So you’re thinking about moving to Jacksonville? Whether you’re relocating for a job or looking for better weather, you’re probably wondering what to expect from living in Jacksonville, Florida. Its reputation for hot summers, picturesque shores, and sprawling geography might precede it, but there’s so much more to this beach-blessed city than meets the eye.
LIVING IN Jacksonville at a glance:
- Jacksonville is situated in the northeastern corner of Florida, less than an hour’s drive from Georgia and 350 miles up the coast from Miami.
- Jacksonville is 747 square miles in size, making it one the largest cities by area in the continental U.S.
- By population, Jacksonville is the 12th largest city in the states and the most populous in Florida, with about 987,960 residents and counting.
- The median age in Jax is 36, though 14% of the population falls into the 65+ age group.
For a high-level look at the city you may soon call home, take a virtual tour through this aerial video.
As lovely as all that sunshine may be, moving to the geographically largest city in the U.S. can sound a little overwhelming. How is one supposed to figure out where to go for dinner, what there is to do for fun, which beach to visit on the weekend, how long their commute will be on Monday, and what the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville are? Luckily, we’ve done some of the groundwork for you by breaking down the top 15 things to know about living in Jacksonville.
1. Jacksonville has a low cost of living for a big city
- The typical home value for a Jacksonville home is $312,639, while the typical home value for a home in Miami is $562,992, according to Zillow.
- The average monthly rent in Jacksonville is $1,530, and the average size is 969 square feet. In Miami, that goes up to $2,356 for 888 square feet, according to RentCafe. Less money for more space, anyone?
- The cost of living in Jacksonville is 7% below the national average.
2. The price is right
When it comes to buying real estate in Jacksonville, if you’re moving from another major city, you’re likely to be pleasantly surprised by the affordability. The cost of housing is a solid 20% below the national average, and as a result, more than half of residents own homes. Even though it’s one of the state’s most bustling metro areas, you can score three bedrooms and a yard within shouting distance of a beach.
3. Jacksonville rentals are easy to come by
About 44% of city dwellers opt to rent apartments in Jacksonville, so the inventory is there for newcomers looking to rent. With an average monthly rent just over $1,500, that cost is a few hundred dollars below the typical national average of $1,981. Like any city, prices vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. For affordable apartments, look in areas like College Gardens or Lincoln Villas. For more luxurious accommodations, focus your search in enclaves such as Isle of Palms or Beach Haven. And as a general rule of thumb, keep in mind that you’ll have to fork over more to live near the beach than on the outskirts.
| Moving to Jacksonville from Miami? Compare moving costs for rental trucks, full-service movers, and portable containers. To get a personalized moving quote on local moves visit PODS.com, or call 855-706-4758 for long-distance moving. |
(Source: @City-of-Atlantic-Beach-Recreation-Special-Events via Facebook)
4. Jacksonville Beach is just one of many jewels along the Atlantic shore
Did you know Jacksonville has the most shoreline of any other city in the U.S.? And, on top of claiming 80,000 acres of green space and the largest urban park system in the country, it’s also home to 22 glorious miles of sandy beach, according to Visit Jacksonville, the official source on area travel. Here are five of its best:
Jacksonville Beach
Paddle out to “the Poles” for adrenaline-pumping surfing, stroll along the nearly quarter-mile-long Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier, or enjoy the salty air while dining at the waterside cafes.
Neptune Beach
This suburban stretch speaks to the beach bum who wants to relax with a summer read all day and catch an epic sunset at night.
Ponte Vedra
Calling all beachcombers and golfers! Located just outside Jacksonville in St. Johns County, this coastal locale is known for its massive dunes and coveted golf courses.
Atlantic Beach
Just north of Neptune Beach, visitors from near and far flock to this shore to bike, surf, swim, and simply soak up the sun.
Little Talbot Island State Park
Get away from all of the touristy hubbub at this idyllic barrier island, where explorers can birdwatch, sunbathe on the white sand beach, marvel at the driftwood sculptures of Boneyard Beach, hike, and even camp overnight.
(Source: @townop via Instagram)
5. The best places to live in Jacksonville include Orange Park, San Marco, and Southside
Orange Park
Forty minutes south of downtown, you’ll find a rural retreat from the city center. Home to the Naval Air Station and properties with spacious yards abutting large swaths of woods, this neighborhood is ideal for families.
San Marco
Modeled after the Venetian locale of the same name, San Marco exudes Italian charm. Embrace the culture by popping into one of the artsy boutiques and charming bistros. And don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic Three Lions fountain.
Southside
Head to this residential area to settle into a starter home and take advantage of the good schools nearby. More recent development has brought plenty of entertainment and dining options, not to mention two shopping malls.
Of course, with more than 500 neighborhoods to consider, those moving to Jacksonville, Florida, have more than enough options. Here are 10 other areas to check out:
- Northside
- Riverside
- Ortega Forest
- Sandalwood
- Oceanway
- Deercreek
- Isle of Palms
- Cobblestone
- Secret Cove
- The Beaches: Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach
| Q: Is it expensive to live in Jacksonville, Florida? A: The cost of living in Jacksonville, Florida, is actually 7% below the national average! So if you’re moving from another major city, you’ll likely notice you’re saving some cash on rent and basic expenses. If you’re moving from elsewhere in Florida, chances are you’ll still pocket some savings — the cost of living in Jax is also 8% lower than the state average. |
6. You’ll find four of the state’s top high schools here
Per U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the nation’s best schools, Jacksonville is home to several of the state’s top institutions — four Jacksonville schools scored within the top 50 Florida institutions. The highest-ranking Jax school, Stanton College Preparatory School, even ranked #75 nationally.
(Source: Google Maps)
7. Jacksonville feels more southern than most Florida cities that are further south
Even though Jax is northeast of Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, it feels much more southern when it comes to accents and attitudes. In fact, many Floridians say it feels more like a part of Georgia, which makes sense, considering it’s only 25 miles from the Georgia state line.
8. It’s nearly always sunny in the Sunshine State
Jacksonville, Florida, weather is the daydream of any northerner: long, hot summers and short, relatively warm winters. In fact, Jacksonville hasn’t seen snowfall since 1989. Winter temps typically range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, while spring and fall temps average in the 70s to 80s. You’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is in working order for the summertime, though. The thermometer frequently hits 90 degrees, and the thick humidity makes it feel even hotter. Still, its northeastern location keeps it cooler than Florida’s other major cities.
| Not sure yet about Jacksonville? Check out these other Florida options: • Top Orlando Realtors Share Home Buying Secrets • Guide to the Best Tampa Neighborhoods • Guide to the Best Miami Neighborhoods |
9. Jacksonville crime rates are above average, but there are plenty of safe places to live
Let’s cut to the chase: Crime rates here are above the Florida average and are relatively high on the national scale, too. Neighborhood Scout gives Jax a crime index of 8, meaning it’s considered to be safer than only 8% of other U.S. cities.
A closer look at the numbers shows that crime is much more heavily focused on property than on violent crime, but it’s still worth keeping in mind, staying aware of your surroundings, and taking appropriate safety precautions. As mentioned, Jacksonville is huge, and many areas are perfectly safe. A few of the safest, based on crime rates, per Neighborhood Scout are:
- East Mandarin
- Eagle Bend
- Dinsmore
- Chimney Lakes
- Del Rio
- Jacksonville Naval Air Station
- Holly Oaks
(Source: NASJacksonville via Facebook)
10. The job market is full of opportunity
If you’re moving to Jacksonville for a new job, then you already know that opportunity is abundant, with the job market that has grown remarkably over the past decade. The average annual salary is around $50,000, which is lower than the national number, but then again, the cost of living is well below the U.S. average. Some major employers include financial giants like Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan Chase, a growing hospitality industry, and, of course, the Naval Air Station, which provides tons of jobs on the massive military base and brings in diversity, too.
| Q: Is Jacksonville, Florida, a good place to live? A: Jacksonville, Florida, is a great place to live if you’re looking for a reasonable cost of living, plenty of beach access, a southern feel, and a new home in the Sunshine State. Jacksonville also boasts an up-and-coming restaurant scene, several colleges, and a solid job market. |
11. The Jax restaurant scene may surprise you
You probably haven’t heard Jacksonville touted as the dining capital of America, and that’s just the way locals like it. The dining scene has begun to blossom in recent years, and these days, you’ll find eateries headed by James Beard-nominated chefs and others that can rival some of Miami’s finest cuisine. Looking for recommendations? Head over to natedoesfood, the mouth-watering Instagram of a Jacksonville-based foodie who posts local finds like fresh sashimi, roasted cauliflower tacos, and gooey cinnamon buns.
Here are a few of the top places to dine out in Jax, according to The Culture Trip’s guide to where to eat in Jacksonville.
- Matthew’s Restaurant: Feast on French and Mediterranean cuisine at this classy mainstay.
- Ragtime Tavern: An Atlantic Beach hotspot serving up Cajun seafood and a lively atmosphere.
- Orsay: French specialties with, the restaurant says, “a touch of Southern influence.”
- Taverna: Italian fare (pizza with salumi and a fried egg, anyone?) and a sizable selection of craft cocktails and wines by the glass.
12. You’ll need a car to get around
You tend to hear the term “sprawl” associated with Jacksonville because of how the metropolis spreads out over so many square miles. As you’d expect, having a car is nearly a necessity. The average household has two cars, and a typical commute time is 25 minutes, though that can vary based on traffic and proximity to downtown. As for public transit, you have a couple of options: There’s an extensive network of buses, but the Jacksonville Skyway, a free monorail system, spans a mere 2.5 miles. Not much help there!
(Source: @JacksonvilleZooandGardens)
13. The top 10 things to do in Jax…
Looking for something to do on a weekend day? From beach hopping and art gazing to catching a show or shopping for local goods, head to these sites to entertain yourself and fall in love with the city along the way.
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
- MOCA Jacksonville, University of North Florida’s downtown art museum
- Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
- Little Talbot Island State Park
- Fort Clinch State Park
- TIAA Bank Field (aka Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Riverside Arts Market
- The Ritz Theatre and Museum
- Jax Ale Trail
14. You can get schooled in Jacksonville
If you’re looking for higher education opportunities, you’ll have plenty of options in Jax. It’s home to several state and private four-year colleges and community colleges, including Florida State College at Jacksonville, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Jacksonville University, and First Coast Technical College.
| Q: What are downsides to living in Jacksonville, Florida? A: If you’re someone who loves city living for its walkability, you may find that hard to do in Jacksonville. Given its massive size, you really need a car to get around the entire city. And when considering safety, Jacksonville also has a relatively high crime index. Neighborhood Scout gives Jax a crime index of 8, meaning it’s considered to be safer than only 8% of other U.S. cities, so you’ll want to be vigilant, as in most cities. |
15. Jacksonville is the Birthplace of Southern Rock
Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Limp Bizkit, Shinedown, .38 Special, and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have one very special thing in common: They were all formed in Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville is known as the Birthplace of Southern Rock, but the city has been a hotbed for a spectrum of musical genres since the early 1900s, including blues, jazz, and, of course, rock.
In addition to the numerous fame-bound Jacksonville bands and musicians, the city hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year. Springing the Blues and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival annually attract large crowds of music lovers and artists from all over the world.
INTERESTED IN LIVING IN JACKSONVILLE?
Now that you’ve got some quick facts about Jax, it’s time to start planning your move. Using our detailed week-by-week moving checklist will make a big difference in avoiding hassles and reducing stress. Then, when you’re getting settled, try these 5 Projects to Make Your New Home Shine, along with other home improvement and decor ideas from the PODS Blog.
Sofia Rivera is a Boston-based lifestyle editor and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. Her work has appeared in Boston magazine, Apartment Therapy, and more. You can most often find her redecorating her apartment, trying out a new recipe, or trekking all over the city.
Orange Park is a city, not a “neighborhood,” and getting in & out of it involves lots of time with traffic and traffic lights. The Naval Air Station is close to Orange Park, but is in Jacksonville. There are some fun, sport-oriented venues like TopGolf, Autobahn & the sports complex offering ice skating. A free, fun thing to do in one area is go see the Treaty Oak (a huge, 250 yr-old tree), stroll along the Riverwalk & see dolphins frolick in the water, view Friendship Park’s colorful fountain & ride the “people mover” tram through downtown (best before dark). Jacksonville has a huge medical community, including the Mayo Clinic & about 6 other hospitals. Roads are in good shape; the city is quick to make repairs, respond to requests & keep properties within code.
Thank you, Susan! You definitely have a local’s knowledge of the area and we appreciate that you took the time to share it with us.
Thank you for your response!! Can you tell me a part of Florida that has a bit of a country setting or small town feel?
Sherrie, I live in Ocala but I recommend Dunnellon if you are not hooked on being near the ocean or Gulf.
Rainbow Springs State Park has kayaking and tubing. There are many quaint little shops and restaurants, too. Fabulous fresh veggie stand on Rte 484. headed towards Ocala. Also, THE best pie anywhere is at the Front Porch restaurant and their food is wonderful, too. What I love about Dunnellon is there are a small walkable downtown and a major street that has Walmart, Publix, and all the regular chain restaurants. Ocala has the Mall and is considerably larger and is only 20-30 minutes away. So you get a little of everything here and I have always found the people to be friendly.
This sounds like an amazing town! Do you know anything as far as construction work and housing availability?
They are always building in Jacksonville so there are plenty of construction jobs.
Close to max is Baldwin. And several small towns. With i 95 going north and south and i 10 going west you. Can get to numerous towns near max.
Thank you for stopping by, G! Baldwin is certainly worth exploring if you’re considering moving to the Jacksonville area.
Nassau County has Yulee, Callahan and Hilliard. You also have Maclenney and Middleburg. Further inland there is a lot of agricultural farming, livestock farms, etc…Even our capital Tallahassee, and more popular cities like Gainesville, Tampa, and Miami are surrounded by a whole lot of country! Come check us out, and stay awhile!
I would suggest Live Oak, Florida but it is getting crowded no matter where you go in Florida anymore!
You forgot to mention Catty Shack Ranch which is the #1 Jacksonville Trip Advisor destination.
Where’s the best neighborhood to buy a home w/in 25mins from NAS?
I’d definitely recommend Oakleaf Plantation! It has a large military community living there and just 20-25min to the base!
Hi.
I am thinking to move to jacksonville Fl. How is the life there? The traffic is too heavy? Is it a stressfull city?
Jacksonville has long been called the biggest little city in the South. It’s a great place to live, and fairly easy to get around. Yes there is traffic during the 8-9am hour and 5-6pm. The traffic is typically caused by those who work downtown heading in or out respectively. I’m 3rd generation so I may be somewhat biased, but Jacksonville really is a great place to live and raise your family. Great schools, local activities, and the locals really are great! There’s a lot of options for where to live as well. Come check us out!
thanks for the information!!!
What kind of weather is normal for the winter time
Winters in Jacksonville are mild, sunny and just plain lovely. You can expect high temperatures around the mid-60s while low temps tend to average around the mid-40s. It’s unlikely it’ll get down to freezing, so snow is rare in J-ville. 🙂
Jacksonville’s winter is comparable to living with a teenager. It can be hot, cold, cool, warm, tearful (rainy) or windy (hyper)…all in the same day, week or weekend! For the most part it’s mild, but has been known to change on a dime. Hence the comparison to teenagers! The old saying around here is if you don’t like the weather just wait ten minutes.
The shorter answer would be this question. Which would you prefer, shoveling 10″ of snow out of your drive everyday for months, or face the possibility of Christmas being a great beach day? Only you can answer that question for yourself. I know my answer!
I’ve lived here over 50 years and we used to see flurries about every couple of winters and then there’s the famous “blizzard of ’89.” One winter in the mid-80s our high temp for a few days didn’t get above 10°F. We’re having milder winters more recently. My friends and I joke about our bipolar weather in the winter. Warm and rainy, cold and rainy, warm and sunny, windy and gray can all happen in the same week.
Just North of Jacksonville is Nassau County, featuring Amelia Island on the Coast of the Atlantic. The 12 x 2 mile boat-shaped Island features a striking range of experiences. There are two world-class resorts – the Omni Amelia Island Plantation and the Ritz Carleton Amelia, along with several international hotels in all price ranges. If you visit one of Amelia’s restaurants that are among the top rated in the state, you may recognize a business or political leader, or a TV, movie or music star near you. You may also be sitting next to a shrimp boat captain or mate, or a crew member of one of the eight nuclear submarines located at Kings Bay Naval Base just across the state line 5 miles in Georgia.
Amelia Island and the nearby mainland communities provide a wide variety of excellent housing in price ranges from $200 thousand to multiple millions, and it’s only a 30 minute drive to the Jacksonville Airport, and another ten to downtown Jax. Amelia Island is frequently recognized as one of the top ten island destinations in the country and in the world, and is the old Florida often called “Mayberry by the Sea”.
I was just in J city and Orange park for the holidays. I must say I almost wanted to cry having to go back to the Midwest…I’ve decided I’m moving there in 2022…love everything about it.
How exciting, Ken! We’d love to help with your long-distance move to the Jacksonville area in 2022! We look forward to hearing from you as you plan your adventure!
Hi Ken, are you still moving and how is it going?
Thanks Ken! I’m in the Midwest now and taking my trip in a couple weeks, I’m sure I’ll want to put in an offer somewhere!
That’s awesome Ken!! Congratulations on your move. Welcome to Jacksonville!!
What a great article, thanks! I’m Looking to purchase a small vacation home in the Jacksonville Florida area and I found this article very helpful.
So glad you found this helpful, Jessica! Good luck on your search and enjoy beautiful Jacksonville!
nobody mentioned the fishing! thats one reason why i would move there:)
The fishing is awesome! Shrimping is great too! Nothing like a whiting run down at the beach to get your blood pumping!
No one mention Edward Waters University under higher education
I’m wanting to move to Florida (I currently live in Oklahoma and I really want to be near the beach) but I’m only 18 and planning to save up all the money and move by the end of the year maybe , do you think it would be hard to do or like do you have any advise for me?
Hi, Sierra! We’re excited to read of your interest in using PODS for your long-distance relocation to Florida! When you’re ready for a free, personalized quote, please give us a call at (855) 706-4758. We hope to hear from you soon!
Neptune beach would be a little more affordable. I live near the river in Riverside, Jax. Lots of young people rent in this area. Very walkable..
Save your money, have at least a few grand extra to float you till money starts coming in. There are a ton of jobs here looking for good employees. I would recommend going with a roommate to start off. Being a college town there are quite a few apartment complexes that are geared towards matching you with roommates, and making your rent all inclusive. Re: electric, water, cable, internet as part of your rent. There are also a ton of great flea markets and thrift stores to help set up your new place on a budget. Good luck honey! Best of luck with your move!!
Thank you for all explanations, ideas and views. ☀️
I would suggest renting a place for a year or two to see if you enjoy living here. I am currently looking at a foreign country and was advised to rent for at least a year before making a big investment. Visiting for a month or two in any place does not provide the full experience of year round, day to day life.
Moved here in 1965. Many changes over time. Too hot! Being from N.E. Kentucky I miss the hills and curvy roads. Being musician since 1959 I have performed all over Jax and the Southeast, just in local bands… even once with the Symphony. I could have done none of that in Kentucky. The medical facilities in Jax are great! I’m writing this outside in the shade… and sweating:)). Jax isn’t a bad place… come on down!
Are you still living in Jax?
Thank you for you information, is perfect for me.
We think to move to Jack, we live in Miami so expensive, I want to know how expensive it’s there and what place it’s the best to live
Thank you
Hi Raul,
Great questions! You can check out our other articles on Jacksonville for insight into moving costs from Miami and the best places to live in Jacksonville.
— Moving from Miami to Jacksonville? A Quick Look at Moving Costs and Options
— Best Places to Live in Jacksonville, Florida
Working there for a month this May, what should I do on my weekends?
Hi Bob! There’s lots to do in Jacksonville on the weekends from visiting the various museums and State Parks to relaxing on the beach. Check out our list of top 10 things to do in Jax at the end of our Living in Jacksonville article.
I grew up at the beach and most of them are overcrowded but the best & secluded are south of Mickler landing which is overcrowded now. Try North & Middle beaches down A1A.
I totally love living in the city of Jacksonville. This city has been so good to me, as far as working and I can’t say enough good things about it.
Good job focusing on many of Jacksonville’s wonderful qualities. However, you neglected to mention our city’s widespread cultural diversity – across-the-board. Adding Edward Waters College (EWC) to “YOU CAN GET SCHOOLED…” would be a great corrective action step. And don’t forget EWC (founded in 1866) is an HBCU. Not too shabby for Jacksonville – The Bold New City of the South!
Hi, looking to relocate here, are there any mountain bike parks or trails to ride? I know there are no mountains…that’s just what they’re called, and most are areas in a national state or regional park and maintained by locals and volunteers.
There are extensive trails in Tillie Fowler Westside Regional Park across from NAS Jax. Also Black Creek Park in Clay County between Orange Park and Green Cove Springs.
Looking to live in a place where I have peace! Elderly,creative and have a nephew and brother in law there! Want to own a tiny house or cottage with hurricane stabilitya, I am from Mass!
Mary S.
Very good and honest information. Very helpful to many people.
Thanks for all your great information everyone! I’m looking to rent an apartment for 6 months out of the year, as I live in PA and can’t stand the cold weather anymore. I too like the simple life and small town feel. If anyone has any suggestions, I’d appreciate it. 🌞
Hi Ellie! We suggest checking out the PODS Blog article on “The Best Places to Live in Florida.” Good luck on your search! 🙂
Jacksonville has long been known as the working son among Florida’s playboys. It has a very strong blue collar background whereas Miami, Tampa, and Orlando have been the main tourist spots for decades. Also, it doesn’t have a very glamorous name and there’s a Jacksonville in about every other state so you never know which one people are referring to. If I visit North Carolina and say I’m from Jacksonville they assume I mean the one in there state.
Hello. Hello, I am 63 yrs.old. Hoping to relocate within the next couple of months while working from home so traffic won’t be a problem. My 89 year old mom will accompany me. Any suggestions where to live?
What would you say are the safest areas to live at in Jacksonville? They don’t give safety a very high rating.
Thanks for any information you can provide.
I’m getting ready to move to Jacksonville. What places would you recommend where the rent is cheap and the area is safe? Thanks!!
My husband & I would like to consider moving to Jax from the Fl. Panhandle (Santa Rosa Beach). We moved to SRB from Miami because we retired and hated all the crime and LOTS of traffic & people in the 305, so we thought that a quieter beach town would be perfect but WRONG. This place is slammed with people all summer long…..tourists from 5-6 states come here and crowd the beaches and restaurants every single day for at least 90 days in the summer and 2-3 weeks in the spring making traffic horrible too, and PS, we don’t have the roadways for all of these people. Anyhow……we’d like to see if Jacksonville is a good fit for us. We love shopping, culture, movie theatres, YMCA, biking and more. The one thing that I’d like to know is if there are “seasons” in Jax? We love cool/cold weather in the winter and it does get cold here in the Panhandle but LOTS of rain :-/
Would you say it gets into the 30’s or even 40’s at night in Jax? :-)) Thanks!
Great affordable housing in jacksonville florida and senior neighborhoods near the beach and malls and is ther great medical services and dentist and eye care? is ther adult ausitsm services /residentcy? Looking for a great place to retire with a special need adult on the spectrum.
I’m from Jesup Georgia and we always call Jacksonville the largest city in Southeast Georgia
Ha! Jacksonville lets its Southern charm shine through, for sure.
Does anyone happen to know where I can live with a pit bull? Having troubles finding places