Best Places to Live in Jacksonville

What are the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL? Here are ten great places to live in Jacksonville with information on local favorites! 

Warm weather and gorgeous scenery are what to expect when living in Jacksonville, Florida. If you are moving to the area, finding a neighborhood best suited for you is important. You might be wondering what the best area to live in is Jacksonville, Florida. Known to be one of the best places to live in Florida, you will thrive in this city if you want a suburban feel.

Surrounded by miles of beaches and oceanfront views, spend your days as a new local at one of the many popular shops and highly-rated restaurants. If you are moving to the area and want to find a neighborhood to fit your lifestyle, you have come to the right place. By providing you with this guide to the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, we hope to make your move and home search in Jacksonville a little easier. Whether you are looking for a beach house, a home by the river, or a place downtown, there is a neighborhood for you. 

10 Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida!

San Marco

This small, quiet neighborhood of San Marco is a popular hub of chic boutiques, trendy bars, and relaxed bistros. The casual atmosphere of San Marco is a huge draw for residents. This historic neighborhood is just minutes from downtown and right by the riverfront, so there are tons of things to do. San Marco is beautiful, and it offers amazing sunsets and city views. Known for its historic homes for sale and well-preserved riverfront mansions, admire the Italian and Mediterranean-inspired architecture.

San Marco has an Italian business district and relevant association with the Italian city of Venice. The San Marco Square is a focal point and prime destination for those living in this neighborhood. Hang out by the European fountain in the middle of the square, attend an art gallery, head to a cocktail bar, or grab a beer at one of the local breweries. Prized for being one of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, residents will love living in this suburban residential neighborhood of San Marco — there's a reason it's kicking off our list of best neighborhoods in JAX.

Local Favorites:

Taverna: This wine bar is both chic and on-trend. Drink your favorite wine while enjoying classic Italian and Spanish dishes. Make sure to try one of the homemade brick oven pizzas.

Rue Saint-Marc: Dine on French cuisine while enjoying specialty craft cocktails at this fun establishment.

Southern Ground and Co.: A cute little coffee shop in town perfect for getting lattes and baked goods.

Downtown Jacksonville

Living in Downtown Jacksonville means that you will be living in the heart of all that the city has to offer. Found right on the St. Johns River and just across the street from gorgeous beaches, the neighborhood Downtown is the city's main business district. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and affordable cost of living, dine al fresco at one of the multiple beloved pubs and seafood restaurants. If you are an outdoorsman, learn to kayak on the river or take a nature walk on one of the many outdoor walking trails.

Calling all sports fans, Downtown Jacksonville hosts the city's professional sports teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. Fun fact: This urban neighborhood is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies. If you work in the city, consider moving to this neighborhood. Not only are there many job opportunities, but living Downtown will cut down on commute time. It truly is one of the best places to live in Jacksonville.

Local Favorites:

Time's Union Center of the Performing Arts: This performing arts center is known as the "premier riverfront entertainment facility." Catch live performances and symphony concerts here.

MOSH Jacksonville: The Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville features a planetarium and interactive exhibits.

Super Food and Brew: Dine on healthy food while drinking craft beer near the riverfront.

Southside

This residential neighborhood is filled with history and nature. Offering residents riverfront views, Southside is located south of the St. Johns River and is one of the nicer neighborhoods in the city. Solve all of your problems with retail therapy at one of the two shopping centers in the area. The Avenue Mall is indoors, while the St. Johns Town Center features a business center, hotel, and an open-air concept.

There is also an area of the neighborhood called Tinseltown, which houses a movie theater, popular shops, and an exciting nightlife scene. If shopping is not your forte, you can stay busy visiting the neighborhood's historical sites or participating in outdoor activities. Search homes for sale in Southside. 

Local Favorites:

French Pantry: Order the best French bread and pastries at this bakery and cafe. Choose from muffins, cakes, croissants, and danishes.

Coopers Hawk Winery and Restaurant: Selling the best housemade wines in a relaxed atmosphere alongside classic American food.

The Coffee Grinder: Drink espresso, beer, and wine in this eclectic coffee shop. Enjoy live music and local art.

Riverside

The upscale neighborhood of Riverside is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, with beautiful homes for sale. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Riverside was voted as one of the top 10 greatest neighborhoods in the country due to its history, culture, and beauty. Many young professionals and families live in this area since it is a cool part of town.

Find your dream home in an upscale apartment, a stylish single-family home, or a million-dollar house on the waterfront. Riverside has an urban vibe and a tight-knit community. Spend your weekends with friends bar hopping, admiring local art, or antique shopping at one of the local vintage clothing stores.

Local Favorites:

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: Considered the largest fine art museum in Northeast Florida, check out this world-class art collection.

The Bread and Board: For charcuterie and cheese plate lovers, visit this restaurant, which serves sandwiches and wine outdoors.

River and Post: Feast on locally caught seafood at this rooftop bar with the city's best views.

Five Points

Located in historic Riverside, the neighborhood of Five Points is a hip and bohemian residential area. Five Points is the coolest block in Jacksonville, bringing in millennials and young professionals. Mixing old Jacksonville with modern-day vibes, hang out by the St. Johns River and discover vintage shops and delightful entertainment.

Surrounded by high rises and green spaces, the architecture in the area reflects bungalow plantation styles. The streets are tree-lined, and there are sidewalks to walk on, making the neighborhood easy to navigate. Five Points is one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville.

Local Favorites:

Sun-Ray Cinema: This movie theater has been around for 90 years and shows independent art-house films and first-run pictures. The concession stand sells wine, beer, sandwiches, and even veggies with hummus.

