Most people consider Miami’s nightlife, Orlando’s theme parks, or Tampa’s Gulf Coast when they consider moving to Florida.
But more and more families, young professionals, and retirees are discovering a hidden gem on Florida’s northeast coast: Jacksonville.
As Florida’s largest city by land area and population, Jacksonville offers an affordable and vibrant environment that suits almost every lifestyle.
In this post, we discover why Jacksonville might be your ideal next move.
You may also like to read: Moving to a New State. If you are thinking of moving to a new state, then this guide is invaluable: from average moving costs to checklists to settling into your new state.
Affordable Cost of Living
Regency Square Mll, Jacksonville FL
One of Jacksonville’s strongest draws is its cost of living, which is significantly lower than the national average and much more affordable than other major Florida cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Jacksonville’s cost of living is about 8% below the national average.
Median Home Price (2025): – $310,000
Average Rent (2BR Apartment): – $1,400/month
State Income Tax: $0 (Florida is one of the few states with no state income tax)
This affordability makes Jacksonville especially attractive for first-time homebuyers, young families, and retirees on a fixed income.
Jacksonville is massive; it covers more than 840 square miles, so choosing the right neighborhood is key.
Fortunately, the city offers a variety of living options from beach towns to urban apartments and quiet suburban communities.
1. Riverside/Avondale
Best For: Young professionals, artists, and history lovers
Vibe: Historic, walkable, artsy
Highlights: Historic homes, riverside parks, local coffee shops, vibrant nightlife
One of Jacksonville’s most charming and walkable neighborhoods, Riverside/Avondale blends 1920s architecture with modern flair. It’s also home to the Riverside Arts Market every Saturday.
2. San Marco
Best For: Professionals and families
Vibe: Upscale, artsy, historic
Highlights: San Marco Square, top-rated dining, close to downtown
San Marco is known for its Mediterranean revival architecture and its proximity to downtown, making it ideal for professionals who want city access with suburban peace.
3. Mandarin
Best For: Families and retirees
Vibe: Quiet, green, residential
Highlights: Top schools, St. Johns River views, large family homes
A heavily treed suburb with riverfront charm, Mandarin is great for those seeking a peaceful, family-oriented community.
4. Nocatee
Best For: Growing families and new homeowners
Vibe: Master-planned, modern, resort-like
Highlights: Community pools, trails, parks, highly rated schools
Just south of Jacksonville in St. Johns County, Nocatee consistently ranks among the best-selling master-planned communities in the U.S.
For those who want to live steps from the sand, Jacksonville Beach offers a classic Florida lifestyle with a small-town vibe.
You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood to Move to. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new neighborhood in which to live.
Excellent Schools and Further Education
Jacksonville Landing
Jacksonville is served by Duval County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida.
The area offers a mix of public, charter, and private schools.
Additionally, St. Johns County, just to the south, is known for having some of the highest-rated public schools in the state.
Notable Public Schools:
Stanton College Preparatory School – Ranked among the top high schools in the nation
Paxon School for Advanced Studies – Offers rigorous academic programs, including IB
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts – Renowned for visual and performing arts
Charter & Private Options:
River City Science Academy – STEM-focused charter school
Bishop Kenny High School – Catholic high school with a strong academic reputation
Bolles School – Private prep school with an international reputation
Higher education is also well-represented with the University of North Florida (UNF) and Jacksonville University (JU) offering competitive programs in business, healthcare, education, and the sciences.
Jacksonville has one of the fastest-growing economies in Florida, with a diverse range of industries supporting job growth and career development.
The city is very business-friendly, so it has attracted numerous Fortune 500 companies and a strong startup scene.
Key Industries:
Healthcare: Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, UF Health Jacksonville
Finance: Fidelity National Financial, Black Knight, Bank of America
Logistics: CSX Corporation, JAXPORT, FedEx, UPS
Defense: Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Northrop Grumman
Tech: Emerging startups, fintech firms, and incubators
Remote workers also find Jacksonville appealing for its combination of affordable housing, fast internet infrastructure, and quality of life.
With more companies adopting hybrid models, Jacksonville’s proximity to both beaches and city life is very appealing.
You may also like to read: Moving for Work. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving for a job.
Outdoor Lifestyle and Coastal Access
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
One of the biggest perks of living in Jacksonville is its natural beauty and year-round outdoor lifestyle. The city has 22 miles of beaches, multiple rivers, and over 80,000 acres of parks and green spaces.
Locals enjoy activities like:
Surfing at Jacksonville Beach
Fishing on the St. Johns River
Biking through Timucuan Ecological Preserve
Kayaking in the Intracoastal Waterway
Mild Weather, Coastal Climate
The weather, featuring mild winters and long summers, means you can be outside almost every day of the year. With so much space and such a strong connection to nature, Jacksonville is a haven for outdoor lovers.
Average High (July): 92°F
Average Low (January): 46°F
Snowfall: Extremely rare
The city’s east coast location also brings cooling ocean breezes, and its elevation means less risk of major hurricane damage compared to other Florida cities.
Cultural Scene and Community Vibe
Jacksonville Art Walk
Jacksonville is more than beaches and business, it has a growing cultural scene.
The Riverside Arts Market, Cummer Museum of Art, and Florida Theatre are just a few examples of how art, music, and community events are thriving here.
The city also hosts annual events like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, One Spark (a startup showcase), and the Florida-Georgia college football game, drawing crowds from across the Southeast.
Whether you’re into food, live music, or local crafts, there’s always something happening in Jacksonville.
You may also like to read: Why Do People Move Home? In this guide, we suggest 6 great reasons why people choose to move home.
Convenient Travel and Central Location
OneSpark Skyway
Jacksonville is strategically located in Northeast Florida, making it a great hub for regional travel.
It sits at the intersection of I-10 and I-95, providing direct routes to Atlanta, Orlando, and Savannah. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is efficient and offers daily flights to most major U.S. cities.
For weekend getaways, the historic town of St. Augustine, Amelia Island, and the Georgia coastline are all within an hour’s drive.
Why Jacksonville Is the Right Move
Friendship Fountain Jacksonville
Jacksonville offers something unique: the amenities of a large city with the vibe of a coastal town.
Its combination of reasonable cost of living, safe and diverse neighborhoods, job availability, top schools, and outdoor lifestyle makes it not only one of Florida’s best-kept secrets but also one of the most livable cities in the United States.
Good luck with your move, and be sure to check out our home moving blog for tips and guides to make every aspect of your home move cheaper, easier, and safer.
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