Homeowners Associations: They’re a common part of residential life here in Northeast Florida so let’s find out what they’re all about.

A Homeowners Association is a governing body, generally in a subdivision or condominium building, that makes and enforces rules for the residents, takes responsibility for maintenance of shared spaces such as pools, golf courses, playgrounds and gyms, and arranges for services such as trash pickup and landscaping. About 75% of homes in the southern portion of the United States are in HOA neighborhoods and these homes generally sell for more money than their non-HOA counterparts.

Bass Pro Shops is now open and Walmart may soon join the big box shops at WGV

WGV has had a sweet, sparse and suburban feel for years, and with recent development, it’s offering even more shopping choices to the community. Buc-ee’s opened in February 2021 and Costco opened in August 2022. There’s a Publix, Parlor Donuts, Whataburger and Pet Paradise. There’s of course dentistry, an animal clinic, pediatrics and family medicine, salon, health food store, pickleball courts, a Chinese restaurant, pizza place, a post office — and the list goes on! WGV is rated #5 in Best Places to Raise a Family in the Jacksonville  Area, according to Niche, with an A+ overall rating. And it’s no wonder. The list of reasons to leave the Village gets shorter and shorter, especially as new businesses open. The latest, Bass Pro Shops, opened November 20, 2024, and like most of their stores, the exterior and interior is spectacular, even if you’re not an outdoor enthusiast.

The WGV location is the 13th Bass Pro to open in the State of Florida, and it is surely impressive. With over 100,000 square feet, it has everything any sportsman or woman needs for fishing and hunting expeditions — and it offers pretty much anything you’d need for any outdoor adventure: camping, backpacking, hiking and even hosting a bonfire in your backyard this winter season. A 12,000 gallon aquarium is filled with native Florida fish, like largemouth bass, channel catfish and sunfish. Murals and wildlife mounts adorn the walls, and of course, conservation is at the core of the store. On opening night, 20 percent of sales were donated to support the local community, with 10 percent donated to local conservation organizations and the other 10 percent donated to hurricane relief in the state. The new location offers events throughout the year too, for environmentalists and kids alike, teaching the importance of protecting wildlife and habitat and outdoor skills like fishing and catch and release. Located at 355 World Commerce Parkway, it’s open Monday through Saturday 9am to 9pm and Sunday 10am to 7pm.

Another big box to potentially join the Village is a Walmart Supercenter, which applied to the county for development this past November. The proposed location is just 2 miles from Bass Pro, and will have over 800 parking spots and over 180,000 square feet of Supercenter — which includes groceries, general merch, a liquor store and garden center. The planned Walmart Supercenter has a listed address of 3405 International Golf Parkway.

With the St. Augustine outlets just 10 minutes south, St. Augustine’s historic district 20 minutes away and Jacksonville less than 30 minutes north, you really don’t ever have to go far! For all your real estate needs, know that we’re here for you too, at Davidson Realty, 100 East Town Place, just 4 minutes from Bass Pro Shops.

World Golf Village has become one of the most sought-after communities in Northeast Florida, and for good reason. Its neighborhoods marry the amenities of a premier vacation resort with the comfort of a high-quality home. World Golf Village has 47 neighborhoods, each with its own personality. With so many residential options available, prospective homeowners can choose from a grand estate, resort condominium, townhome, coach or patio home.

There’s no doubt World Golf Village is a mecca for Northeast Florida’s golf community, with its picturesque views of the Sunshine State’s nature preserves and a limitless list of activities, amenities and sights. However, over the past 20 years, the area has become an amazing place for families, young professionals and active adults. From shopping and events to sports and restaurants, the World Golf Village offers a little of something for everyone.

Speaking of restaurants, pizza lovers, rejoice! The Loop opened its World Golf Village location just last month, making it the tenth location in the Greater Jacksonville area. Inspired by the increasing demand for family-friendly spaces, owner Maurilio Gonzalez says, “We designed this location with a larger patio and slightly more intimate interior. This allows for a similar capacity of our other locations, but with the opportunity to enjoy the coastal breeze while dining outside.” Gonzalez added that The Loop would be responding to the increased requests for to-go and catering, offering options for guests who prefer not to dine in.

The opening comes just in time for summer fun and get-togethers with a catering menu that will impress any guest. It touts a selection of salads, wraps and sandwiches that can feed up to 15 people and 12-inch to 16-inch Specialty or Build-Your-Own pizzas. The in-house menu includes a wide range of specialty pizzas and pinsa (pizza made from a lighter, airier crust), like the Spicy Chicken Cilantro pizza loaded with sweet red peppers, grilled onions, jalapeños, roasted garlic, grape tomatoes and basil pesto; or a classic Margherita topped with fresh mozzarella, multi-tomato sauce and fresh basil. If you’re into handhelds, you’re in luck. The Loop offers a trifecta of wraps, burgers and sandwiches. Go for a tried-and-true Great American Cheeseburger stacked with melty American cheese or opt for an adventure with the Asian Chicken Wrap drizzled with a peanut honey-lime vinaigrette. Both the BBQ Bacon Chicken & Cheddar and Grilled Salmon sandwiches are enough to satisfy any craving. Did we mention they had soups and salads? The Sunflower Kale salad is a summer staple piled high with walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, carrots, red onions, napa cabbage and croutons served with a golden nutritional yeast dressing. The Loop’s menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options for guests with specialized diets. Pair your food with one of The Loop’s famous Hand Dipped and Spun Shakes in a classic flavor like vanilla or chocolate or your favorite local craft beer. Once you’re done with your main course, top it all off with a freshly baked brownie or cookie.

You can stop by The Loop – World Golf Village located at 150 Village Commons Drive, Suite 105 in the Publix shopping center all week long from 11am to 9pm. Check out the full menu and more here. Be sure to visit The Journal to keep up with all the new and exciting things happening in the World Golf Village community.