Sherwood Forest, Jacksonville
Updated June 22, 2026 · 4,741 residents
Sherwood Forest is a quiet, residential enclave in Northwest Jacksonville defined by its mid-century ranch homes and mature tree canopy. The neighborhood offers a peaceful, semi-rural atmosphere with spacious lots and minimal industrial presence, making it well-suited for those seeking a calm living environment.
Key Highlights
About Sherwood Forest
Located in Northwest Jacksonville, Sherwood Forest is a notable mid-century residential neighborhood platted in 1910 but primarily developed during the 1950s and 1960s. The area is defined by its American Ranch-style, cinder-block housing and streets named after characters and locations from the legend of Robin Hood, such as Locksley, Devonshire, and Donnybrook. Following the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the neighborhood became a significant community for Black residents displaced by urban renewal projects in areas like Sugar Hill and LaVilla. Local landmarks include the Ebenezer United Methodist Church, established in 1957, and the Charles “Boobie” Clark Park, originally developed as the Sherwood Forest Playground in the early 1960s.
The neighborhood is characterized by a low-density landscape that feels significantly more spacious and wooded than the Jacksonville average. Its suburban layout features consistent lot sizes and mature trees, providing a sense of privacy and a visually varied environment. Because the area is almost entirely residential with very little commercial activity, it maintains a peaceful atmosphere that serves as a quiet retreat from the city center. According to iHuus data, the lack of heavy industrial presence contributes to a cleaner, more residential feel that is highly valued by local homeowners.
This area is particularly well-suited for families and individuals who prioritize a calm, pet-friendly environment with accessible walking streets. While the neighborhood offers better-than-average air quality and flood safety, prospective residents should be aware of the ongoing administrative transitions within the Duval County Public Schools district. Families moving to the area will find a diverse demographic mix, though they should research specific school zoning and consider the district's magnet and advanced studies programs to navigate the current landscape of budget-related school consolidations.
Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities
Suburban spacing provides a notable degree of separation between homes compared to the Jacksonville average. Backyard foliage and standard lot sizes offer a moderate buffer between neighbors according to iHuus data.
Low traffic and several sidewalked streets provide better walking conditions than the Jacksonville average. While some minor cul-de-sacs lack paved paths, much of the residential area remains suitable for pedestrians.
Standard suburban layouts feature uniform rooflines and consistent lot sizes. According to iHuus data, the area provides a more visually varied landscape than much of Jacksonville.
Wide, grassy verges and nearby public parks provide ample space for pets to walk safely. According to iHuus data, this neighborhood offers significantly more green walking space than the Jacksonville average.
Characterized by a low-density landscape, this area features significant tree canopy and open land that feels much more semi-rural than the Jacksonville average. Residents will find many single-family homes situated among woodlands and scattered fields according to iHuus data.
Primarily composed of single-family homes under a mature tree canopy, this area offers a peaceful atmosphere with very little commercial activity. While the neighborhood is slightly more active than the Jacksonville average due to nearby sports complexes and local dining, it remains a low-density environment with few points of interest.
Steady sound from nearby busy streets is present, though levels are notably quieter than the Jacksonville average. According to iHuus data, residents can expect a consistent but manageable ambient hum.
Air quality in this area fluctuates between acceptable and unhealthy levels, though it remains notably better than the Jacksonville average according to iHuus data. Residents sensitive to pollutants may notice occasional concerns on certain days.
Industrial activity and heavy warehouses are absent from this area, making it significantly cleaner of industrial presence than the Jacksonville average. Residents will find a landscape composed almost entirely of homes, green spaces, and light local services.
Health insurance accessibility is significantly higher in this area than the Jacksonville average, according to iHuus data. Most residents in Sherwood Forest maintain active health coverage.
Voting patterns and census indicators show a much more liberal political leaning here than in the rest of Jacksonville.
Residents live alongside a broad mix of young adults, families, and seniors. This demographic spread is notably more balanced than the average seen across Jacksonville.
Residual flood risk exists within the area, though safety levels are notably higher than the Jacksonville average. According to iHuus data, some properties sit within a 500-year floodplain.
Block-Level Insights for Sherwood Forest
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| Dimension | Sherwood Forest | 29th and Chase |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walkabilityavg 3.96 | ||
| 🔊 Acoustic Comfortavg 4.37 | ||
| 🤫 Privacy Indexavg 4.3 | ||
| 🎨 Visual Appealavg 4.24 | ||
| 🐕 Dog Friendlinessavg 4.28 | ||
| 🗺️ Urban-Rural Indexavg 5.22 | ||
| ✨ Neighborhood Vibeavg 1.5 | ||
| 🏥 Health Insurance Coverageavg 4.35 | ||
| 🌿 Air Qualityavg 3.84 | ||
| 🏭 Industrial Proximityavg 5.11 | ||
| 🌊 Flood Safetyavg 4.01 | ||
| 🗳️ Ideological Leanavg 2.75 | ||
| 👥 Population Age Profileavg 3.26 | ||
| 🔥 Fire Safety | ||
| 🏫 School Quality |
Sherwood Forest Rankings
School Districts Serving Sherwood Forest
Duval County Public Schools functions as a Mixed/Transition district defined by a stark contrast between its nationally recognized flagship academies and struggling neighborhood schools. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier, who took office in 2024, the district is navigating a complex right-sizing process to address nearly 30,000 empty seats. This effort has led to a series of contentious school consolidations and intense public debate over a projected 100 million dollar budget deficit, drawing scrutiny from state officials and local families alike. For homebuyers, the district offers exceptional educational opportunities through highly sought-after magnet and advanced studies programs, such as Stanton College Preparatory and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. However, the ongoing consolidation of under-enrolled elementary schools and persistent achievement gaps in the urban core present a highly uneven landscape. While the district's overall financial reserves remain stable, the friction of managing declining enrollment and consolidating neighborhood campuses means that a family's experience will depend heavily on school zoning and access to the district's premier specialized programs.
Schools
School Insights for Sherwood Forest
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
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