10 Things You Should Know About Moving to Jacksonville, FL and Northeast Florida Considering a move to Jacksonville, FL, or anywhere in Northeast Florida? This guide covers essential insights about the region, from its vastness and affordability to the local lifestyle and medical options. Discover what makes this area unique and why it might be the perfect place for your new home. ???? Introduction Welcome to the vibrant world of Jacksonville, FL, and the beautiful Northeast Florida region If you're considering making this area your new home, you're in for a treat. This part of Florida is filled with diverse landscapes, rich culture, and a lifestyle that many find appealing. But before you pack your bags and hit the road, let's dive into some essential insights that will help you settle in smoothly. ???? Massive Area, Endless Options Did you know Northeast Florida is huge? We're talking about over 3,500 square miles of beautiful territory That's larger than some small countries This vastness means you have tons of options when it comes to choosing where to live. From the sandy beaches of Jacksonville Beach to the historic charm of St. Augustine and on to country club lifestyle in Ponte Vedra Beach. Rural areas in Northern and Western Northeast Florida like Callahan offer a peaceful country lifestyle. Urban living in downtown Jacksonville and Riverside gives you the city vibe. However, don't let one visit to a certain area dictate your feelings about the whole region. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and charm. It might take over an hour to drive from one side to the other, but it's worth exploring ???? Wide Open Spaces Jacksonville isn't just big; it's wide Imagine having the ocean on one side and sprawling fields on the other. You can find everything from beach houses to farm-style homes. This variety is a big draw for many newcomers. Beachfront properties for sun lovers. Master-planned communities with amenities. Quiet retreats away from the hustle and bustle. Multiple waterway for beautiful views and active water sports With such a wide range of real estate options, working with a knowledgeable local agent can help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. ☀️ Weather Wonders When it comes to weather, Northeast Florida has its own charm. Unlike other parts of Florida, we experience a change of seasons Yes, you might need a light jacket a few times a year. Imagine celebrating the holidays with a bit of chill in the air Enjoy cooler weather than South Florida year round Perfect for those who want a break from the relentless heat. Plus, the weather can be a great conversation starter "Did you feel that cool breeze last night?" will definitely be a common topic ????️ Hurricanes: What You Should Know Living in Northeast Florida does come with its own set of weather realities, especially hurricanes. But here's the silver lining: we're less storm-prone compared to other regions. Most storms that reach us are typically downgraded to rain and wind. Category 1 storms usually bring just rain for us. Residents often share stories of storms that were just a drizzle. This doesn't mean you should ignore storm preparedness, but it's nice to know that we're not always in the thick of it ???? Wood Frame Homes: A Unique Construction Style Now, let's talk homes In Northeast Florida, most new constructions are built with a wood frame. You might think, "Wait, isn't that risky?" But here's the deal: our building codes are designed for our unique weather patterns. Wood frame homes are common and very livable. Some areas, like Palm Coast, have more concrete homes due to their proximity to the coast. And South Florida with their hurricane prone areas are mostly concrete block homes. Whether you prefer a cozy wood frame home or a sturdy concrete structure, there are plenty of options to choose from ???? Stucco Ranch Style Homes Most of homes built in the 1990s-2015 are stucco. After that, we still have plenty of stucco homes, but you start seeing part cementitious siding and a few full cementitious siding homes. We do have brick and concrete block homes. The concrete block homes tend to be older homes built in the 50's and 60's or custom built luxury estates around the ocean. The brick homes are scattered all over but you can see more of them where we had waves of northerners moving in. For example, Marsh Landing has more than average brick homes that were in the 2000's. Homes built before 2015 tend to be 1 story homes with maybe a bonus room upstairs. In newer homes, we have seen lots getting smaller. So we have seen builders building more two story homes. Two story homes seem to be majority of newer homes now unless you are looking at 55+, smaller homes under 2200sf or more luxury homes that have larger lots to spread out on. ???? Medical Options Galore Health is wealth, and in Northeast Florida, we take that seriously. We're home to the renowned Mayo Clinic, one of the top medical facilities in the U.S. It's not just about the buildings; it's about the care you receive. Access to specialized care at places like Baptist Cancer Center and MD Anderson. Top-notch pediatric care at Wolfson Children's Hospital. With such extensive medical options, you can feel secure knowing that quality healthcare is just around the corner. And who doesn't want that peace of mind? ???? Limited Public Transportation Let's keep it real-public transportation in Jacksonville isn't the best. If you're moving here, be ready to rely on your own wheels. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority has some routes, but you might find them lacking. Having a car is almost a necessity. Explore the area at your own pace Think of it as a chance to discover hidden gems you might miss on a bus ???? Not a Hurried Pace of Life If you're coming from a bustling city like Miami or Orlando, prepare for a change of pace. Things tend to wind down earlier here. You might find yourself enjoying cozy evenings instead of late-night escapades so you can wake up earlier and enjoy the next morning outside. But don't be discouraged. There is plenty going on. You just need to drive 30 minutes to get to that part of town to find it. 2AM is the latest a bar would be open If you are close to city center then you have multiple shops and restaurants within a 5-10 drive. However, in the suburbs you can easily be 30 minutes from the restaurants you want to get to. The good news is with our wonderful highways you can be just about anywhere in town in 30 minutes. If you from New York, Las Vegas or Miami then you would call this a slower lifestyle. But if you want to embrace a city that has culture, restaurants, events and still be able to get up in the morning to go kayaking, boating, fishing, etc. then this is the place for you. ????️ Politics and Community Vibes It's important to know that Northeast Florida feels like it tends to lean a bit more conservative. However, demographics show it pretty close to a 50/50 split. ???? Mayo Clinic: A Medical Marvel When it comes to healthcare, Northeast Florida shines bright with the Mayo Clinic. This isn't just any medical facility; it's a top-tier institution known nationwide for its cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care. If you're moving here, knowing you have access to such high-quality healthcare can make a world of difference. (And if you want a good meal then you should try M Brothers located at the Mayo) World-Class Care: The Mayo Clinic is renowned for its research and specialized care, making it a go-to for many health concerns. Heartfelt Thanks: Many locals, including families, have shared how the Mayo Clinic has positively impacted their lives. Just ask anyone who's had a loved one receive treatment there Pediatric Excellence: With facilities like Wolfson Children's Hospital and Nemours Children's Hospital, your kids will be in great hands. Having such extensive medical options nearby allows residents to feel secure. Whether it's a routine check-up or a specialized procedure, you can trust that the care is top-notch. ???? Getting There If you're moving to Jacksonville, FL, or anywhere in Northeast Florida, you'll want to buckle up for a little reality check. Public transportation here is... well, let's just say it's not winning any awards. Your Own Wheels: Having a car is essential. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority does its best, but you'll find it limited. Your better off ubering if you don't have a car readily available. Explore Freely: With your own vehicle, you can take spontaneous trips to the beach or the countryside without worrying about bus schedules We are uniquely located where I-10 and I-95 meet. So take a fun weekend in Savannah GA or Orlando FL with just a 2.5 hour drive Or jump on the cruise ship for a quick tour to the Bahamas. So, if you're used to hopping on a subway or bus, prepare for a bit of a change. Think of it as an opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Northeast Florida at your own pace ❓ FAQ: Your Questions Answered Curious about moving to Jacksonville? Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you out What's the cost of living like in Northeast Florida? Generally, it's more affordable compared to places like Miami or Orlando, especially when it comes to housing Are there good schools in the area? Yes Many neighborhoods boast highly-rated public and private schools. What's the best time to visit? Anytime. Weather is great year round and there are often events you can visit while you are here. It's Florida. So it's hot. But if you can come in summer you can see how much better it is than South Florida. Or come in winter and experience a winter you wouldn't think you would find in Florida. Just remember that September is our rainy month. So be prepared. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out.
