Jacksonville is a major city located on the eastern coast of the US in Florida. With a population of just over 960,000, it's the most populous city in the state and one of the largest in the country. Its geographical location makes it an ideal spot for both living and leisure. Situated on the banks of the St. Johns River and close to the Atlantic Ocean, it offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, fishing, and beach strolls. So, what should you know before relocating to this vibrant and scenic city?
Content:
- Cost of living
- Prime location
- Top beaches
- A vibrant cultural scene
- Employment and education opportunities
- Most popular neighbourhoods
- We’ll help you find your dream home in Florida!
Cost of living
Despite being a major city, Jacksonville offers relatively affordable living costs. Housing prices here are about 6% below the national average, making purchasing property in Florida more accessible. The average house price stands at around $295,000, compared to nearly $550,000 in Miami. Monthly rent is also lower, averaging about $1,500, in contrast to Miami's $2,450. Even though it's a bustling metropolis, you can find spacious, comfortable houses in Florida surrounded by lush greenery and within walking distance of the beach. Moreover, as a future Florida resident, you'll appreciate the state's lack of income tax.
Prime location
Jacksonville is the first major city you encounter when travelling on Interstate 95. One of its advantages is its proximity to other significant cities. Orlando is just a 2-hour drive away, and Atlanta, Georgia, is roughly 5 hours. Other populous Florida cities within a reasonable distance include:
- Tampa
- Miami
- Naples
It's easy to take a weekend trip to any of these locations. For instance, you could head to Miami to experience its vibrant nightlife or visit Naples for a round of golf followed by dining in upscale restaurants.
Top beaches
One of the standout reasons to move to Jacksonville is its expansive beaches, stretching over 35 km. The most popular and frequented among them are:
- Neptune Beach – A family-friendly suburban shoreline.
- Jacksonville Beach – Ideal for fishing, surfing, or a leisurely walk.
- Atlantic Beach – Nestled next to Neptune Beach, it's a serene spot perfect for relaxed beach days.
It's also worth mentioning Ponte Vedra Beach, home to Florida's tallest sand dunes, reaching up to 12 metres. Another picturesque location is Amelia Island, part of Florida's barrier islands, boasting some of the best resorts and golf courses. Little Talbot Island State Park is a 1,011-hectare island located 27 km northeast of Jacksonville, offering 8 km of beaches and 4 km of cycling paths.
A vibrant cultural scene
Jacksonville is renowned for its diverse entertainment options. The city boasts museums, art galleries, theatres, and frequently hosts music festivals. Delight in food festivals, arts markets by the St. Johns River, and live music. The city proudly hosts the Jazz Festival, among the US's largest.
Jacksonville also offers a rich sports and entertainment infrastructure: parks, stadiums, golf courses, shopping centres, and restaurants. For instance, at the Top Golf club, spanning over 6,000 m2, you can enjoy a game of golf followed by a meal in a luxurious restaurant. Meanwhile, the TIAA Bank Field stadium regularly gathers the numerous fans of the local NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, for thrilling matches.
Employment and education opportunities
Jacksonville offers a diverse range of employment and business opportunities. The city is home to major companies spanning various sectors: finance, IT, healthcare, logistics, and aviation. Known for its favourable business environment, the job market has seen significant expansion over the past decade, with an average annual salary of around $51,910.
This is the sole city in Florida hosting four Fortune 500 companies, as ranked by Fortune magazine based on revenue. Moreover, 13 of its companies feature on the Forbes Global 500, showcasing the world's top earners.
The city is nationally acclaimed for its superior public schools, with leading educational institutions spread across Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Clay, and Baker counties. It's also home to some of Florida's elite educational centres, such as Florida State College, the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Edward Waters College, Trinity Baptist College, and Chamberlain College of Nursing.
Most popular neighbourhoods
The city boasts numerous beautiful neighbourhoods with sprawling beaches, vast parks, and well-developed infrastructure. The most sought-after areas include:
- Riverside: A historic neighbourhood renowned for its stunning architecture, charming brownstone houses, and a plethora of restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
- San Marco: Designed in a Mediterranean style, its architecture is inspired by Venice's San Marco square, complete with fountains and art galleries. The area also offers shops, restaurants, and parks.
- Southside: This district features both residential and commercial complexes and is conveniently located near the main Interstate 95. Southside also hosts major medical centres and office complexes.
With over 500 neighbourhoods, Jacksonville ranges from bustling central areas to quieter, almost rural suburbs. Offering excellent living, working, educational, and recreational conditions, it stands as one of the most dynamically developing cities in the US. Attracting people globally with its vast opportunities and high quality of life, if you're considering a move to Jacksonville, you're sure to find a location that perfectly matches your desires and lifestyle expectations.
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