Thinking about living in Jacksonville? These neighborhoods provide job opportunities, fun things to do, restaurants, and outdoor recreation that singles and young professionals will love. Check out these five excellent Jacksonville neighborhoods!
Avondale
- Home Price: $308,400 median purchase price; $1,080 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
If you’re looking for a safe, suburban area to live in Jacksonville, look no further than Avondale. Thanks to the area’s many parks, access to the St. Johns River, and diverse mix of people, it’s a great place for young adults in addition to being a popular Jacksonville neighborhood for families. Just minutes from Downtown Jacksonville, Avondale is perfect for young professionals who want to be close to work and nightlife while also living a quieter lifestyle. And if you’re looking for educational opportunities, Florida State College at Jacksonville – Kent Campus is located on the western side of this charming neighborhood.
Things to Do in Avondale
Play pickleball or tennis and throw some burgers on a grill at Boone Park. Visit the concession stand, hit baseballs, or shoot some hoops at Murray Hill Park. Drive just five minutes southwest to bowl, play billiards, or put the mini-golf course with friends at ./;lBatt Family Fun Center. Wake up to brunch with Quiche Lorraine or Blueberry-Pecan Waffles with an Irish Coffee at Biscottis. Fill up on a Grove Burger or the Fish Fry, and then order your favorite meats at the butcher shop at Pinegrove Market and Deli. Grab a Vegetarian or T-Rex Pizza—or create your own with toppings like spinach, pineapple, and pepperoni—at Moon River Pizza. Enjoy casual Italian dishes such as Minestrone, Eggplant Pie, or a Grilled Chicken Calzone at Ale Pie House. Or attend theme nights like Pineapple Party, hop onto the dance floor, and sip beer, vodka, rum, and more at Eclipse Bar & Nightclub.
Jacksonville Beach
- Home Price: $322,865 median purchase price; $1,065 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
If you love the sun and sea, then Jacksonville Beach is for you! Jacksonville’s singles and young professionals are drawn to living here because of all the great outdoor activities, access to the suburb’s namesake beach, and vacation vibes of everyday life. This Jacksonville neighborhood is one of the safest places to live in Jax—especially with Baptist Medical Center – Beaches right at its center. Residents can choose from housing options like apartments, condominiums, and ranch homes at affordable rates. You’ll also find many restaurants, green spaces, and fun things to do in this oceanfront suburb!
Things to Do in Jacksonville Beach
Surf, swim, and soak up the sun at Jacksonville Beach. Play tennis on lighted courts, fish in Huguenot Lagoon, and walk the boardwalk at Huguenot Park. Practice your swing on the driving range, play a round of 18 holes, and eat dinner in the restaurant at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club. Attend festivals, live music events, and outdoor movies at Seawalk Pavilion. Start your day with Griddle Cakes, a Three Egg Ham Omelet, or the Veggie Rider Sandwich at Beach Hut Cafe. Dine on seasonally inspired New American dishes like Mesquite Grilled Steak or Faroe Island Salmon with a glass of red or white wine at Eleven South. Admire quirky art while munching The Carne Royale Taco or The Jimbo Taco with Flan for dessert at TacoLu. And stop in after a day at the beach for a Grom Ice Cream Sandwich, Twisted Sister Milkshake, or made-from-scratch Peanut Butter Cookies at Cookies and Creme Jax Beach.
Riverside
- Home Price: $186,689 median purchase price; $938 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
If you want a little bit of everything, think about moving to Riverside! Considered one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Riverside has various options for nightlife, restaurants, and parks, plus a mix of urban and suburban areas. Singles and young professionals can choose to live in modern apartments, Craftsman homes, or Spanish eclectic-style houses in this attractive neighborhood. If you work in the healthcare, administration, or social services fields, Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside hospital is located in the southern section of Riverside. This active neighborhood boasts low unemployment rates, ethnic diversity, and a thriving art scene!
