Over the past few years, Jacksonville has evolved quietly into one of the fastest growing large cities in the United States. Many of us who were born and raised in Jacksonville have observed its transformation through the years and we are thrilled to see it finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
With the growth, it should come as no surprise that Jacksonville is attracting families, entrepreneurs, remote workers and professionals at every stage of their career.
So, Here’s my take on why now is a great time to move to the area.
Jacksonville is Growing Faster Than People May Understand
In 2025, Jacksonville was in the top ten U.S. cities for year-over-year population growth, according to a national analysis by CoStar. This statistic will likely leave a lasting impression. Here is the article discussing Jacksonville's ranking: Jacksonville ranks in top 10 U.S. cities for largest year-over-year population increase .
This is not a result of a one-time year-over-year spike; this represents the ongoing growth that has developed over several years.
It’s Not Just Population Growth. The Economy is Growing As Well.
A study released by CoworkingCafe, a Yardi publication, ranked Jacksonville as the third best large U.S. city for economic momentum, trailing only Austin and Sacramento. View the complete study here: Top Cities for Economic Growth (CoworkingCafe) .
According to the study, Jacksonville's momentum is due to a combination of population growth, new housing construction, export activities and continued investments in infrastructure – all working together.
The Jacksonville Business Journal reported on the study and mentioned many of the same factors contributing to Jacksonville's high ranking, including increased housing units and import/export increases.
Housing Development Without the Chaos
Jacksonville is active, yet not chaotic. There's just a lot going on.
Yes, new homes are being constructed everywhere, but older neighborhoods continue to be popular for their character and charm. Although prices have increased significantly over the past few years, Jacksonville has largely avoided the extremes experienced in many of the other rapidly growing Florida markets.
For relocation buyers coming from outside of the state, this typically equates to some distinct advantages:
- More bang for your buck compared to many of the coastal and major metropolitan areas
- Many more neighborhoods to consider based on lifestyle and price point
- Less pressure to make a rapid decision on a purchase after only viewing properties over a weekend
Relocation to Jacksonville can occur in a thoughtful manner, not a hasty manner.
Jacksonville is Larger Than People Think
For people who haven’t paid much attention to Jacksonville beyond the occasional Jaguars clip on ESPN, the size of the city is usually the first surprise. Jacksonville is big.
The city offers a multitude of choices. Historical neighborhoods offer unique characteristics and personalities, suburban areas offer newer developments and schools, and the beach communities exist at an altogether different tempo.
The diversity of the city is significant because the way of life in Jacksonville varies greatly, based upon where you reside and work. Two individuals could both claim to reside in Jacksonville and have distinctly different commutes, daily routines and weekends.
Even the Jaguars Are Part of the Momentum
Am a big fan and I'm happy to see their recent successes... but what does this have to do with real estate?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have received a renewed amount of attention in the recent years, not solely based upon the performance of the football team, but also the events surrounding it. The Jaguars have become directly linked to some of the most prominent redevelopment projects currently underway in the city, specifically downtown.
One of the projects generating a significant amount of buzz is Gateway Jax on Pearl Street. This large-scale, multi-story mixed-use development will incorporate residential, commercial and retail components along with pedestrian-friendly activity in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. The ultimate goal of the project is to generate an atmosphere that is vibrant on a typical Tuesday, not just during Jaguars games.
The Shipyards riverfront redevelopment is another highly anticipated project that is finally gainint traction. The overall vision of the project is to develop an underutilized section of riverfront into a blend of residential, hospitality and public open spaces, allowing downtown to serve as a true waterfront community.
Stadium improvements are a vital component of the overall vision as well. A renovated stadium capable of hosting events throughout the year, can serve as an anchor for future development in the surrounding area, and not simply be utilized for the eight to nine Jaguars' home games per season. If you haven't seen it... it's worth checking out The Stadium of the Future.
This is rarely the impetus for relocation to Jacksonville, but look at what Peyton Manning and the Colts did for Indianapolis
Why People Stay After They Move
No matter why they made the move... most people feel right at home. Who wouldn't? Access to the beaches, St. Johns River, golf courses, and more, there's something for everyone. Jacksonville provides many of the benefits of a large city without the chaos or commute.
Jacksonville does not provide the feeling of a resort town nor does it provide the feeling of an overly developed megacity. This is precisely what many relocation buyers are seeking. Additionally, no state income taxes helps :)
Quick Reality Check Before Your Relocate
Did I mention it’s big? By square mileage, it’s actually the largest city in the lower 48. With that comes a wide range of neighborhoods, each with different price points, school options, and commute patterns.
New residents are best served by getting familiar with the city and finding an area that fits their lifestyle, feels comfortable, and makes sense financially. Of course I'm happy to help!
The easiest transitions tend to happen when people look beyond rankings and headlines and focus on how they actually want their daily life to look.
Final Thoughts on Relocating to Jacksonville
Jacksonville is growing. You can see it, feel it and hear it in every conversation about the city.
The growth hasn't diminished what people enjoy about the city. There is still room, still balance and still a sense of a normal, day-to-day life that is difficult to find in many of the other large cities.
I was born and raised in the Jacksonville area and have watched neighborhoods change, evolve and sometimes surprise long-time residents. It's exciting, but it's why having local knowledge is essential. The area you relocate to can determine your entire experience.
For me, assisting relocation buyers is not about selling a house; it is about assisting buyers in a city I genuinely love find a place that feels like home.
