Are you looking for a change of scene? Thinking about relocating to Northeast Florida? Two cities pop to the top of mind when considering this area: Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Both offer the best of a diverse, seaside lifestyle. However, each offers something different for its residents and visitors.
Relocating to Northeast Florida
Jacksonville
Relocating to Jacksonville the city is located along the St. Johns River in the northeast corner of Florida, Jacksonville has become a popular choice for people wishing for a change of residence. In 2018, the population jumped by 2% in just 12 months. That was the second-highest year-to-year increase in the entire state, just 0.4% less than the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area. It also comprises the largest landmass of any other city in the US. Housing costs in Jacksonville ($174,658) fell 23% below the national average of $227,025. US News & World Report ranked it the 6th Best Place to Retire in the United States.
More than 50% of Jacksonville residents are either under 20 years old or between 45 and 64. Nearby Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra offer great golfing opportunities for those who love to spend the day on the links. Our hottest months are June, July, and August. But even our winter weather tends to be mild in comparison to other parts of the country (typically with highs in the mid-to-upper-60s). Visiting Black Rock Beach and taking a water taxi along St. Johns River are just two of the “must-do” items on any Jacksonville visitor’s list. We also have a burgeoning foodie scene here. Make a wish at Friendship Fountain. Spend some time in some of our historic neighborhoods when relocating to Jacksonville, communities like Avondale, Springfield, Murray Hill, San Marco, and Riverside. The River Walk is a great place for a stroll after lunch or dinner. And always be on the lookout for some fantastic public art on display all over the downtown area.
St. Augustine
Spanish explorers founded St. Augustine and established a colony there in 1565. That was 20 years before the Roanoke colony existed in North Carolina and over 40 years before Jamestown. In fact, St. Augustine was a colony 55 years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. It easily lays claim to being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States (at least as far as the settlements established by European settlers are concerned).
Relocating to St. Augustine the city sits roughly 40 miles south of Jacksonville, right along the Atlantic Ocean coastline. We love and respect our treasured history here in St. Augustine. Areas of historical interest in the city include the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, the Castillo de San Marcos, Plaza de la Constitucion, and El Galeon Andalucia, a wooden replica of a Spanish galleon that came to our shores centuries ago. Several churches that are well over 100 years old stay well preserved in our city limits as well, including the oldest Catholic Church in the city (Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine) and the oldest Protestant church in the country (Trinity Parish Church).
With the ocean as your playground, you’re never without something to do. Fishing (deep sea and pier). Swimming with the dolphins. Sailing. Paddleboarding. Boat tours. Flyboarding. Swimming. Snorkeling. Parasailing. It’s all here and so much more! Several museums offer interactive exhibits to teach you about our City’s colorful past. Adventure Landing provides a great place to spend time with the family whether it be miniature golfing, go-karting, practicing your swing in the batting cages or playing games in the arcade. You can even experience life as a pirate aboard the Black Raven pirate ship.
For more information on Relocating to Jacksonville or Relocating to St Augustine please call or email our team of experts today.
