Rhett's Run

Jay, Florida is known for its wide-open spaces and beautiful farm land. The rural community in Santa Rosa County fosters connections among residents through various programs for various interests and seasonal events. Entertainment is not limited to town programs; plenty of outdoor activities are available in and around town. With trails, off-roading areas, waterways, and beaches within an hour of town, you have your pick of outdoor adventures close to home in Jay. D.R. Horton offers a range of homes for sale in Jay, Florida with spacious open floorplans, smart home technology, and lot options with extra space.

Why live in Jay, FL?

Jay, Florida offers a peaceful retreat from city life while maintaining access to larger areas' conveniences and employment centers. The town’s tranquility and agricultural roots are the community's cornerstones, celebrating Jay's long-standing peanut and cotton production role. Jay residents appreciate the community's slower pace and regularly gather for events and holidays. Additional activities within an hour's drive of the town ensure you can easily enjoy the offerings of larger cities nearby and still come home to peace. It’s about 30 minutes to Milton and an hour to Pensacola, and of course, there are numerous other towns within Santa Rosa County with plenty to do. The Pensacola International Airport is just over 50 minutes away for longer trips.

Community life in Jay, FL

The town of Jay, Fl prides itself on its agricultural heritage and wide-open spaces. The beautiful farmland makes a beautiful backdrop for town gatherings and in some cases, the farmland is the actual setting of the community event.

Sweet Seasons Farms hosts a popular annual event in the area: a fall festival and pumpkin patch. Held from late September to November, the farm hosts a variety of activities during the fall festival, from pumpkin bowling to corn cannons to hop along rodeos. The most popular activities, however, are the corn maze and hay rides through the farm.

In addition to the fun farm activities in the fall, Jay is home to several farms and a farmers' market that offer additional entertainment for locals. Lowry’s Farms offers residents boiled peanuts, one of the area’s most important crops, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The Marketplace on Commerce Street provides a farmers market on select days and entertainment with small, local events. It supports local vendors and farmers, making it a great way to help the community.

The town celebrates and gathers for events beyond the fall and farming. Jay, FL also hosts plenty of holiday events. The city comes together at Christmas for a parade and a town market. You can welcome the season and head to the market to get your shopping done. Some holidays include additional activities, like July 4th. In addition to the town’s picnic and fireworks, Jay, Fl sponsors an annual Celebrate Freedom 5K and Fun Run. The course starts and ends at Jay City Park, and the route winds through town.

However, one of Jay’s most significant events is not celebrating a holiday. It raises money for local communities and supports schools, sports leagues, and various charities throughout the Florida panhandle. The Sandy Sansin Jay Pro Rodeo features the rodeo with bullriding, team roping, saddle broncs, steer wrestling, roping events, and barrel racing. Still, it also includes plenty of activities for the kids with bounce houses, face painting, and mutton bustin’ available.

There is no need to wait for a large event to get together with friends and family, as Jay, Fl offers entertainment options year-round. The Jay Library sponsors various programs and clubs, such as the genre-based book club for adults and the game night on the second Thursday of each month. For history buffs, the Jay Museum offers insights into the area’s past with items and documents related to the history of the town and north Santa Rosa County. Whatever your interest or hobby, you can find something to do near home in Jay, Fl.

Outdoor recreation in Jay, FL

Jay, Fl offers plenty of options for outdoor adventures. There are trails and parks in town, and several additional options—the beach and various scenic recreation areas—are within an hour’s drive. Whether you want to spend some time at the playground with the kids or soak up the sun on the beach, you have options close to home in Jay, Fl.

The local community is dedicated to maintaining and regularly updating the parks in the area, ensuring the availability and quality of the parks for future generations. Fidelis Park and Bray-Hendricks Park are located in town and are among the more popular parks in the area. Both provide great options for family time and outdoor recreation. Bray-Hendricks Park encompasses a 26-acre area with trails, athletic fields, courts, and a playground, making it a one-stop shop for outdoor play with friends and family. Fidelis Park sits on 8.5 acres and offers several sports fields, including an extended baseball field with lighted batting cages. The park also provides a range of ADA accessible amenities, including ADA-compliant walkways and playground equipment, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park.

The town’s location in Florida makes exploring diverse habitats and natural settings easy. The Coldwater Recreation Area, for example, features a beautiful wooded area with quail, woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, and a variety of other wildlife. Located just 20 minutes from Jay, the trails through Coldwater Recreation Area provide a scenic and serene retreat into nature. Many trails are open to equestrians, so you can saddle up and enjoy the beautiful vistas from the top of your horse.

Similarly, Blackwater River State Park provides various outdoor recreation options in a scenic, natural setting. Just 25 minutes from Jay, Fl, you can go tubing, hiking, biking, or boating. There is a nature trail and raised boardwalk trails that are ADA accessible. The park is known as one of the state’s canoe capitals, so canoeing and kayaking are among the most popular modes of transportation through the park.

For an adrenaline rush, the Clear Creek OHV Park features multiple off-road trails, including some for beginners. The park, under 30 minutes from Jay, provides over 50 miles of off-roading trails and adventures. As you navigate the terrain, you can enjoy each course's natural beauty and challenges.

These parks and trails provide plenty of outdoor recreation options within wooded areas and on waterways, but Jay residents can also enjoy some time on the beach. Pensacola Beach is just over an hour away, known for its beautiful water and relaxing atmosphere.

Business in Jay, FL

Agriculture is the largest industry in Jay, Fl, and the Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative, which is located in town, focuses on promoting and supporting the cultivation of peanuts, which remains one of the area’s most important crops. The rural town of Jay maintains its agricultural focus, but its proximity to other larger cities ensures plenty of employment opportunities for residents within a commutable distance. Santa Rosa Medical Center, Goldring Gulf Distributing, and other large companies are located 30 minutes away in Milton, and Eastman Chemical is in Pace, 35 minutes away. Santa Rosa County is home to several large employers, including numerous city and state governments, Santa Rosa County schools, and Baptist Healthcare, providing additional employment options near home in Jay, Fl.

New construction homes in Jay, FL

Jay, Florida offers a relaxing lifestyle amid beautiful farmland. The rural community gathers for events and programs, encouraging connection among residents. Jay’s location in Santa Rosa County and proximity to larger cities ensure plenty of opportunities for entertainment and employment, making it an excellent option for folks looking to have the best of both worlds—a quiet, small town community with big city amenities nearby. D.R. offers a range of new houses for sale in Jay, Fl with smart home technology, open kitchen and living areas, and various lot options. Browse our new construction homes in Jay, FL or contact us to find a house that suits your needs and lifestyle.