Sign In Register
Hunter Rodriguez moving

Is Jacksonville worth moving to in 2026?

Hello, I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $50,469 in Jacksonville. Poverty rate is 24.7%, which is higher than I expected. Crime rate is something to consider -Jacksonville sits at 711.6 per 100K. Homes are going for about $120,800 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes

6 Replies

Evan Cox
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Weston Martin
wish I knew this sooner
34 upvotes
wesley_dude
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
30 upvotes
Thomas M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Charlotte it's decent.
18 upvotes
Rebecca M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a software engineer, 25, moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Highland and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
17 upvotes
Aurora Hughes
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is improving in most areas.
15 upvotes
← Back to Jacksonville Community