Job Fair on March 7 supporting service members, veterans, and military families.

Neal Brown 1/15/26 Neal Brown 1/15/26

Florida Population Growth Continues in 2025 According to the U-Haul Growth Index

Florida continues to attract new residents in 2025, and fresh U-Haul moving data shows just how strong that trend is. From Ocala and North Port to St. Augustine and Jacksonville, cities across Florida are ranking among the fastest growing in the country, signaling continued demand for housing and long term growth statewide.

Neal Brown 12/29/25 Neal Brown 12/29/25

🎨 Discover the Murals of Downtown Palatka, Florida

Downtown Palatka hides one of Northeast Florida’s most colorful surprises. Scattered across historic streets and side alleys, local murals quietly tell stories of river life, railroad roots, and the people who shaped this small Florida town. A slow walk is all it takes to see Palatka a little differently.

Neal Brown 12/22/25 Neal Brown 12/22/25

🎾 St. Johns County Expands Public Pickleball Courts — Here’s Why It Matters

Pickleball is booming, and St. Johns County is expanding public courts to keep up with demand. This investment supports community connection, outdoor recreation, and the everyday lifestyle upgrades that make Northeast Florida a great place to live.

Neal Brown 12/17/25 Neal Brown 12/17/25

A Major New Restaurant Concept Is Coming to St. Augustine (Trout Creek)

A new restaurant concept is coming to St. Augustine from the culinary team behind Valley Smoke and Marker 32. Planned near SR-13 with indoor and outdoor dining, this project highlights continued growth in Northeast Florida’s food scene.

Neal Brown 12/16/25 Neal Brown 12/16/25

🔥 A New Farm-to-Fire Restaurant Is Opening in Julington Creek

A new restaurant is coming to Julington Creek. Pecan Craft Kitchen opens December 20 with a farm-to-fire concept, pecan-fired cooking, local ingredients, and a unique self-serve tap experience.