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Moving to Jacksonville in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Jacksonville.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Jacksonville.

Planning to move to Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is a city in Florida that offers a lower cost of living than other major cities. The job market in the city is diverse, and it is home to several major employers, including Fortune 500 companies and large military installations. The city boasts miles of beautiful beaches and an extensive park system. Jacksonville experiences a warm and sunny climate; however, the city also experiences distinct hurricane seasons. The city has public transportation, but there is a need for cars to get around. Before moving to Jacksonville, remember it has a large military presence with several naval bases. If you want to explore more about Jacksonville, go through this moving guide.

Quick Facts of Jacksonville

Here are some unique facts about Jacksonville-

Jacksonville holds the title of the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States.

Jacksonville played a major role in the silent film industry and earned the nickname “The Winter Film Capital of the World”.

The St. Johns River is one of the few rivers in North America that flows north and runs through Jacksonville.

The city has a strong musical heritage and is the birthplace of iconic Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Before Jacksonville, the city was known as “Cowford” due to cattle crossings.

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Top reasons to move to Jacksonville

Most people move to a new city for career growth and a change of lifestyle. It is important to find some reasons to move to a new city. Here are some top reasons that will make you happy and encourage you to move-

Cost of living- The cost of living in Jacksonville is relatively affordable and the major contributing factor is housing cost.

Job Market- Jacksonville has a diverse economy and job market. There are several industries offering employment opportunities in several industries.

Outdoor recreation- The city has miles of pristine beaches where residents relax and recreate. There are parks, waterways, golf courses, and nature preserves offering recreational opportunities.

Climate- The city enjoys a sunny, warm climate throughout the year. This weather is considered ideal for outdoor activities.

Entertainment and Culture- The city has diverse entertainment and culture with various live music venues and art galleries. You can find something new to do every day.

Pros & Cons of Living in Jacksonville

Moving to a new city will have some advantages along with some disadvantages. So, learn about the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville-

Pros of Living in Jacksonville	Cons of Living in Jacksonville
Generally, offers a lower cost of living compared to other major cities of Florida	Summers are hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for some people
The city boasts miles of beautiful pristine beaches offering water activities	The city is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms
The city enjoys warm, sunny climate throughout the year	Humid climate results in growth of many pests
There are various opportunities for outdoor recreation	Public transportation is limited in the city
The city has a growing art and culture scene	Jacksonville has areas with higher crime rates

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Best Neighborhoods in the Jacksonville

The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods with unique features. A good neighborhood is necessary as it will help you connect with the new people in a new city. Before you move to Jacksonville, explore some neighborhoods to smoothen your transition-

Downtown Jacksonville- This neighborhood offers a vibrant urban lifestyle. It has high-rise buildings, trendy restaurants, and art galleries. This location is ideal for young professionals and provides easy access to the St. Johns River.

Mandarin- This family-friendly neighborhood offers a more suburban feel with natural beauty. It has properties with riverfront views and several historic sites. Here you can easily access the amenities, spacious homes, excellent schools, and several parks.

Ponte Vedra Beach- This location offers an unrivaled coastal lifestyle. You can find luxurious homes and exclusive beach clubs in this area. This neighborhood is a haven for golf enthusiasts.

San Marco- If you are looking for upscale properties and historic homes, you can move here. This location has a charming European-inspired atmosphere with art galleries, quaint shops, and a theater.

Murray Hill- This neighborhood is known for its eclectic vibe. This location is very appealing to young professionals with growing cafes, indie shops, and restaurants.

Cost of living in Jacksonville

While planning a move, it is important to learn about the cost of living in that city. This will help you plan your finances and prepare a moving budget. The cost of living in Jacksonville is relatively affordable, with affordable housing options. Some groceries and utilities are above the national average. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Jacksonville-

Category	Jacksonville (in USD)
Housing	$1,300 - $1,600/month
Groceries	$300 - $400/month
Utilities	$150 - $250/month
Transportation	Around $62.50
Healthcare	$100 - $150
Restaurants	$83.00

Housing Market in Jacksonville

Currently, the housing market presents a dynamic picture and it's a balanced market. The housing market is affordable however the housing prices vary for different locations and property types. The median sale price for a house is around $338,000.

Average rental cost in Jacksonville

The average rental cost in Jacksonville ranges from $1,052 to $1,900. The number can vary depending on the size, location, amenities, and type of the property.

