Locals are accustomed to an eclectic mix of cultures, changing geography and a rich history in Jacksonville. Perched along the Atlantic Coast, it's the 11th-largest city by population and the largest by area in the contiguous U.S. -- encompassing almost all of Duval County.
Jacksonville goes by many names, including the Bold New City of the South, a title that dates from its consolidation in the 1960s. Residents also refer to it as the First Coast or the River City, after the slow-moving St. Johns River that meanders through the center. The city sits in an area that was once home to Florida's indigenous population. After European settlers arrived, a devastating fire in 1901 destroyed a large portion of downtown and the surrounding area. After the tragedy, the city underwent a major rebuilding effort that transformed the region.
In recent years, the city of almost 1 million people has experienced a significant increase in its population, ranking fourth-fastest for growth among large cities, the U.S. Census Bureau said in 2024. Its growth has captured the attention of housing developers and commercial investors, with more expansions planned around the city center, particularly the repurposing of old shipyards into developments with hotels, homes and offices. The downtown area is also slated for new parks, including Riverside Plaza.
The Intracoastal Waterway separates the beach communities from the rest of the city and supports a robust port and longstanding naval military presence. "There's a strong military background in the city, so it's very supportive for military families," says Brian Johnson, a longtime Jacksonville resident and a Realtor with United Real Estate Gallery. CSX, one of the nation's leading rail companies, has its headquarters in Downtown/Riverfront , and the area has a large network of hospitals, including Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic.
Jacksonville is the birthplace of the Johnson brothers, the writers of the National Black Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice, and Sing," and home to several landmarks across the city along the Black Heritage Trail. The city is home to many houses of worship, with some of the most historic inside the Cathedral District. In addition, the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods showcase architectural masterpieces from the 20th century.
Today, Jacksonville remains resilient and diverse. "Our downtown area is relatively small, but the rest of the city is quite large. So, you'll encounter a mix of different lifestyles here," explains Carletha Brinson, a Jacksonville native and local business owner. The city offers lower housing prices than nearby areas like Fernandina Beach and St. Johns County.
The Jacksonville Riverfront offers breathtaking views of the cityscape.
The Mayo Clinic is one of the largest employers in Jacksonville.
The Timucuan Preserve in Jacksonville comprises 46,000 acres of wetlands and waterways.
St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville is a historic landmark with Gothic architecture.
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Jax has outdoor recreation on the water or land
Jacksonville contains a number of residential developments that were built with green spaces in mind. These include pocket parks from streetcar suburbs to 21st-century subdivisions with shared recreational spaces. Over 80,000 acres of parks and preserves weave throughout the area. The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens in the Regency neighborhood, and the wooded coastal lands of Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park at North Beach , offer verdant natural spaces. In addition to numerous hiking trails, the city has pedestrian routes connecting different communities, like the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail.
The Bold City's many rivers and channels invite locals to water activities like fishing, crabbing and boating. Over 22 miles of beachfront stretches across the eastern side of Jacksonville, where locals sunbathe and fish from the shore while private boats cut through the current in the distance. The brackish waters that jut off the Intracoastal and St. Johns River are common locations for boaters on lazy weekends. But industrial development and pollution threaten these areas.
Development encroaches on already reduced wetlands and industrial pollution spills into the river's tributaries. Local advocacy groups, like the St. Johns Riverkeeper, work to protect these waters. A 2023 Riverkeeper report tracked a drop in some pollutants, which they attributed to advocacy and city regulations. However, bacteria and heavy metals are still a cause for concern.
Hanna Park in Jacksonville offers trails, beaches, and outdoor fun for all ages.
The Jacksonville Arboretum hosts an annual holiday light display each winter season.
Jacksonville boasts miles of beautiful sandy beaches for residents to enjoy.
Fishing on the St. Johns River is one of the most popular pastimes in Jacksonville.
