Moving to Jacksonville, FL

Quick insights

• Jacksonville offers affordable housing options, a robust job market and cultural events to help you connect with residents. From exploring interactive exhibits at the Jacksonville Zoo to enjoying a scenic boat tour on the St. Johns River, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
• Jacksonville’s appeal is further enhanced by its cultural and recreational scene. Residents can enjoy attractions like the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, the Riverside Arts Market and the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
• The homebuying process generally involves obtaining a preapproval letter from a home lending advisor in Jacksonville, browsing homes with your real estate agent, making an offer, conducting a home inspection, securing financing and closing.

Imagine spending a weekend exploring the serene Jacksonville Arboretum, riding your bike along the scenic Riverwalk with a friend or building sandcastles on the shores of Jacksonville Beach with your kids. The city provides many job prospects, particularly in sections like healthcare, finance and technology. As a first-time homebuyer embarking on this new chapter, Jacksonville’s welcoming neighborhoods and buzzing city life offer a nice balance excitement and comfort for different types of lifestyles.

Living in the city of Jacksonville

Jacksonville, located in northeastern Florida, is uniquely positioned along the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. This location gives residents easy access to the riverfront and oceanfront, enhancing its appeal for outdoor activities and recreation. Jacksonville has a diverse population including a blend of young professionals, families and retirees. This mix contributes to the city’s welcoming community environment.

There are different family-friendly neighborhoods in Jacksonville featuring spacious homes, good schools, tree-lined streets, sports leagues, community picnics and recreational amenities.

Neighborhoods in Jacksonville

Families with young kids may want to pay a visit to Avondale, Mandarin and Julington Creek. Riverside, San Marco and Brooklyn offer modern living spaces, trendy restaurants and proximity to downtown Jacksonville. These areas can make it an ideal location for professionals working in major business districts in the city center. Ponte Vedra Beach, The Villages of Seloy and Southside provide a serene coastal environment with golf courses, country clubs, upscale shopping and health facilities.

Each neighborhood offers distinct benefits and amenities tailored to various lifestyles and preferences, making Jacksonville a versatile city for people at different stages of life.  

What to consider moving to Jacksonville

When buying a home and moving to Jacksonville, there are numerous factors you may want to consider before signing on the dotted line:

• Determine your budget: Establish a realistic budget based on your current financial situation. Take a moment to understand the total cost including the purchase price, closing fees and moving expenses. Determine how much you can put towards the down payment. You can use a mortgage affordability calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments and property taxes.
• Types of homes available: There are different types of homes available in Jacksonville including single-family homes, townhouses and condos. Single-family homes are ideal for those seeking privacy and space. Townhouses are great for those looking to share amenities with their neighbors. Condos typically have lower maintenance costs than either single-family homes or townhouses and may include amenities like pools and gym.
• Choose a neighborhood: If you have children, neighborhoods with excellent schools are likely a top priority. Evaluate the distance and travel time to your job and other common destinations. Check out areas with convenient access to grocery stores, banks, post offices, shopping centers and healthcare facilities.
• Build your team: Finding a reputable real estate agent and home lending advisor in Jacksonville can provide you with valuable insights into the housing marketing, assist with finding homes that meet your needs and help you navigate the underwriting process to secure the mortgage loan.
• Get preapproved for a mortgage: Before you start the house hunting process, secure preapproval from a home lending advisor. This will give you an idea of your budget and make you a more competitive homebuyer. Discuss different loan products including conventional, FHA and VA loans.
• Conduct a home inspection: Hire a qualified home inspector to assess the condition of your home. The inspector will evaluate the foundation and structural integrity of the home, electrical panels, HVAC systems and plumbing. Hiring an inspector can help you become aware of hidden problems that may not be obvious during a home tour and potentially give you more negotiating power.
• Home appraisal: Your lender will typically require a licensed appraiser to assess the market value of your home, which is a key component for securing your mortgage loan. This is a key component that lenders use to ensure that the property is worth the amount you’re borrowing. This provides assurance to both the borrower and loan provider that the purchase price is fair and reasonable based on current market conditions.
• Make a competitive offer: Based on the market value of your home, condition and comparable home sales, decide on a competitive purchase price. It's important to include contingencies in your offer such as financing, inspections and appraisal, to help protect your financial interest.
• Review documents: Carefully read and review all closing documents including the purchase agreement, title report, closing disclosure and other documents.
• Closing costs: Pay closing costs including title insurance, loan origination fees, attorney fees and recording fees.
• Closing day: On the closing day, you can expect to sign the final documents in person or digitally (if this is an option offered by the lender), send the funds to the seller via a cashier’s check or wire transfer and receive the keys to your new home.

Pros and cons of living in Jacksonville

Living in Jacksonville offers a mix of advantages and disadvantages. Balancing the pros and cons is essential for first-time homebuyers when considering Jacksonville as a new place to call home.

Pros of living in Jacksonville

• Affordable housing market: Jacksonville’s median home price is below the national average, making it a great option for homebuyers focused on affordability. According to one recent study by RentCafe, as of 2024, Jacksonville housing is 10% lower than the U.S. averageec-james-madison-florida.
• Job market: Jacksonville has a thriving job market with opportunities in thriving industries such as finance, healthcare and logistics. You will also see the presence of major employers like Mayo Clinic and Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
• Weather: Warm climate and mild winters make Jacksonville an ideal city for individuals who prefer warmer weather all year-round.
• Outdoor activities: There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as parks and beautiful beaches. The city’s location along the Atlantic Ocean and St. Johns River provides plenty of enjoyable opportunities for boating, fishing and other water-based activities.
• No state income tax: Florida does not have a state income tax, which may be a great financial benefit. Without state income tax, you get to keep more of your take-home earnings, which can noticeably increase your disposable income.

Cons of living in Jacksonville

• Traffic and public transit: Traffic congestion may pose a problem, and public transit options are limited compared to other cities. However, the transportation infrastructure features major highways such as I-95 and I-10. Additionally, Jacksonville International Airport provides convenient access for both domestic and international travel.
• Sales tax: Florida makes up for its lack of an income tax with its sales tax. According to The James Madison Institute, Florida’s sales tax is imposed on services and goods, and both the state and county levy a certain percentage. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and counties can only charge another 1.5%, making the total sales tax cap out at 7.5%ec-james-madison-florida. 
• Hurricanes: As a coastal city, Jacksonville is susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms.
• Other weather challenges: You may experience high humidity and frequent summer thunderstorms.

Cost of living in Jacksonville

According to RentCafe, as of 2024, the cost of living in Jacksonville, Florida is 7% lower than the national averageec-rentcafe-cost-jacksonville. The cost of transportation in Jacksonville is slightly lower than the national average. Public transit options like the JTA (Jacksonville Transportation Authority) can be relatively affordable. Healthcare costs will vary based on specific services and insurance coverage.

One way to manage monthly expenses is to look for homes with energy-efficient features like modern HVAC systems, good insulation and double-pane windows. All these features can help reduce your utility bills. You can also check out local programs that offer financial assistance or homebuyer assistance. Jacksonville offers resources through organizations such as the Jacksonville Housing Authority and community development programs.

In conclusion

Jacksonville can be a great option for homebuyers looking to purchase a home in this part of Florida. The city’s local economy is driven by growing industries such as healthcare and finance. The education system is comprehensive, with various public and private schools. Jacksonville offers plenty of events that focus on community engagement, bringing residents together such as the Jacksonville Fair, World of Nations Celebration and JaxParks Events.

Overall, Jacksonville offers a nice balance of economic opportunity, educational excellence and cultural enrichment, making it a desirable city for both first-time homebuyers, families and retirees.