Moving to Jacksonville is a common choice for people, and residents here already know the reason. Before you choose to move to Jacksonville, you will want to be certain of what living there is like. When picking out a place to relocate to, there are always many benefits and drawbacks. When selecting a city like Jacksonville or any location in Florida, you will want to make sure you have detailed information at hand in advance.
Plentiful job opportunities, top recreational centers, and warm sunshine all through the year add to the city’s ranking among the best cities to live in the country.
Is it surprising that a lot of people are moving to this famous tourist destination? Find out why, whether you are working or playing, life in Jacksonville, Florida is better. Let’s take a look at the things to know before making your decision to move to Jacksonville.
Below are twelve things you should know if you are planning a transition to Jacksonville, Florida:
1. There is a Cheaper Cost of Living in J-Ville
Jacksonville ranked 51st on a list of the most expensive US cities which makes it an affordable city to live on the other hand. The cost of living in J-Ville is 10 percent cheaper than the country’s average.
The median income needed to live in Jacksonville comfortably is about $37,880. The median price for a single-family home in the city is around $202,000.
Popular to have one of the most affordable lives in the state of Florida, living in Jacksonville is much cheaper than cities like Columbus or Colorado Springs, Ohio- and Jacksonville has amazing beaches. If you are relocating here, prepare for more value for your money.
- The average sale price for a single-family home in Jacksonville is $202,000 while normal Miami homes sell for $387,000, as reported by Zillow.
- The median rent in Jacksonville is $1,109 and the median size is 965-sq-ft while that price increases up to $1,702 in Miami for size of 891-sq-ft, as reported by Rent Cafe. Cheaper cost for more space, yeah?
2. Jacksonville is both Florida and Georgia
If it is your first time of entering Jacksonville, Florida, you will likely find it much different from what you imagined the state of Florida to be. Of course, there are several miles of beaches, but swimming here in December is not popular here. There are palm trees, but also there are large part forests. And also, there are few communities for the rich, but it doesn’t compare to Miami Beach at all. Instead, it offers a mix of South Georgia, which is only a few miles away, and Central Florida, only that it is located on the coast.
The climate, demographics, and main industries in Jacksonville are so much different than almost any other part of Florida. Generalizing about Jacksonville I also difficult since it is indeed a large city filled with many neighborhoods that look and feel like different towns with a unique feel. Jacksonville sits on 900 square miles and is the largest city in the United States by landmass, however, it is common for residents not to visit other parts of the city for months, whether they choose to or it is necessary.
In general, you will likely find a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle if you plan a household move to Jacksonville.
3. It takes Time to know your Way around Town
Apart from GPS, the hard truth is, it is easy to know Jacksonville; getting around the city is complicated. Being easily located where the I-10 and I-95 eastern terminus meets, the amazing north-south road to and from Miami, Jacksonville is famous for traffic. Since most of those going east and south are only thinking about sand, saltwater and margaritas, immediately they see water, they think they’ve gotten to the Atlantic.
Surprisingly, Jacksonville is a river town, twenty miles inland, and bub. That water you notice all of a sudden around you is the wide St. Johns River or one of its tributaries. When you work around town, you can get involved in several bridges until you get familiar with them.
4. Prime Real Estate in Jacksonville
Since Jacksonville’s cost of living is highly affordable, one can easily find housing that fits your budget. Housing prices in the city are 17% lesser than the national average. Because of its affordable housing, a lot of people living in Jacksonville are homeowners. Whether you want a location downtown, affordable housing in the city of Jacksonville suburbs, or a beautiful house on the beach, everyone can sure get a home here.
If you don’t plan to buy, some residents in Jacksonville choose to rent. Rental properties are easy to find in the city, and around 44% of residents of Jacksonville are renters. Immediately you plan your budget and know where you want to live, reach out to us to assist you to locate your dream home.
