People are generally nice, most areas are safe, property values are low. But we don't have four seasons. So you're thinking about moving to Jacksonville, Florida, aren't you? Whether you're moving for a job or looking for a better climate, you're probably wondering what to expect from living in Jacksonville, Florida. Its reputation for its hot summers, picturesque coastline and extensive geography may precede it, but this city blessed with its beaches is much more than it seems.
As charming as that sun is, moving to the state's most populated city can sound a little daunting. How are you supposed to know the places to go to for dinner, what you want to do for fun, what beach to visit on the weekend, how long your trip will take on Monday, and what are the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville? Luckily, we've done some of the basics for you by breaking down the 15 most important things you should know about life in Jacksonville. When it comes to buying real estate in Jacksonville, if you're moving from another major city, you're likely to be pleasantly surprised by the affordability. The cost of housing is 10 percent below the state and national average, and as a result, more than half of residents own housing.
And while it's one of the state's busiest metropolitan areas, you can find three bedrooms and a patio a short distance from the beach. Jacksonville is home to 22 glorious miles of sandy beach, so there are plenty of opportunities to bask in the sun and enjoy the salty breeze. PADDLE to the poles for adrenaline-pumping surf, stroll along Jacksonville Beach's nearly 400-meter-long fishing pier, or bask in the salty air while dining at waterside cafés. This suburban stretch is perfect for beach lovers who want to relax reading all day long during the summer and enjoy an epic sunset at night: just one of the wonderful things about living in Jacksonville, Florida.
Just north of Neptune Beach, visitors from near and far flock to this shoreline to bike, surf, swim, and simply bask in the sun. Get away from all the tourist bustle on this idyllic barrier island, where explorers can watch birds, sunbathe on the white-sand beach, marvel at the floating wood sculptures of Boneyard Beach, go hiking, and even camp overnight. What's the best part of Jacksonville to live in? If you're moving to Jacksonville, Florida, and you're looking to get a quick look at some of the best areas to settle in, be sure to visit Orange Park, San Marco, and Southside. Following the model of the Venetian town of the same name, San Marco it oozes Italian charm.
Soak up the culture by visiting one of the art boutiques or charming bistros. And don't forget to take a picture with the iconic Three Lions fountain. Head to this residential area to settle in as a first home and take advantage of the good schools nearby. The most recent developments have brought plenty of entertainment and dining options, not to mention two shopping malls. Of course, with more than 500 neighborhoods to consider, those moving to Jacksonville, Florida, have more than enough options.
Read more in our guide to the 10 best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida. If you don't like snow, you'll be happy to know that Jacksonville hasn't snowed since 1989 and that summer temperatures are usually around 90 degrees. Looking for something to do on the weekend? From going from beach to beach and contemplating works of art to attending a show or buying local products, head to these places to entertain yourself and fall in love with the city along the way. If you're looking for higher education opportunities, you'll have plenty of options at Jax.
It is home to several state and private four-year universities and community colleges, such as Florida State College in Jacksonville, the University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Jacksonville University and First Coast Technical College. Jacksonville offers an extraordinary mix of coastal charm, a thriving culture and a strong sense of community in its many neighborhoods. From its stunning beaches to its diverse neighborhoods, this city embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and offers a welcoming haven for residents and visitors alike.
However, like any city, Jacksonville has its drawbacks, such as periodic flooding and plagues, to name a few. So if you're thinking about moving to Jacksonville and are looking for insider information, we have what you need. This Redfin article will look at ten pros and cons, so you can decide if Jacksonville, FL is a good place to live. So, whether you're looking for apartments in Jacksonville, FL, or homes for sale, keep reading to find out if this city is right for you.
With years of experience as a real estate agent in the Jacksonville metropolitan area, Rush Lockhart has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the local market. The Jacksonville Blues Festival and Jazz Festival attract large crowds of music lovers and artists from around the world. In addition, the lack of pedestrian accessibility and limited access to services in some areas further aggravate the negative impacts of urban expansion, hampering Jacksonville's overall habitability and sustainability as a place to reside. In fact, Jacksonville has more coastline than any other city in Florida, including coastal waters, the Intracoastal Waterway and St.
There's no shortage of waterfront views in Orange Park, a family-friendly neighborhood in Jacksonville that borders St. Rush Lockhart is one of Redfin's leading real estate agents, serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Jacksonville area, he is one of Redfin's leading real estate agents with the latest market knowledge and local experience. If we look specifically at housing expenses, Jacksonville is nice and low, at 78, and prices are more affordable than average, whether you rent or buy. From the bustling shorelines of Jacksonville Beach to the serene sands of Neptune Beach and Amelia Island, residents have plenty of options when it comes to sun, surf and sand. About 43 percent of city residents choose to rent apartments in Jacksonville, so inventory is available for newcomers looking to rent.
You can also spend the day listening to the Jacksonville Symphony, famous for its incredible performances. In the News & World Report ranking of the best schools in the country, Jacksonville is home to several of the state's top public institutions. Five Jacksonville high schools ranked among the top 50 public high schools in Florida. If you're moving to Jacksonville, Florida, looking for a new job, then you know that opportunities are plentiful, as the labor market has grown dramatically over the past decade.