One of Us: Elizabeth Hudgins

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Elizabeth Hudgins is a longtime resident of Ponte Vedra and realtor for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.

Can you please briefly tell us about your background?

I’ve been a resident of the Jacksonville area for over 45 years. I didn’t become a full time real estate agent, however, until 1990. Prior to that, I graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. When it comes to real estate, I specialize in waterfront and country club properties in all areas across the First Coast. Repeat clients and their referrals are the cornerstone of my business.

You’re ranked nationally in the top two percent of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ affiliated offices. What’s your secret?

This isn’t really a secret but living in Jacksonville for so long has given me extensive knowledge of the area and a large sphere of influence. Also, I always try to answer on the first ring, and if I miss a call, I call people back. It’s a simple way to make people feel important. Also, if you want to be successful in real estate, know that it takes patience and persistence.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is the exclusive broker for the new Ponte Vedra Beach community EvenTide. What makes this community so unique?

It’s located within the Municipal Service District (MSD) of Ponte Vedra, right off of Ponte Vedra Boulevard and across the street from the ocean with private beach access. EvenTide is a rare opportunity to build your dream home in a new 23-home community east of A1A.

What do buyers find most exciting about EvenTide?

The location is the primary draw. Buyers are excited to be east of A1A at this price point, along with beach private access. On top of that, Ponte Vedra has the best school systems in all of Florida, pristine beaches and a vibrant community. 

How would you characterize today’s real estate market in Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville as a whole?

Ponte Vedras’s market is consistently active because of its desirable location and the St. Johns County school system, and it remains one of the most affluent areas in Northeast Florida. With Mayo Clinic located nearby, the community has an influx of physicians and their families moving here.

Now when it comes to Jacksonville as a whole, it is important to recognize that the city’s real estate market is made up of several smaller markets. But overall, Jacksonville is active with new companies arriving and other companies expanding. The city has people relocating to it frequently. Additionally, Jacksonville offers desirable tax benefits and the quintessential Florida lifestyle that so many are after.

After living in the Jacksonville area for 45 years, what do you think are the biggest changes that have taken place here?

Ponte Vedra has experienced tremendous change during that time. I moved here over 30 years ago, when the average resident age was 65. Now with more and more families making this their permanent residence, the average age is 50. I’ve watched the community develop with the building of our top-rated school system, and the placement of the PGA Tour worldwide headquarters. Truly, the whole personality of the community has changed.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in Ponte Vedra?

I enjoy the fact the 98 percent of the oceanfront homes here are single family properties rather than resorts. I think that keeps Ponte Vedra feeling like a community. The majority of people that you see walking down the street are residents, not tourists. On top of that, Ponte Vedra offers you the relaxing environment of a small town, with the advantage of having beautiful beaches and easy access to big city amenities like our NFL team and the symphony.

Edited by Jon Blauvelt