Are you considering a Move to Jacksonville? Here's What You Need to Know!

Whether you're eyeing Jacksonville for a career change or simply seeking sunnier skies, living in this Florida gem offers more than meets the eye. While its reputation for hot summers and beautiful beaches may precede it, Jacksonville boasts a wealth of diverse experiences and opportunities. Let's take a closer look:

Living in Jacksonville at a Glance

• Geographic Location: Nestled in the northeastern corner of Florida, just under an hour's drive from Georgia and 350 miles up the coast from Miami.
• Size: Sprawling across 841 square miles, Jacksonville stands as the largest city in the U.S.
• Population: With approximately 971,319 residents and counting, Jacksonville ranks as the 11th largest city in the United States and the most populous in Florida.
• Demographics: The median age in Jacksonville is 36.2, with around 14% of the population falling into the 65+ age group.

PROS

1. Beaches and Outdoor Activities

Embarking on our exploration of the pros and cons of relocating to Jacksonville, we begin with a factor that often seals the deal for many: The Beaches and the Weather!

Jacksonville is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, with over 20 miles of coastline to explore. From the popular Jacksonville Beach to the quiet and peaceful Atlantic Beach, there's a beach for everyone. Additionally, Jacksonville has over 80,000 acres of parkland, which includes hiking trails, biking trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

 

2. Year-Round Sunshine

Undoubtedly, one of the prime attractions of residing in Jacksonville is the abundant sunshine that graces the city year-round. Reveling in an impressive average of 225 days of sunshine annually, coupled with a steady temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, Jacksonville emerges as an irresistible destination, particularly for those averse to inclement weather. With such consistently pleasant conditions, the decision to make Jacksonville home becomes an unmistakable choice for those seeking a perpetual retreat from unfavorable weather patterns.

3. Growing Job Market

Jacksonville has a rapidly growing job market, with major employers in industries like healthcare, finance, logistics, and military. Some of the biggest employers in Jax include the Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, the University of North Florida, and the Naval Air Station Jacksonville. With a diverse range of job opportunities, Jacksonville is an excellent place to advance your career. With an unemployment rate of 3.1%, Jacksonville’s job market is stronger than the national average.

4. Top Schools: St. Johns County School District

Without a doubt, the St. Johns County School District is one of the best school districts in all of Florida. This public school district is home to three of the best public high schools in all of the United States. These schools were granted this prestigious title by the Newsweek Magazine in 2008.

The district also features three schools that received medals from the Best High Schools rankings list from U.S. News. These schools are Ponte Vedra High School (gold), Creekside High School (gold), and Allen D Nease Senior High School (silver). Ninety-one percent of the students in Ponte Vedra High School are proficient at mathematics, and 87% of the students are proficient at reading. 

4. Sports and Entertainment

Jacksonville is home to multiple professional sports teams, including the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and the minor league baseball team, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The city also hosts a range of cultural and entertainment events throughout the year, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the Jacksonville Film Festival, and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

 

5. The low cost of living in Jacksonville

Let’s face it, these days there are very few affordable housing markets in desirable cities. Fortunately, Jacksonville boasts a median home price of just $293,597, which is lower than the national average.

The relatively low cost of living in Jacksonville makes it a particularly enticing landing spot for young families and others looking to save a buck. But that’s not all.

The State of Florida has a 0% state income tax, which can save the average taxpayer thousands on their tax bill. These benefits can save those who move to Jacksonville a large chunk of change.

In the long run, these incentives make moving Jacksonville a very attractive option, which is why so many folks end up here.

6. Jacksonville, Florida: A Culinary Hub You Didn't See Coming 

We put this one right on the cusp of a PRO & a CON, and here's why: While the food scene has come a LONG WAY, it still has a ways to go in comparison to other big cities with vibrant and diverse food scenes. The 904 has started to evolve into a thriving epicenter of Southern, international, urban, and high-class cuisine. Over the past few years, Jacksonville's food landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, merging diverse culinary influences into a tapestry that caters to every foodie's discerning palate. Start your food journey - 50 Things to Eat in Jacksonville

 

CONS

1. You’ll Need a Car to Get Around

With Jacksonville being the largest city in the country per square miles, trying to navigate this city without a car is nearly impossible. While Jacksonville does have some public transit, it is far and few between. A bus network serves the city, and the Jacksonville Skyway, a free monorail system, extends a only 2.5 miles—a modest offering in the grand scheme of the city's expanse. A typical household here has two cars, and the standard commute time hovers around 25 minutes, though this can fluctuate based on traffic conditions and proximity to downtown.

