By Joel Henderson - Real Estate Specialist - PrimeStreet.io
Moving to Jacksonville
Florida's biggest city!
Are you considering moving to Jacksonville, FL? If yes, then let us reassure you that it is a great choice! As Florida’s biggest city, Jacksonville has a lot to offer to its residents. So whether you are moving there for a career change, higher education, a change of scenery, or any other reason, Jacksonville will not disappoint you.
The city is blessed with amazing year-round weather, sprawling natural beauty, and stunning shores. The scenic beauty of the city will capture your heart instantly. Jacksonville is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida. It is also the youngest city in the state. The average age of Jacksonville’s residents is just 36 years!
The city’s job market is also booming rapidly with new businesses and industries. As a result, the average cost of living is also lower here. You can easily find good homes at budget-friendly prices. However, you will need an experienced real estate professional to help you find the perfect house and get the best bang for your buck in Jacksonville.
These were just some of the many reasons why Jacksonville has become a hot choice for several people who want to live in Florida. Here are some of the major reasons why more and more people are choosing Jacksonville as their new home:
- Affordable cost of living: Living a good life in Jacksonville is extremely affordable. In fact, the cost of living in Jacksonville is 9% lower than the state average and 17% lower than the average cost of living in the United States. You can enjoy excellent amenities and buy decent real estate at very affordable prices.
- Growing job market: The job market in Jacksonville has seen tremendous growth over the last few years. The unemployment rate in the area is as low as 3%. Industries like healthcare, education, tourism, and hospitality are amongst the major employers in the city. Additionally, the military is the largest employer in Jacksonville. It employs more than 30,000 active-duty personnel in the city.
- Terrific beaches: If you love beaches and have always dreamt of living close to them, Jacksonville is the place for you! Simply put, the beaches in Jacksonville are stunning. Jacksonville has the highest amount of shoreline than any other city in the United States. Jacksonville has over 22 miles of glorious sandy beaches that give the city a unique identity.
- Excellent transportation network: Many people love Jacksonville because of its convenience. The city sits on Interstate 95- the highway that runs all the way to Boston to the north and the Keys to the south. Within the city is a public transport system with an extensive network of buses, water taxis, and ferries. Whether you want to reach Downtown Jacksonville or other major cities like Miami or Orlando, you can easily get there.
- Amazing weather: If you aren’t a fan of winters, you are in luck. Jacksonville gets very short and mild winters. The snow is non-existent in the city. In fact, the last time it snowed in Jacksonville was 1989! Yes, you read it right. The city is a dream come true for people who love the warm sunny months and would prefer to spend their days on beaches. The fall and spring are beautiful in the city. The average temperature ranges from 70 to 80 degrees. The summers can get relatively hotter, so you will definitely need an air conditioner.
- Incredible education opportunities: If attaining higher education is your goal, Jacksonville won’t disappoint you here either. The city is home to Florida’s five educational institutions.
With its diverse neighborhoods and ever-changing real estate market, familiarizing yourself with valuable insights and information on Jacksonville is crucial. Delve into our library for good-to-know information for buyers.
What's Special About Jacksonville?
Florida's cultural and musical hub!
Jacksonville is not just the largest city in Florida, but it is also the state’s cultural and musical hub.
There are plenty of exciting things to do in Jacksonville. For starters, the city has a rich cultural heritage. You can explore several museums and incredible art galleries. In addition, the city is home to some of the most stellar museums in Florida. You can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art to witness modern and abstract paintings and sculptures. Visit The Cummer Museum to see the ancient Egyptian pottery and Egyptian paintings. The museum has a vast collection of over 5,000 stunning paintings that no art lover should miss!
Other prominent museums in Jacksonville include
- Museum of Science and History.
- Ritz Theater and Museum.
- Museum of Southern History.
- Mandarin Museum and Historical Society.
- Beaches Museum.
Apart from its renowned museums, Jacksonville is also popular for its music. Music and art are in the air of the city. Jacksonville is the birthplace of Southern rock. On top of that, traditional Blues and Jazz also have their roots in the city. Thus, you will get to experience top-notch music festivals and shows here.
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which is held every year on Memorial Day Weekend, is one of the biggest and most happening festivals in the whole country. People from all around the world come to experience this incredible festival. You can enjoy jazz music, experience the charm of the city, enjoy the local food and do a lot more!
Another popular musical even in the city is Springing the Blues. It is an amazing three-day-long music festival featuring live music concerts from blues legends and new artists. So overall, if you are a fan of music, art, and history, Jacksonville has a lot to offer you.
Solid, Growing Economy
The flourishing tourism industry, booming job market, and consistent economic growth
The economy of Jacksonville is experiencing consistent and steady growth. The tourism industry has played a massive role in the city's economic development. Tourism's economic impact on Duval County alone is around $3.8 billion annually! Almost 30,000 tourists visit the city during the day, and 28,000 tourists come to explore Jacksonville at night every year.
Additionally, the job market in Jacksonville is also thriving. So if you are moving to the city in search of new and better job opportunities, Jacksonville will not disappoint you. The job market in Jacksonville has witnessed a rise of 14% over the last few years. As a result, several industries are looking to hire talented employees.
Jacksonville has some leading companies where you can find great employment opportunities. These include JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, Fidelity National Information Services Inc, and the Naval Air Station of Jacksonville, which offers the highest number of jobs every year. Thus, career enhancement opportunities are in abundance here.
The average annual salary of Jacksonville residents is around $46,000, which is slightly lower than the national average. However, since the cost of living in the city is comparatively lower too, you can easily love a comfortable life in Jacksonville.
Housing Options
Affordable real estate and housing market
The housing market in Jacksonville is prospering today. Thanks to the fast-growing population and a large number of immigrants, the demand for houses and other real estate properties has surged. However, the prices of houses in Jacksonville are surprisingly affordable. The cost of buying a house in the city is 17% lower than the national average. Thus, most people in Jacksonville have their own homes.
If having your own house is your goal, you can achieve it in Jacksonville. The median house price in the city is just around $140,000, which is comparatively lesser compared to other Florida cities.
If you are looking to buy a budget-friendly apartment, look for properties on Lincoln Villas or College Gardens. On the other hand, if you want a luxurious house in an upstate neighborhood, look for properties in Beach Haven or Isle of Palms.
However, if you are not interested in buying a house and want to rent one instead, that is possible too. Finding a good rental home in Jacksonville is easier than in many other cities. The median is close to $1,100 per month. While the monthly rent will largely depend upon the neighborhood you choose, the rents in Jacksonville are still pretty affordable.
Things to Do in Jacksonville
Explore the beautiful outdoor locations, parks, and gardens
One of the biggest attractions of Jacksonville is its beautiful parks and gardens. If you love outdoor activities, you will love being in Jacksonville. The city is blessed with natural beauty. The scenery all around is just breathtaking.
You can take a walk through Fort Caroline National Memorial Park to see the most gorgeous view of the St. Johns River. The place is perfect for a morning hike too. You can also stroll through the Huguenot Memorial Park and do bird-watching there. It is a perfect camping spot. You can sleep under the stars and witness the majestic view of the night sky.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a day full of activities and sports, visit Mandarin Park. The park has an amazing tennis court, a boat ramp, a good playground, and more.
If you want to have a family day, consider going to Hanna Park. It has various family-friendly attractions to ensure you can have a great time with your family. You can go fishing or kayaking or leave your kids to play around in the splash park.
While most think of Florida as a relatively new state, this is a region rich in colonial history. Jacksonville and nearby St. Augustine were natural ports built and defended even in pre-colonial days. Within the city is Fort Caroline and not far away is the well preserved Castillo de San Marcos- the oldest masonry fort in the United States and a reminder that Spain once ruled much of Florida.
Other prominent parks and gardens in Jacksonville include:
- Huguenot Memorial Park
- Jacksonville Arboretum
- James Weldon Johnson Park
- Riverside Park
- Baldwin Park
The restaurant and bar scenes in Jacksonville are pretty lit!Another amazing aspect of living in Jacksonville is the incredible restaurants and eateries. When it comes to eating outside, you will never be short on options in Jacksonville. The city has some of the best eating spots in entire Florida. The variety of food options can leave you surprised!
