Firstly why Jacksonville, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Jacksonville
• State: Florida
• Population: 911,507 people
• Jacksonville’s quick summary would be The largest city by area in the contiguous U.S., known for its extensive park system and vibrant riverfront.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 30,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 25,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 12,000
• Number of Homeless people: 5,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major metropolitan area offers job opportunities and diversity appealing to various residents

Perk #1: Jacksonville Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 61%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $65,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Jacksonville is $65,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Jacksonville’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,355
• Property Tax %: 1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,350
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: San Marco
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Jacksonville, St-Augustine, Fleming-Island, Orange-Park, and probably could include Ponte-Vedra
• Avg. Age of Homes in Jacksonville: 46 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Jacksonville’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Jacksonville are  Healthcare, Finance, and Retail
• Jacksonville Job Scene: strong job market in military and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech ecosystem with growing sectors in fintech and healthcare , ,
• Jacksonville Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Jacksonville: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 24

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Jacksonville

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-95 and I-10 are major routes running through Jacksonville
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on the I-295
• Transportation Score: 35 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Jacksonville: 450,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 15 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Jacksonville: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 64 of 100
• Local Airport: Jacksonville International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Jacksonville’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Jacksonville is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and hot humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Jacksonville i’d describe as mild with rain
• Spring Weather in Jacksonville can be described as warm and rainy
• Summer’s in Jacksonville are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Jacksonville is usually warm and humid
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 70 days in summer
• Days in a row in Jacksonville below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 52 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urbanization
• Jacksonville Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by urban activities

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Jacksonville Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Jacksonville 11
• While the number of trade schools inside Jacksonvilles’s city limits are 10
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Jacksonville Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Jacksonville Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Jacksonville only Doctors is about 280
• Local Hospitals here is  9
• Full-time Jacksonville only Police Officers is about 1,800
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Jacksonville’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
• Jacksonville’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Jacksonville’s Water Quality Score: 72

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Jacksonville

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 15 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: large city with a mix of urban life and coastal access
• You might enjoy events at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Jacksonville  has a lively nightlife scene with trendy bars sports venues and live music events throughout the city

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Jacksonville

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a diverse range of seafood and southern cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 150 scattered around Jacksonville
• The Popular Sports Team is Jacksonville Jaguars
• Top Level Political Climate in Jacksonville can be described as politically diverse city with a mix of conservative and progressive views
• Jacksonville’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. John’s Cathedral

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Jacksonville Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Jacksonville has 70 Parks?
• Jacksonville Beach is Jacksonville’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Jacksonville Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 10am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, hiking, and kayaking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Jacksonville Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Jacksonville can be described as fast-paced city life with a vibrant arts and beach culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Jacksonville hiking local trails sports at parks community picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Jacksonville are St-Augustine 37 miles away Gainesville 70 miles away Orlando 141 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Jacksonville or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on the I-295. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Jacksonville’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If San Marco is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Jacksonville are St-Augustine 37 miles away Gainesville 70 miles away Orlando 141 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Jacksonville has 0 days in a row below freezing and 70 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Jacksonville people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   5,000 homeless people living in Jacksonville. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically diverse city with a mix of conservative and progressive views could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Jacksonville.

Retiree & Senior Life in Jacksonville

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for local property tax reductions based on income and age
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Atria Park of San Pablo
• Jacksonville Senior Center offers educational programs wellness workshops and recreational activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Jacksonville, Florida?

If Jacksonville, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Jacksonville, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!