5. Amazing Beach on the Atlantic Shore
Are you aware that the most shoreline in the United States can be found in Jacksonville? And, together with having 80,000 acres of green spaces as well as the largest urban park system in the United States, there arise also 22 amazing miles of sandy beach here, as reported by Visit Jacksonville, the official link on area travel. Below five of Jacksonville’s best:
- Jacksonville Beach: Enjoy paddling and amazing surging, or stroll along almost quarter-mile Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier, or take in the salty air as you dine at the waterside cafes
- Neptune Beach: This suburban large area invites beach lovers who want to cool off with a summer read all day, and catch an amazing sunset at night
- Ponte Vedra: Attracting beach lovers and golfers. This is located right outside the city of Jacksonville in St. Johns County and is a coastal locale famous for its huge dunes and great golf courses.
- Atlantic Beach: Located north of Neptune Beach, tourists from various destinations come to this shore to swim, bike, and surf and just soak up the sun.
- Little Talbot Island State Park: escape from all the tourist centers at this amazing island, where people often birdwatch, relax, and sunbathe on this white sand beach, enjoy the sight of the driftwood sculptures of Boneyard Beach, camp overnight, and even hike.
6. Growing Market
One of the big attractions to Jacksonville is the leading employment market. If you seeking employment and searching for job opportunities then you are in a better place since the employment market in Jacksonville is always growing by 14 percent. This implies that there are many jobs here. The unemployment rate in the state of Florida is around 3.5%, while the city of Jacksonville was ranked the 2nd city in Florida for employment growth. Home to many company headquarters and big corporations, there is employment for almost every career field.
Deutsche Bank, Winn-Dixie, JPMorgan Chase, Land Star, Fidelity National Financial, and Web.com are all parts of the companies that dell in Jacksonville. Not to mention, employments provided by the Naval Air Station Jacksonville and local universities. When you live here, prepare to make a median income of around $46,000 per annum. While you may find this low, the affordable cost of living makes up for it.
7. Sun, Wind, and Rain are Moderate
Jacksonville is one of those locations where the weather can change while you are thinking of changing your room temperature. In general, Jacksonville is sunny, with over 200 days of sunshine per year. Summers can be extremely hot, and it is surely not a dry heat. If you are not used to the humid climate, watch out so you don’t get overheated outdoors, which can quickly happen. Winters in Jacksonville are mild, but not almost as warm as they are in southern areas of the state of Florida, and Jacksonville w fr especially far from beaches.
Jacksonville has four different seasons, so if you desire to put on that knitted hat you liked so much, you will have an opportunity to do that. Even though there is just a sign of snow occasionally, there are other types of weather in Jacksonville that new residents should get ready for tropical storms, thunderstorms, and hurricanes.
8. It is easy to get around
Most Jacksonville residents depend on their vehicles to travel to work, which takes around 27 minutes. But if you don’t have a car, you are fortunate. The buses provided by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority give over 30 routes across the city. Fares differ from $1.75 for a single trip to $20 for a weekly pass. Also, Uber and Lyft are ridesharing services that operate in the area, and you can rent bikes and scooters to get around in some places.
9. There is Something for Food Lovers
Southern favorites such as shrimp and grits or biscuits and gravy are there to enjoy in the city. But if you are a food freak who loves to try dishes from around the universe, you will be in paradise in Jacksonville. Whether you want Korean beef short ribs, local seafood, southern BBQ, Szechuan fish, or Cuban sandwiches, Jacksonville offers something unique for everyone. To taste some of the best local food, visit many restaurants with Taste of Jacksonville Food Tours.
Below are seven (7) of the leading places to eat in Jacksonville, as contained in the ranking of the top 50 restaurants by Jacksonville’s Magazines:
- Townhall: Favorite staples plus gourmet twists and local ingredients.
- Matthew’s Restaurant: Enjoy French and Mediterranean cuisine at this upscale restaurant.
- Kazu Japanese Restaurant: Taste perfectly rolled raw fish at this Japanese eatery and sushi bar by experts.
- The bearded Pig: lunch fully on mac and cheese and brisket at this amazing southern barbeque joint.
- Orsay: French specialties plus, the restaurant mentions ‘a bit of southern influence.’
- Flying Iguana Taqueria: High Tex-Mex fare that reaches perfectly with a margarita.
