Jacksonville Neighborhoods: The Top 10 River City Spots for 2026

Thinking about making a move to Jacksonville? With its relative affordability, agreeable weather, and steady economic growth, it’s no surprise that newcomers are headed to the Sunshine State in search of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida. And with the River City’s sprawling size, you’ll find dozens of distinct Jacksonville neighborhoods, from laid-back beach havens to family-friendly ‘burbs and vibrant urban spots.  

Before you start house-hunting, though, think about what matters most to you and your family. (Think: Commuting, schools, nightlife, parks, and the type of home you want.) Once you’ve got your wish list in mind, dive into our selection of the best Jacksonville neighborhoods.

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The best Jacksonville neighborhoods are located all across the city — from the waterfront to Downtown to south Jacksonville.
(Source: Google)

How We Chose the Best Jacksonville Neighborhoods

To identify the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, we took a look at a range of economic and quality-of-life factors. That includes things like home values and cost of living, along with neighborhood amenities like parks and recreation, cultural offerings, shopping and dining, and the general vibe of the neighborhood. PODS has helped thousands of people move to and within Florida, and they use that real-world experience to evaluate what matters most to prospective residents in Jacksonville neighborhoods.

Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

With its hip population and trendy bars and restaurants, Avondale is considered one of the best areas to live in Jacksonville, FL.
(Source: Laura Garcia, Realtor via Facebook)

1. Avondale — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Culture

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $800
• Average home value: $417,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, history, nightlife, outdoor activities

Avondale is known for its hip population and trendy bars and restaurants, but also for its million-dollar revival riverfront mansions. You can still find an affordable home; however, a revitalization boom has transformed sections like Springfield, where you’ll find the sights and sounds of lots of home remodeling and renovation projects, along with major transformations happening in PHX-JAX, the Phoenix Arts and Innovation District. Vintage flavor and local businesses are also hallmarks of Avondale, especially in the walkable Shoppes of Historic Avondale.

From bohemians to established families, residents here are diverse with an overall welcoming, friendly vibe. And why wouldn’t they be, when they can hit up a craft brewery after work, head to the farmers’ market for organic veggies on Saturday, and enjoy a nice brunch on The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar patio on Sunday afternoon?

Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood is known for its lovely architecture and pedestrian-friendly layout.
(Source: Riverside Avondale Preservation via Facebook)

2. Riverside — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Local Charm

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $356,800
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, weekend staycations, walkability

If wide tree-lined streets, large villa-style Mediterranean revival gems, and brownstones with 20th-century craftsman architecture are your jam, Riverside may be the best place to live in Jacksonville, FL, for you. The St. Johns River winds its way through this section of the city, filled with neighborhood boutiques and restaurants, coffee shops, farmers’ markets, and ice cream parlors. Walking is a way of life, and there’s no shortage of activities, like popping into the gardens of The Cummer Museum, antiquing, and bicycling across one of River City’s many bridges. Need a day of relaxation? Get pampered in style at the Riverside Beauty Boutique.

3. San Marco — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Italian Flavor

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
• Average home value: $358,400
• Great for: Families, retirees, evening strolls, art

Just south of Downtown Jax, you’ll find another artsy abode, modeled after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. The Y-shaped shopping district is filled with the urban energy of mom-and-pop shops and trendy boutiques like Rosie True and The Snob. Stroll along San Marco’s quaint tree-lined streets, where you’ll also find many of Jacksonville’s historic homes. From fine dining at Matthew’s to charming galleries, bookstores, and bars, there’s something for every urbanite to love in this cobblestoned section of the city.

If you love mid-century modern architecture and oak-lined streets, Arlington is likely the best place to live in Jacksonville, FL, for you!
(Source: JaxParks via Facebook)

4. Arlington — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Redevelopment

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $201,900
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, historic parks, hiking trails, shopping

Nestled within the East Jacksonville neighborhoods, Arlington blends the comforts of suburbia with urban development, old-fashioned charm, and Florida-style living. This is one of Jacksonville’s oldest settled areas, with roots dating back to the late 1500s when Europeans arrived. It’s also home to the Fort Caroline National Memorial and Park, Tree Hill Nature Center, and the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

You’ll find retirees, families with children, and young professionals in Arlington areas like Fort Caroline and Regency. There’s plenty of mid-century modern architecture amid quiet, oak-lined streets. In the past several years, Arlington has become known for the Nexus at Regency, a massive redevelopment project — one of the biggest in Jacksonville neighborhoods —  transforming an abandoned mall property into a thriving mixed-use district of housing, retail, restaurants, and business.

