The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, for Beachgoers, Young Professionals, City Lovers, and More

Thinking about starting the next chapter of your life in Jacksonville? With its low cost of living, year-round sunshine, and exploding job market, Florida’s “River City” is attracting more than its share of newcomers in search of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL.

Whether you’re into a condo on white-sand beaches with the roar of the surf in earshot, a comfortable single-family home in a kid-friendly subdivision, or an apartment off an urban main street stacked with shops and eateries, you’ll find it here in Jacksonville.

In fact, if you’re moving to Jacksonville, you’ll want to know that it’s the largest city in land area in the contiguous United States, so there are dozens of neighborhoods you can call home. Each offers its own style of charm, personality, and level of sophistication — along with its own set of urban- or suburban-, rural- or city-loving residents. But this is about you. What do you want in a home?

Before you start house-hunting, think about the types of activities and amenities that make the most sense for you and your family. How close to shopping and schools do you need to be? How long of a commute would you prefer? What type of home is your ideal setting? 

Now that you’ve got a good picture in your mind of what you’re looking for, you’re ready to start your research. But like we said, Jax is spread out. To help get you started, we’ve put together a selection of some of the best places to live in Jacksonville, FL.

Planning a move to Jacksonville? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

 

The best Jacksonville neighborhoods are located in various parts of the city — from the coast to downtown to south Jacksonville.
(Source: Google)

Q: Is moving to Jacksonville a good idea? A: Opportunities abound in Jacksonville, making moving here a great idea to consider. With companies like JPMorgan Chase present and the Naval Air Station close by, there are plenty of jobs to be found. If you’re in the hospitality industry, there’s something there for you, as well. The city’s average salary is $71,000 per year, not to mention the average cost of living is below the nation’s average. And whether you’re a young professional or a retiree, there’s also plenty to do. Art walks, a thriving restaurant scene, the ocean, and plenty of parks are what await you in this city. Sounds pretty great, huh?

Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

Whether your style is urban, beachy, or suburban, you can quickly find some great neighborhoods to check out when you’re looking for the best place to live in Jacksonville.  

Best Places To Live in Jacksonville, FL, If You Want Urban Living Close to Downtown Jacksonville

Love walking to dining and coffee shops and taking in the big city lights? These are the top Jacksonville neighborhoods to add to your list.

With its hip population and trendy bars and restaurants, Avondale is one of the best areas to live in Jacksonville, FL.
(Source: Laura Garcia, Realtor via Facebook)

1. Avondale

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $435,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, nightlife, outdoor activities

With its hip population and trendy bars and restaurants, Avondale is one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, and is known for its million-dollar colonial revival riverfront mansions and upscale apartment buildings. A housing revitalization boom is also evident in many sections, like Springfield, where getting down and dirty with a home renovation project and making the area vibrant, safe, and beautiful have gone mainstream.

Avondale is also filled with vintage flavor and character-rich local merchants (especially at the Shoppes of Historic Avondale) and residents. From up-and-coming bohemians to established families, Avondale may suit the upscale hipster who likes hitting up a craft brewery after their work is done for the day, heading to the farmer’s market for organic veggies on Saturday, or enjoying a nice dinner on The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar’s patio.

Q: What is the richest part of Jacksonville? A: While Avondale has home prices above the Jacksonville average, the highest home prices can be found in Ortega. According to FlyHomes, the median home price is just under $1.3 million, and the median rent is around $1,775.

Riverside is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, because of its lovely architecture and pedestrian-friendly layout.
(Source: Riverside Avondale Preservation via Facebook)

 

2. Riverside 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $379,700
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, weekend staycations, walkability

If wide tree-lined streets, large villa-style Mediterranean revival gems, and brownstones with 20th-century craftsman architecture are your jam, Riverside may be the best place to live in Jacksonville, FL, for you. The St. Johns River winds its way through this section of the city, filled with neighborhood boutiques and restaurants, coffee shops, farmers markets, and ice cream parlors. Walking is a way of life, and there’s no shortage of activities, like popping into The Cummer Museum to see the gardens, antiquing, and bicycling across one of River City’s many bridges. Need a day of relaxation? Get pampered in style at the Riverside Beauty Boutique.

