Whether you are moving for leisure or for work, Jacksonville, Florida is a great choice. Not only will you reap the benefits of warm Florida weather (basically year-round), but you will also be able to enjoy the city life while being a short drive away from the beach. We’ll highlight all of the benefits of living in Jacksonville, Florida including things to do, good food, sporting events, and cultural events.
Cost of Living
Cost of living can be a stressful topic to think about when you are in the process of moving. Luckily, Jacksonville housing prices are lower than the median cost to live in America. However, experts warn that you should be prepared to see fluctuations in the housing market in Jacksonville depending on the type of house you choose and the location.
Transportation
If you are moving to Jacksonville from a large city, you may be surprised to learn that most residents have their own car that they use to get around the city. For this reason, transportation is usually the largest expense (when compared to housing and other living expenses) that Jacksonville residents have. Be aware that traffic in the city is dense so the busses are often delayed. There are ferries and water taxis available in downtown Jacksonville. When it’s time to get out of the city for a little while, you can take a greyhound, a flight from Jacksonville International Airport, or a cruise liner that will pick you up at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal in the Mayport region.
Hit the Beach
One of the most popular reasons that people visit Jacksonville, Florida is for the beaches! You’ll find Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra are just a short drive from the city of Jacksonville. At both of these beach locations, you will find crisp white shorelines and also a variety of golf courses just steps inland. Whether you choose to live in the city or closer to the shore, you’ll always have access to the beach for a relaxing morning walk or a fun weekend with family and friends.
Meet for Dinner
Food is something that brings us all together. One of the most exciting parts of moving to a new city is trying out all of the new restaurants. You will have plenty of restaurant choices in Jacksonville, no matter what type of food you are craving. If you are looking to get a taste of local cuisine, be sure to check out either the Metro Diner or Southern Charm restaurant. If you are craving a high-end experience, Marker 32 will serve you a beautifully plated and equally delicious meal.
Local Sports
If you are a sports fan, you’ll fit right in at Jacksonville sporting events. The local teams include the NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, along with the local Jacksonville Sharks. You can spend an afternoon or evening cheering on either one of these football teams! If you’re a golf fan, you’ll be happy to catch the PGA Championship in Jacksonville as well. Lastly, you can always catch local college teams playing a variety of sports at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
Cultural Events & Festivals
Jacksonville is home to a wide variety of festivals that take place throughout the year. You’ll find music events including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in May, the Jacksonville Carribean Festival in August, as well as a variety of back to school events, running events, and monthly markets in different areas of the city. When you choose to live in Jacksonville, there will always be a fun event on your calendar!