Local Collective Jax is…
a family-run real estate development company based in Jacksonville, FL. We focus on neighborhood-scale projects (no more than three stories), located in walkable neighborhoods within Jacksonville’s urban core.
Our Mission: We believe the built environment should inspire community and enrich everyday life. Rooted in the principles of New Urbanism, our work lies in the crossroads of purpose and profit, using thoughtful design to strengthen communities and create lasting value.
About Us: Local Collective Jax is led by husband and wife, Dorian and Leah, who recently moved across the country (from Idaho) to pursue real estate development in Jacksonville, Florida.
Dorian, grew up on the Eastside of Jacksonville, bringing a personal understanding of the Urban Core’s roots and rhythms. With an MBA, a background in sales, and mentorship under a seasoned town builder, he is committed to doing work that honors the past while building for the future.
Leah, from Idaho, holds a degree in Architecture, has worked alongside an award-winning New Urbanist developer, and has run a successful real estate company alongside her brother for years. Blending creative vision with on-the-ground real estate experience.
When development is done with intention, it becomes an invitation: to live better, to connect more deeply, and to invest in something meaningful.
Why Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is the next growth boom in the southeast. In 2024, the city ranked 10th nationally for population growth, adding 16,365 new residents, this is the highest numeric increase in Florida and surpasses cities like Phoenix and Seattle. (U.S. Census Bureau) The surge is fueled by a strong economy anchored by one of the nation's busiest seaports and a record $8 billion in ongoing downtown development projects. (myjournalcourier.com) For context, in terms of growth metrics and momentum, this trajectory is similar to what Austin, TX and Nashville, TN saw prior to their boom. Jacksonville’s neighborhoods are appreciating rapidly, infrastructure is expanding, and demand for thoughtfully designed, mixed-use communities has never been higher.
For investors and developers, the timing couldn’t be better. Real estate remains affordable compared to other major U.S. metros, offering significant upside for strategic development. Home values in Jacksonville have appreciated by over 22% year-over-year, reflecting strong demand and growth potential. Combine this with unmatched quality of life (miles of coastline, vibrant urban districts, and growing cultural amenities) and Jacksonville isn’t just a city to watch; it’s a city to invest in long term.
What is New Urbanism?
New Urbanism is a movement that rethinks how we design our towns and cities. we’ve experienced decades of car-centered growth, commonly referred to as suburban sprawl which took place in the 1940’s & 50s. One of the effects of the automobile to real estate development is that it spread people and places farther apart and requires a 30-minute drive for daily needs. This calls for a return to walkable neighborhoods, human-scaled design, and vibrant public spaces. It’s about creating communities where daily life happens closer to home. In result, people can connect, businesses can thrive, and the thoughtful design creates lasting community value.
Note, New Urbanism actually isn’t new. It is just bringing back how we used to build our communities before you had to get in your car to go everywhere. Think about all of the historic neighborhoods that we all love, in contrast we have sprawling tract home developments. Local Collective Jax is committed to building with a purpose, one that increases peoples quality of life.
New Urbanist examples: Seaside, Florida; Serenbe, Georgia; Seabrook, Washington
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