Jacksonville is a natural water paradise with more than 22 miles of beaches and more than 3 miles of riverfront public spaces in the city center. 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 vast geography may precede it, but this city blessed with its beaches is much more than meets the eye. As charming as the sun is, moving to the state's most populous city may seem a little overwhelming.
How are you supposed to figure out 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 are homeowners. And while it's one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the state, you can find three bedrooms and a patio within walking distance of 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. Modeled after the Venetian town of the same name, San Marco exudes Italian charm. Let yourself be carried away by culture by visiting one of the art boutiques or the 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 be entertained 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, including Florida State College in Jacksonville, the University of North Florida, St.
Johns River State College, Jacksonville University and First Coast Technical College. Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the country, with more than 80,000 acres of green space and dozens of outdoor activities. Home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, Jacksonville has a variety of museums, theaters, galleries, and parks that both locals and visitors enjoy. The zoo features elephants, lions and jaguars, with an exhibition, Range of the Jaguar, organized by former owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Delores and Wayne Weaver.
Whether you're an experienced sailor or simply curious about the world of sailing, Jacksonville Harbor is definitely worth a visit. Along with the nearby Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, Jacksonville is the third largest naval complex in the country. Amtrak, the national passenger train system, offers daily service from Jacksonville Amtrak Station on Clifford Lane, in the northwestern section of the city. Jacksonville has the largest Albanian-American community in Florida, with 3,812 Albanians living in it, or 24.93% of all Albanian Americans in Florida.
From the historic streets of Riverside and Avondale to the beach atmosphere of Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, there's a neighborhood for every type of person in Jacksonville. With a growing economy and a thriving labor market, it's no surprise that young professionals are flocking to Jacksonville. The Florida Theater, which also opened its doors in 1927, is located in downtown Jacksonville and is one of the four remaining grand movie palaces that were built in Florida during the architectural boom of the Mediterranean Renaissance of the 1920s. From the Jacksonville Jazz Festival to the Florida Theater and the annual Gate River Run, there's never a dull moment.
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. It's fascinating to see how a tumultuous time in history brought about positive changes for Jacksonville and its inhabitants. It takes place over the three-day Memorial Day weekend and includes the Jacksonville jazz piano competition. You often hear the term “expansion” associated with Jacksonville because of how the metropolis spans so many square miles.
However, the cities of Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach each retained responsibility for their own policing and fire protection.
