Jacksonville is a sprawling city on the northeastern coast of the Sunshine State and is traversed by the scenic St. Johns River. Jacksonville, or Jax, as locals affectionately called it, is the most populous city in the state with over 937K inhabitants. It is also the largest city in Florida by area, with over 875 square miles.
In addition, Jacksonville is famous for its incredible beaches, good climate, vibrant arts scene, and southern charm. Its bustling downtown offers locals and visitors countless urban entertainment options. But, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply appreciate living close to nature’s beauty, you’ll appreciate the city’s access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River and proximity to parks and a wide variety of green spaces.
In this blog, we will talk about various aspects of living in Jacksonville, like its best neighborhoods, the local food scene, top schools, job opportunities, affordable costs by Florida standards, and attractions.
In addition, we will remember to tell you more about Jacksonville’s climate and living standards. Finally, we will offer an extensive overview of what you need to know before purchasing one of the homes for sale in Jacksonville and moving to town.
14 Key Things To Expect When Moving to Jacksonville, FL
Here are the things you need to know whether you’re considering moving to Jacksonville or already picking the best spots!
Low Cost of Living Compared to Miami
Although Jacksonville and Miami are similar, as they are two major cities in Florida, their cost of living varies. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than that of Miami. Jackson is 474th on the list of the most expensive cities in the world, while Miami is 33rd.
The living costs vary in different areas, including:
- Grocery: They are 11% lower in Jackson than in Miami.
- Healthcare: Costs in Miami are 1.5% higher than the national average, while in Jacksonville, fl, they are 4.7% lower.
- Utilities: Utility costs like water, electricity, heating, and cooling are 3% lower in Jacksonville than in Miami.
- Transportation: In Jacksonville, FL, transportation prices are 5.8% lower than the national average, while in Miami, they are 8.7% higher.
The living costs also depend on your neighborhood type, spending habits, and overall lifestyle. In conclusion, if you consider moving to Jacksonville, you’re likely to spend less than in Miami.
There Is a Vibrant Job Market
The Jacksonville economy has many industries, including healthcare, transportation, finance, retail, insurance, and administration. The top employees of Jacksonville include:
- Baptist Health: It is one of the largest healthcare organizations that employ over 10,000 people in its many clinics and hospitals.
- Duval County Public Schools: Being the sixth largest public school, they have employed 8,000 teachers, support staff, and administrators.
- Amazon: One of the most prominent e-commerce organizations that have established several centers in Jacksonville, fl, and employed thousands of locals.
- JEA: They have employed over 3,500 people in engineering, operations, and customer service.
- Mayo Clinic: A renowned medical company that has employed 5,000 employees in the research and administration sectors.
- Naval Air Station Jacksonville: This company has hired over 25,000 military and civilian people and is the biggest employer in the city.
- Citibank: Upon hiring 9,000 employees working in various sectors like finance and technology, they have majored in providing financial services.
- Deutsche Bank: They have contributed to the job sector by employing over 4,000 people working for them.
Jacksonville, Florida, has a low unemployment rate (2.7%) and has been experiencing consistent job growth and is listed as one of the top five best job markets in the United States and the top in Florida in the Wall Street Journal. Jacksonville’s many job opportunities and lower living standards make it an attractive workplace.
Jacksonville Is Ideal for Families
If you are moving to Jacksonville, you are assured that it is very family-friendly because of its living standards, amenities, and strong sense of community. But, apart from the general reasons, there are other reasons why this place is considered family-friendly:
- Various outdoor places: Jacksonville, FL, has one of the largest urban park systems with over 80,000 acres of parks and preserves. These outdoor spaces include Kathryn Abbey Park, Hanna Park, and Little Talbot Island State Park, where people can enjoy hiking, picnics, and fishing.
- Many attractions: If you go to Jacksonville, you must visit Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History, and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. These places are family-friendly, where adults and kids can have fun equally. They also host events like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and the World of Nations Celebrations.
- Schools: Jacksonville is known for its public schools, with several students having a good education there.
- Low living standards: Jacksonville has a lower percentage of living costs than the national average, making it suitable for families who want to live comfortably with less money.
Jacksonville already hosts a lot of families. According U.S Census Bureau data, its population has around 30% of minors.
Jacksonville Has Beaches Galore
Jacksonville, FL, has beaches that are the town’s talk among tourists. The beaches that are popular in the area include:
- Jacksonville Beach: Being the most popular beach in the area, Jacksonville Beach hosts various activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, which people enjoy. It also has a fishing area and many beachfront eating places. One can easily access it from downtown Jacksonville.