Brew Five Points: This breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot serves tea and craft beer. Enjoy brews, espresso drinks, and gourmet toast.

Bark: This upscale pet boutique is urban, hip, and the best place to shop for your pet. Bark also offers daycare and grooming.

Deerwood

This high-end neighborhood is an affluent district of the city. Deerwood has resort-style residential complexes, renovated single-family homes, and country clubs. Those wanting an exclusive lifestyle with access to the top areas of Jacksonville should live in the neighborhood of Deerwood. This top neighborhood is geared toward the high and middle class.

Sporting extremely low crime rates, housing prices in this area reflect the prestige. Many homes in Deerwood were built in the 2000s, so construction is new and recent. Residents in this neighborhood often commute to work. Great for families, there are many outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Shop at upscale town centers and designer boutiques, and eat at classy restaurants in one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville. 

Local Favorites:

Deerwood Country Club: Established in the 1960s, this country club and gated community is one of Jacksonville's most exclusive residential neighborhoods.

Midtown Table: This Italian kitchen serves up made-from-scratch bread and pasta. Eat here for brunch.

Fort Family Park: Bring the family to this park, which has picnic shelters, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a playground.

The Beaches

If you want to live near the Atlantic Ocean, some of the most sought-after and expensive neighborhoods in Jacksonville are located in the Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach areas. Find your dream home next to the water, perfect for any beachgoer, family, young professional, and retiree. Most residents like to stay active and participate in water sports and outdoor activities.

This is the perfect neighborhood to learn how to surf, kayak, or paddleboard. Feel free to run, bike, rollerblade, or skateboard in this beach community. Spanning for over twenty-two miles, the beaches in Jacksonville are family-friendly and feature some of the best real estate in the area.

Local Favorites:

Dockside Seafood Restaurant Jax Beach: Dine on locally caught seafood at this waterfront spot, including grilled shrimp and conch fritters.

Jax Beach Brunch House: The best place to get brunch in town. Featuring a full bar and a large number of vegan options.

Salt Life Food Shack: This surf restaurant serves favorites, including tacos, burgers, seafood, and sushi.

Orange Park

A great place to raise a family, the neighborhood of Orange Park is close to Downtown Jacksonville but is still a good distance away to avoid city traffic. Known for its reasonably priced houses and rural atmosphere, this neighborhood is great for anyone who wants a good amount of land and does not mind commuting for work.

The Naval Air Station of Jacksonville is here, so expect many Navy personnel and families. There are many wooded areas and parks to spend the day outside. If you're looking for one of the best places to live in Jacksonville, you will want to check out Orange Park.

Local Favorites:

OP Fish House and Oyster Bar: Dine on fresh seafood and oysters at this fish house. Enjoy live music and great service.

4 Rivers Smokehouse: Get Texas-style barbecue, homemade sides, and fantastic desserts. Try the fried pickles.

The Urban Bean Coffee House Cafe: This contemporary coffee house serves hot drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, and flatbreads.

Northside

In the northern part of Jacksonville, the Northside consists of historic areas, protected ecosystems, and cultural sites. This neighborhood plays an important part in the city's transportation system. The Jacksonville International Airport, Jacksonville Amtrak Station, and JAXPORT Cruise Terminal are stationed here.

What was once an industrial town, this residential area is a desirable neighborhood with oceanfront living. The Northside has seen a lot of new developments recently with different architectural styles, including Mediterranean villas and ranch-style homes. If you dream of living on the river and want a decent-sized lot, check out homes for sale in Northside.

Local Favorites:

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: This is the perfect family adventure. Admire the elephants alongside 2,000 other animals and 1,000 species of plants. The Jacksonville Zoo is known for its animal wellness team.

Green Papaya: Get your fill of Asian cuisine with predominantly Thai flavors.

The Jungle Bowl: The best place to get acai bowls and cold brew smoothies. Get superfood smoothies, acai bowls, and cold brew at this spot. Plus, all menu items are vegan.

Mandarin

Located in southern Jacksonville and named after the mandarin orange, the neighborhood of Mandarin can be considered a tropical paradise. The area is loved for its breathtaking oak trees draped with Spanish moss that line the streets. This residential area has great shopping and entertainment to attract residents.

Living in Mandarin offers homeowners a sparse urban environment where neighbors care for the area and their properties. Mandarin is one of the top places to live in the Jacksonville area.

Local Favorites:

Julington Creek Fish Camp: This fish camp on the river serves seafood with a southern flare.

Beach Diner Mandarin: Get your breakfast favorites, sandwiches, and salads at this popular diner.

Mandarin Park: This park has a playground, tennis courts, and even a boat ramp that backs up to the St. Johns River.

FAQs 

What are the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville, FL? 

Jacksonville offers beautiful beaches, a low cost of living, prime real estate, fun things to do, and a variety of neighborhoods, but it also has high heat and humidity, traffic, and a high risk for extreme weather. 

What is the best zip code in the Jacksonville, FL, area? 

The zip code 32259 is considered one of Jacksonville's best areas to live in due to its high safety rating and access to highly-rated public schools. 

What is the richest part of Jacksonville, FL? 

The richest area in Jacksonville is the community of Ortega Forest due to its large single-family homes and high housing prices. 

Choosing the best place to live in Jacksonville

Jacksonville has so many fantastic neighborhoods that it can be hard to pick just one to call home. We recommend touring each area and exploring the local spots first before deciding where you want to live.

Our local Real Estate Experts team is here to help you with your big decision. Connect with us today for any questions about the city of Jacksonville.

Learn more about what it's like living in Florida.