3. San Marco 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
• Average home value: $482,500
• Great for: Families, retirees, evening strolls, art

Just south of downtown Jax, you’ll find another artsy abode, modeled after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. The Y-shaped shopping district is filled with the urban energy of mom-and-pop shops and trendy boutiques like Rosie True or The Snob. Stroll along San Marco’s quaint tree-lined streets, where you’ll also find many of Jacksonville’s historic homes. From fine dining and charming galleries to bookstores and bars, there’s something for every urbanite to love in this cobblestoned section of the city.

Best Places To Live in Jacksonville, FL, If You Want Florida-Style Living in East Jacksonville and The Beaches

If you love mid-century modern architecture and oak-lined streets, then Arlington is likely the best place to live in Jacksonville, FL, for you! 
(Source: JaxParks via Facebook)

4. Arlington

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $208,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, historic parks, hiking trails, shopping 

Nestled within the East Jacksonville neighborhoods, suburbia mixes with urban development, offering old-fashioned charm and Florida-style living. Bordering the southside with bridges connecting to the beaches, Arlington is one of Jacksonville’s oldest settled areas, with its roots dating back to Europeans who arrived in the 1500s. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find Fort Caroline National Memorial and Park, Tree Hill Nature Center, and the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens here — some of Jacksonville’s best things to do.

You’ll also find retirees, families with children, and young professionals in and about Arlington areas like Fort Caroline and Regency. There’s plenty of mid-century modern architecture amid quiet, oak-lined streets. And Arlington is best known for its Regency area business development, nearby restaurants, and shopping.  

Jacksonville Beach is more than a popular vacation destination — it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL.
(Source: Visit Jacksonville via Facebook)

5. The Beaches 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
• Average home value: $833,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, water sports, art walks, schools, nightlife

Looking for Jacksonville neighborhoods that allow you to feel the salty ocean spray and watch the dolphins swim? Then you should look “across the ditch,” as the locals say, at Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach — collectively known as “The Beaches.” Living the “salt life” can be sweet, and everyone from seniors in beachfront condos and second homes to families with young kids enjoys the outdoor life at the beach. And we’re not just talking vacation time; The Beaches rank among the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL.

Let’s take a look at the area’s beaches in this video:

Living along the Atlantic Ocean is a top priority for many of Jacksonville’s residents, who believe sand, surf, and riding your beach cruiser is a way of life. Naval Station Mayport is home to sailors and their families, with the adjacent Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park offering an ocean-front campground, miles of hiking and bike trails, and a premier fishing lake. 

Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach all boast an eclectic array of restaurants (like the literary-themed Poe’s Tavern), ice cream shops, coffee cafes, boutiques, and businesses of every ilk. The area also offers good schools, friendly people, nightlife, and lots of outdoor activities like year-round fishing, swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and biking. And retail therapy abounds: Residents shop local and support artisans at green markets and art walks. Local tip: The Beaches people don’t drive over the ditch (the Intracoastal Waterway) unless they have to.

Q: What are the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville, Florida? A: The biggest pro of living in Jacksonville is easy access to big-city living with a small-town feeling. Also, if you’re trying to find the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, you won’t have to pick from a short list. There are plenty of Jacksonville neighborhoods to choose from and plenty of things to do in each one. Whether you have a family or you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife (or both!), Jacksonville has something to offer everyone. You’re also close to the Atlantic coast, meaning unlimited chances for sunrise vistas and photo ops. No city is without its cons, though. If you’re used to living in a walkable city, you’re in for a big change. You’ll need a car to travel most places, and traffic can be hectic (especially during the morning and afternoon rushes).

Ready to embrace the beach life on a daily basis? Explore the best areas to live in Jacksonville, FL!
(Source: Visit Jacksonville via Facebook)

 

Best Places To Live in Jacksonville, FL, If You Want Family-Friendly Neighborhoods and Suburbs

If you’re looking for more residential and family-oriented surroundings — and don’t mind driving a bit to get into the city — there are many neighborhoods and suburbs to choose from, and some are considered among the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL. Here are a few of our favorites.

6. Mandarin 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $515,300
• Great for: Families, retirees, parks, river walks, boating

This established southside neighborhood is named for the mandarin oranges shipped from Jacksonville’s riverport in the 1800s. Known for its good schools and large oak trees dripping in Spanish moss, Mandarin has a family-friendly residential reputation. This neighborhood sports good parks, stunning views along the river, a convenient commute to downtown and the beaches, and loads of local shopping. For a day of fun, test your strategy smarts at Breakout Games or Escapology.