- Ibex Ethiopian Kitchen: You will enjoy delicious Ethiopian cuisine to be taken with thin flatbread.
- Crime Rates in Jacksonville are more than the average, but there are Many Safe Places to Live
Let’s get to it; crime rates here are more than the state average, and are higher on the national scale, as well. Jacksonville gets a crime index of 8 by Neighborhood Scout, which means it is considered safer than just 8% of other cities in the country. Looking at the numbers closely reveals that crime is much concentrated on the property than on violence, but it is still worth remembering, being cautious of your surroundings, and taking necessary safety measures.
As discussed, Jacksonville is large and many neighborhoods are safe. Some of the safest places based on crime rates, according to Neighborhood Scout are:
- Greenland
- Greenfield
- Jacksonville Naval Air Station
- Mandarin
- Mayport
10. Superior Education
Famous for being home to some of the best public schools in the United States, Jacksonville got ranked by U.S. News for having some of the best school systems in the country. These high-ranking schools are located in Nassau, Baker, Clay, Duval, and St. Johns counties. Jacksonville is also home to many of the leading institutions in Florida.
The University of North Florida, the Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville University, Trinity Baptist College, the Chamberlin University College of Nursing, and Edward Waters College all dwell in the city. Flagler College is nearby in St. Augustine, Florida. You can now see that this is a highly-educated city with many higher education opportunities.
11. An Ideal Location
Jacksonville, Florida is located in the right location. It is situated in northeast Florida and is the first major city you will encounter in Florida when you drive down Interstate 95. Jacksonville happens to be just a 2-hour drive to Orlando, and around a 5-hour drive to Atlanta, Georgia. Other major cities in Florida that are nearly close include Tampa, Naples, and Miami.
Since Jacksonville is just a one-day drive to all these cities, it makes it convenient to plan quick trips and weekend escapes. Visit Miami for bustling nightlife and fun beaches, or head down in a drive to Naples for golf and 5-star restaurants. There is a lot to explore to begin planning your small vacations today.
12. Is Moving to Jacksonville Ideal for you?
With a move to Jacksonville, you will always feel like on vacation all the time of the year. The warm weather and plentiful sunshine make it feel like every day is summer, but that is not everything. Jacksonville is a booming city. As its population increases, its recreational and cultural centers are just getting better.
Compared to many developing cities, however, the strong and diverse economy of Jacksonville can fully render support to new and long-term residents.
Immediately you’ve chosen to relocate to Jacksonville, reach out to Jacksonville movers. Our wide moving services eliminate the stress of moving to this amazing Florida city.
Jacksonville Best Elementary Schools
Elementary education is the foundation for learning, and as such, it’s imperative to send children to one of the top elementary schools in Jacksonville.
1. John Stockton Elementary
Located in the Ortega neighborhood situated against the western bank of the St. Johns River, John Stockton Elementary School is a learning community that encourages staff, students, families, and businesses to work together in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation for the betterment of all.
With a focus on inspiring students to be lifelong learners, the school has many programs that include after-school tutoring, summer instruction, and more.
In the spirit of caring for children’s minds and bodies, John Stockton Elementary school also offers students free virtual health care consultations, enhanced school security measures, and de-escalation techniques for conflict management.
2. Chets Creek Elementary
Located on the southeast side of Jacksonville between Beach Haven and Sans Pareil is Chets Creek Elementary. Focused on international benchmarks for education standards, this elementary school uses a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques to measure student progress.
If a problem is found, teachers work with students to adjust their learning styles, and instruction plans to help them reach expected levels of achievement. In addition, teachers are able to track students’ progress in real-time using integral class management systems that keep parents, students, and faculty up-to-date on their progress.
Jacksonville Best Middle Schools
Middle School students are often at a crucial point in their education, especially if they have recently moved to the area or are new to Florida. For this reason, many families select one of Jacksonville’s top middle schools to help with the transition from elementary to high school.
1. Springfield Middle School
Located just north of the Jacksonville city center in the neighborhood of Springfield is the aptly named Springfield Middle School.
