FREE Search for Jacksonville Apartments and Homes

Jacksonville (known as "Jax" to locals) is the major city in northern Florida, thanks primarily to its busy seaport and extensive financial and insurance industries. The 14th largest city in the country with a population of more than 800,000 residents, Jacksonville has one of the lowest overall costs of living in Floridam as well as in the rest of the United States. Need more convincing to start looking at Jax apartments for rent? In one of its roundups of US cities, Money Magazine has called it one of the top ten best places to live.

Quality of Life
Due to Jacksonville's location at the north end of the state, its residents enjoy something more southern Floridians don't: an actual change of seasons. Despite the weather changes, the temperatures remain relatively mild throughout the year, with plenty of sunshine and blue skies creating the perfect environment for enjoying the outdoors. Residents enjoy water sports, fishing, boating and other ocean activities, as well as a zoo and the NFL team Jaguars. Jacksonville is also home to the largest urban park system in the nation. When you're ready to head indoors, there are many cultural attractions to be found in the city. Offerings include a symphony orchestra as well as several museums and art galleries.

Where the Jobs Are
Jacksonville has a relatively healthy job market, thanks in part to the broad diversification of its industries. Major employers include distribution services, finances, biomedical technology, consumer goods, information services and manufacturing. Distribution industries are due in part to Jacksonville's deepwater port, the largest in the south, which makes it a leading port for the nation's auto imports. In addition, the military is a large employer for the city, as there are three major naval installations in the area.

Cost of Living & Apartment Prices
One of the best perks of Jacksonville is its low cost of living. The overall cost of living here is nearly 9% below the national average, with apartment rentals being especially affordable. In fact, the median rent for apartments is only $620 per month. Average rental rates range from about $350 for studio apartments up to an average of $675 for three-bedroom apartment rentals.

Neighborhoods to Explore
Start your search for apartment rentals downtown, an area that has seen tremendous restoration in recent years, with more than $2 billion invested in new construction, including a new arena, library, ballpark, office space and apartments for rent. Some of the nicest places are located in the Beaches District, where you can enjoy beach living in some of Jacksonville's most expensive apartments, with an average rent of about $600. Moderately priced neighborhoods include the Southeast, Orange Park and Southwest. You'll find the most affordable apartments for rent in the North, Greater Arlington and Urban Core/Northwest.