Is a move to Jacksonville, Florida, on your radar in 2025? Then you’re in excellent company! 1,345,000 residents call this metro area home, and it’s not hard to see why. Jacksonville’s shoreline boasts 22 miles of white sand beaches — and with 270 days of sunshine each year, there’s no shortage of opportunities to catch some rays.
But before you consider a big move to this coastal paradise, you’ll first want to consider the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, for your cross-country move.
Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL
With an area of 840 square miles, Jacksonville has the largest metro region in the continental U.S. (a claim to fame that earned it the enviable nickname “Bold City”). That’s a lot of ground to cover in your new home search — more than 500 neighborhoods’ worth, to be exact.
Given all these options, finding the best places to live in Jacksonville, FL, might sound like trying to spot an elusive shark tooth in the sand. But fortunately, we’ve made it easier with this list of the five best Jacksonville neighborhoods, based on the following criteria:
Overall residential safety
Access to public transportation
Average home value and cost of rent
Access to public beaches, parks, or green spaces
Top-rated school districts
Local entertainment options
Do you prefer an urban center with vibrant attractions and a trendy cultural scene right on your doorstep? Or how about a quieter, more historic district close to outdoor recreation and activities for the whole family? No matter what vibe you’re looking for, here are the five best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, to set your sights on.
1) Downtown — The eclectic and exciting urban core
Average rent: $1,526
Average home value: $162,184
Best for: Young professionals, diversity, entertainment
Known for: Riverfront views, exceptional dining, cultural hotspots, high-rise apartments
Getting around: With an average Walk Score of 73, Downtown Jacksonville is easy to navigate on foot. You can also use the free Skyway monorail to access various local shops, businesses, restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues. While public transport is relatively good here, many residents prefer to drive, since Downtown is located at the juncture of I-10 and I-95.
Located along the banks of the St. Johns River, Downtown Jacksonville is this area’s unrivaled entertainment and commercial hub. Jacksonville currently boasts the second-hottest job market in the U.S. — Fortune 500 companies like Fidelity National Financial and CSX Transportation have their headquarters here — so if you’re a corporate climber, Downtown is the place to be.
Of course, an urban lifestyle calls for a high-rise residence. Luckily, Downtown is also where you’ll find tons of hip condos, trendy lofts, and stylish apartments to choose from, many of which offer waterfront views (if not a whole lot of storage space).
The attractions in this Jacksonville neighborhood are also world-class, and enough to justify packing up for a move. Cheer on the NFL’s Jaguars at Everbank Stadium, or peruse the diverse exhibits from local artists at The Museum of Contemporary Art. Grab a bite at one of the global fusion food trucks in James Weldon Johnson Park, the city’s oldest urban green space, full of whimsical art installations, talented street musicians, and open-air markets and festivals. If nightlife is your jam, don’t sleep on Dos Gatos, a craft cocktail lounge with live music and a bumping dance floor.
2) Arlington — A quiet destination for outdoor exploration
Average rent: $1,304
Average home value: $206,286
Best for: Young professionals, students, families, diversity
Known for: Historic landmarks, nature activities, mid-century modern architecture
Getting around: Arlington is commuter-friendly, thanks to the convenient and accessible Arlington Expressway, which connects this neighborhood to the urban center and other parts of Jacksonville. Most residents have their own cars, but if you need to use public transportation, the Route 19 bus line also serves Arlington.
As one of the first areas European settlers colonized in the 1500s, Arlington is steeped in history and immersed in natural beauty.
This neighborhood borders the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, a 46,000-acre salt marsh on the Atlantic Coast, where you can canoe, boat, fish, camp, and even relax at the beach. If hiking is more your speed, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offer scenic trails through unique Florida ecosystems.
For all the history buffs out there, Arlington also has many landmarks and museums to explore. Check out Norman Silent Film Studios, a 1920s-era cinema complex built for Black American silent film actors, or The Alhambra, one of this nation’s oldest professional dinner theaters. The houses in Arlington have a timeless retro charm, too — you’ll love these mid-century modern bungalows with colorful, funky, and geometric exteriors.
3) Riverside–Avondale — The unofficial bohemian capital
Average rent: $1,598
Average home value: $380,266
Best for: Young professionals, artists and creatives, entertainment
Known for: Eclectic arts scene, unique local businesses, walkable attractions
Getting around: Much of the Riverside-Avondale neighborhood is walkable, but if you need to commute to another part of town, reliable transit options are available. This area is located just off I-95, which makes it extremely drivable, or you can ride the Skyway monorail and hop on the Route 14, 31, or 32 bus lines.
This quirky enclave combines restored turn-of-the-century homes with a thriving business district, a flourishing cultural scene, and welcoming outdoor spaces.