A magnet school focused on STEM learning, students who attend Springfield Middle School will be able to engage in all things related to science, technology, engineering, and math.
As a repeat National Blue Ribbon Winner, Springfield Middle School is ideal for students who want to be challenged academically. With a variety of extracurricular programs, clubs, and after-school programs, parents who enroll their children at Springfield Middle School are also ensuring that they are getting plenty of opportunities to grow socially.
2. Palm Valley Academy
For those living on the southeast side of Jacksonville close to the beaches, Palm Valley Academy is one of the best middle schools in Jacksonville.
With strong ties to its neighboring community, Palm Valley Academy is committed to creating “a family” for students who want a smaller school environment to foster a sense of community and support.
With an emphasis on student-centered learning, Palm Valley Academy provides individualized attention to students who need it in order to succeed academically and socially. With a rigorous academic program that includes AP courses and honors classes, Palm Valley Academy is also well known for its extracurricular activities and community involvement.
Jacksonville Best High Schools
Jacksonville is home to some of the best high schools in the state of Florida. However, with 45 high schools in Duval County, choosing the best one can be challenging. For parents wanting the best schools to prepare their children for college, consider the following best Jacksonville high schools.
1. Stanton College Prep
Located northwest of Jacksonville’s downtown area, Stanton College Prep is rated the top high school in the city. But, don’t let the name fool you; this college prep is a public school that offers students the highest quality education.
Stanton College Prep offers students AP-level courses, college credit opportunities, and industry-recognized certifications. With a graduation rate of over 92%, Stanton College Prep consistently ranks among the top high schools in Florida for its academic rigor and student success rates.
2. Paxon School for Advanced Studies
One of four International Baccalaureate schools in Duval County, Paxon School for Advanced Studies prepares its students for a future of higher learning.
With a small student-to-teacher ratio and an up-to-date curriculum emphasizing project-based learning, Paxon School for Advanced Studies is the best high school in Jacksonville for creative thinkers who want to learn in a supportive environment. With a freshman retention rate of 96%, parents can rest assured knowing that Paxon School for Advanced Studies is their child’s best shot at high school success.
Jacksonville Universities & Colleges
One of the largest cities in Florida and a thriving metropolis, Jacksonville is an area where many people choose to move. Whether you are arriving from within Florida, out of state, or from the West Coast, you may be wondering whether the Jacksonville area is the right place to build your future.
1. Florida State College in Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville is a highly reputable public college in the area that offers both two-year and four-year programs. A large school that has more than 50,000 students at a given time, FSC in Jacksonville has four different campuses.
There is the Downtown Campus, North Campus, South Campus, and another campus that primarily serves residents of Nassau County. As FSC in Jacksonville is one of those Florida community colleges that recently became a four-year institute, there are no graduate programs for its students at this time.
Anyone who wants an urban college experience, while slowly taking classes as they also work part-time, will find a great deal to like about Florida State College in Jacksonville.
2. Jacksonville University
A private school, Jacksonville University offers both undergraduate and graduate school programs to its students. Founded in 1934, the school has a proud, long history of excellence.
Even though Jacksonville University started as a two-year school, it quickly expanded to offering four-year degrees. The school’s student body comes from more than 40 different states, while there are also students from almost 50 countries around the world.
Students can choose from over 100 majors or minors at Jacksonville University, while there are also 23 masters’ and doctorate programs. The school is split into a College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Fine Arts, College of Healthcare Sciences, Marine Science Institute, and a Public Policy Institute.
3. Flagler College
A private liberal arts school near Jacksonville, Flagler College has 33 undergraduate majors for its students to select from. There is no graduate program at the school, while Flagler also has a campus in Tallahassee, Florida.
With an admission rate of roughly 55 percent, Flagler College is reasonably competitive to gain entry to. Students must show they have good grades, reasonable test scores, and the ability to pay their way over a four-year period. Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify through need and/or merit.
The campus at Flagler College is almost 20 acres, and its centerpiece is the historic Ponce de Leon hotel. Built in 1888, this old luxury hotel is now integrated into the Flagler campus.
