An analysis of the Jacksonville population growth rate from 2020 to 2023 showed a net positive 3.8% change within these three years. Over 35,000 people moved from major cities like New York, Orlando, and Atlanta to Jacksonville.

Apart from the obvious reason that the entire state of Florida is a tax haven since it has no income tax, it’s clear that there’s more to Jacksonville than meets the eye.

Affordable Living, with Sunshine on Top

If you are asking, “Why move to Jacksonville, FL?” Here’s the short answer: affordable cost of living. 

Yes, Jacksonville’s cost of living is 5% and 7% lower than both the state and national averages. Compared to other big cities in Florida, this is like getting the deluxe Florida lifestyle without the deluxe price tag. 

While places like Miami or Tampa might have you feeling like you need to take out a second mortgage to afford a decent meal, Jacksonville is all about living large on a budget. 

You only have to pay an average rent of $1,498 monthly, whereas in nearby Tampa, you will pay $1,931 for a one-room apartment of the same size. Meanwhile, the median home sale price is only about $300,000, even in its somewhat competitive market.

 

Cost of Living Expense	Compared to the National Average
Housing	10% lower
Utilities	2% lower
Groceries	0%
Healthcare	14% lower
Transportation	12% lower

 

Beaches for Days

Here’s the thing about Jacksonville: it’s got 22 miles of sandy, sun-soaked coastline. If you can imagine and conceive it, that’s more beaches than you can visit in a day. 

Whether you’re a surfer, paddleboard pro, or kayaking maestro, there’s a stretch of beach with your name on it. 

You can head to the:

• Jacksonville Beach for good vibes and even better waves,
• Neptune Beach if you’re into a quieter, more laid-back scene. 
• Atlantic Beach
• Ponte Vedra Beach

Or set sail on either the intracoastal Waterway or St. Johns River. Just be sure to catch the sunsets — they are truly next-level.

A Weather to Forget Winter

Here’s something for your core memory so you understand how good it is in Jacksonville, FL. 

It’s December, and while your friends farther north are shoveling snow and scraping ice off their cars, you’re sipping a margarita in 73°F weather, wondering whether you should swap your key lime pie for some Cuban sandwiches.

This is Jacksonville! 

With about 221 sunny days annually and winters barely dipping below 47°F, Jax makes it easy to forget what cold feels like. It’s a year-round summer vacation. 

Believe it, anyone in the know would decide to relocate here and get that local Jacksonville moving company to work immediately.

Get a Career and Financial Boost in Jacksonville’s Economy

You will be glad to know that Jacksonville isn’t just about sun, surf, and chill vibes. It’s also not where everyone works in the same industry. 

The city is bursting with job opportunities in everything from finance to healthcare, logistics, tech, and even manufacturing. Major players like CSX, Amazon, Citigroup, FIS, Fidelity National Financial, and Southeastern Grocers all have their footprints in the city. 

Plus, the city’s Naval Station Mayport also pumps a hefty chunk of jobs into the local economy. So, no matter what you are into, Jacksonville’s got the goods.

• Population: 949,611
• Median Household Income: $64,138
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• Poverty Rate: 14.8%

On a similar note, despite the increasing Jacksonville population growth rate, the city’s unemployment rate is consistently lower than the national average.

Quirky Neighborhoods Full of Charm

Jacksonville’s neighborhoods each have their own flavor, and you will want to try them all. 

• Riverside is where history meets hipster, with cool coffee shops, vintage stores, and art galleries tucked between historic homes. 
• Then there’s San Marco, which oozes European charm with its quaint squares and fountains.
• If you’re into nightlife, Five Points is where the buzzing late nights are best spent.
• Suppose you’re all about staying safe and secured, you run to Deerwood for the best security in the city. 
• Avondale is where you go if you care about a family-friendly environment.
• Mandarin offers the best of city and suburban life, while you don’t need to save a lot to own a house in Jacksonville Beach.

So, when next you hear someone ask, “Is Jacksonville a good place to live?” Take them to these neighborhoods for a first-hand experience of awesomeness.

Fresh-off-the-boat Food

You might come to Jacksonville for the beaches and sunshine, but it’s quite guaranteed you will stay for the food. 

Seafood lovers, this city is where you shine!

Fresh-off-the-boat shrimp, crab, oysters — you name it. 

Did you say craft beer? 

Yes, Jacksonville’s craft beer game is strong. With places like Intuition Ale Works and Bold City Brewery, you will never go thirsty here.

It’s a Nature Lover’s Wonderland

If you think the beauty of the great outdoors has nothing to do with the surging Jacksonville population growth, think again. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, the sandy beaches can only offer so many thrills. The Bold New City of the South has many parks, trails, and water activities to keep your inner adventurer active. 

Other top attractions to visit in Jacksonville include:

• Tree Hill Nature Center
• Reddie Point Preserve
• Bartram Canoe Trail
• Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Family Fun for Days and Lots of Things to Do

Is Jacksonville a good place to raise a family? Absolutely! 

Want to spend the day with giraffes? Head to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. How about a hands-on science adventure? The Museum of Science & History is perfect for curious minds. 

There’s also the Adventure Landing water park for splashing around, and let’s not forget the many kid-friendly beaches where your little ones can build sandcastles to their heart’s content. 

From food festivals to art walks, Jacksonville always has something going on.

• The annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country.
• Springing the Blues brings live music to the beach every year. 
• If you feel artsy, check out Art Walk every first Wednesday of the month downtown, where local artists showcase their work. 

Concluding Thoughts — The Verdict on Jacksonville

After reviewing this list of things Jacksonville offers, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to Jacksonville. 

The sunny days are great, and the beaches are lovely. 

So, partake in this rich culture of cheers and happy moments with your family.