Whether you want to try local cuisines or enjoy international foods, you will find everything here. You can try out classy French and Mediterranean cuisine at Matthew's Restaurant or pop into Kazu Japanese Restaurant to try out delicious Japanese delicacies. Their raw fish and sushi are to die for! If you are a dessert fan, make sure to try out the popular cheesecake and triple chocolate cake of Biscotti.
Want to have a lively night out in the town? Head over to Jacksonville Downtown and check out the popular bars present there. Check out the Casa Marina Rooftop to try out their signature Raspberry Lemonade Martini.
You can also visit the Jacksonville Sports Bar for a fun game night. They also serve delicious food. Want to have a luxurious rooftop bar experience? Check out the Intuition Ale Works. The bar's rooftop setting is one of the best out there. You can enjoy delectable cocktails while overlooking the spectacular shores of the St. Johns River.
Enjoy the family-friendly attractions or go shopping
Another great aspect of living in Jacksonville is its family-friendly attractions. If you want to spend quality time with your family, Jacksonville has many amazing places you can visit with your loved ones.
You can visit the popular Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, a place that is loved by kids and adults alike. You can see various exotic animals and take your kids to the Savanna Blooms - a stunning themed pocket garden with a wide variety of vibrant flowers and soft grasslands.
If you want to have a little family adventure, visit iFly. It is a unique place that offers you an indoor skydiving experience. The best thing is, you don't even have to jump off a plane! You can also head to Adventure Landing, a fun and exciting theme park with tons of activities for your little ones. You kids can enjoy miniature golf, play a variety of arcade games, or have unlimited fun at the Frog Hopper ride!
Apart from this, Jacksonville is also a dream destination for shopaholics! The place has a large variety of local shops, small specialty and gift stores, luxury fashion stores, and whatnot! So whether you want to buy something budget-friendly or splurge on a luxurious item, you will find everything in the shopping complexes, malls, and stores in Downtown Jacksonville.
Some prominent shopping places in Jacksonville include:
- St Johns Town Center
- Regency Square Mall
- Riverside Market Square
- The Shoppes of Avondale
- Avonlea Antiques & Interiors
Sports Scene
Football to golf
The Jacksonville sports scene is an ecclectic one. The nearby suburb of Ponte Vedra Beach is home to one of the longest running pro golf tournaments: The Players held on the TPC Sawgrass course. As a result, the location is also the headquarters of the PGA Tour- parent organization of pro golf.
Fans can also enjoy a Jacksonville Jaguars NFL game. The team is in the AFC South division. A 1995 expansion team, the Jaguars play at TIAA Bank Field in downtown Jacksonville.
The River City also hosts a pro soccer team- Armada - and minor league basketball and hockey.
Two universities- the University of Jacksonville and University of North Florida call Jacksonville home and have sport and cultural activities.
Where in Jacksonville?
Our Guide to Counties and Neighborhoods in Metro Jacksonville
If you are sure about your move to Jacksonville, the most important thing you need to figure out is where exactly you should move to in the River City. Simply put, the Jacksonville metro area is huge. There are various counties, suburbs, and neighborhoods that can become your next potential home.
The city's massive size ensures you have plenty of options while relocating. Whether you want to buy a house in a trendy and hip suburb or rent a place in a quiet and charming neighborhood, Jax has everything you could dream of and then some more!
The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area is also known as Metro Jacksonville, Northeast Florida, or the First Coast. As per the United States Census of 2020, the Jacksonville metro area has a fast-growing population of around 1.68 million. The area expands over 3,600 square miles, making it the fourth largest metro region in the state of Florida.
The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area comprises seven distinctive counties. These include:
- Baker County
- Clay County
- Duval County
- Flagler County
- Nassau County
- Putnam County
- St. Johns County
Each of these countries has its unique qualities, attractions, and benefits to offer to its residents. Where you want to shift will largely depend upon your needs, budget, and expectations.
With that said, let’s have a look at the most famous counties, suburbs, and neighborhoods where you can consider buying a house.
Duval County
Duval County is, by far, one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. The cost of living in this region is 5.7% lower than the national average. The job market in the county is also flourishing. The unemployment rate in the county is 3.9%.
Duval County's job market has consistently risen by 2.7% over the last few years. Furthermore, the job growth rate is expected to be 44.4% over the next decade. This is much higher than the national average of 33.5%. So, if you are moving to Metro Jacksonville for career opportunities, Duval County will not disappoint you.
Duval County also has one of the fastest-growing populations in the Metro Jacksonville area. Currently, the population of the county is around 936,200. The median income of the residents of this county is around $26,267 per year. While this is slightly lower than the national average, Duval's low cost of living compensates for it.
Purchasing a house is also cheaper in Duval County. The median house price is just about $180,700. Because of the economical real estate prices, most people in Duval county have their own homes. However, finding a good rental apartment isn't difficult either. The median rent in the region is around $1,070.
The county is also home to some of the top-rated schools in Florida. So, if you are moving with your family, your kids will definitely get a top-notch education here. The best public schools in the county include:
- Paxon School for Advanced Studies
- Stanton College Preparatory
- Loretto Elementary School
- Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
St. Johns County
St. Johns County is the 25th biggest county in Florida. It is a stunning region located alongside the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal waterway. It offers the best mixture of quiet country life while also ensuring that the residents don’t lack any modern-day amenities of city life.
The county has witnessed a surge in its population. Over the last few years, the population of St. Johns county has grown by 3.94% and currently, it comprises 244,674 people. The region is just 32 miles south of Downtown Jacksonville and you can easily reach there within a 40-minute drive.
Buying a house is also quite economical here. The median house value in St. Johns County is around $304,700 while the median rent is around $1,312. The job market also has plenty of opportunities for talented people. The median family income in this county is $82,252.
The biggest attraction of St. Johns County is its gorgeous outdoor location. The place has some of the best beaches in Florida. If you are a beach person and love outdoor activities, St. Johns County is the place for you.
Some popular beaches in the region include Ponte Vedra Beach, Crescent Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and more. You can simply walk on the sandy shores, go fishing with your friends and family, indulge in water sports, and do a lot more!
You can also enjoy local events like Nights of Lights, Sing Out Loud, Music by the Sea, and more. The locals of St. Johns County are some of the most friendly, warm, and welcoming people you will find in Florida. While the population is quite high in the region, people still have close-knit communities in their neighborhoods. Thus, you won't find any difficulty in getting accustomed to the place.
Nassau County
Nassau county is witnessing a large influx of new residents over the past few years. The historic charm, friendly people, and plenty of job opportunities are driving people to Nassau. Currently, the county has a population of around 83,098.
If you are planning to buy a house in Nassau, you are in luck! The region has some of the most affordable real estate rates in the state of Florida. The median home value is $230,900, and almost 80% of residents have their own houses. You can also find budget-friendly rental apartments in the area. The median rent in Nassau county is just $1,046 per month.
The county also offers a plethora of job opportunities to its residents. The median household income in this region is $72,998, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,994.
While several industries and businesses are coming up in the region, the major employer is the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry in Nassau County is booming. There is a huge demand for medical professionals in facilities like Baptist Medical Center, UF Health Center, etc.
Another reason why many people are attracted to this county is because of its rich culture. The region offers the classic southern charm and vintage vibes. The downtown area is full of small and traditional stores, old but well-kept buildings, and vintage and cute homes.
If you are a fan of art and history, you'll instantly fall in love with this place. Nassau has several incredible museums and art galleries. The region is also home to Florida's oldest lighthouse - Amelia Island Lighthouse. Also, the state's oldest bar - The Palace Saloon - is present here.
Arlington
If you want to live in a suburb offering the old-fashioned country charm, check out Arlington! Situated in eastern Jacksonville, it is the perfect neighborhood for people who want to live in a historically-rich region.
