Are you dreaming of living in Jacksonville? If so, you’re not alone. When considering Florida as a relocation city, Jacksonville is a top contender. From affordability, coastal locale, amenities, entertainment, and career growth, there is a lifestyle to suit just about any homebuyer. Jacksonville’s charming appeal begins with its vibrant culture and coastal tropical climate adorned by beautiful beaches. Additionally, Florida home prices are below the national average compared to other major cities in America.
Ideally located on the northeastern corner of the state and just below the Georgia line, Jacksonville offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Visitors find the essence of Jacksonville’s quirky, vibrant community somewhere between beachy country living and southern rock and roll. Overall, Jacksonville neighborhoods scale from easily affordable for new homebuyers and families to luxury real estate with upscale urban living. Northeast Florida neighborhoods offer year-round sunshine, and despite being the largest city in Florida, its small-town atmosphere caters to homeowners from all walks of life. Let’s check out the benefits of living in Jacksonville and finance a new home on the Atlantic coast.
1. Living in Jacksonville is Affordable
Affordable urban coastal options in America are tough to find. Location is key in real estate. When coupling Jacksonville’s tropical weather, gorgeous beaches, and affordability, the Sunshine State stands out. Living in Jacksonville is hard to beat when it comes to budget. Today, the current median home price in Jacksonville is $315,000. According to Statista, the median price for existing homes in America will reach $407,000 U.S. dollars by 2025. Undoubtedly, saving $92,000 right off the top proves the homebuying dollar soars in Jacksonville.
Even more impressive is Florida’s low cost of living. According to Payscale, residents enjoy a 7% lower cost of living, 11% more affordable housing prices, and 6% less on utilities than the national average. The icing on the cake is Florida’s lack of state income tax. Locally speaking, of all the housing opportunities in the state, Jacksonville is among the most affordable.
2. Living in Jacksonville is Beachy
If balmy, warm, sunshine-filled days beckon, Florida is the place to be. Jacksonville’s coastline consists of 22 miles of breathtaking beaches. Jacksonville is 840 square miles and the largest city by landmass in the continental or contiguous USA. A treasure trove of adventures awaits along Jacksonville’s riverbanks and salty shores in Duval County. Nature lovers line up for coveted waterfront properties along the St. Johns River.
These sandy beaches attract surfers and paddleboarders and are popular spots for outdoor activities like beach volleyball, building sand castles, and sunbathing. A prime example is Ponte Vedra Beach, where luxury, unbridled nature, golfing, and white sand set the stage for panoramic seaside living.
The Northeastern Jacksonville area is home to Huguenot Memorial Park. Of all the beaches in Jacksonville, this one allows visitors to drive vehicles on the sand. There are various beaches in Jacksonville to suit any beachgoer’s liking. Jacksonville Beach, commonly called Jax, is a local favorite. From sunrise to sunset, activities abound. Offering moonlight movies, live bands, local breweries, and boogie boarding for mies, Jax is a happening spot for all walks of life.
North of Jax Beach is the intersection of Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach. Known as the town center, this upscale shopping center is ideal for fine dining and booming nightlife. These coastal destinations include outdoor recreation like kayaking through the 60-acre lake, Hanna Park. This city is a paradise for adventure, offering more than a destination. Living in Jacksonville is a way of life.
3. Living in Jacksonville is Family-Friendly
Beyond Disneyworld, a treasure trove of family fun awaits in Florida. Combining affordability with endless outdoor adventures, life in Jacksonville teems with family-centric entertainment.
For science and biology-loving kiddos, check out the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Exploring Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park and UNF Sawmill Slough Preserve provides educational and immersive attractions.
Art enthusiasm is a mainstay in Jacksonville. Check out these world-class venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Florida Theatre, the Cummer Museum, and the Ritz Theatre and Museum.
Seeking the best public schools and neighborhoods with low crime rates top the charts for parents relocating to new cities. When weighing the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville, Niche ranks the town with a C+ score for safety.
Overall, Palm Valley, San Marco, Riverside, Downtown Jacksonville, Southside, Mandarin, and Deerwood rank among residents and families living in Jacksonville. Traveling further on the southern side of Jacksonville is St. Augustine, a high-end suburban city filled with eclectic shopping, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of coastal adventures.
Often, lifestyle dictates location when it comes to home buying. In this case, the family-oriented communities in Nocatee and Fleming Island offer top-tier educational institutions and neighborhoods with parks and green spaces for family fun.
Commuting traffic around the military establishments is fierce, and location is paramount. Home to the Naval Air Station, many military families live in Orange Park, making drive time optimal.