2. Traffic can be a nightmare

Jacksonville's extensive suburban layout presents a significant challenge in the form of traffic, impacting a majority of its residents. The INRIX 2022 traffic scorecard ranks Jacksonville as having the 45th worst traffic in the U.S. The city's considerable growth has contributed to this issue, exacerbated by ongoing construction and roadwork projects. These delays have turned daily activities such as commuting to work, running errands, or meeting friends into frustrating experiences. Compounded by the fact that Jacksonville's public transportation system is not as extensive as in other major cities, the result is a higher volume of cars on the road, further intensifying the traffic challenges residents face.

 

3. Crime is Still High

Despite a recent decline in crime rates, the city of Jacksonville continues to grapple with a higher crime rate than the national average. As per NeighborhoodScout.com, the city's crime rate surpasses that of 71% of all other cities in the United States.

Persistent issues with property crime persist in some various Jacksonville neighborhoods. Although there are indications of improvement with lower crime rates, ongoing efforts by local organizations to address challenges like homelessness contribute positively to ameliorating these concerning statistics. With that being said, there are numerous area's in Jacksonville that are considered very safe and desirable.

4. Extreme Weather Conditions

Daily life in Jacksonville comes with the acceptance of extreme weather conditions, a consequence of Florida's notorious heat and humidity that make the state susceptible to hurricanes. Amidst this challenging scenario, there is a silver lining—Jacksonville stands as a less likely target for a direct hit from hurricanes compared to other cities in Florida.

While the city has been fortunate to avoid a major hurricane impacts for several decades, in recent years Jacksonville has been hit by two major hurricanes. The possibility remains a constant. Hurricane season spans from May to November, during which storms bring the potential for power outages, property damage, flooding, and various other challenges.

Although efforts to enhance infrastructure for hurricane resilience are underway, the prospect of such natural events is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating a move to Jacksonville, especially for those intending to invest in property. Evaluating the hurricane-proof features of a home becomes a prudent step in navigating the unique weather dynamics of this vibrant city.

 

5. Battling the Wildlife & Buggy Realities of Jacksonville's Summers

The scorching heat and humidity that characterize Jacksonville's summer months bring along an unwelcome entourage—Florida's array of pests, including roaches, flying insects, and mosquitos, among others. While deploying citronella candles, eco-friendly pesticides, and fortifying your home can offer some relief, so it's crucial to be prepared.

You may prepare yourself for the occasional presence of larger wildlife like snakes and alligators, which are integral parts of the local landscape. While most snakes are harmless, serving as beneficial pest controllers—keeping rats and other pests at bay—spotting an alligator is a rarer occurrence. Even when encountered, these creatures are usually small and tend to keep to themselves. However, awareness is key. With time, you might find yourself mastering the art of cohabitating harmoniously with these distinctive Floridian animals.

6. The Heat & Humidity

While the weather is warm year-round, during the summer months, the heat and humidity in Jacksonville can become oppressive. Even if you have central A/C, you might be surprised to see just how much your comfort is costing you in the form of costly electricity bills.

With climate change making weather more unpredictable, expect that extreme temperatures in Jacksonville will continue, if not get worse. Indeed, this is definitely one of the biggest challenges of living in Jacksonville, Florida.

In summary, notwithstanding these challenges, Jacksonville and Northeast Florida have earned acclaim as one of the top places to live in America and have emerged as highly sought-after destinations for those considering a move.

Many things make North Florida an exceptional place to live:

• No income tax and low sales tax
• 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler and fewer hurricanes than South Florida
• Southern USA culture of courtesy
• Life is at a slower pace outside the cities, with easy access to the conveniences of big city life
• Fewer tourists than Central or South Florida
• Lower cost of living and more affordable housing than the US average
• Variety of annual events, including Jacksonville WinterFEST, World of Nations Celebrations, the PLAYERS Championship, Gate River Run, The Great Atlantic Country Music Festival, Kingfish Tournament, and WasabiCon.

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