Jacksonville, FL Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Jacksonville, FL: What You Need to Know

Jacksonville is home to four military bases, but it’s more than just a military town. Jax is also a popular destination for anyone seeking sun, sand, and fun.

Things to Do in Jacksonville

The city boasts of 22 miles of beautiful beaches, with Jacksonville Beach the most popular choice among visitors. In addition, the city has 40 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway and 50 public boat ramps. Other must-see beaches are Neptune Beach, Mayport Beach, and Atlantic Beach. For a little bit of art appreciation, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville with new installations throughout the year and a permanent collection of about 1,000 artworks.

The Cost of Living in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is an affordable large city (population: 972,313). Its cost of living rate and food and housing costs are 3.5%, 14.6%, and 12.9% lower than the national average, respectively. The icing on the cake? Florida has no income tax. The city’s median gross rent is $1,029; the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,259.

Know Your Neighborhoods

If you want to live close to downtown, San Marco and Springfield are great choices for their array of housing options and great charm. San Marco was designed to resemble Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. Springfield features historic, turn-of-the-century architecture. If you don’t mind commuting, St. Augustine is a picturesque town with topnotch schools. A significant percentage of St. Augustine’s residents are renters.  Nocatee and Palm Valley both have excellent schools. Residents rave about Nocatee’s green spaces and walking paths, while Palm Valley residents love the town’s modern amenities.  

A Vibrant Local History

Timucuan Native Americans lived in the area before the French, the Spaniards, and the British took control at various points with the Spanish rule lasting the longest. Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1821. A proper town was built the following year and named Jacksonville in honor of Andrew Jackson, Florida’s first provisional governor. He became the seventh president of the United States in 1828. During the Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union, but in Jacksonville, residents were divided in their support. Its strategic location as a port city played a key role in the Union blockade of the Confederacy.

Shopping in Town

St. John’s Town Center is Jacksonville’s shopping paradise with over 1.2 million square feet of open-air shopping. It consists of three separate outdoor malls with more than 175 retailers. The Avenues Mall boasts 1.1 million square feet of indoor shopping. For a change of pace, visit Five Points, San Marco, and Avondale for antique shops and specialty boutiques. Local artisans, craft makers, and farmers come together every Saturday morning for the Riverside Arts Market, which is held under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge.