Greater Jacksonville

While the cost of living will vary by city or town, the Greater Jacksonville area generally offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major Florida cities. In the city of Jacksonville itself, the cost of living is 7% below the national average.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority operates bus services, and the Skyway monorail connects residents to downtown Jacksonville. Most locals rely on personal vehicles, especially in suburban areas. Cities in the area also feature bike lanes and on-demand travel options. The Sunshine Bus Company also operates in St. Augustine.

Downtown Jacksonville is ideal for young professionals, with walkable streets lined with craft breweries, art galleries, and great local bars and restaurants. The Riverside Arts Market and the King Street District are hubs for weekend activities and nightlife.

The area has several highly rated restaurants, with both casual and upscale options. In Downtown Jacksonville's Historic San Marco, BB's Restaurant and Bar is consistently rated as one of the top in the area, with award-winning cakes and desserts. Prohibition Kitchen in St. Augustine is a popular gastropub with live entertainment, while SUNDAY Gathering Table is a local favorite for brunch, famous for its sourdough.

The area has over 400 city parks, including the Timucuan Ecological Preserve. The St. Johns River offers kayaking and fishing, while Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach provide 22 miles of coastline for surfing and sunbathing. With several beaches and rivers throughout the area, locals also enjoy fishing and paddleboarding.

While the city centers of St. Augustine and Jacksonville may be more appealing to young professionals, the suburbs of Greater Jacksonville are ideal for families. The community of St. Johns has great schools like Julington Creek Elementary and Liberty Pines Academy. With many parks, beaches, and community events, the area is welcoming to families with kids.

The St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville offers upscale retail, while the historic San Marco neighborhood features boutiques like Rusted. The bohemian Five Points district has many eclectic vintage shops and local artisan stores.

Yes, many Greystar apartments in the area welcome pets, including Eden at Kendall West and Soluna. There are also several dog parks, like Joe Pomar Park and Ed Austin Regional Park. Many restaurants offer pet-friendly patios, and some beaches allow leashed dogs during designated hours.

In the city of Jacksonville, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and Cummer Museum anchor the arts scene. The Florida Theatre also hosts performances year-round, while monthly Art Walk events showcase local talent. St. Augustine also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several museums and regular community events. St. Johns also has its own Culture Council, supporting local artists and crafters.

The University of North Florida and Jacksonville University are the primary institutions. UNF's campus features the popular Robert W. Loftin Nature Trails, while JU's riverfront location offers stunning views.