Jacksonville is unquestionably one of the best areas to reside in the state of Florida. The fantastic weather, small-town atmosphere, low cost of living, and magnificent beaches are just a few of the reasons why people prefer to live here. If you’re struggling to decide which neighborhood is right for you, do not worry because we are here to help you choose.
In this blog post, we will look into 6 Best Places to Live in Jacksonville Florida if you or any of your family members wish to reside in The First Coast!
Best Places to Live in Jacksonville Florida
#6 Mandarin
We will begin this list with a town that was named after the mandarin orange. Living up to its name, living in Mandarin is said to grant your dreams of experiencing tropical paradise. Furthermore, this neighborhood is well-known for its huge oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Additionally, the area features excellent parks, breathtaking views along the river, an easy commute to downtown, the beaches, and a plethora of local shopping.
Another good reason why moving here is a good idea is the excellent schools. This, added to the safe and relaxed neighborhood, makes it an ideal place to raise a family. Overall, Mandarin is one of Jacksonville’s most family-friendly communities, with a diverse community, good schools, and a crime rate that is 60% lower than the local average.
#5 Riverside
One of the top features you should look for in a neighborhood is overall safety. Riverside is considered to be one of the safest areas in the city of Jacksonville. Additionally, AreaVibes reports that this area has virtually zero crime in the region, making it the ideal community for you and your family.
Since it is one of the city’s oldest communities, Riverside was identified as one of the top ten greatest neighborhoods in the country for its history, culture, and beauty. In fact, Riverside is regarded as one of Jacksonville’s most scenic places and has increased in popularity among young urbanites working downtown as well as physicians and nurses at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.
#4 Southside
Like Riverside, this neighborhood is also recognized as one of the most beautiful places in the city. Southside is rich in history and natural beauty and boasts some of the city’s most breathtaking views. Additionally, this location is popular with many families due to its low crime rate and numerous parks. Furthermore, this area is particularly ideal for children, as several prominent schools are located here. According to the Niche website, the best high schools in the area include Stanton College Preparatory, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
As for finding a property in the area, you will be encountering numerous choices, from extravagant homes to modest bungalows. Furthermore, the neighborhood is home to additional shopping centers, one of which is the outdoor, exquisite Avenues Mall. With everything you could possibly need nearby, along with outdoor activities and historical sights, Southside is ideal for residents of all ages.
#3 Orange Park
Next up, we have a neighborhood that is widely preferred among those particularly looking for wide properties perfect for backyards. Orange Park is located in a tranquil rural area ideal for folks who own horses and other animals. This neighborhood was given its name since the area’s early pioneers wanted to build a fruit-growing industry. Furthermore, Orange Park is home to a thriving culture and spectacular landscapes, as well as beautiful beaches and other attractions. Residents here can take advantage of golf courses, parks, a shopping center, and the renowned Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts.
Furthermore, Orange Park is also popular with young professionals and retirees. In fact, this community was included in multiple outlets’ top ten lists of the best locations to retire, along with Naples, Beverly Hills, and Farmington. In general, this area is one of the greatest in Florida because people enjoy live local entertainment, shopping at local craft sellers, and picking up fresh local produce at the Orange Park Farmer’s Market. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of properties, including lovely cottages, ranch-style homes, and sophisticated townhouses.
#2 San Marco
Have you heard of the small Italy of Jacksonville? Welcome to San Marco, the neighborhood built in the 1920s and exhibits exquisite Italian and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. San Marco is an Italian economic district with a strong connection to Venice, Italy, and the San Marco Square serves as the neighborhood’s focal point and primary destination. Because of this, the area attracts young couples and singles.
There are also a ton of things you can see and do around here since local residents can easily walk to the restaurants and shopping establishments on Atlantic and San Marco boulevards. Apart from its historical splendor, San Marco is also a safe neighborhood. According to the Homes website, San Marco is one of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Thus, if you prefer late-night strolls, this is the neighborhood for you.
#1 Northside
Finally, we have reached the number one spot on our list. Northside is located in northern Jacksonville and is concocted with historic areas, protected ecosystems, and cultural places. Additionally, this neighborhood offers fantastic views, an “old-Florida” vibe, and some of the city’s most outdoor-oriented residential areas. Living here means you are just minutes from downtown if you live in neighborhoods. With 39% of residences inhabited by renters, plenty of single-family homes and flats are available for rent.
Another perk of living here is the different transportation systems. This area is home to the Jacksonville International Airport, the Jacksonville Amtrak Station, and the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal. Thus, if you travel regularly, residing in this neighborhood is an excellent choice.