4. University of North Florida
A public university in Jacksonville, Florida, the University of North Florida is a part of the state’s university system. With an acceptance rate of close to 80 percent, most students should not have a difficult time getting into this school if they have reasonable grades and test scores.
With a well-rounded program that includes both undergraduate and graduate courses, the University of North Florida is especially known for its music department. Its School of Music is exceptional in terms of its jazz studies program, as it was founded by jazz player Rich Matteson and headed by saxophonist Bunky Green.
The University of Florida also has a very competitive business school, with the Coogin College of Business having flagship programs in transportation, logistics, and international business.
5. Edward Waters College
A private institute, Edward Waters College is among the top 100 schools in the Southern United States. The tuition and fees for each school year are roughly $15,000, but students do have the opportunity to earn scholarships and receive financial aid.
The college takes roughly 3,000 undergraduate students a year, making it a relatively small school. That is a significant advantage for people who enroll at Edward Waters, as it means they can get a lot of attention from their teachers for each course.
Admission into Edward Waters is competitive, but students with a GPA of higher than a 3.50 should have no issues gaining admission.
Jacksonville’s Cost of Living
Overall, Jacksonville is one of the reasonably affordable cities in the country. The city has many colleges, parks, a thriving nightlife scene, and top-rated restaurants, so it’s turned into a famous destination for people who want to enjoy all the advantages of a big city while still able to save money, buy a home, access the outdoors, and more.
Jacksonville has a total cost of living index of 93.5 of 100 which is the U.S. average. Nerdwallet reported that you would need to make the following to keep your standard of living compared to Jacksonville’s pre-tax income of $70,000:
- Austin: $78,113 (the cost of living in Austin is higher by 12%)
- Miami: $88,698 (the cost of living is higher by 27%)
- Nashville: $73,168 (the cost of living is higher by 5%)
- Denver: $87,152 (the cost of living is higher by 25%)
- Manhattan: $196,788 (the cost of living is higher by 181%)
- Orlando: $70,000 (the cost of living is higher by 0%)
Utility Costs in Jacksonville
Below is an analysis of the utility costs in Jacksonville, Florida to flesh out your pros and cons list for moving to Jacksonville.
1. Electricity
Before you make the final decision to move to Jacksonville and start looking for moving companies and where to buy moving boxes, give some attention to how much electricity costs in Jacksonville as that is one of the largest portions of most people’s utility bills each month. The residential rate for electricity is presently at 12.4 cents per kWh, which is slightly higher than the Florida state average.
The amount you pay each month for electricity depends heavily on your circumstances. A person living in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, who only runs the air conditioning a few hours a day during the summer, will pay a lot less than a homeowner with a three or four-bedroom house.
The most expensive months for electricity in Jacksonville are the summer and winter months. Summer can get very hot in Jacksonville, and cooling an entire home can get expensive. Winters are not cold like the New York or New England areas, but they do get a lot colder than other parts of Florida.
If you want to remain comfortable all winter, you should factor heating expenses into the equation, although, you can save money by using gas sources for heating your home.
2. Water
Whether you have to pay for water in Jacksonville is dependent on where you live. Many apartment dwellers may have water included as part of their rent, while others may have to pay a separate water bill.
Homeowners almost always have to pay for water, through companies such as Jacksonville Water Works. The residential rate for water starts at $9.44 per gallon and decreases slightly for customers who use more than 2,000 gallons a month.
3. Gas
Paying for natural gas is typical of living in Jacksonville, as most homes do use gas stoves for cooking and accessing hot water. There may also be a gas heating element to your home’s HVAC system. Apartment dwellers may want to check with their landlord before moving in, regarding gas expenses, as many newer apartments use electricity for hot water, stovetops, and heating.
The cost of natural gas for residential customers in Jacksonville averages $30.14 per thousand cubic feet, as of August 2021. These numbers can change year to year, depending on gas prices in the country and worldwide.
4. Internet
Comcast Xfinity is the number one provider of internet in Jacksonville, Florida, offering speeds as high as 1000 Mbps.