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Celebrating football, arts and culture
The NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars reign supreme from their home at Everbank Stadium. In addition to hosting a crowd adorned in teal and black on game days, others venture to the downtown space for concerts and monster truck shows. But Jacksonville's football traditions expand beyond the Jaguars. Since 1993, the Bold City has been center stage for the long-standing collegiate football rivalry between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia. Generally taking place in late October or early November, the Florida–Georgia football rivalry has been a high-energy affair where fans gather from across the region. A more locally known event, the Northwest Classic, has existed for over 50 years and was sparked by a long-standing athletic feud between the public William M. Raines and Jean Ribault high schools. Both schools stand less than a mile apart but draw crowds of locals and alums for neighborhood parties, tailgating and parades in and around the Ribault community.
A collection of art districts and museums sit within a few miles of the city center. Vendors and shoppers will head to the River Side Arts Market underneath the shade of the Fuller Warren Bridge. Afterward, visitors may walk over to the Cummer Arts Museum, located a block away. The building displays a private collection of curated pieces, rotating immersive exhibits and outdoor gardens overlooking the river. While gazing out into the water, some may get a chance to see a bottlenose dolphin in the distance. The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District, located in Springfield , is forming into one of the city's newest creative hubs. The once industrial zone will transform into a mixed-use community of galleries, studios and apartments and will soon welcome the Jacksonville Florida School for the Arts.
Jacksonville represents a diverse array of cultures annually showcased at the World of Nations Celebration. The festival openly invites locals to explore the traditions and cuisines of those who make up the Bold City. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens houses over 2,000 animals and 1,000 species of plants from across the world. The zoo provides conservation education programs for locals and students in addition to a dazzling lights display in the wintertime.
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center hosts events like Collective Con and Wasabi Con. Music enthusiasts flock to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival downtown or head east to the Springing the Blues festival by the beach.
EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is a top venue for football, concerts, and events.
The Riverside Ars Market is the perfect opportunity to shop from local vendors.
Spend the day with your family discovering all of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
Many of Jacksonville's most popular events take place at the Osborn Convention Center.
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A market that supports a growing city
Jacksonville offers a range of housing options that cater to many different lifestyles. "Residents can raise a family in a classic Americana community or settle in one of the newer subdivisions pushed further out from the older city limits. There are also a lot of farmlands in Jacksonville where people can have a small homestead with animals," Brinson says. Homes built from the early 1900s to 1960s are concentrated near the center. Midcentury modern homes and other styles from the 20th-century can be found within 10 miles of downtown, while planned developments with private amenities are found along the city's edges.
"Jacksonville has a very active market," says Sam Webber, a broker with Farrell International Realty who sells in the region. "We always have an influx of people coming in and leaving. So, we have a really good turnover. Our average time on the market is 40 days, so we're selling quicker than the national average." Webber says new residential spaces include eTown and suburbs on the west side from the construction company, KB Home.
Homebuyers can expect a median sale price range of approximately $310,000 in Jacksonville, which is lower than the national median of $420,000. About 11% of all residential properties closed over the listing price. During the last five years, these properties have seen almost a 44% increase in median sales pricing. "Housing prices are more affordable when compared to other metro areas," Webber says. "You can't go to D.C., New York or San Diego and touch a new house for $250,000. But here, you can." Homeowners can benefit from housing assistance initiatives, such as the Eviction Diversion program and the Homeowners Assistance Fund from the Foreclosure Registry.
Jacksonville hosts several riverfront communities and residential areas near wetlands. These city sections are prone to flooding during certain weather conditions, such as hurricanes. Some of the most affected neighborhoods include San Marco and homes in and around downtown.
Jacksonville offers a variety of newly built townhomes and condos around its downtown area.
Riverfront homes are common in several neighborhoods across Jacksonville.
Jacksonville offers expansive farmlands and ranches for those seeking a rural lifestyle.
New single-family home developments are a common sight throughout Jacksonville.
