Top 8 Reasons to Relocate to Jacksonville, FL
With a strong local economy, gorgeous weather, highly-ranked schools, and brand new housing choices, more people are considering relocating to Jacksonville, FL than ever before. Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, and with 874 square miles to spread out, there’s room for everyone who wants to live here. Here are eight of the top reasons why people are relocating to Jacksonville, FL.
Top 8 Reasons to Move to Jacksonville, FL
1) Strong Economy and Jobs There are many convincing reasons to move to Jacksonville, but one of the strongest is the economic health and abundance of well-paying jobs. The city is home to major employers like Fidelity Investments, Aetna, Johnson & Johnson, and Mayo Clinic, not to mention the growing tech sector, a large military base, and the Jacksonville Port Authority. Job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be over 44%, nearly 10 points over the U.S. average. In March of 2021, the city had an unemployment rate of just 3.7%, well below the national average. Jacksonville has been rated one of the best locations for millennials to find jobs.2) Reasonable Cost of Living Coupled with the strong economy and availability of jobs, the reasonable cost of living compared to other major Florida metros makes Jacksonville a standout option in the state. Jacksonville is about 11% less expensive than Orlando, and nearly 32% less expensive than Miami, yet it still offers world-class amenities, beautiful beaches, picture perfect weather, and so many more perks of the Florida lifestyle. While healthcare and groceries cost lower than both the national and state averages, it's Jacksonville's affordable housing that's the most attractive to those considering relocating.
3) Affordable & Various Housing Options There are so many housing options to consider in Jacksonville. Whether you're looking for single-family homes in an amenity-rich community, luxury gated townhomes, estate-style living, homes close to the downtown core, or ones in leafy suburbs, there's a housing option for you. With homes costing well below the national average, people relocating from other metros will find that their dollar stretches further and they are able to buy their dream home for much less. Dream Finders Homes offers new construction homes in Jacksonville in nearly 20 communities to fit every budget and lifestyle throughout the metro area.
4) Great Location
Another major factor influencing the decision of my new residents is Jacksonville's awesome East Coast location. Located in Northern Florida just south of the Georgia border, Jacksonville offers easy access to many of the South's major hubs — like Orlando, Savannah, Hilton Head, Charleston, and Atlanta — within a few hours' drive. Because the city is set back slightly from the coast, the city doesn't often suffer direct impacts from hurricanes. Residents can relax and enjoy the Florida lifestyle without worrying too much about major weather events.
5) Beautiful Weather Speaking of weather, Jackson has the beautiful coastal weather that many of us dream of when the temperature starts dropping elsewhere. Summer temperatures can get into the 90s and feel very humid, but there's a constant ocean breeze that keeps the air from feeling stagnant. The rest of the year is extremely mild, with winter highs topping out in the mid-60s. If it dips below freezing it only happens a handful of times a year and lasts only a few hours. People relocating from northern states will appreciate Jacksonville’s “endless summer,” while those coming from the deeper south will actually enjoy the relative coolness of fall and winter.
6) Top-Rated Schools For those relocating with school-aged children, Jacksonville offers one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Florida. There are dozens of excellent schools to choose from, and two of its public high schools consistently rank among the highest performing in the entire country. There are also many private schools in the area, giving parents a wide and varied choice about making sure their kids get the best academic head start possible.
7) Outdoor Activities Jacksonvillians, or Jaxsons as they are sometimes called, enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities. Of course, the #1 activity to enjoy outside is the beach! Jacksonville boasts 22 miles of wide, sandy beaches that are perfect for surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, diving, boating, fishing and exploring Jacksonville’s coastal shores. There are also 1,110 miles of navigable water, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the longest stretch of the St. Johns River in Florida. There's no shortage of places to explore and experience on the water. Jacksonville is also a major golfing destination, with 70 courses throughout the area.
8) Activities and Entertainment Jacksonville is the 12th most populous city in the United States, so there are plenty of activities to keep residents busy and entertained! The city hosts major festivals that attract thousands, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. There are art walks, markets, and museums spread across town, along with big family attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Sports lovers can catch a game for the Jaguars (NFL), the Jumbo Shrimp (Minor League Baseball), and the Icemen (ECHL), among others.
For more information on buying a new home in the Jacksonville area, contact our Online New Home Sales Consultants at 888-416-6328 or schedule an appointment today.
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