Due to its bohemian character — call it Jacksonville’s Brooklyn — Riverside-Avondale attracts diverse, creative types, as seen in the neighborhood’s primary claim to fame: The Riverside Arts Market. This weekly event is a fun way to support local business owners, artisans, and farmers. You can even take a free yoga class, enjoy some live entertainment, or snap a quick selfie in front of one of the six wall murals.
Riverside-Avondale is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but make no mistake — this area is chock-full of modern amenities. Foodies will love the hip restaurants such as Asian street food from Hawkers, specialty coffee from BREW, and craft beer from Hoptinger.
If you’re into thrifting, Riverside-Avondale also features eclectic vintage stores like Fans & Stoves Antique Mall, along with trendy boutiques and apothecaries like Gloss Goods.
4) Ortega — The most affluent enclave in Jacksonville
Average rent: $1,204
Average home value: $626,176
Best for: Families, retirees, low crime, secure communities, top schools
Known for: Southern mansions, charming historic districts, lush riverfront parks
Getting around: Because it’s one of the more suburban Jacksonville neighborhoods, you’ll likely need a car in Ortega. Since public transit options are limited here, most residents drive, but Ortega is close to major highways like US-17, I-10, and I-95, making for a relatively streamlined commute.
Situated on a peninsula about 15 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville, this neighborhood is flanked by the St. John’s and Ortega Rivers. Here, you’ll find sprawling Southern mansions in various architectural styles, from Tudor Revival to Spanish Mission, as well as cottages and craftsman bungalows. The Old Ortega Historic District is also home to tree-lined Stinson Park with boat launches, fishing docks, and panoramic skyline views.
The Jacksonville Naval Air Station is located in Ortega, too — in fact, this neighborhood hosts the Blue Angels Air Show every couple of years. Add in the highly rated public schools, low crime rates, and accessible outdoor recreation, and Ortega is an excellent place to raise a family.
Keep in mind that homes cost more here than in other Jacksonville neighborhoods, but renting is still quite affordable in areas such as Ortega Hills and Ortega Forest.
5) San Marco — Waterfront views with Venetian flair
Average rent: $1,517
Average home value: $483,227
Best for: Young professionals, families, sense of community
Known for: Italian architectural influence, close drive to beaches, urban-suburban mix
Getting around: San Marco is one of the easiest neighborhoods in Jacksonville to navigate, either with your own car or public transit. The Skyway monorail connects San Marco Station to the urban center and other nearby locations. There are no direct bus lines to San Marco, but Routes 3, 8, 25, and 25 will get you close.
Named after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, this quaint but vibrant neighborhood feels like an export from Italy with bright, colorful architecture and ornate landmarks like the bronze Three Lions Fountain in San Marco Square.
This Venetian influence extends to the culinary scene as well — savor a traditional pasta and glass of wine on the patio at Taverna, or dive into a rustic margherita pie and local microbrew at V Pizza + Sidecar.
In addition to these authentic eateries, the San Marco Square houses art galleries like The Vault at 1930, featuring a variety of modern, impressionist, and abstract works. You’ll also find upscale boutiques and local indie shops like San Marco Books and More, which has been around for over 50 years. Plus, when the ocean starts to beckon, San Marco is less than a 30-minute drive from Mayport and Jacksonville Beaches.
FAQs: The Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL
Q: What is the best area in Jacksonville to live in?
A: Ultimately, the best neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL, is a matter of preference. This large city offers numerous options to suit a wide variety of priorities and lifestyles. Not to mention, each Jacksonville neighborhood has its own distinct character and unique selling points. Downtown, Arlington, Riverside–Avondale, Ortega, and San Marco are among the best places to live in Jacksonville, FL, but the right choice for you is a personal one. Consider your specific needs, then make a decision from there.
Q: What is the safest area in Jacksonville, FL?
A: The safest neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL, is Ortega. But like many cities in the U.S., safety in Jacksonville can vary from one part of town to the next. All the areas on this list experience relatively low crime rates and strong community ties.
The overall crime rate in Ortega is 53 percent lower than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 58 percent lower. Property crimes such as thefts and burglaries can occur, but this area’s robust community presence and active neighborhood associations act as a deterrent for more serious threats. Ortega is also home to top-notch schools, gated communities, and lush parks for outdoor recreation, lending it a secure, family-oriented feel.
Make Your Move to Jacksonville with Colonial Van Lines
Whether you settle along the river in Downtown, closer to the ocean in San Marco, or in any other vibrant neighborhood within Bold City’s limits, the next step is actually moving there.
Let the pros at Colonial Van Lines handle all that packing and transporting, so you can focus on putting down roots in your new Jacksonville home. Contact us for a free quote today.