Jacksonville Beach is more than a popular vacation destination — it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL.
(Source: Visit Jacksonville via Facebook)

5. The Beaches — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Sun, Sand, and Surf

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $615,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, water sports, art walks, schools, nightlife

Just “across the ditch” (the Intracoastal Waterway), as the locals say, you’ll find the Jacksonville neighborhoods of Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach, collectively known as The Beaches. Living the “salt life” here (where the Salt Life brand started and evolved into a buzzphrase — and a restaurant) is sweet for everyone from seniors in waterfront condos to families in beachy cottages. And we’re not just talking vacation time: The Beaches rank among the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL.

The Beaches are home to a mix of restaurants (like the literary-themed Poe’s Tavern), ice cream shops, cafes, boutiques, and businesses of every ilk. Niche ranks Jacksonville Beach schools overall with a respectable B+ — although many individual schools are in the A-range. And of course, the outdoor opportunities are endless year-round, surfing, paddleboarding, biking, and more. Local tip: The Beaches people don’t drive over the ditch unless they absolutely have to.

Residents of Mandarin enjoy spacious parks, stunning river views, and the majesty of stately oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.
(Source: Duncan Foster, Realtor via Facebook)

6. Mandarin — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Families

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Average home value: $505,900
• Great for: Families, retirees, parks, river walks, boating

This established southside neighborhood, known for good schools and stately oak trees dripping in Spanish moss, is named after the mandarin oranges shipped from Jacksonville’s riverport in the 1800s. Among the most family-friendly Jacksonville neighborhoods, Mandarin sports spacious parks, stunning views along the St. Johns River, a convenient commute to Downtown and the beaches, and loads of local shopping. On the rare rainy day — or when you just need a break from the sun — test your strategy smarts at Breakout Games or Escapology. Retirees love Mandarin, too, thanks to communities like Everlake at Mandarin, a 55+ enclave with a lively calendar and lovely waterfront homes.

Thinking about moving to other parts of Florida? Get the scoop on these popular cities in the Sunshine State: Best Neighborhoods in Miami Best Tampa Neighborhoods Best Clearwater Neighborhoods

7. Julington Creek — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Laid-Back Suburban Life

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $442,200
• Great for: Young professionals, families, golf, schools, biking, shopping

Master-planned communities and a boating lifestyle make Julington Creek a southside gem among Jacksonville neighborhoods. About 20 minutes from Downtown, the neighborhood has good schools and is popular among families and young professionals. If you’re looking for a tasty dining experience, try Noom Thai Bistro or Bella Vista. Outdoorsy types will enjoy miles of biking trails and dozens of golf courses, and shoppers will find plenty of opportunities for some retail therapy — like the treasure-filled 15,000-square-foot Sugar Bear Antiques Mall. Something to note: Tucked tightly along the creek, many of the area’s subdivisions have small lots, and traffic can be quite congested. 

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Bartram Park is minutes from Downtown and the beach, so residents get the best of both worlds.
(Source: Bartram Park Neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL via Facebook)

8. Bartram Park — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Up-And-Coming Suburban Style

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $361,100
• Great for: Families, retirees, low-key young professionals, nature walks, schools

Known by many residents as the best area to live in Jacksonville, FL, Bartram Park has a prime location right off of Interstate 95 — just a hop, skip, and quick commute from Downtown and The Beaches. Families flock to this southside haven for amenities like the Julington-Durbin Nature Preserve, which has miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Neighborhoods in Bartram Park have wide sidewalks, abundant bike lanes, and tons of brand-new construction. If your kids are looking for some family-friendly fun, check out Surge Adventure Park or Sensory Towne, an innovative hands-on museum that nurtures kids’ ability to respond to sensory experiences. After a day of education and fun, grab some casual eats at Island Wing Company.

9. Deerwood — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Resort-Style Living

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $278,000
• Great for: Families, public schools, nightlife, diversity

Ranked an impressive No. 3 by Niche among the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, Deerwood is known for its quiet streets and good schools. Deerwood Country Club is the hub of the community, with golf, racket sports, events, and a gorgeous resort-style swimming pool. Residents also have lots of greenspace, including Deerwood Rotary Children’s Park and Brackridge Park, with playgrounds, trails, and shaded areas for picnicking.