AT&T also offers DSL and Fiber services in the area, but you should only pick them if you are in one of the neighborhoods where they offer fiber internet. Their DSL speeds are significantly lower than Comcast’s similarly priced plans.
Xfinity plans in Jacksonville start at $20 a month for 50 Mbps speeds, while you can go up to 600 Mbps for $50 a month if you go with a one-year agreement.
5. Television
There are multiple television providers serving Jacksonville, including Xfinity TV from Comcast, Dish TV, and DirecTV. You also have the option of choosing streaming television services, such as YouTube TV or Hulu Live TV.
If you go with one of the major providers, prices for Xfinity TV start from $20 a month for local and basic channels. Dish TV’s packages start at $65, while DirecTV packages also start at the same price point.
Many of these providers offer one to two-year agreements at a discounted price, which may be helpful if you are committed to living in Jacksonville and to having traditional TV at your home or apartment.
Best Neighborhoods In Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL, is a sprawling 874 square mile city with many distinctive neighborhoods within the city limits. Each area features its own shopping, dining, nightlife, and economic opportunities.
Home to over 870,000 thousand residents, this northeast Florida city is the 12 largest in the country and is rapidly growing to be a contender as one of the best places to live in the United States – just ask any of the moving companies in Jacksonville that are working overtime moving new folks into the city.
Whether you are looking for to long-distance movers to help you relocate to a small enclave or one of the larger communities, there’s sure to be something for everyone when it comes to Jacksonville’s amazing neighborhoods.
#1 – Chimney Lakes
This Duval County neighborhood located in the southwestern edges of Jacksonville is the best place to live in terms of overall neighborhood livability. This is due to several factors, including the excellent public and private schools, high-income level, and affordable housing prices all coming together.
Chimney Lakes is situated between urban and rural lives, bordered by a natural wildlife preserve, state forest, and Ortega river. Less than a thirty-minute drive to the heart of Jacksonville, this small community is great for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
#2 – Deerwood
Nestled between major interstate highways that make commuting a breeze, Deerwood is an upscale community with many great amenities. Located on the southeast side of Jacksonville, this affluent district features resort-style complexes and housing accommodations that reflect the neighborhood’s prestige.
Dotted with lakes and ponds, Deerwood is a great place to raise a family as there are many youth-friendly activities for them to enjoy. Families will especially love Fort Family Park, a bright and beautiful park inside the community itself.
Only a 20-minute drive to downtown Jacksonville and many scenic points along St Johns River, Deerwood can be surprisingly affordable given that Jacksonville’s cost of living is so favorable, and it’s the perfect place to settle down and become a part of one of Jacksonville’s most desirable neighborhoods.
#3 – Riverside
If you are interested in trendy gastropubs, vintage boutiques, and tree-lined waterfront walking paths, then Riverside is the neighborhood to be.
Located on the southwest end of Jacksonville’s city center, this is one of the town’s top five most visited neighborhoods. Riverside is home to many Jacksonville tourist attractions like the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Memorial Park, and Riverside Arts Market.
Additionally, this neighborhood includes the eclectic enclave of Five Points – a bohemian paradise full of art, music, and nightlife.
Riverside is for you if you want to be in a trendy neighborhood close to public transportation, river walks, and top-rated schools.
#4 – Baymeadows
Slightly further inland from Deerwood is Baymeadows. This safe neighborhood offers residents a peaceful suburban life that is secluded from the noise of city life.
Home to over 12,000 residents, Baymeadows offers plenty of room to breathe while still being only minutes away from major highways and businesses.
Located on the southeast side of Jacksonville, this neighborhood features many single-family homes with spacious backyards and access to top-rated schools. Conveniently situated next to malls, shopping centers, and eateries, Baymeadows is a great place to call home.
Those who live here enjoy the benefits of living in a safe neighborhood while still being close to the amenities and entertainment that Jacksonville has to offer. The many parks and waterways provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and family gatherings.
#5 – Murray Hill
In recent years, the sleepy hollow of Murray Hill has seen a boom in new businesses, restaurants, and culture. With new developments and nightlife on the rise, this once quiet neighborhood has gotten a face-lift and is now one of Jacksonville’s most sought-after districts.
