Is Jacksonville, Florida, Safe? Explore the Safest Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

Just about 30 miles from the Georgia border, Jacksonville, Florida, feels a little bit like it’s part of both states: The city’s got a Southern vibe you don’t necessarily find except in rural pockets of Florida — but it also sports a cultural flair found mainly in larger cities, along with miles and miles of beautiful beaches. If you’re considering joining the mix with a move to Jax, you likely have a few questions: What are the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL? What’s the best part of town for raising kids? Which Jacksonville neighborhoods do young professionals prefer? 

We’ll get to all that. But first, let’s take a quick tour of some Jax facts.

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Facts About Jax

The metro population is almost 1.4 million, and it’s been on the rise every year since 2019.

The cost of living in Jacksonville is 7 percent lower than the Florida average and 5 percent lower than the U.S. average. Factoring into those figures are things like housing (10 percent lower than the rest of Florida and the U.S. average) and healthcare (10 percent and 14 percent lower, respectively). Utilities in Jacksonville are 2 percent lower than both the Florida and U.S. averages.

Jacksonville residents average 36 years old compared with the rest of Florida, where 42 is the average age. In the U.S., 39 is the average.

Jacksonville is the largest city in the continental U.S. by land mass, has more shoreline than any other U.S. city, and boasts a park system that’s the biggest in the nation. The city covers 747 square miles of Northeast Florida with 22 miles stretching along the beachfront and 1,100 miles of navigable rivers and creeks. Jax parks comprise 80,000 acres: seven state parks, two national parks, 400 city parks and gardens, a national preserve, and more. (And did we mention the beaches?)

The arts and dining scenes are growing. Museums and galleries showcase local artists and national touring exhibitions in some of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL. MOCA Jacksonville, for instance, is home to six galleries, including a permanent collection of 1,000 contemporary works. Foodies are finding heaven in Jax, where innovative chefs are gaining a nationwide reputation for places like The Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro, TacoLu, and Orsay.

Did you know? Duval County and Jacksonville are essentially synonymous, since Jacksonville’s city limits encompass the entire county.

Map of Jacksonville, FL

With miles and miles of coastline along its rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville is the ideal destination for boaters and beach bums. 
(Source: Google Maps)

Is Jacksonville, Florida, safe?

While Jacksonville covers a massive area and plenty of neighborhoods are quite safe, crime rates in the city are above average — mainly in the category of property crime — and particularly in the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL. Jax scores a 7 on the NeighborhoodScout index, which means it’s safer than only 7 percent of cities in the U.S. Chances of being a victim of a violent crime in Jax are 1 in 140, versus 1 in 345 in the state of Florida. 

Naples: 27

Tampa: 20

Miami: 7

Jacksonville: 7

Tallahassee: 9

Orlando: 3

No matter where you live or travel, of course, it’s always a good idea to use common sense safety measures.

Q: Where do Millennials live in Jacksonville, FL?  A: Endless beaches, awesome sports teams, and plenty of cultural panache make Jacksonville a hotspot for Millennials and Gen Zers. And with a growing reputation as a business hub, Jax is definitely attracting young professionals. Millennial magnets include artsy enclaves Riverside and San Marco (two of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL) along with Brooklyn, Bayside, and, of course, the Beaches.

Jax Beach, one of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, is chock full of charms: A fishing pier, hotels and inns for every budget, and restaurant options from barefoot-beachy dives to fine dining.

1. Jacksonville Beach

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950

Average home value: $608,900

Great for: Families, diversity, nightlife, good schools, outdoor living

Safety rating: A 

Its boardwalk dance pavilions and amusement parks may be bygone treasures, but today’s Jax Beach has newfound charms: A fishing pier, plenty of hotels and inns for every budget, and restaurant options from barefoot-beachy dives to fine dining. Must-see: Casa Marina Hotel, the historic heart of the bustling beach scene since 1925 and an elegant destination for Sunday brunch — not to mention a marvelous place to stay any day of the week.  

Families flock to Jax Beach for many reasons — it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, of course, and good schools are near the top of the list. Stanton College Preparatory, for instance, is the No. 3 public high school in Florida, according to Niche, and the district overall gets a top-notch A rating. Homes in the area, one of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, reflect the area’s vibrant beach lifestyle, with a mix of condos and charming bungalows. Parks are plentiful, from the splash pad at South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground to Huguenot Memorial Park’s sports courts and gorgeous wilderness trails. 

2. Neptune Beach

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625

Average home value: $712,700

Great for: Public schools, families, cost of living, outdoor recreation

Safety rating: A 

With a laid-back vibe and plenty of local flavor, Neptune Beach makes a terrific family vacation destination. Plus, it’s among the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL. Must-see: Pete’s Bar, a multi-generation family business — the first bar to open in Duval County after Prohibition ended in 1933. 