For younger families seeking affordability and high-ranking schools, Southside is a contender. The neighborhood caters to homeowners with young families, offering multiple parks and kid-friendly amenities.
4. Living in Jacksonville is Happening
Unforgettable golf adventures await at Amelia Island and beachside Ponte Vedra golf courses. Masterfully built, the Jacksonville golf courses cater to golf enthusiasts of any skill level. The picturesque landscape and 221+ annual sunshine-filled days set the stage for unparalleled golf serenity. The stunning golf courses at Hyde Park Golf Club, Bent Creek Golf Course, and Jacksonville Golf and Country Club need no introduction, as these lush green spaces speak for themselves.
Surprisingly, Jacksonville hosts “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” It’s true; a massive college rivalry hits the field yearly as the Gators take on the Bulldogs in the Florida-Georgia Football Game. Beyond that, the Tiaa Field booms with cheer and pride as the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) dominate the field and entertain their fans. Sports fans line up to cheer on their local teams: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (MiLB), Jacksonville Sharks (NAL), University of North Florida Ospreys (UNF), Jacksonville University Dolphins, Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL), Jacksonville Giants (ABA), and Jacksonville Armada (FC.)
Living in Jacksonville means community events; jazz is a hot ticket in town. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival runs annually on Memorial Day weekend. Bring those comfy shoes, and shop til you drop at the Riverside Arts Market. Check out the local farmer’s markets in San Marco and historic neighborhoods like Riverside and Avondale. Speaking of Avondale, check out Restaurant Orsay. Their menu delights guests one refined plate at a time with Southern and French-inspired fusion. At every turn, living in Jacksonville is filled with adventure and entertainment.
5. Living in Jacksonville can be Lucrative
The economy is alive and well in Jacksonville. Key industries, including healthcare careers, top the employment charts. Beyond this, retail, finance, hospitality/accommodations, and transportation dominate the job market. Home to CSX, Mayo Clinic, and Fidelity National Financial contribute to Jacksonville’s economic stability.
As for higher education, Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida Florida State College at Jacksonville are among the top schools in the area. These educational institutions employ many residents and significantly contribute to the economy.
For premier shopping and diverse dining experiences, the St. Johns Town Center and Riverside storefronts are a hotspot for retail and foodie adventures.
Young professionals looking for modern homes or quirky bungalows appreciate San Marco’s charm. San Marco hits the mark with boutique shopping, art galleries, and a hot dining and nightlife scene.
Commuting in Jacksonville
Jacksonville comprises four regions: the Northside, Westside, Southside, and Arlington. Each area has unique offerings and diversity. Considering the geographical divisions within Jackonville’s neighborhoods, location plays a key factor when choosing a home.
To ease commuter traffic, Jacksonville offers multiple means of public transportation, including a bus system, trolley, and skyway. Overall, most commuters living in Jacksonville drive personal cars.
Initially launching in 1864, the St. Johns River Ferry provides public transportation between Mayport Village and Fort George Island. Like clockwork, the ferry transports vehicles and passengers across the river every thirty minutes. Whether voyagers are commuting or sightseeing, the ferry is a time-saving asset. When comparing commute times with contending Florida cities like Tampa, Miami, and Orlando, Jacksonville’s sprawling city design and smaller population simplify commuting in Jacksonville.
Ready to Move to Jacksonville?
Imagine experiencing life in the Sunshine State, where outdoor activities reign supreme. Picture a future where the day’s utmost consideration is whether to hit the golf course, go boating, kayaking, or hit the beach. As buyers determine which Florida city stands out, Jacksonville hits the mark. Between its northern coastal location, affordability, and robust job market, the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville are hard to beat.
Why not get the ball rolling and buy into the American dream by connecting with a lender who can finance your next real estate adventure? Now is the best time to improve your quality of life and finance a new home in Jacksonville. Taking the plunge and purchasing a new property in Florida is only a click or a phone call away.
The steps are simple:
1. Schedule a Call: An experienced loan officer can discuss your lending needs and guide you through the possibilities.
2. Get Approved: We’ll help you through the mortgage application process and facilitate the steps for approval.
3. Exhale: Put your feet up and feel secure knowing you made the best decisions about your home loan.
With proper guidance, you can get your first home, accommodate your growing family, and start that renovation project—whatever goal is on the horizon. An alliance with Mortgage Insiders will give you the confidence to know that your mortgage loan is setting you up for financial success. Mortgage Insiders offer today’s latest financial news and mortgage trends. Check out their channel for current events.