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A sprawling city with many shopping havens
Jacksonville has a number of shopping destinations to support the eclectic retail needs of a large city. Some of the most popular shopping havens are the walkable historic districts of Avondale or Riverside and 5 Points. Here, shoppers are transported in time to old Florida neighborhoods lined with boutiques and specialty stores. For broader retail needs, locals head to the outdoor shopping destinations of St. Johns Town Center, Avenues Mall or River City Marketplace in Pecan Park .
Open-air marketplaces are available on weekends, such as Jacksonville Farmers Market, which has daily vendors, or Pecan Park Flea Market. Jacksonville cuisine leans heavily toward the treasures from the local rivers and waterways. Hungry residents dine on wild-caught shrimp from the historic local village of Mayport or order garlic-style crabs from a neighborhood seafood spot.
The Avenues is one of the largest shopping malls in Jacksonville.
Colorful and fresh summer produce can be found at the Jacksonville Farmers Market.
The St. Johns Town Center is located a short distance from Deerwood.
River City Marketplace in Jacksonville features shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
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Scholars attend UNF, JU and EWU
Most students in Jacksonville attend Duval County School District, which receives a B grade from Niche. The district has more than 200 schools that support over 128,000 students. Parents may also choose from several private options, such as Bolles School, considered the top-rated private academy in the city, according to Niche.
Two major universities and a local college sit right within the city. The private Jacksonville University, founded in 1932, ranks No. 26 in Best Value Schools for Southern regional universities on U.S. News and World Report. The public University of North Florida was founded in 1972. The Florida State College of Jacksonville offers bachelor's and graduate programs with multiple campuses around the city. Other institutions include Edward Waters University, a historically Black college in the College Gardens/Mid-West community.
Jacksonville University is a private college offering diverse programs in a scenic setting.
Edward Waters University was founded in 1866 in College Park.
Florida State College in Jacksonville offers diverse academic programs and career training.
The Bolles School Middle offers a strong academic foundation and enriching activities.
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Getting around car-dependent Jacksonville
The sprawling metropolitan area requires most residents to have their own vehicles. "Jacksonville is spread out, so you have to be aware of which side of town you're living on and the traffic. That can be a big deterrent for buyers," Johnson says. "The southside has lots of traffic, but on the northside, it's not too bad." Commuters can travel along Interstate 295, which circles the city, or take Interstate 95, stretching along the eastern coast. The Jacksonville Transit Authority bus routes provide limited access around the city and to the beach communities. Those who own waterfront properties can take a private boat to a riverside restaurant along the St. Johns and Intracoastal Waterway. Others can commute via the Jacksonville River Taxi around downtown or the St. Johns River Ferry, carrying passengers from the military hub of Mayport to the historic Fort George Island. For vacations and out-of-town travel, the Jacksonville International Airport provides non-stop flights to over 30 major cities with over 100 arrivals and departures daily. Travelers may also board the Amtrak train at the station located on the north side of the city.
Crime and weather trends in Jacksonville
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in 2020, Jacksonville's property crime rate was slightly higher than the state average, and the violent crime rate was nearly double. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported an almost 53% decrease in homicides between 2020 and 2024. The Sheriff says the historically low numbers result from increased patrols and investments in safety technology. Violent crimes are often concentrated on the west side, northwest of downtown and near the airport. However, property crime is a reality throughout Jacksonville. Around 50% of all reported incidents in the city are property crimes.
Jacksonville has its fair share of tropical weather. Some of the most devastating storms in recent history are Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Storm systems bring damaging winds, torrential rain and flooding. As a result, some major home insurers have stopped writing policies in the state. The local government recently created the Resilient Jacksonville Strategy, which aims to address climate change, flooding and wildfire risk, in addition to future development. The city-wide plan uses scientific research to identify specific community needs.
As a RE/MAX® agent, Rachael is dedicated to helping her clients find the home of their dreams. Whether you are buying or selling a home or just curious about the local market, she would love to offer her support and services. She knows the local community — both as an agent and a neighbor — and can help guide you through the nuances of their local market. With access to top listings, a worldwide network, exceptional marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology, she works hard to make your real estate experience memorable and enjoyable.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
