With a cost of living that’s below the national average and housing prices lower than Florida’s other major cities, this Southern city attracts thousands of new residents each year.

Jacksonville is the largest city in the nation by area and has nearly one million residents. Like any city of this size, it has a number of neighborhoods that are safer than others. If you’re thinking about moving in Northeast Florida and safety is on your list of priorities, the team at our Jacksonville moving company offers guidance on several safe neighborhoods you may want to consider before you make your move.

Intracoastal West

This family-friendly area lies along the Intracoastal Waterway, just over the bridge from Jacksonville’s beaches. Its location offers an easy commute to other parts of the city, thanks to access to major roads and thoroughfares. There’s a wide range of housing choices here, from spacious, well-kept homes built in the last 20 years to brand-new luxury apartments springing up everywhere. Great shopping and dining are just a short drive away, including the options at the beaches.

As for advantages such as high-quality healthcare and schools, this neighborhood is home to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and the highly rated Alimicani Elementary School, and the University of North Florida is just minutes away.

The Beaches

Long one of the area’s most unique and desirable neighborhoods, the beaches to the east of Jacksonville remain a popular spot to live. Unfortunately, this means housing is more expensive here than nearly any other part of town.

Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach are collectively referred to as “the beaches” and each has its own particular flavor. Jacksonville Beach is the most diverse, both in housing styles and population. It’s the largest of the beach cities, so it has the greatest number of options in dining, shopping, schools, and more. While still high, home prices cover a wider range here than in nearby beach communities. Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach have fewer business and commercial properties and are mostly residential.

Mandarin

Lying along the St. Johns River, Mandarin is a beautiful neighborhood that’s known for its ancient oak trees that you’ll find at every turn. Residents love living here not only for its natural assets, but also for its parks, schools, shopping, and restaurants.

You can find any type of home here, including grand riverfront homes on expansive lots, new apartments and modern condominiums, and smaller, well-built more affordable homes. You’ll need to allow for a time-consuming commute to downtown Jacksonville, but it’s worth the drive to come home to this easygoing neighborhood.

Oceanway

Oceanway is located on Jacksonville’s northside and, until fairly recently, was one of the most rural and sparsely populated areas of the city. Today, though, it’s become more suburban with the addition of brand-new housing communities. There are still a great number of small farms and homes on large acreage, but new residents now have new choices.

New residents are drawn to Oceanway for its attractions and amenities, such as the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens; its proximity to the Jacksonville International Airport; and the shopping choices at the sprawling River City Marketplace. Thanks to I-95 and I-295, Oceanway residents can get to other parts of the city quickly.

Baymeadows

Baymeadows became one of Jacksonville’s most attractive places to live when the city drew a number of major U.S. corporations that made their headquarters here. This drew thousands of young professionals, which led to a burgeoning nightlife scene along Baymeadows Road and new apartment complexes that sprung up around it. Restaurants, including some great authentic Thai and Indian eateries, line this main thoroughfare.

The neighborhood is now well-established and remains a draw today for those who want the convenience of an easy commute to all areas of Jacksonville.

Ortega

This older-but-elegant Jacksonville neighborhood offers a quiet respite from the bustle of the neighborhoods around it. Located on a peninsula on the St. Johns River with beautiful views of the city’s skyline, the area’s Ortega Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places. Generation of Ortega residents have preserved hundreds of homes over the years that range in style from Mediterranean Revival, Craftsman Bungalow, and Colonial Revival, to Tudor Revival and Prairie.

For the most part, Ortega is a wealthy neighborhood and is accessible only by a two-lane bridge. Great schools, well-tended parks, the Florida Yacht Club, and the Timuquana Country Club combine to make Ortega a highly desirable place to live.

Riverside/Avondale

This historic neighborhood isn’t just popular with Jacksonville residents—it was also voted one of the top 10 Great Neighborhoods in the country. Although the Riverside/Avondale area is steeped in history, it attracts a young population. Housing here is at both extremes of the spectrum: There are multi-million-dollar estates and high-end condominiums on the riverfront, but there are also beautiful old duplexes with charming apartments offering a step into a charming past.

Riverside/Avondale is a destination for residents from across the city. It’s home to the top-notch Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the funky 5 Points arts district, and an eclectic collection of locally owned boutiques and shops with one-of-a-kind items. Beautifully treed parks, the weekly Riverside Arts Market, and some of the city’s best restaurants round out the many attractions of this neighborhood.

Ready to Make Your Move? Our Jacksonville Movers Can Help.

Suddath’s expert movers in Jacksonville, FL, have everything you and your family need to move to any of the city’s great neighborhoods. If you’ve been searching for moving companies in Jacksonville, here’s why Suddath is the right choice:

• Your move will be handled by fully trained and vetted professional movers.
• Our services can be customized to your needs.
• We offer moving quotes with no hidden costs or fees.

Book your move or speak with one of Suddath’s moving experts today.