Moving to Jacksonville, Florida
The most affordable major Florida city at $310K median. Beaches, military presence, and a logistics economy that keeps growing.
$310K
Median Home
1.6M
Metro Population
Largest US city
Area
$0
Income Tax
Living in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is Florida's best-kept value play. At $310K median, it's the most affordable major metro in the state — yet it has beaches (Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra), a strong military presence (NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport), and a growing logistics/financial services economy (FIS, Fidelity, CSX Railroad HQ). Jax is the largest city by area in the contiguous US, which means space — bigger lots, less density, and a more laid-back pace than South Florida. The climate is more moderate than Miami/Tampa (actual seasons), and insurance costs are notably lower than South FL. Beaches, Riverside, and Mandarin are the top neighborhoods. NE Florida is where value-focused buyers should be looking.
Top Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ponte Vedra Beach | Upscale coastal, PGA HQ | $600K-$1.5M+ | Luxury, golf, families |
| Jacksonville Beach | Beach town, casual lifestyle | $400K-$700K | Beach lovers, young pros |
| Riverside/Avondale | Historic, walkable, artsy | $350K-$600K | Culture, young professionals |
| Mandarin | Established south suburb | $300K-$450K | Families, schools |
| St. Johns County | Top schools in FL, growing | $380K-$600K | Families (A+ schools) |
| Westside/Orange Park | Most affordable, NAS adjacent | $220K-$320K | Military, budget buyers |
Pros & Cons of Jacksonville
✅ Pros
- ✓ Most affordable major FL metro
- ✓ Beaches + zero income tax
- ✓ Lower insurance than South FL
- ✓ Strong military economy (VA loans)
- ✓ More moderate climate (actual seasons)
- ✓ Space — largest US city by area
- ✓ Growing logistics/finance jobs
⚠️ Cons
- ✗ Less glamorous than Miami/Tampa
- ✗ Limited public transit
- ✗ Some areas have higher crime
- ✗ Further from FL attractions
- ✗ Job market smaller than South FL
- ✗ Sprawl requires car everywhere
Financing in Jacksonville
- VA loans extremely popular — NAS Jax and NS Mayport nearby
- FHA loans ideal — $310K median = ~$10,850 down at 3.5%
- USDA-eligible areas in western suburbs and Clay County
- Insurance costs notably lower than South Florida — saves thousands
- St. Johns County commands premium but has best schools in FL
- Westside/Orange Park offers the absolute best entry pricing