Arlington is one of the oldest settlements of Jax. The place came into existence in the early 1500s, and centuries later, the region has managed to preserve its history, culture, and architecture. You can still find several mid-century-styled buildings and homes. Culturally-rich places like National Memorial and Park, Jacksonville Arboretum Gardens, etc., are some of the most popular places to visit here.
Due to its peaceful environment and affordable living, you can find many families and retirees living in this neighborhood. Young professionals are also flocking the areas like Regency and Fort Carolina in search of better job opportunities and lifestyles.
Arlington is also one of the most affordable neighborhoods of Jacksonville. You can easily find a good home at incredibly economical rates. The median home value in Arlington is around $160,600, while rents start from as low as $720 per month.
Orange Park
If you are moving to Jax with your family, then very few neighborhoods are as good and safe as Orange Park! The place offers you a rural, laid-back, friendly, and comfortable vibe that is perfect for raising a family.
The region is located half an hour away from southwest of Downtown Jacksonville. Thus, the place is easy from the hustle-bustle of the main city and yet close enough if you want to hop into the city quickly. Due to its peaceful environment and high safety, Orange Park is one of the most preferred locations for military families to live in.
Buying a house is also affordable in the region. The median home value in Orange Park starts at around $231,340. You can also find a good rental home at an average price of around $1,094.
If you are a foodie, Orange Park has a lot to offer you. The area has several amazing restaurants and eateries. You can find some of the best seafood places in the region. The place also has terrific cafes, barbeque places, and bars.
San Marco
If you want to live in a quiet neighborhood close to Downtown Jacksonville but not as loud or busy, San Marco can be a great choice. The neighborhood is just minutes away from the Downtown region. Thus, it is highly preferred by young professionals who want to live close to their workplaces.
The median home price in San Macro is $250,000, while the average rent is close to $1,150.
The area is home to some exceptional bistros and bars. The local eateries and restaurants are also amazing here, and you can try out a variety of cuisines. It is a historic neighborhood that was built back in the 1920s. The place has preserved its historical charm, and you can easily find several historical riverfront mansions, museums, bookstores, and other culturally-important places here.
San Marco has a close connection to the Italian city of Venice, evident in the neighborhood's Mediterranean and Italian-inspired architecture. Moreover, it is one of the safest regions of Jax and thus, preferred by most of the new residents.
Next Steps
Are you ready for your big move?
If you are ready to finally move to Jacksonville, we are here to help you out!
So that was our guide to relocating to Jacksonville. We hope you find the information here useful and that we were able to give you a clear idea about what living in Jax will look like.
The first step in moving to River City is to figure out where you want to purchase (or rent) a house. After all, you cannot shift to the city without selecting a place to live in, right? All the suburbs and neighborhoods mentioned above will be a great choice for your new home in Jax. However, we recommend you thoroughly research the city's real estate market before making your final decision.
Finding the best house at affordable rates in Jacksonville can be a bit tricky. With so many options to choose from, it is easy to get overwhelmed and confused. Also, house hunting in a totally new city can be very time-consuming. This is where we at PrimeStreet come into the picture!
We take care of the house hunting process for you so that you can focus on other aspects of moving. Our in-house team of experts have years of experience in dealing in the real estate market in the entire United States. They will help you find the house of your dreams in very less time.
All you need to do is fill out the form linked below or call us at 855-531-5347; our team will ask you a few questions about your needs and expectations, where you want to move, your budget, and the preferred timeline. Once all of that is sorted, our smart algorithm will match you with the perfect agent who has the right experience and knowledge of the real estate market in the Jacksonville metro area.
Why Us?
At PrimeStreet, our goal is to help you find the best house that meets all your expectations and then some more. With us on board, you are guaranteed to find the sweetest deal out there.
Apart from helping you find an incredible house, our experts at PrimeStreet can also help you find a lender. Just call us on 855-531-5347, and our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Moving to a new city is a major decision requiring meticulous planning, arrangements, research, and whatnot. However, having the right professional help can go a long way in making the process more convenient and relaxing for you. Thus, make sure to get in touch with us and let us help you relocate to Jacksonville in the best way possible!