Located next to the well-known Riverside Arts District, Murray Hill offers residents a hip and trendy neighborhood on the north side of Jacksonville. With a low crime rate, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to top schools, Murray Hill is a great place to raise a family.
If you are looking for a thriving night scene as well as easy access to some of Jacksonville’s best museums and works of art, then Murray Hill is the neighborhood for you.
With easy access to St Johns River or Jacksonville’s famous beaches, this city-centered historic neighborhood is also conveniently located to many of Jacksonville’s public transit systems, making it ideal for busy professionals who don’t have a car.
Cheap Places to Live in Jacksonville
#1 – Beach Haven
Aptly named for its proximity to Jacksonville’s most prominent beach, Beach Haven offers residents an affordable way to get a coastal-adjacent living without the high prices.
Situated on the east side of Jacksonville, Beach Haven is a safe, family-friendly neighborhood within a 20-minute drive to downtown Jacksonville and 15 minutes from popular coastal attractions such as Neptune, Atlantic, and Jacksonville beach.
Families seeking excellent schools in the area can enroll their children in one of the best elementary schools in Jacksonville: Chets Creek Elementary.
Median monthly rents are well below the averages for other major cities in the USA, with many 1 and 2 bedroom rentals available for as low as $1100 per month.
Families or retirees looking to make Beach Haven their permanent residence will also find that median home prices are pretty affordable, with many houses available for under $200,000.
#2 – Grand Park
Grand Park is an excellent choice for retirees on a budget or those looking to purchase affordable housing for incredibly low rates.
This northwestern neighborhood is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Jacksonville’s many attractions and about a half-hour from the beach.
Most property in Grand Park can be purchased under $150,000, and rents are often under $1000 per month.
Many Grand Park residents work in downtown Jacksonville or at the nearby University of North Florida, providing an excellent middle ground between the city’s attractions and a quiet neighborhood.
Grand Park is also close to what many consider to be Jacksonville’s number one high school, Stanton College Preparatory, for families looking for excellent school options.
#3 – North Beach
Those seeking affordable beach adjacent properties and rent should consider the neighborhood of North Beach. For the outdoor enthusiast that loves swimming, surfing, mountain biking, and boating, North Beach is an excellent location for relocation, offering all of these outdoor activities within a 10-minute drive.
Located on the eastern side of Jacksonville Beach, North Beach contains safe neighborhoods within its secure, family-friendly suburban borders. Many property managers offer affordable housing for those with limited budgets or retirees on a fixed income.
With median home prices under $200,000 and rent as low as $975 per month for a two-bedroom unit, North Beach is an excellent choice for relocation properties that won’t break the bank.
#4 – San Jose
Riverfront living and affordable housing merge in the neighborhood of San Jose. Tucked up against the eastern edges of the St. Johns River, this downtown-adjacent neighborhood offers affordable housing and living for any looking to be close to the city’s cultural attractions.
San Jose was already a thriving community before being annexed by the city of Jacksonville. San Jose’s central location allows residents to access the city’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment options within minutes while still feeling secluded enough in the neighborhood to relax after work.
With rental units available for as low as $800 per month and properties available for purchase under $150K, this neighborhood is the perfect location for families, retirees, or first-time homebuyers looking to live in an affordable urban location.
#5 – Secret Cove
Young professionals and families seeking a cheap place to live in Jacksonville that is still close to the many employment opportunities downtown, will find that Secret Cove’s diverse housing options offer all of the desired amenities and space for a reasonable price.
Approximately a ten-minute drive from downtown and a 20-minute drive to Jacksonville’s beautiful coastline, Secret Cove is the perfect location for those looking for reasonably priced rents and properties within the city limits.
The most significant benefit of living in Secret Cove is that you do not have to walk far to access a variety of dining, entertainment, or shopping options, but you also don’t have to deal with the noise and congestion of living directly downtown.
Bordered by some of Jacksonville’s most peaceful suburbs to the southeast, Secret Cove offers all its residents the safety and security of a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood while still providing all the conveniences of living within a city.