The location on the southside of Jax puts Deerwood close to major employers, shopping centers (check out St. Johns Town Center), and some of the city’s best dining, including Biscottis South Bank and Prati Italia. With its inviting vibe and easy access to amenities — not to mention The Beaches just a short drive away — Deerwood stands out as one of the top Jacksonville neighborhoods.

Just a bit south of the Naval Air Station, Orange Park is a popular suburb for military families moving to Jacksonville.
(Source: @robert.schwabe via Instagram)

10. Orange Park, FL — Best Jacksonville Neighborhood for Military Families

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,050
• Average home value: $302,900
• Great for: Young professionals, families, riverfront views, shopping

About 15 miles southwest of Downtown, the riverside community of Orange Park is outside of Duval County, home to most Jacksonville neighborhoods, but still close enough for commuters and beach-goers. And it has a big selling point: It’s rated the No. 3 place to live in Clay County. Family-friendly activities include taking in a show at the Orange Park Community Theatre or hearing live music at the Thrasher-Horne Center.

This is a popular suburb for military families moving to Jacksonville, as it’s just a bit south of the gates of the Naval Air Station, home to more than 6,500 active-duty sailors and 34,000 of their family members. You’ll find more elevated prices on the east side of Orange Park, where the homes include mansions and Tudor-style estates overlooking the majestic St. Johns, the longest river in the Sunshine State.

Jacksonville Neighborhoods — FAQs

Q: What is the best area to live in Jacksonville, FL?
A: The best area to live in Jax depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences, of course. But we have a few ideas to help you narrow it down. For walkability and historic charm, Avondale is wonderful. The Beaches are ideal for — you guessed it — beach lovers. And for family life, the suburban comforts and good schools of Mandarin and Julington Creek are super choices.

Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL?
A: Some of the safest Jacksonville neighborhoods include the areas around The Beaches — particularly Jacksonville Beach, which holds the No. 1 spot for the least crime per capita. As it does in every city, though, safety in Jax can vary from block to block, so be sure to check data and consider your comfort level before you decide on the best place to live in Jacksonville.

Q: What is the richest part of Jacksonville, FL?
A: There are various metrics to determine the richest neighborhood in Jax. Home prices in Avondale and Mandarin exceed the citywide average. But the highest cost of living is around The Beaches — particularly Isle of Palms, which is 42 percent higher than the rest of the area, according to AreaVibes, and the average home price is $751,200.  

Q: What are the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville, Florida?
A: The biggest pro of living in one of the many Jacksonville neighborhoods is big-city living with the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean just a few minutes away. Whether you have a family or you’re looking for vibrant nightlife (or both!), Jax has something for you. No city is without its cons, though. If you’re used to a walkable lifestyle, you’re in for a change. You’ll need a car to travel most places, and traffic can be hectic during morning and afternoon rushes.

Q: Is moving to Jacksonville a good idea?
A: Living in Jacksonville is a mix of beach vibes, urban amenities, and suburban convenience, so moving here is likely a good idea for most kinds of people. The city’s average salary is $74,000 per year, with the cost of living a bit below the national average. And whether you’re a young professional or a retiree, there’s plenty to do. Art walks, a thriving dining scene, the ocean, and plenty of parks are what await you in this city. Sounds pretty great, huh?

Q: Is Jacksonville, FL, a good place to live?
A: If access to sunny beaches, an affordable cost of living, and a strong economy sound good to you, then absolutely! Jacksonville is a great place to live. Of course, there are risks that come with coastal living, including hurricanes, tropical storms, and the potential flooding they bring. But with over one million people living in Jax, it seems the trade-off is worth it.

No matter which of the Jacksonville neighborhoods you choose, you’ll always be a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean.
(Source: Visit Jacksonville via Facebook)

Move to One of the Best Jacksonville Neighborhoods With PODS

Once you’ve chosen the best neighborhood for you, make your move to Jacksonville flexible with PODS portable moving containers. Have a container delivered directly to your driveway so you can pack and load at your convenience. If you need some assistance with the heavy lifting, PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to lend a hand. And if you need a little extra time finding your Jacksonville dream home, one month’s storage is included in the cost of every move.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Jennifer Nelson lives and plays in “The Beaches” neighborhood of Jacksonville. She also writes for Realtor.com, Houselogic, and HGTV when she’s not riding her beach cruiser.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}