Amanda Bennett’s journey took her from the quaint landscapes of New Hampshire and across the Sunshine State, ultimately landing her in Jacksonville—a place she now proudly calls home.
At 18 years old, she left New England for Florida State University where she eventually met and fell in love with her husband, Dane, in 2012. Upon graduating, the pair moved to Tampa for their jobs, where Dane worked for a healthcare company and Amanda spent time in medical device sales.
While the couple lived in Tampa, Dane, who served in the Marine Corps Reserves, deployed to Japan for six months. After his return, they relocated to Tallahassee, where Dane began working with the Florida Home Builders Association. Dane and Amanda brought their first son into the world while still living in the panhandle before relocating to Jacksonville in 2022.
Since settling in the San Marco/Miramar area of Jacksonville, the Bennetts have embraced the small-town charm that makes residents fall in love with this big city.
“The people here have been amazing. I never thought I’d live in Jacksonville, but being here now, I really love it,” said Amanda. “It’s a good place to have kids, a good place to start a family.”
Not long after settling in Jacksonville, they had their second son, adding to the joy of their growing family.
They often spend time enjoying the area’s natural beauty by visiting the beach, where they can relax and spend quality time together. Local parks are another favorite destination, offering plenty of space for the kids to play and explore. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is another frequent destination of theirs.
One of their favorite spots, however, is Epping Forest Yacht Club. With its wide range of activities for children, it’s become a go-to location for fun and outdoor play all summer long. When they’re not at the park, the Bennetts also enjoy riding bikes around their neighborhood.
“When we have some spare time, we’ll take the kids over to Epping and let them run around in the yard and then we’ll all grab dinner,” Amanda said. “It’s kind of like a rotation– spending time at our friends’ homes, going to the beach, riding bikes in the park.”
As they continue settling into Jacksonville, the Bennetts are eager to become more involved in their community. They’ve enjoyed meeting other young families in the area and have built lasting friendships since their move. Looking ahead, they hope to expand their family even further, eventually finding a forever home in Jacksonville where they can plant deep roots.
“There are a lot of options for us as a family. We always hear great things about the schools, both some of the public, the charter, and the private,” Amanda said. “I don’t see us leaving any time soon.”
