Thinking about a move to Jacksonville? Known for its thriving technology industry, fun sports scene, and miles of beachfront property, River City is a perfect landing spot for nearly any lifestyle. Consider settling down in one of these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Jacksonville!
Beach Haven
Photo via @illuminatedimagesllc
- Home Price: $228,686 median purchase price; $1,056 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Looking for a family-friendly Jacksonville neighborhood in a great location? Beach Haven might be perfect for you! Within 15 minutes of Jacksonville Beach and 25 minutes of downtown, work commutes and fun weekend outings are never far away—but you can always find plenty of shopping options and restaurants in northern Beach Haven. This quiet, safe neighborhood in Jacksonville also offers easy access to excellent schools like Chets Creek Elementary School and J. Allen Axson Elementary, as well as nearby medical centers like Mayo Clinic Florida, making it a top spot for families and retirees in Jacksonville. To top it off, suburban Beach Haven offers spacious condos and townhouses that are affordable for people living in Jacksonville!
Things to Do in Beach Haven
Go for a walk, take a bike ride, or play a game of pickleball with the family at Isle of Palms Park. Enroll the little ones in a Tumbling or Ninja Training class at My Gym. Play at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, race go-karts, and battle it out in laser tag at Adventure Landing. Join Jacksonville Golf & Country Club to hit the links while the kids hang out in the Kids Clubhouse. Enjoy some of Jacksonville’s best tacos at Taco Libre, a cantina-style spot with delicious specialty tacos like the Camaron, Tingo Taco, and Mr. Potato Taco. Devour dishes like Eggplant Parmesan, a Chicken Pesto Pizza, or a Greek Salad from Brucci’s Pizza. Celebrate a special occasion at a high-end American restaurant with incredible dishes like Bistro Steak, Shrimp Fettuccine, or Blue Crab Cakes at Marker 32. Or take in the vibrant Cuban atmosphere while waiting for meals like Pollo Mango and Ropa Vieja at kid-friendly eatery, Mambos Cuban Cafe.
East Arlington
Photo via @hughesgroupjax
- Home Price: $179,483 median purchase price; $1,457 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 92% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
If reasonable home prices and safety are what you’re after, take a peek at East Arlington. Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville, this area is ideal for those who work in the city but prefer to live in a more residential area. In addition, East Arlington is surrounded by green space, offers affordable apartments and spacious single-family houses, and has top-rated schools like Waterleaf Elementary and Sabal Palm Elementary. Plus, residents can get to know their community by attending seasonal events in the neighborhood, like the Blackhawk Bluff Christmas Lights display.
Things to Do in East Arlington
Walk the trails to see some of Florida’s best flora, or take part in fun events like Dazzling Nights at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Play a game of soccer or baseball with other neighborhood kids at Ed Austin Regional Park. Let your kids learn some new moves during a Tiny Tumblers or Hip Hop dance class at The World of Dance & Talent. Make a trip to Fort Caroline National Memorial to learn about the area’s local native population and French exploration history. Enjoy a Red Dragon Burger or Cordon Bleu Chicken Burger with a Strawberry Milkshake at Epik Burger. Dig into some of the best seafood in Jacksonville at Sid & Linda’s Seafood Market & Restaurant—a no-frills spot where you can feast on a Scallops Basket, Fish Tacos, or a Shrimp Sandwich. Chow down on BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, a Cajun Fish Wrap, or Cuban Sandwich at Jerry’s Grille. Or get your fill of live music and affordable drinks at local dive bar Cliff’s Bar & Grill.
North Beach
Photo via @realtorsantaheredia
- Home Price: $229,312 median purchase price; $1,140 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Situated in The Beaches area of Jacksonville—and far from the buzz of Downtown Jacksonville—North Beach is perfectly suited for anyone who wants to be near the water. It’s also a great spot for active military and military families, as Naval Station Mayport borders the neighborhood to the north. This safe, suburban neighborhood offers Jax residents a variety of housing options like coastal townhouses or charming, single-family homes—without the typical beachfront price tag. In addition, families can send their children to quality schools nearby like Seaside Community Charter School, Mayport Coastal Sciences Elementary School, or Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School.