Jacksonville job market

The job market in Jacksonville showing a positive trend. The economy of the city is diverse with job opportunities in different sectors. Florida invests in workforce education and development that contribute to the job growth. Before moving to a new city, it is important to explore the job market as it will help in securing possible opportunities.

Top Career Options in Jacksonville

Here is the breakdown for top career options in Jacksonville, total number of employees, their average salary, and entry-level salary-

Job Title	Number of Employees	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary
General Pediatricians	70	217,350	185,230
Family Medicine Physicians	610	216,990	66,310
Psychiatrists	130	194,360	54,970
Nurse Anesthetists	380	181,560	165,770
Chief Executives	1,280	170,190	77,210
Software Developers	5,300	106,950	68,040
Financial Managers	3,240	133,230	74,050
Marketing Managers	1,030	134,260	71,000
Medical and Health Services Managers	2,410	101,670	60,120
Data Scientists	550	100,120	51,670

Median Salary in Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, the median household income is around $64,138 per year.

Transportation And Navigation In Jacksonville

Transportation and navigation are extensive, considering the needs of tourists and residents. There are several options for commuting within and out of the city.

Public Transportation- The buses and the Skyway are operated by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). The city has Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which offers domestic and international flights. The city has bike-friendly and pedestrian paths that encourage people to walk and ride bikes. Navigation- The city is easy to navigate because of its grid system. There are various GPS-based apps like Google Maps and Waze that can be used to navigate the roads.

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Major industries in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is home to several major industries, including-

Logistics & Transportation

Military

Defense

Finance and Insurance

Healthcare

Information technology

Advanced Manufacturing

Education System in Jacksonville

A good educational institution is a prime requirement for your move if you are moving with children. Moving is difficult for children, and if you prepare them before the move by introducing them to their new school or college. This will help in the transition. Here are some good schools, colleges, and universities in Jacksonville-

Elementary Schools in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Beach Elementary School
Hendrick Avenue Elementary School
Chet’s Creek Elementary School
River City Science Academy Elementary School
John Stockton Elementary School

Middle Schools in Jacksonville
Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School
Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development School
LaVilla School of the Arts
Mandarin Middle School
Fruit Cove Middle School

High Schools in Jacksonville
Stanton College Preparatory School
Paxon School for Advanced Studies
Douglas Anderson School of Arts
Mandarin High School
Atlantic Coast High School

Colleges and Universities in Jacksonville
University of North Florida (UNF)
Jacksonville University
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Edward Waters University
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Best things to do in Jacksonville

After moving into the city, you will find a wide range of activities that will help you connect with the new place.

The city has miles of pristine beaches, including Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and more. You can relax and enjoy activities like sunbathing, beachcombing and surfing.

Explore parks and beautiful nature at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, and Talbot Islands.

At St. Johns River, you can take a boat tour.

Visit Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens with your family to see a wide variety of animals.

See big cats at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Catch a live performance at Florida Theatre and enjoy plays, musicals, and concerts.

Browse local art, crafts, and food at Riverside Arts Market on Saturdays.

Taxes in Jacksonville

Taxes play a major role in the cost of living. Before moving to Jacksonville, learn about different taxes in the city-

Income Tax- Residents of Florida enjoy extra savings as there is no state income tax.

Sales Tax- There is a combined sales tax in Jacksonville, and the tax rate is 7.5%, which is the sum of 6.0% Florida State Sales Tax and 1.5% Duval County

Sales Tax.

Property Taxes- All the residents of Jacksonville have to pay property taxes that are determined by the assessed value of real estate. Florida also

provides a homestead exemption, which can reduce the taxable value of a primary residence.

Corporate Income Tax- Florida has a corporate income tax which affects residents through the local economy.

Type of insurance required in Jacksonville

After moving into a new city, you will need new insurance policies that are according to the state laws and regulations. Here is the breakdown of the insurance requirements in Jacksonville-

Auto Insurance- This is mandatory insurance in Florida according to the law. It mandates that all drivers carry minimum auto insurance coverage.

Auto Insurance- Virginia law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance. This insurance will protect others in case you cause an accident. Here is the breakdown for minimum liability coverage-

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Property Damage Liability (PDL)

Homeowners Insurance- This is not legally required but highly recommended as it will protect your property and belongings from events like hurricanes, other natural disasters, fire, and theft.

Health Insurance- This insurance will cover all medical expenses.

Flood Insurance- Jacksonville is at high risk of flood due to its proximity to water. This insurance will cover the flood damage.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance- According to Florida law, most businesses with four or more employees need to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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