Do you want your future to be nestled in a city that seamlessly combines Southern charm with coastal allure? Moving to Jacksonville, Florida fulfills such dreams.
Jacksonville, on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, is the most populous city in the state and the largest by area in the contiguous United States. Initially named “Cowford”, Jacksonville was first inhabited by British settlers. Today, the city stands in the second position for best public education in Florida, 16th best place to live in the U.S, and offers the best retirement communities in Florida. The city also hosts the 10th largest Arab population in the U.S. and the largest Filipino American community in Florida.
So, without any delay, let us dive into the article to find out whether it is ideal for relocating to Jacksonville, Florida.
Quick facts before moving to Jacksonville, FL
Where is Jacksonville, FL, Located?
Jacksonville is located in Duval County. It was consolidated with the county in 1968.
The city is on the St. Johns River, about 12 miles south of the Georgia state line and 25 miles to the urban core.
The Jacksonville Beaches communities are along the nearby Atlantic coast.
Population in Jacksonville, FL
The population of Jacksonville, Florida will be around 962,970 in 2023, showcasing a 91 out of 100 diversity score.
Diversity in Jacksonville, FL
Ranked 138th among ethnically diverse cities in the U.S., Jacksonville showcases a rich tapestry of cultural communities, encompassing African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and other groups.
Here is a breakdown of Jacksonville, FL’s population by race and ethnicity:
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage of Population |
| White | 64.2% |
| Black or African American | 30.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 9.9% |
| Asian | 4.9% |
| Native American | 0.1% |
| Other | 4.6% |
Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL
Living in Jacksonville, Florida, is generally cheaper than the national average. The cost of living in the city is 6% lower than the national average making it one of the great reasons to move to Jacksonville, Florida.
- A family of four’s monthly costs, excluding rent, are estimated at $3,834.4, and for a single person, it’s $1,071.2 in Jacksonville, FL.
- The cost of housing in Jacksonville is 6% lower than the national average, along with transportation expenses being 17% lower.
- A good salary in Jacksonville is over $41,000, with an excellent hourly wage being $19.71.
- To live a comfortable life in Jacksonville, a single adult needs an annual income before taxes of $34,033, and for two working adults with one child, it’s $79,937.
| Category | Cost of Living Index (Range) |
| Overall Cost of Living | 94.2 |
| Housing | 78 |
| Utilities | 102.8 |
| Transportation | 101.4 |
| Healthcare | 100.2 |
| Groceries | 109.7 |
How Is the Housing Market in Jacksonville, FL?
Jacksonville is a good place to live in Florida, offering lower living, housing, and rental prices. This makes owning a new home or rental apartment before moving to Jacksonville, FL, a wise decision. Here are some key stats on the city’s housing market.
- Homes in Jacksonville, Florida, are somewhat competitive, receiving an average of 3 offers and selling in approximately 39 days.
- The median sale price of a home in Jacksonville was $300K last month.
- The median sale price per square foot in Jacksonville is $187.
- The homeownership rate in Jacksonville is around 57.0%, out of which it’s inferred that approximately 43% of the population are renters.
Average rental price in Jacksonville, FL
- Studio apartment: The average rent is approximately $1,035 per month
- 1-bedroom apartment: The average rent is approximately $1,270 per month
- 2-bedroom apartment: The average rent is approximately $1,499 per month
- 3-bedroom home: The average rent is around $2,182 per month
- 4-bedroom home: The average rent is approximately $2,182 per month
How is the job market in Jacksonville, FL?
Jacksonville’s job market is growing with low unemployment rates and positive projections for future job growth. Below listed are the key stats of the job market and salary information of the city as you’re considering moving to Jacksonville, Florida
- Jacksonville, FL had an unemployment rate of 2.3%, down from 2.6% in April 2022, and further decreased to 3.0% by November 2023.
- The city’s job market grew with a 4.5% increase in the labor force and a 4.3% rise in private sector employment over the year.
- The average salary in Jacksonville is reported to be approximately $57,486 annually.
What are the top employers in Jacksonville, FL
- Amazon
- Duval County Public Schools
- Baptist Health
- Naval Air Station Jacksonville
- Mayo Clinic
- Bank of America
- City of Jacksonville
- VyStar Credit Union
- BAE Systems/Atlantic Marine
- Brooks (medical rehabilitation)
- Northrop Grumman Corp. (aircraft manufacturing)
- PSS World Medical Inc. (medical supplies provider)
What are the most common job titles in Jacksonville, FL
- Sales Associate
- Operations Manager
- Warehouse Worker
- Office Administrator
- Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Controller
- Data Entry Clerk
- Customer Service Representative
- Cashier
Highest paying jobs in Jacksonville, FL
- Anesthesiologist
- Dedicated Owner Operator
- Nurse Practitioner
- Federal Government
- SVP, Real Estate
- Pilot (First Officer)
- Corporate Development- Director
- Box Truck Owner Operator
- Sheriff
- Property Appraiser
How safe is it to live in Jacksonville, FL?
Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in Florida, so it’s essential to know how safe it is before you move to the city. Below are some essential information regarding the crime rates of the city.
- Jacksonville, Florida, ranks low in safety, safer than only 8% of U.S. cities, with a crime rate of 3,569 per 100,000 residents, 65.8% higher than Florida’s average.
- Violent crime rates vary across Jacksonville, ranging from 1 in 141 to 1 in 374. The city’s overall violent crime rate is 698 per 100,000 people, including assault, murder, rape, and robbery.
- Jacksonville holds the highest murder rate among large Florida cities, with 13.3 homicides per 100,000 residents.
- Property crime is more common in Jacksonville than violent crime, with a 1 in 37 chance of being a victim and a rate of 2,871 per 100,000 people. This category includes burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
- Jacksonville faces a higher rate of motor vehicle theft than other communities nationwide
- Regarding law enforcement, 38% of respondents believe the police are obvious and responsive, while 31% think they are visible but respond slowly when needed.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL
Safest Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida:
- Eagle Bend
- Fort Caroline Shores
- Mandarin
- Isle of Palms
- Avondale
- Beach Haven
- East Arlington
- North Beach
- Sandalwood
- Secret Cove
How Fast Can You Commute in Jacksonville, FL?
The average commute time in Jacksonville, FL, is 24.6 minutes, shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes.
Driving is likely the primary mode of commuting in Jacksonville, given the city’s infrastructure and transportation job availability.
List available public transportation in Jacksonville, FL
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) offers a range of public transportation services in Jacksonville, Florida:
- Buses: With nearly 250 vehicles covering 56 routes, JTA’s buses travel over 8.5 million miles, including express options for commuters.
- Skyway: The elevated monorail, known as the Jacksonville Skyway, provides free transportation in downtown Jacksonville on weekdays and during special events on weekends.
- Trolleys: JTA’s trolley system offers flexible transportation in Downtown and the Beach area.
- St. Johns River Ferry: This ferry service connects points on both sides of the St. Johns River.
- Paratransit Services: JTA provides paratransit services for individuals with disabilities who cannot use regular fixed-route services.
- Gameday Xpress: JTA’s Gameday Xpress offers round-trip transportation to Jacksonville Jaguars games at EverBank Stadium.
How’s the weather in Jacksonville, FL?
Jacksonville, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and milder winters. The city experiences four seasons, but they are not as distinct as in some other places. Here are the critical stats about the city’s weather conditions as you’re considering moving to Jacksonville.
- Jacksonville generally enjoys sunny weather, with around 221 sunny days yearly.
- Rainfall is concentrated from May to September, with brief but intense downpours.
- The city gets about 52 inches of rain annually, mainly during the summer.
- The driest months are from November to April.
- If you’re wondering if it snows in Jacksonville, Florida, the answer is very rarely.
- Therefore, snow is negligible in Jacksonville.
- July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 90°F.
- January is the coldest month, with an average low of 46°F and a high of 65°F.
How is the Education in Jacksonville, FL?
Learn the essential stats of the city’s education system if you’re moving to Jacksonville with your children
- Jacksonville, Florida, has 205 schools in the Duval County Public Schools district, educating over 129,000 students.
- The student-teacher ratio in this district is 18:1 and 22:1, slightly higher than the Florida average of 20:1 for public high schools.
- Schools in Jacksonville have varying rankings; for instance, Stanton College Preparatory School is 76th in Florida, while Ponte Vedra High School is 26th.
- Duval County Public Schools is considered above-average, with 46% of students proficient in math and 45% in reading.
- The cost of education in Jacksonville varies; for instance, the typical cost for a resident undergraduate student at Jacksonville University is $63,425.
- The average undergraduate tuition & fees in Jacksonville are $4,311 for in-state and $18,897 for out-of-state students.
- The expenses per student in Duval County Public Schools are reported as $9,943.
What are the best schools in Jacksonville, FL?
Best Middle Schools in Jacksonville, FL
- Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development School
- James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School
- Lavilla School of The Arts
Best Elementary Schools in Jacksonville, FL
- Jacksonville Beach Elementary School
- John Stockton Elementary School
- J. Allen Axson Elementary School
Best High Schools in Jacksonville, FL
- Stanton College Preparatory School
- Paxon School for Advanced Studies
- Darnell Cookman Middle/High School
Best Universities and Colleges in Jacksonville, FL
- University of North Florida
- Jacksonville University
- Flagler College
- Edward Waters University
- Florida State College–Jacksonville
What are the best things to do in Jacksonville, FL?
The famous Attractions and the best things to see in Jacksonville, Florida are:
- Discover rescued exotic animals at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, home to tigers, lions, and cougars.
- Explore diverse art collections and beautiful gardens at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
- Spend a unique day with over 2,000 rare animals and 1,000 plant varieties at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens.
- Relax along more than 5 miles of shoreline at Little Talbot Island State Park for outdoor activities.
- Experience local art, farmers, live music, food trucks, and free yoga at the Riverside Arts Market.
- Enjoy outdoor adventures with over 20 miles of biking trails at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Atlantic Beach.
- Visit the charming Amelia Island, known for its beautiful beaches and historic allure.
- Unwind in the serene atmosphere of Ponte Vedra Beach, renowned for its peaceful environment.
- Dive into Jacksonville’s vibrant nightlife with diverse bars and nightclubs.
- Shop to your heart’s content at the Avenues Mall, offering various shopping options.
Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL
The best areas to live in Jacksonville, Florida are
- Avondale
- Riverside
- San Marco
- Arlington
- Beacon Hills and Harbour
- Jacksonville Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Deerwood
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Jacksonville, FL?
Here we give you the chance to weigh your options carefully considering the pros and cons of moving to Jacksonville, Florida.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ample sunshine year-round | Schools are struggling |
| Low cost of living | Lack of an extensive and interconnected public transportation network |
| Great job market | Periodic flooding |
| Access to the beach | Pests |
| Home to professional sports teams | Urban sprawl |
| Youthful vibe and great culture | High crime rate in certain neighborhoods |
| Access to the great outdoors | Potential for hurricanes and tropical storms |
| Top-notch food scene | |
| Thriving arts and cultural scene | |
| Diverse neighborhoods and strong sense of community | |
| Lower than average healthcare costs | |
| Diverse neighborhoods and a strong sense of community |
Conclusion
In brief, moving to Florida is easy if you have chosen to relocate to a place like Jacksonville. From stunning beaches, sports teams, authentic Garlic crab dishes, a craft beer scene, and nightlife to other outdoor activities, Jackson has everything for all age interests. If this city is your dreamland, then don’t waste time and pack your luggage now.