It’s not all families with kids here, though. Retires are quick to tell you that Mandarin is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, too!

Thinking about moving to other parts of Florida? Get the scoop on these popular cities in the Sunshine State: Miami Moving Guide Best Tampa Neighborhoods Living in Clearwater

7. Julington Creek 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $451,900
• Great for: Young professionals, families, golf, schools, biking, shopping

With its many master-planned communities and boating-friendly features, Julington Creek is another southside favorite known for its sparse urban feel. About 20 minutes from downtown, Julington Creek has excellent schools and is popular among families and young professionals. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, try Noom Thai Bistro or Bella Vista. If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, there are miles of biking trails, along with plentiful golf and shopping opportunities. Something to note: Tucked tightly along the creek, many of the area’s subdivisions have small lots, and traffic can be quite congested. 

Ready to get moving? Compare moving costs and service options with our Florida Moving Guide.

Bartram Park is minutes from downtown and the beach, so residents get the best of both worlds.
(Source: Bartram Park Neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL via Facebook)

 

8. Bartram Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $384,700
• Great for: Families, retirees, low-key young professionals, nature walks, schools

One of many of the up-and-coming best areas to live in Jacksonville, FL, Bartram Park, with a prime location right off of Interstate 95, is a hop, skip, and quick commute from downtown or the beaches. Filled with families who flock to this southside haven for the good schools, a nature preserve, and neighborhoods of wide sidewalks and abundant bike lanes, there are many housing options to be found here — and tons of brand-new construction. If your kids are looking for some family-friendly fun, check out Surge Adventure Park or Sensory Towne. After you’re done, grab some game-day eats at Island Wing Company.

9. Northside 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $157,000
• Great for: Low-key young professionals, young families, water sports, outdoors

Looking to spend more time in nature and have space to spread out? The northside provides spectacular views, an “old-Florida” feel, and some of the city’s most outdoor-oriented living. This former industrial area has taken Jax by storm with an explosion of residential subdivisions and single-family riverfront homes. You can also find plenty of apartments to rent.

Living in Jacksonville neighborhoods like Oceanway or Yellow Bluff, you’re minutes from downtown — but the quiet northside feels sublimely relaxed and rural. Home to the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, Jacksonville Zoo, and Huguenot Memorial Park, the area includes an expanse of coastal wetlands for wildlife spotting, kayaking, and birding. New neighborhoods have been popping up for the past two decades, as well, and new home builders and first-time home buyers can still find good deals here. One drawback? The northside may, unfortunately, include some areas of higher crime

Orange Park, FL, is a popular suburb for military families moving to Jacksonville, as it’s just a bit south of the Naval Air Station.
(Source: @robert.schwabe via Instagram)

10. Orange Park, FL 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value: $324,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, riverfront views, shopping

Less than an hour southwest of downtown just off Interstate 295, Orange Park has a dense suburban feel with good shopping and plenty of conveniences. This is a popular suburb for military families moving to Jacksonville, as it’s just a bit south of the gates of the Naval Air Station, where more than 6,500 active-duty sailors work and 34,000 military families call home. Family-friendly activities include taking in a show at the Orange Park Community Theatre or hearing live music at the Thrasher-Horne Center.

On the east side of Orange Park, the pricing is much more elevated, as that’s where you’ll find riverfront mansions and Tudor-style homes along the majestic St. Johns River.

No matter which of the Jacksonville neighborhoods you choose, you’ll always be a short drive from the best views of the Atlantic coast.
(Source: Visit Jacksonville via Facebook)

Once you’ve explored the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, you may find it hard to decide on the right one for you if you’re moving here. We think that’s a pretty good problem to have. And you know what? You can take advantage of the flexibility that PODS offers and take your time deciding where that final destination will be. Besides, no matter which of the wonderful Jacksonville neighborhoods you choose, you can look forward to year-round sunshine and outdoor life, beautiful views, and friendly southern hospitality throughout all of the city. For more info and tips on moving to Florida, visit the PODS Blog.

Jennifer Nelson lives and plays in “The Beaches” neighborhood of Jacksonville. She also writes for Realtor.com, Houselogic, and HGTV when she’s not riding her beach cruiser.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.