Get to Know Jacksonville, FL – Your Moving Guide

Are you ready to discover the magic of Jacksonville, Florida? This coastal gem on the northeastern side of the state promises warm sunshine and breathtaking waves, all at an affordable cost of living. Whether you’re starting a family or entering a new chapter in your life, Jacksonville’s endless beaches, lush parks and green spaces, top-notch schools, and lively arts scene make it a destination for everyone. There’s a reason it’s ranked the fourth-best place to live in the state.

If you’re about to experience Jacksonville’s charms for yourself by becoming a resident, we’re here to help you get familiar with this massive city. Learn about living in Jacksonville, including its top attractions and a few resources to help you get set up in your new home.

Jacksonville is huge

The sprawling city of Jacksonville is the largest in the continental US! Nestled along 22 miles of picturesque St. Johns River shoreline, plus access to the Intracoastal waterway and beautiful barrier islands on the Atlantic coast, this city bursts with natural beauty and great waterfront neighborhoods. Jacksonville essentially takes up the entirety of Duval County in northeast Florida.

Not only is it big in land size (874.3 square miles), but it’s also the state’s largest city, with over 900,000 residents in 2022!

Beautiful weather

The temperature in January is a comfortable 66F, perfect for a stroll on the beach. But when summer hits, get ready for some serious heat! Average temperatures soar up to 92F, pretty similar to South Florida.

While hurricanes may concern some, the good news is that Jacksonville has only experienced one direct hit in recorded history. However, it can be prone to storm surges that push up the St. Johns; flooding is a real threat across the waterfront city.

Beaches, beaches, everywhere

Minutes from downtown Jacksonville, get ready to experience the best white sand and beautiful beaches. Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, or Jacksonville Beach are your closest destinations for sand and sunshine.

But don’t stop there! Take a short drive to visit Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, or Talbot Islands to explore their waterfront wildlife refuges and historic wonders. Or hit the road and explore the stunning Atlantic beaches at Cumberland Island National Seashore, where wild horses frolic in the surf. Head south to visit the renowned sandy beaches in St. Augustine or Daytona.

Defense is big business

Did you know Jacksonville’s prime waterfront is home to two critical Navy facilities? Naval Air Station Jacksonville employs over 21,000 people alone! It’s the most extensive Navy base in the southeast and has over 100 active aircraft operating full-time.

Besides the Armed Forces, Jacksonville also is home to the US Coast Guard HITRON, a tactical helicopter unit used in drug-interdiction missions, and two other Coast Guard bases.

Thriving job market

Curious about job opportunities in the Jacksonville metro? Great news! The area’s unemployment rate is even lower than the national average! In fact, before the pandemic hit, the job market boasted a 14.1% growth rate over the past decade. Its 2021 unemployment rate was 6.3%, compared to the national rate of 8.7%.

And with top employers like Baptist Health, JP Morgan Chase, and Ascension St. Vincent, you’re sure to find opportunities that align with your career goals. As a major shipping port, logistics and transportation is a key industry, with companies like CSX and Crowley dominating this sector.

Jacksonville’s other major players include Florida Blue, GATE Petroleum, Black Knight Financial, and McKesson. The possibilities for employment are truly diversified in this bustling metro.

The arts are part of the history

The possibilities for art are endless in Jax, as is its cultural scene. This vibrant city has long been a hub of creativity and self-expression from the silent film era to the modern day. Before Hollywood and California became dominant, many film studios called Jacksonville home. It was the first filmmaker’s paradise before the conservative sensibilities of the time pushed the filmmakers westward.

Fast forward to today, and Jacksonville ranks as one of the top 25 arts destinations in the US. One of the oldest continuing community theaters in the nation, the Little Theater, is on the National Register of Historic Places and still delivering shows. Four other theater facilities date back to the 1940s. Catch live entertainment at Alhambra Theater and Dining, the longest-running professional dinner theater in the US.

But that’s not all. This town has music pumping through its veins, too! Immerse yourself in world-renowned events like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, celebrated Memorial Day weekend with free jazz performances spanning 15 blocks. Famous musicians Limp Bizkit, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Allman Brothers called Jacksonville home at one point.

Catch the Jacksonville Art Walk, a free tour of downtown brimming with pop-up galleries, food trucks, and live music, happening on the first Wednesday of every month except January. Or, stop and admire gorgeous artisan crafts at the Riverside Arts Market every Saturday.

Beyond these attractions, residents have over 12 museums boasting interactive exhibits and world-class art, including the Museums of Science & History (MOSH) and one of only nine Karpeles Manuscript Libraries.