Things to Do in North Beach
Hit the beach at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for over 1.5 miles of coastline, some of Jacksonville’s top surfing spots, and kayak tours or rentals through Adventure Kayak Florida. Get some laughs at First Coast Comedy, specializing in improv comedy shows. Spend time hiking the trails, fishing off the pier, or even camping with the family at the Dutton Island Preserve. Splurge on a membership at Atlantic Beach Country Club to find some of the city’s best golf and social events. Dine at Tony Pepperoni, a pizza joint where you can fill up on Creamy Chicken Pesto Pizza, a Meatball Parmesan Baked Sub, or a Buffalo Chicken Calzone. Visit The Hangar Bay Cafe & Gallery, a quirky ramen restaurant that pairs Japanese comfort food with soul food, from Tonkotsu Ramen to a Bourbon Teriyaki Pulled Pork Sandwich. Order Thai Egg Drop Soup, Red Curry, or Emerald Fried Rice at Simply Tasty Thai. Or pick up desserts like an Organic Pumpkin Pie or Coconut Cream Pie from your favorite new bakery, Pie Heaven Bakery Cafe.
Sandalwood
Photo via @neflophoto
- Home Price: $143,912 median purchase price; $1,252 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Within 20 minutes of both Downtown Jacksonville and the beach, you’ll find Sandalwood, one of the city’s best neighborhoods for young professionals and families. This primarily suburban area offers budget-friendly apartments and single-family houses, so it’s an ideal place to find affordable housing in Jacksonville. Families will appreciate having great schools like Sandalwood High School and Kernan Middle School nearby. The neighborhood is also close to higher education opportunities at the University of North Florida!
Things to Do in Sandalwood
Enjoy a sunny afternoon with family or friends on the bike trail, playground, or basketball court at Huffman Boulevard Park. Sign the kids up for a class or summer camp at TNT Gymnastics & Fitness. Round up your crew and challenge yourselves with a variety of puzzles at Prototype Escape Rooms. Grab tickets to Broadway-style shows like Ghost the Musical or White Christmas at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, the nation’s oldest continuously-operating dinner theater. Dine on delicious specialties like Pineapple Seafood Fried-Rice, Red Curry, or Pad Thai at one of the best Jacksonville restaurants, Thai Blossom Bistro. Spice up dinner and watch skilled teppanyaki chefs put on a show before delivering mouth-watering combinations like Shrimp Tempura and Hibachi Steak at Hana Yori Sushi & Grill. Post up for game day at Xtreme Wings Sports Grille with beer specials and food like Burnout Wings and BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Or pick up homemade desserts like a Matcha Crepe or Caramel Sea Salt Box Cake at Mumuyi Bakery.
Secret Cove
Photo via @neflophoto
- Home Price: $168,300 median purchase price; $1,259 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of Jacksonville neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Secret Cove is a great neighborhood for young adults seeking safe areas to live in Jacksonville! Just a 17-minute drive from the city center, this Jax neighborhood is an excellent location for commuting professionals. It’s also ideal for first-time homebuyers, thanks to its wide range of housing options at affordable price points. Whether you’re looking for a luxury apartment, condo, or spacious single-family home, this Jacksonville neighborhood has it all. Plus, if you’re looking for things to do, Secret Cove is close to a variety of trendy restaurants, breweries, and entertainment options!
Things to Do in Secret Cove
Spend an afternoon hiking with friends or play a game of baseball at Drew Park. Kick back in a Luxury Lounger at Cinemark Tinseltown and XD to see the latest blockbusters. Get your buddies together for some heart-pumping racing action at Autobahn Indoor Speedway, where the Italian-made karts whip around the track at up to 50 mph. Stop and try Curry Laksa, Kimchi-Kameha, or a Miso-Soupa at Soupa Noodle Bar. Hang out at order special dishes like Lynda’s Reuben Rolls and Banger’s n’ Mash at neighborhood favorite, Culhane’s Irish Pub. Sip tasty in-house brews like the Southside Pils or the Seven Bridges Specialty Dark while relaxing on the patio at Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery. Or bring your pup over to dog-friendly brewery Bottlenose Brewing and enjoy tap beers like the Golden Ale or South Side Haze.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