- Atlantic Beach: With its wide beachfront and clear water, Atlantic Beach is liked by many. It can be accessed from various places and provides showers, washrooms, and picnic sites.
- Neptune Beach: It is smaller and quieter than the others. Its clear waters and soft sand make it a frequently visited place. Tourists also like that it has a boardwalk and many shops and restaurants nearby.
- Ponte Vedra Beach: Ponte Vedra is an upscale and exclusive beach south of Jacksonville. Tourists thrive for its golf courses, luxury resorts, soft sand, and clear waters.
All these beaches are well-rated and easy to reach once you are in Jacksonville, Florida. With each beach’s unique features, you will not miss a spot to chill if you are considering moving to Jacksonville.
You’ll Always Have Something to Do
The city is a must-visit as it has many attractions that tourists and locals can visit. These are:
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: Here, site-seers can marvel over animals like tigers, giraffes, and elephants and also have a fantastic view of the gardens. The zoo is a house of 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants.
- Museum of Science and History: It is a crowd’s favorite because of its interactivity and provision of programs touching on subjects like science, technology, history, and culture. On top of all this, the museum has a planetarium and a science exhibit exclusively for children.
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: The museum showcases numerous art collections, including works from Europe, America, and Asia. The visitors can also go to the museum’s garden and outdoor spaces.
- Riverside Arts Market: By featuring local artists, farmers, and vendors selling handmade crafts to fresh produce, the place is a hot spot for families. The market only opens weekly.
- Jacksonville Beach: We have already mentioned how Jacksonville Beach is a popular destination with various activities like swimming.
- Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a non-profit organization for rescuing big cats like tigers, lions, and leopards. The owners provide tours of the place, and visitors learn more about animals.
Parks Are Everywhere in the City
Upon moving to Jacksonville, FL, one can always be energized on a weekend as there are plenty of parks. The gardens there are under the management of the Jacksonville Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department. These organizations have been at the forefront of preserving the city’s national resources and allowing people space for recreation and leisure.
Jacksonville, Florida, has diverse ecosystems. They also allow for hiking, biking, picnic activities, and sports events. Visitors can also access playgrounds, dog parks, fish piers, and boat launches. For example, Hanna Park offers camping and water activities, and Memorial Park is a popular place for history lovers.
Apart from parks, it has many natural and ecological preserves, which keep the city’s natural resources safe. Some of them are Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, which has several acres for preserving natural resources, and the Theodore Roosevelt Area, a St. John River nature preserve and historic site.
It is a good idea, as you will get plenty of parks for recreation, conservation, and education. In addition, you will enjoy the parks if you are a nature lover and enjoy the greenery.
The Weather Is Incredible
The city’s climate resembles the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It has a humid subtropical climate, long, hot, humid summers, and short, mild winters.
Summer in Jacksonville, Florida, starts in June and ends in September. These are the hottest and most humid times of the year. Temperatures range from 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. With the already rising temperature, the high humidity levels make the temperature feel much hotter. Sometimes, residents may experience thunderstorms, tropical storms, or hurricanes.
On the other hand, the winter lasts from December to February. They are milder and drier than summer. The temperature ranges from mid-60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to low 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Winter isn’t as harsh as in other cities, as it is usually sunny but with lower humidity levels. Sometimes, residents may experience freezing temperatures and light snowfall.
Spring and fall generally have warm days and cold nights, with average humidity. The temperatures range from low 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to low 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Apart from hot and humid days in the summer, Jacksonville provides a comfortable environment where the residents can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.
Some of the Nation’s Best Schools Are in Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL, provides several opportunities for students, including public, private, charter, and magnet schools. The quality depends entirely on the school; some schools rank the best in the state, while others fight to meet basic educational standards.
Regarding public schools, the Duval County Public School District is at the forefront serving over 120,000 students. It operates various public, magnet, and charter schools. Some known public schools are Stanton College Preparatory School, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. They have been listed as among the best in Florida by U.S. News & World Report articles.
Private schools in the city include religious and secular schools. Examples are Bolles School, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, and Providence School. What makes them unique are their academic programs, extracurricular activities, and extra talent programs for students.
Parents can also enroll their students in charter schools. They are schools that operate independently of the established public school system, with different academic areas and teaching methodologies. Examples include River City Science Academy and Duval Charter School.
If one needs to look into higher education institutions in Jacksonville, then look into the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. They offer various undergraduate programs for business, healthcare, and education. There isn’t any lack of education opportunities in Jacksonville, and you will be satisfied with the quality of education there.
Diversity Flourishes in the City
Jacksonville is preferred for its diversity and rich culture. Its population reflects the city’s various art exhibits, dining places, and cultural heritage. This is why the city is a fun place to be, hosting numerous festivals and events over the year while celebrating various cultures and traditions.
One of the city’s most prominent parts reflecting its culture is the food options available. Driving around the city, you will find many restaurants and food trucks that give you many cuisines, like Southern comfort food and other international cuisines. Food enthusiasts love to visit Jacksonville, Florida, for the variety available in terms of food.
Jacksonville also has numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues that showcase local art. These places include workshops, exhibitions, and performances reflecting the city’s diverse culture.
This diversity helps the city set apart from other major cities in Northeast Florida. The cultural landscape, art, and dining scenes make the city a unique and dynamic experience. Tourists also enjoy the showcasing of this diverse culture.
Jacksonville Boasts Hundreds of Neighborhoods
Jacksonville, Florida, has many popular neighborhoods, each with unique attractions. Some include the following:
- Riverside: This place is known for being historical and its parks, tree-lined streets, and bungalow homes. Families and professionals value it for its urban surroundings that provide various entertainment and dining spaces. It is located south of downtown Jacksonville.
- San Marco: This is another historic neighborhood with boutiques, restaurants, and theaters that add to its charm. San Marco is also popular with families and professionals for its low crime rates and giving a small-town feeling amid the city.
- Southside: It hosts a mix of residential and commercial developments. Professionals like it as it is close to downtown and easily accessible to the highway.
- Atlantic Beach: Beach lovers enjoy it as it is close to the beach, with a chill vibe, and offers various recreational activities.
- Avondale: The neighborhood is another historic neighborhood with bungalows and Mediterranean-style homes. It appeals to people because of its strong sense of community.
Dining Out Is a Must
Recently, people have appreciated the dining experience in Jacksonville, FL, as the number of restaurants is growing and offering different and innovative types of cuisine. Forbes mentioned the city as one of the “5 Surprising Foodie Cities to Visit Right Now,” saying things about Jacksonville’s “dynamic culinary scene” and “strong farm-to-table movement.”
The food industry in the city is thriving because of its ideal location, which makes it easier to get seafood and freshly produced ingredients. Many restaurants there major in seafood, namely Orsay and the Fish Company, have food like fresh-caught fish and shellfish on their menu.
Jacksonville, Florida, offers not just seafood but also Southern comfort food and other international food. Some restaurants you must visit while there are Black Sheep Restaurant, a Southern food restaurant, and Hawkers Asian Street Fare, an Asian restaurant.
The dining industry in Jacksonville continues to evolve. You have many restaurants to explore while you are there. You now know where to go if you are in the mood for seafood or comforting Southern food!
You’ll Have Your Pick of Events
The city’s vibrant and diverse cultural scene makes it a must to visit. The settings include different yearly events and festivals.
One of the city’s most-awaited events is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in May featuring local and national jazz musicians. Food and art vendors also get to showcase their talent here. The events bring in many visitors and are marked in the city’s cultural calendar.
Another event one can’t miss is the One Spark Festival, making each spring a success in Jacksonville. It showcases art, music, and technology. The festivals allow residents to showcase their talents and entrepreneurship. At the same time, visitors vote for who is the best and fund the campaigns of the participants.
Other events usually awaited are the World of Nations Celebration, which focuses on the cultural diversity of the locals through food, music, and dance, and the Jacksonville Lantern Parade, which focuses on the parade of handmade lanterns around downtown Jacksonville.
Apart from the events, Jacksonville’s arts community is quite significant. It has different galleries, museums, and theaters dedicated to mainly showcasing the work done by locals. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is one of these places. It is the most popular of them all and showcases various artworks.
What makes the cultural scene of Jacksonville,fl, is the city’s diversity, identity, and appeal. If you are a music or art lover or appreciate art, you will enjoy the city.
Having a Car Is Essential
All Jacksonville residents usually have a car to get around the city. It has a population of over 900,000 residents residing all over the large city. Moving around the city on foot or by public transport has proved challenging. This makes it harder for those who don’t own a car.
The city offers public transportation, JTA, and bus services that only provide limited routes and don’t move back and forth as frequently as the residents would like. Nevertheless, most of the city’s attractions are locked in Downtown Jacksonville, where buses don’t go, making it difficult to access without a car.
The average commuter takes about 25 minutes, which is higher than the national average. This is because the commute involves traveling to jobs usually based in downtown Jacksonville, which takes longer to get to.