Things to Do in Riverside
See over 5,000 works of art from famous artists like Norman Rockwell and Peter Paul Rubens, and stroll the historical gardens at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Buy fresh produce, bath products, art, and more while sampling great food and brews on Saturdays at Riverside Arts Market. Walk along the banks of the St. Johns River and do some fishing or yoga at Memorial Park. Check out books, join the reading challenge, and attend fun events like Board Games for Grown Ups at Willow Branch Library. Chill out with a Cold Brew, Chai Tea, or Espresso, and buy blends to take home at sustainable Bold Bean Coffee Roasters. Grab some fresh Tex-Mex with a Pulled Pork Taco, Supreme Quesadilla, or Rice Bowl at Nacho Taco. Indulge in a Fried Onion Burger, Bacon Cheese Please Fries, and a Dream Float at Carolina Jax. Or sip a Roxy’s Imperial or Duval Light with an Artisan Pizza at Bold City Brewery.
San Marco
- Home Price: $281,360 median purchase price; $804 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
San Marco in Jacksonville has quite a bit going on! In historical San Marco Square, you’ll find influences of its Venice namesake, Piazza San Marco—including a lion fountain and plenty of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife options. Since this neighborhood is only a few minutes from Downtown Jacksonville, there are many job opportunities, especially in the healthcare, finance, and retail industries. Unemployment is very low in San Marco, which draws an array of singles, young professionals, and families to the area. This lively neighborhood is walkable, has multiple parks, and is located right on the St. Johns River, so you can always find something fun to do!
Things to Do in San Marco
Make new friends and take acting, improv, and screenwriting classes at Creative Veins. Ride your bike or hit up the pickleball and basketball courts at Southside Park. Relax under the shady trees and play football or soccer at Alexandria Oaks Park. Book a bay for some golf or try hockey or baseball on the simulators while munching on Charcuterie and Pepperoni Flat Bread Pizza at Fore Score Golf Tavern. Refuel with a Three Egg Omelet, Frozen Caramel Latte, and a treat from the bakery at Southern Grounds. Grab a table on the patio to enjoy Brunswick Stew or a Brisket Sandwich with Sweet Potato Waffle Fries at The Bearded Pig. Savor modern Italian recipes of House-Made Ravioli or Filet Mignon with a glass of Prosecco or Cabernet Sauvignon at Taverna. Or sample beers like the Hipster Zeppelin and Space Prom with food truck fare at Aardwolf Brewing Company.
Windy Hill
- Home Price: $111,675 median purchase price; $549 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 46% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
If you want an affordable, safe neighborhood that’s close to the beach, consider Windy Hill! One of the largest Jacksonville neighborhoods, Windy Hill provides an urban feel with a movie theater and tons of restaurants and shopping, especially at St. Johns Town Center. Singles and young professionals appreciate this neighborhood because I-295 and US-90 make it easy to commute anywhere. Plus, if you’re interested in furthering your career with higher education, the University of North Florida borders Windy Hill’s eastern edge. This diverse neighborhood is friendly, keeps public areas well-maintained, and has many townhomes, condos, and apartments to choose from.
Things to Do in Windy Hill
Hike five beautiful trails, find interesting plants and animals, and rent a boat to take out on the lake at the University of North Florida Nature Trails. Bike natural paths and go fishing or kayaking at Beach and Peach Urban Park. Bring friends to solve puzzles and break out of themed rooms like Cannibals in the Catacombs at “the only locally owned and operated escape room in Jacksonville,” Prototype Escape Games. Shoot some pool, join a tournament, and grab a drink at QBALL Billiards. Stop by for a car show and fill up on The Curly Howard Omelette or Volcano Burger with a Mocha Shake at 1950s-style Johnny Angel’s Diner. Explore Columbian cuisine with Beef Empanadas, Flank Steak Stew, or Breaded Tilapia at Delicias Colombianas Jax. Sample authentic Middle Eastern recipes such as Chicken Tawouk Kababs, Beef Shawarma Salad, or the Falafel Lunch Platter at Yafa Grill. Or create your own Korean hot pot with various meats, seafood, vegetables, and soup bases at Hot Pot & BBQ Jax.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes.