Areas and Suburbs in Jacksonville

The best places to live in Jacksonville

One of the hardest parts of relocating to a new city is finding a neighbourhood where you and your family will feel at home. The right neighbourhood in Jacksonville comes down to your lifestyle, your budget, how close you want to be to work, and your day-to-day priorities.

Young professionals and those with a sizeable income tend to live close to downtown Jacksonville, where they can access the best amenities. New arrivals with families or retirees moving to Florida for the slower pace of life may prefer to find a home in the suburbs.

Here is a rundown of what the best neighbourhoods in Jacksonville are like.

City living in Jacksonville

San Marco

Tree-lined San Marco, just south of the city centre, is a historic district of Jacksonville that dates back to the 1920s. Residents get a short, walkable commute downtown and plenty of lively entertainment nearby. Eclectic boutiques and a distinctive arts scene are also major draws for the area.

Accommodation here is mainly apartments and condos, none of which are particularly cheap. It’s also possible for new arrivals to find historic homes in San Marco. A lot of single professionals and creative types call San Marco home.

Riverside and Avondale

People drawn to historic Riverside and Avondale tend to want character and walkability within easy reach of the river. Most of the dining and nightlife is around the Five Points district, and you will spot quirky thrift shops on nearly every corner, so there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Most residents are younger people with disposable income who want to make the most of the local amenities and attractions. While luxury waterfront homes and upscale apartment buildings are the norm here, these neighbourhoods still have a strong sense of community and urban charm. Anyone after the same walkable feel for less often looks to nearby Murray Hill, an up-and-coming alternative.

Working in Jacksonville

Arlington

Arlington, on Jacksonville’s east side, is adjacent to the beautiful wetlands and forests of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Despite being close to downtown Jacksonville, Arlington is still distinctly suburban.

The historic district has more going on than you might expect. You will find a solid dining and bar scene, plus a fair amount of evening entertainment. Its residents are mostly young couples and families, along with people drawn to the outdoors.

Lifestyle in Jacksonville

Suburban life in Jacksonville

Westside and Orange Park

Around a 25-minute drive from downtown Jacksonville are the family-friendly suburbs of Westside and Orange Park. Families are usually drawn to the good public and private schools and the parks dotted throughout the area. It is also popular with retirees, who come for the leisurely, laid-back pace of daily life.

You will see everything here from waterfront mansions to modest wooden-framed homes, with plenty of Tudor-style family houses in between. Bear in mind, though, that property does not come cheap, thanks to the prime riverside spots and water views.

Accommodation in Jacksonville

Springfield

Springfield is one of Jacksonville’s most attractive suburbs. Much of its housing was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The period architecture and the well-kept, walkable streets are the main draws. Springfield also has several good public schools, so it is another popular choice for families.

Nocatee

Nocatee is a planned community on the Jacksonville coastline, and it is one of the fastest-growing communities of its kind in Florida. It is home to a diverse demographic, from young couples and families to retirees. Within Nocatee, there are numerous neighbourhoods, each of which has its own distinct feel and style. From luxury condos to humble first-time buyer homes, Nocatee has accommodation options galore, and it is still expanding.

Jacksonville Beach

If your main reason for moving to Florida is beach life, the beachfront suburbs of Jacksonville are an ideal place to settle. Properties here range from beachside cottages to luxury condos. Modern townhouses are common in the mid-market range.

Whichever option you have in mind, one thing is certain: expect to pay top dollar for the privilege of an ocean view. Beachfront property is highly desirable, and prices are among the highest in Jacksonville. Beyond the beaches themselves, residents will have plenty of amenities close by, from restaurants and bars to parks and community events. The demographic makeup of these areas is fairly mixed, from young professionals to retirees.

Schools in Jacksonville
Transport and Driving in Jacksonville