If you are thinking about moving to Jacksonville, you should budget for the cost of buying and maintaining a car. You should also consider the time you will drive from one place to another. This is one of the cons of living in Jacksonville among all the benefits.
It’s Ideally Located!
The following are some destinations within driving distance from the city:
- Orlando: In this city, you will find various theme parks like Walt Disney and Universal Studios. You will also find other attractions like museums and theaters in Orlando.
- Miami: Travelers like this city for its vibrant nightlife, art, and amazing beaches.
- Tampa: Its beautiful beaches and museums leave tourists wanting more of Tampa.
- St. Augustine: It is a good thirty minutes drive from Jacksonville and is the oldest European-established place in the country. This is why Saint Augustine has numerous cultural and historical attractions.
- Savannah: Savannah is a coveted coastal Georgia city. It sits right at the Georgia border and has beautiful parks and historic buildings that one can visit.
- Atlanta: It is Georgia’s capital and a 5-hour drive from the city. Atlanta offers attractions such as museums, theaters, and parks.
- Daytona Beach: About an hour and a half drive from Jacksonville, Daytona Beach is famous for its speedway and beaches.
- Amelia Island: Amelia Island’s beaches, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking are experiences you must have north of Jacksonville.
- Gainesville: Famously known as the location of the University of Florida, Gainesville is just an hour and a half drive away from Jax. Apart from visiting the university, you can also visit Gainesville’s various cultural and outdoor attractions.
- Black Creek Trail is a popular 8-mile paved trail that runs adjacent to US Highway 17 on Fleming Island in Orange Park, FL. The trail welcomes hikers, cyclists, and even those out walking their dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Jacksonville
Are taxes high in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville, FL, has a lower tax rate than other cities in the country. The sales tax ranges up to 7%, while the property tax ranges up to 1.2%. The tax rates vary according to a person’s income level and property value.
Is Jacksonville a safe city?
Some areas in the city are more unsafe than others. It just depends on the neighborhood. Looking at the city as a whole, Jacksonville is a safe place for all. However, before moving to any new city, research the area and look up its crime rates and statistics.
How much do you need to earn to live well in Jacksonville?
You generally need less money to live comfortably in Jacksonville than in other major cities. Numbeo states that the living cost index in the city is 70.94. It is below the national average, which is 100. Hence, you need about $60,000 to $70,000 annually to live well in the city.
Do you need to worry about alligators in Jacksonville?
You will surely see a lot of alligators in North Florida. You can easily escape them with proper safety and awareness. Don’t approach or feed them, no matter what. Also, maintain a safe distance.
Is moving to Jacksonville, FL, a good idea?
Moving to Jacksonville can be an excellent choice for you because of its low living costs, available job opportunities, and good climate. However, before you move in, ensure you have extensively researched it and made a pros and cons list beforehand.
What are the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville, Florida?
Pros of moving to Jacksonville include low living costs by Florida standards, available job opportunities, affordable median home prices, and a good climate. On the other hand, the cons are the low availability of public transit options, and the flooding and hurricane risks.
Why is everyone moving to Jacksonville, FL?
The coastal city is a hot spot right now because of its affordable living costs, available job opportunities, stunning beaches, and good climate. Naturally, everyone wants to take advantage of that.
Has a hurricane ever hit Jacksonville, FL?
Jacksonville, Florida, had suffered from hurricanes before. The well-known storms were Hurricane Dora in 1964 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. You can minimize damages by being prepared and safe.
What is the best area of Jacksonville, FL, to live in?
There are many incredible neighborhoods to choose from in the city, as all of them are unique and have different amenities. Some areas that the locals mostly like are:
- Riverside
- San Marco
- The Beaches.
You can research what services each neighborhood offers and decide which place to move into.
Is it better to live in Orlando or Jacksonville?
You only can decide whether you want to live in Orlando or Jacksonville. If you are looking for theme parks and entertainment, go for Orlando, but if you wish for good job opportunities and affordable living costs, go for Jacksonville.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville has something for everyone: beaches, parks, attractions, and restaurants. However, the town has both disadvantages and advantages. Let’s pull up a pros and cons list, shall we?
The disadvantages include that you must have a car and the risk of hurricanes. The advantages include its good climate, diverse culture, available job opportunities, and lower living costs by state standards.
The numerous benefits surely outweigh the drawbacks. Are you convinced? Ready to move to Jacksonville? Call a local real estate agent to get started with your property hunting today.