Spirits aren’t the only draw, however. This small coastal community near Jax offers a mix of charming beach cottages, upscale condos, and waterfront homes. Duval County Schools — rated the No. 4 district in Florida — serves the area, with local standouts including the A+ rated Paxon School of Advanced Studies. For shopping and dining, Beaches Town Center is the go-to (don’t miss the North Beach Fish Camp).

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens features world-class touring exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.
(Source: The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens via Facebook)

3. Avondale 

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475

Average home value: $427,200

Great for: Families, schools, outdoor activities, nightlife

Safety rating: A 

This historic section of Jax offers tree-lined residential streets, walkable retail districts with artsy shops and eateries, and plenty of trendy flavor. Must-see: The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, established in 1958, where world-class touring exhibitions mingle with a permanent collection alongside the beautiful St. Johns River.

Along with the walkable streets lined with historic Mediterranean Revival homes, beautiful greenspaces are a hallmark of Avondale, known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL. The local favorite Boone Park, established in 1950, offers shaded walking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and a playground for the kids. Nearby, Riverside Park, the second-oldest park in Jax, is a gathering spot for community events, with open fields and scenic views across the St. Johns. 

Q: Which area in Jacksonville is the safest?  A: According to data from NeighborhoodScout, Del Rio and Deerwood are among the safest neighborhoods in Jax, both about 20 minutes south of downtown. The crime rate overall in the city is safer than just 7 percent of cities in the U.S., but the suburbs in general have lower incidents of crime.

4. Mandarin

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550

Average home value: $502,900

Great for: Outdoor enthusiasts, families, suburbanites

Safety rating: A 

Lots of locally owned and indie businesses help keep this suburban neighborhood more free than usual from the sprawl that afflicts most ‘burbs. And at about 25 minutes south of downtown Jax, there’s plenty of green space for hiking, biking, and leisurely walking along the waterfront in Mandarin, one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL. At Tommy Hazouri Sr. Park (a mouthful, named for a former Jacksonville mayor), you’ll find riverfront trails and a boat ramp for day use, plus shuffleboard, pickleball, and several playgrounds. 

Families love the area for its laidback lifestyle and rich history, documented in a charming, Spanish-moss-surrounded bungalow that’s home to the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society. Public schools in Mandarin get a B+ rating from Niche. As for shopping, two malls, Mandarin Landing and River City Marketplace, have all the usual suspects. And dining is a mix of tried-and-true go-tos and local standouts including Vito’s Italian Restaurant, an old-school favorite. 

In addition to the gorgeous beach, parks are a primary draw in this family-friendly community.
(Source: City of Atlantic Beach, Florida - Government via Facebook)

5. Atlantic Beach

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550

Average home value: $660,600

Great for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, nightlife, weather

Safety rating: A 

Established as a destination for affluent families back in the 1950s, the Atlantic Beach of today still has an upscale flavor. But at community events, fun beach bars, and fresh seafood-focused restaurants, everyone is welcome. AB Kitchen is a waterfront favorite for locally sourced dishes and creative cocktails.  

As for housing, classic bungalows and boutique homes share this gem with luxury waterfront estates — and not a lot of highrises, staying true to its history. And even with renters and seasonal folks escaping cold winters, Atlantic Beach keeps its flavor as a true neighborhood. Situated as the northernmost beach in the Jacksonville area, parks are a primary draw. Howell Park is a popular spot for weddings, and at Johansen Park, a 12-acre greenspace just a few blocks from the ocean, events like the annual spring Arts in the Park attract visitors from all over. 

Q: What is the best area in Jacksonville to live in?  A: This is subjective, of course, depending on affordability, whether you have kids, what kind of neighborhood you prefer, and many other factors. That said, who can resist the Jacksonville lifestyle — with the opportunity to walk along miles of sugar-soft sands and swim in the deep blue Atlantic? The beaches are one of the best areas to live in Jacksonville, FL, within easy reach from downtown (about a 20-minute drive), and even the far-flung ‘burbs aren’t too bad of a commute.

6. Riverside

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600

Average home value: $372,600

Great for: Families, schools, nightlife, diversity, young professionals, outdoors

Safety rating: B+ 

Riverside is another of Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods, Riverside is situated, as the name implies, along the St. Johns River, just south of downtown. Young professionals have discovered this gem, making it a trendy spot for singles and artistic folks — but families are also plentiful here. Its parks and riverwalks are perfect for sunset strolls and local events, including the Riverside Arts Market in Memorial Park, every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Walkability is a large part of the Riverside appeal. In Five Points, a charming, artsy neighborhood-within-the-neighborhood, you’ll find a vintage “Main Street” lined with local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Stop in at Mixed Fillings Pie Shop for local goodness that’s gone national. And at the historic Sun-Ray Cinema, indie films are on the menu. Fun fact: Sun-Ray was the first theater in the city to show movies with sound.

With part of the neighborhood perched along Julington Creek, Del Rio offers homes from modest, one-story Florida-style designs to luxury estates in one of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL. 
(Source: Trulia.com)

7. Miramar

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575

Average home value: $641,500

Great for: Families, schools, diversity, commuters, outdoor enthusiasts

Safety rating: A

With an A+ rating and a ranking as the No. 2 neighborhood in Jacksonville by Niche, Miramar has a well-earned reputation as a destination for families. It isn’t directly on the water — but you can get to the St. Johns River in minutes. There’s plenty to keep you landlocked, though, from delicious barbecue at The Bearded Pig to craft cocktails at The Grape and Grain Exchange (technically in San Marco, just a quick trip from primarily residential Miramar). Ask about “the worst kept secret in Jacksonville,” the Parlour — a speakeasy just behind the main restaurant.

Parks and rec are nearby, as well. Just north of Miramar in San Marco, Alexandria Oaks Park has — you guessed it — stately oak trees with lots of shade (crucial in the Florida heat), walking paths, and open greenspace. Southside Park is the go-to for family fun and sports, with basketball courts, a playground, bike racks, and a community center.  

Q: Where do the rich live in Jacksonville, FL?  A: Isle of Palms, Avondale, and Miramar are the top three enclaves of the wealthy in the Jacksonville area, according to AreaVibes. All three neighborhoods sport waterfront homes either on the Atlantic Ocean or the St. Johns River, with average home prices north of $600,000 and plenty in the multiple-millions range.

8. Isle of Palms

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675

Average home value: $730,500

Great for: Families, commuters, diversity, schools, boaters

Safety rating: A

This quiet neighborhood of mostly canal-front homes is a favorite for people who love life on the water — from fishing to boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Nearly every waterfront home has a private dock. And the prices reflect the luxury enjoyed by the families and retirees who live in Isle of Palms. There aren’t many vacation rentals, but some homes are second residences for seasonal folks.   

Dining options are within easy reach of this boating paradise. Marker 32 is a family-owned-and-operated restaurant just a few miles away. Sit by the window for views of the yachts at Palm Cove Marina and daydream about sailing away while you sip a nice glass of chardonnay. (Did we mention this is an affluent area?)

Families and retirees are Deercreek’s main population, living it up with the 18-hole championship golf course and other amenities.
(Source: Deercreek Country Club via Facebook)

9. Deercreek

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525

Average home value: $319,800

Great for: Young professionals, families, good schools, diversity, outdoors

Safety rating: A 

This golf course community on Jacksonville’s southside is like being on vacation 24/7. Resort-style amenities are part of the package, and the natural beauty of Florida surrounds the area — what more could you ask for? How about a ranking as the No. 1 neighborhood in Jacksonville? Niche also gives Deercreek an A+. The community has its own trails, lakes, and nature preserves, and sports facilities are just down the road at Fort Family Regional Park. 

Families and retirees are Deercreek’s main population, living it up with the 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, and swimming pool. And while neighborhood dining is available only in the members-exclusive clubhouse, restaurants (and shopping) are minutes away at the upscale outdoor St. Johns Town Center.

Q: What part of Jacksonville is nice?  A: Every city has its pros and cons, of course, but there aren’t many parts of Jax we’d consider not nice. If forced to pick the nicest areas, however, any places with ocean access would take the top spots. Who could resist a beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic and miles of sugar-soft sand?

10. Girvin/Greenfield

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550

Average home value: $438,700

Great for: Families, good schools, diversity, outdoors

Safety rating: B+ 

Girvin is a residential area on the east side of Jacksonville — not on the ocean but close enough to the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway to qualify as beachy. Marsh views are plentiful in this area’s several gated communities, including Tamaya, which features Mediterranean-style homes and resort-style amenities, like an enormous clubhouse where residents enjoy social gatherings. 

Highly rated schools (B+, according to Niche) and easy access to Mayport Naval Station make Girvin an attractive neighborhood for families and military employees. And, although it’s a residential area without much commercial activity, retail and restaurants are nearby in Jacksonville’s abundant shopping districts.   

Moving with PODS means more flexibility and the comfort of moving at your own pace. 

Ready To Move to the Safest Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL?

Make your move flexible with PODS. Skip the hassle of renting a truck (not to mention driving it) by having a PODS portable moving container delivered to your driveway instead. One month of storage is built into every move so you can pack and load at your own pace. When you’re ready, have your container picked up and taken to your new home in sunny Jacksonville, Florida. Need a little more time to find your perfect spot in Jax? No problem. You can keep your container at a secure PODS storage center for as long as you need. 

Shannon Jacobs is a Tampa-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. She has lived in Atlanta, the Berkshires, and Nashville, but always returns to the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; 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.