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Top Reasons to Live in a Northeast Florida Community (2023 Update)
Most people consider Northeast Florida an excellent place to visit. After all, where else can you swing to syncopated riffs at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival? Or soak up the sun on the beautiful shores of Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach, followed by an indulgent shopping and dining experience? These are just two of the many attractions around the First Coast.
However, many visitors are unaware that Northeast Florida is peaceful for residents, especially when the tourists are gone. And while most visitors know about the beaches, many do not know about everything else that makes Northeast Florida a great place to live:
- St Johns River
- Intracoastal Waterway
- Many Parks and Trails
- Broadway Plays
- NFL Football, Minor League Baseball, Ice Hockey & Soccer
- Symphony
- Local Theater
- Farmer's Markets
- International Airport
- More Mild Summers than South Florida
- Golf Courses
- Tennis & Pickleball Courts
- The list could go on. Here are more details on seven reasons Northeast Florida makes a fantastic place to live!
1. A Comfortable Cost of Living in Northeast Florida
The average cost of daily living remains affordable in most cities and counties across Northeast Florida.
Research conducted by the University of Florida reveals that cities like Jacksonville cost about 2% less than the average cost of living across Florida.
The same data also suggests that health services may cost about 10% less, and housing remains about 8% lower than the US national average.
Compare Jacksonville to San Francisco, a city with a similar population. San Francisco's cost of living is 84% higher than the national average.
Who doesn't want more affordable living? Join the many people who have relocated to the Jacksonville metro region to increase your savings.
Forbes recently named Jacksonville and Gainesville the 2nd and 3rd best places to live in the state.
2. The Thrill of Nature and the Rugged Backcountry
Northeast Florida’s backwoods provide trailblazing adventures and stunning natural terrain for lovers of the great outdoors.
Hotspots like Lake City offer many outdoor activities that residents enjoy as much (if not more) than visitors. Whether it's cave diving at Springs State Park or hiking along the panoramic scenes of the Florida Trail, the options are endless!
Lake Desoto alone offers over 20 activities that range from bird-watching and fishing to biking and picnicking. Natural preserves like Jacksonville, FL's Big Talbot Island State Park treat residents to almost mystical views of natural beaches. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park delights citizens with untamed wildlife and exciting trails.
Taking a break from daily commutes and setting up camp at one of these parks remains easy and affordable. And dozens of other parks and natural reserves serve residents of all ages.
Don't forget our many waterways for watersports: the Atlantic Ocean, St Johns River, and Intracoastal Waterway. That means we are a mecca for fishing, boating, skiing, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding & more!
3. A Melting Pot for Musical Traditions
The rock-filled days and harmony-inspired nights will keep you humming all night if you’re a music lover settled in Northeast Florida.
Events like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival treat residents to the most acclaimed Jazz artists worldwide. This three-day fest that began in 1979 continues serving as the go-to destination for Jazz lovers in Florida and beyond.
The Jacksonville Center for Performing Arts remains a primary venue for symphonies, live artists, and concerts. See the latest Broadway play that has come to town!
Indie rock fans can head to the 1904 Music Hall at Ocean Street. This old but classy joint hosts shows by the breakthrough rock and grunge bands regularly.
The St. Augustine Music Festival, the Palatka Bluegrass Festival, and the Sing Out Loud Festival are other music events that keep residents entertained the entire year!
4. Where Culture & History Meet
Are you a culture connoisseur or a history buff? Settle in one of the time-honored cities in the region and treat your cultural palate to beautiful delights!
The First Coast gets its name from the arrival of European explorers on the mainland. Cities like St. Augustine serve as historical districts that allow one to revisit the evidence of a rich cultural past.
The Castillo de San Marcos, the Flagler College, and the entire St. Augustine's district embody this impressive cultural history in every street. Marvel at architecture that's centuries old. Witness the signs of Spanish colonial history on the old fort and along St. George Street in St. Augustine. Feast your eyes on the distinct architecture influenced by Renaissance tastes and themes.
To the north, you'll enjoy access to Jacksonville's Riverside Avondale historic district. Breeze through art markets, antique shops, and cultural events. The Luminaria is a recurring event celebrating community and fraternity through candle lighting and socializing.
5. The Glistening Sands of First Coast Beaches & Atlantic Ocean
The rest of the country is familiar with the beaches in Miami and other parts of South Florida. This is to our benefit. As it allows the crowds to bypass us to crazy busy South FL. So, if you are looking for less crowded beaches, then Northeast Florida is what you are looking for. And if you do like the crowds, then we have that too! (Just not like South Florida)
Jacksonville’s Jax Beach may be First Coast's most crowded seashore. But residents who enjoy thronging crowds, barbecues, and bikinis still appreciate how the oceanfront comes alive with activity. Plus you have many restaurants and shops in walking distance. A summer full of what seems like bi-weekly festivals. And some great public parks and available parking for the ocean.
The Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra offer more peace, quiet, and privacy for locals who prefer solitude. Here, you will find more local-only beaches. If you enjoy peaceful beaches and comfortable sands, visit one of these local beaches in Northeast Florida.
6. Welcome to the South & Our Friendly Neighborhoods
A welcoming and friendly atmosphere remains an essential priority for anyone looking to relocate. It's important even if your expected stay is only for weeks or months.
Cities like St. Augustine remain diverse and friendly thanks to its tourism and assorted historical cultures. Lincolnville, Uptown, and Downtown St. Augustine remain favorites for locals and new visitors. These places share a love for history and local culture.
US News ranked Jacksonville as the fourth-best place to live versus hundreds of other cities in Florida. According to Yahoo Finance, Jacksonville is also regarded as the best place to retire in Northern Florida. Jax also enjoys other commendations, like being the most child-friendly city in the entire country!
7. A Vibrant Economy & Ample Employment Opportunities
The Florida Legislature Office of Economic and Development Research (EDR) recently released an economic overview of the state.
The findings from this study reveal that Florida’s resurgence as a thriving destination has grown faster than many other states in the post-Covid years.
The average personal income in the state grew by about 7.9% to 11.4% in 2023 alone. That's a giant leap compared to the national average of about 5%. This figure means people in Florida (especially the Northeast) may continue earning better than most of the country.
The paper also reveals that over 700,000 new residents have joined the fray since the 2020 Census. Come see why the state remains attractive for citizens nationwide.
The unemployment rate in Florida remains at an all-time low of over 2%. The national average is almost 4%. So, there's adequate opportunity for gainful employment even for new residents who wish to enjoy living in the state.
Closing Note
Discussing the top reasons to live in Northeast Florida can extend to include a lot of other alluring factors. We didn’t even mention how this place is a haven for golf & tennis enthusiasts or the region’s growth in ecotourism. (The TPC & ATP Headquarters are in Ponte Vedra Beach) But you get the idea!
Living on the First Coast offers access to comfortable lifestyles, untamed wilderness, rich historical cultures, and music madness, promising a meaningful and fulfilling life. You will find some of Florida's best cities when you visit. There are plenty of real estate options in the many Northeast Florida towns.
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