Golf with the best

If you’re looking for world-class courses, look no further than the grounds of the PGA Tour headquarters in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach.

But that’s one world-class option. With over 70 championship golf courses in the greater Jacksonville area, you will surely find the perfect spot to tee off. Select from historic courses like Hyde Park Golf Club to lavish resort greens such as World Golf Village; a scenic drive along the A1A will lead you to even more top-notch golfing destinations like Amelia Island, Savannah, and Hilton Head.

Traffic varies

Just how you’ll get around Jacksonville depends on where you live. This is the nation’s largest city by land, after all, so you’ll need some wheels to get around the greater metro area. But driving shouldn’t be too terrible; the average commute time in Jacksonville was 25 minutes.

Public transportation is mostly by bus, but the city’s working on it. Downtown residents can hop on the free Jacksonville Skyway monorail to reach the top attractions, but this train is only 2.5 miles long. Locals in the Riverside and Avondale historic neighborhoods can ride the night trolley on select weekends, while those in Mayport Village and Fort George Island can skip the traffic with a ride on the historic St. Johns River Ferry.

Some beach communities are highly walkable or have bicycle paths. But otherwise, your best bet to get around is to own your car.

Top-tier public schools

The Duval County Public School District is an urban district with four of the best schools in the state, according to US News & World Report, including the nationally renowned Stanton College Preparatory School.

But if you’re looking for the absolute best of the best, head a little south to the St. Johns County School District. Some of the most sought-after suburban areas in the metro, such as St. Augustine Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach, fall within its boundaries.

Discover a world of opportunity at exceptional higher education institutions like the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and the Art Institute of Jacksonville. Here, you can expand your knowledge and skills, pursue your passions, and unlock your full potential. And if you’re looking to take your career to the next level with a two-year degree, check out Florida State College, St. Johns River State College, or Concorde Career Institute.

Affordable cost of living

With a cost-of-living index 6% below the US average, you’ll save big bucks without sacrificing quality of life. Plus, unlike other states, Florida residents don’t have to worry about state income tax, giving you even more money to enjoy your new city.

Housing is a steal in Jacksonville, with a median home value 20% lower than the US average. That’s incredible, considering how much waterfront real estate is available throughout the metro area.

Jacksonville real estate

As Jacksonville grows, so has its demand for real estate. Nine of the state’s top-growing neighborhoods are in Duval County–in other words, the Jacksonville metro. Since 1982, local housing prices have appreciated 25%, or roughly 4.6% each year.

In early spring 2023, Jacksonville’s real estate market followed a trend reported in many other markets. The number of listings was rising, and homes stayed on the market longer. Price growth was slowing; northeast Florida’s year-over-year sales price of single-family homes actually fell 2.7% in January 2023.

A study by Florida Atlantic and Florida International universities found Florida to be overpriced based on historical trends; however, Jacksonville was not listed as one of the state’s six overpriced major cities. People are also continuing to move to Florida, which will keep demand in the market.

Data from the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors had Duval County’s median sales price for single-family homes as $315,000 in February 2023. That was up 1.6% year-over-year. The county had a three-month supply of inventory.

Jacksonville’s diverse selection of neighborhoods means there’s a lifestyle at the ready for everyone. From beachfront to historic downtown, a local real estate agent can help you find what you want. To see what we mean, explore Jacksonville’s top neighborhoods.

Jacksonville moving resources

If you’re from out-of-state, you must go to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) office in person to update your driver’s license. Search to find the office nearest you. For vehicle titles, you’ll need proof of Florida-based insurance coverage.

Florida Power & Light is the largest provider of power, water, and wastewater services for the Jacksonville metro. However, they’re not alone in servicing JAX residents – JEA, TECO, Clay Electric, Beaches Energy, and Duke Energy are also in the mix. Some cities even have their own set of utility services in place. Start with searching your local municipality to see who’s your specific provider.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places To Live In Jacksonville, FL

What is the best area of Jacksonville, FL to live in?

One of the best areas to live in Jacksonville, FL, is San Marco, a neighborhood with undeniable historic charm, a lively atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. San Marco, located south of Downtown, across St. Johns River, is famous for its beautifully preserved historic homes and friendly people.

San Marco offers shopping centers and dining opportunities, a lively atmosphere with many entertainment options, and craft breweries. The neighborhood also has plenty of options for fun and green spaces, with iconic recreational spaces like San Marco Square serving as venues for cultural events and festivals. San Marco’s median home price is around $493,266. With close proximity to Jax’s city center, the area also has plenty of job opportunities close by.

Is Jacksonville public transportation good?

Jacksonville is sprawling, so public transit options are somewhat limited compared to other major cities in Florida. Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) manages public transportation in Jacksonville, FL. It operates buses, trolleys, and a Skyway monorail system. The bus network covers critical areas of the city, including connections to Jacksonville International Airport. For motorists, Interstate 95 runs north-south through the city.

Are there naval bases in Jacksonville, FL?

Yes, Jacksonville, FL, is home to several naval bases, including Naval Station Mayport, one of the largest in the United States. Situated at the banks of St. Johns River, Naval Station Mayport covers over 3,400 acres and serves as a major Atlantic Fleet base. It hosts over 70 tenant commands and 34 operational units. Mayport also features a busy seaport and one of the longest runways on the East Coast.

What are some good suburbs to live near Jacksonville, Florida?

Here are some suburbs near Jacksonville, FL, that you should consider if you want to live by the water in this lovely Florida city:

1. Fleming Island: Located about 21 miles southwest of Jacksonville, Fleming Island is known for its wide variety of houses for sale, from waterfront dwellings to suburban residences on acreage. The area offers top-notch educational options, lush parks, and a family-friendly vibe. The quality of life here is high, with access to shopping centers, eateries, and recreation.
2. Jacksonville Beach: Often referred to as “Jax Beach,” this suburb is a coastal paradise. Known for its top-class beaches, like Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach. Jacksonville Beach also offers a strong sense of community, with plenty of local events, restaurants, and entertainment options—an ideal place for enjoying a beach lifestyle close to downtown Jacksonville.
3. Orange Park: Located south of Jacksonville, Orange Park has the southern charm and welcoming atmosphere first-time homebuyers seek. It offers a mix of older, historic homes and new construction. Orange Park also features shopping areas and outdoor activities.
4. Fernandina Beach: Situated on Amelia Island, about 35 miles northeast of Jacksonville proper, Fernandina Beach provides somewhat affordable housing, low crime rates, and picturesque surroundings. This suburb offers a quiet, small-town feel, beaches galore, and historic sites waiting perfect for exploration.
5. Beach Haven: This coastal suburb offers a laid-back lifestyle with easy access to the beach and urban amenities, perfect for homebuyers looking for a peace with water views combo. The smaller community has many oceanfront housing alternatives.

What’s education like in Jacksonville, FL?

Education in Jacksonville, FL, is supported by public and private institutions. Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is a significant presence in the area, serving around 50,000 students annually. Jacksonville University (JU) is a private higher education institution with a more traditional campus experience and about 4,000 students. Are you looking for good schools in the area? The city’s K-12 education system includes top-rated public and private schools.

What are the top gated communities near Jacksonville?

Here are some of the top gated communities near Jacksonville, Florida:

1. Seven Pines: Seven Pines is an exclusive gated community spanning 1,000 acres and boasting a serene coastal lifestyle. The real estate market consists of waterfront custom-built homes. Posh amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, sports fields, tennis courts, and a resort-style pool. Seven Pines is also near Jacksonville’s beaches, world-class shopping, and healthcare.
2. Tamaya: Located just 12 miles east of Downtown Jacksonville, this premier gated community provides resort-style living. It features upscale real estate, fitness facilities, tennis courts, and pools, and access to shopping malls, dining options, and the oceanfront.
3. Palermo: A Tuscan-style gated community near beaches, shopping centers, and dining—that’s Palermo. Be ready to live in a European village ambiance with homes featuring private courtyards and lush landscaping.
4. Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club: Known for its exclusive golf course and gorgeous custom-builts, this gated community is also known for its comforts and services. These include a clubhouse, tennis courts, and a junior Olympic-sized pool.
5. Queen’s Harbour Yacht and Country Club: This gated community combines waterfront and golf course living. Locals enjoy a private marina and access to the Intracoastal Waterway, which makes Queen’s Harbour ideal for boating enthusiasts. A golf course, tennis courts, and luxury homes complete the lavish lifestyle in Queen’s Harbour Yacht and Country Club.

Moving to Jacksonville

Moving to Jacksonville can be an exciting new chapter in your life. The local housing market presents a variety of neighborhoods to fit your lifestyle, plus a robust mix of amenities from a dynamic arts scene to waterfront recreation. You can learn more about life in Jacksonville from a local real estate agent. Before you move to Florida, learn more about the state.