Are you considering relocating to Jacksonville, Florida? Making the decision to move, especially to a brand new city, can definitely be a daunting task. Jacksonville is the largest city in the Sunshine state and also the largest city by area in the United States, covering over 874 square miles. Here are a few things to consider when relocating to Jacksonville.
Where to Buy?
Jacksonville has over 500 neighborhoods, so the first thing to consider is what area of town to live in. A little research will help decide what area best suits your lifestyle, but here is a brief snapshot of some of the main areas of town.
Northside
The northside of town is a short distance from Downtown Jax, and a great family friendly area to live in. There are several key attractions close by including the Jacksonville Zoo and several state parks and nature preserves.
Riverside
If you are looking for a more historic area of Jacksonville, consider the Riverside area. The commute to downtown is relatively short and has many trendy boutique stores and unique restaurants within walking distance.
San Marco
This area of town seems to attract the artsy type! There are many historic estates and mansions in this area, especially along the river. San Marco is another great area if you love the option to walk to local restaurants and distinctive boutiques.
Southside
The Southside area is a great place for families, with abundant parks, great school systems, and easy access to Interstate 95. Traffic seems to be a little busier in this area of town but the location can’t be beat when it comes to being centrally located.
The Beaches
For many of those new to Florida, most think and dream of living at the beach. This area, including Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach, tends to be the pricier option but is also home to the some of the most desirable neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
While this is just a short list, there are several other great areas of town to explore, including Fleming Island, St. Johns County, and Mandarin. It all just depends on what you’re looking for!
Commuting Within Jax
Since Jacksonville is the largest city by land, it’s no surprise that you will spend most of the time commuting in your car. Drive times between different areas of Jacksonville vary from 20 minutes to 45 minutes, and traffic in some areas can make it even longer, so its important to consider commute times when picking where to settle in Jax. Public transportation is offered by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, offering bus services, skyways, and ferrys, however most people choose to travel by car in Jacksonville.
Things to Do
With Jacksonville’s beautiful coastlines, cultural communities, and top-notch restaurants for foodies, you will have no trouble finding some great things to do around town. Here are just a few ideas to begin exploring all the great things Jax has to offer:
- Riverside Arts Market
- The Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
- The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- St John’s Town Center for shopping
- Several parks around town for hiking/kayaking
- Sports Teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
If you plan to or are considering a move to Northeast, Florida, we hope our blog gives you a little better idea of what to expect when moving to our beautiful town! Our team at Marsh Landing Realty are experts in real estate and are ready to help you find a property that meets your needs. Contact us today to make the most of your home search.
