The 7 Best Jacksonville Neighborhoods To Call Home In 2025

Moving to Florida is a dream for many northerners, and Jacksonville offers numerous perks for new residents. Considered the gateway to the Sunshine State, where there is no state income tax, Jacksonville has a lower cost of living than the state average, allowing residents to expect lower costs for groceries, healthcare, and transportation. Whether looking for suburban tranquility, a coastal vibe, or a historic neighborhood with character, Jacksonville has something to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets, which will have first-time homebuyers calling “Jax” home in no time at all. Let's visit seven of the best Jacksonville neighborhoods to call home in 2025.

Murray Hill

Murray Hill, a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Jacksonville, is renowned for its charm, walkability, and distinctive landmarks, including the Murray Hill Theatre. Built in 1948, it is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in Jacksonville. From 1948 to 1993, the venue operated as a movie house before being converted into an all-ages Christian music venue in 1995. The landmark contributes to the neighborhood’s artistic and cultural vibe, along with colorful murals, and trendy cafés and eateries, like Moon River Pizza, vegan restaurant Murray Hillbilly, and Jacksonville’s iconic dessert stand, The Dreamette.

The Murray Hill Preservation Association was founded in 1932 and is the oldest neighborhood association in the state. Its mission is to preserve Murray Hill’s artistic charm with an eclectic mix of old and new homes, as well as green spaces like Jasmine Park and Four Corners Park. Median housing prices in April 2025 in this charming neighborhood are around $280,000, according to realtor.com.

St. Johns Bluff

St. Johns Bluff is a serene oasis on the St. Johns River. The perfect destination for southern history buffs, the neighborhood is next door to the Fort Caroline National Memorial, which commemorates the failed attempt by the French to colonize the southeastern United States. Part of the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking through the preserve’s salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks, while keeping an eye out for native wildlife.

Located fifteen minutes from downtown Jacksonville, new residents of St. Johns Bluff will want to take advantage of the proximity to town for shopping at the unofficial community hub known as the Beach Boulevard Flea Market. Other notable shopping destinations in the area include the shopping mecca St. Johns Town Center, as well as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and big-box retailers such as Costco and Target—median home prices in this safe, secluded neighborhood range from $325,000 to $445,000.

Beach Haven

For residents who want to settle down in a family-friendly neighborhood near the coastal resort of Jacksonville Beach, Beach Haven might be the ideal spot. It is close to the top-rated Mayo Clinic Florida and schools such as Chets Creek Elementary and J. Allen Axon Elementary, which are highly sought-after neighborhood perks by retirees and families alike. The semi-private, 18-hole Jacksonville Golf & Country Club is also nearby.

Housing prices hover around $460,000, but it is worth it for beachgoers, given its proximity to the three beaches: Jacksonville, Neptune, and Atlantic Beach, all located on the Atlantic Ocean. For residents who want to slow down and enjoy nature, the beautifully named Castaway Island Preserve is a nearby park situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, where visitors can walk along an elevated platform overlooking a salt marsh and spot a variety of wildlife.

Riverside and Avondale

Although Riverside and Avondale are distinct neighborhoods in Jacksonville, they are adjacent to each other and are often referred to by locals as simply “Riverside-Avondale.” Chock a block full of historic homes and a trendy vibe, Riverside and Avondale are among Jacksonville’s most desirable neighborhoods. The area is highly walkable, featuring restaurants, vintage shops and boutiques, and scenic parks, all of which are promoted by Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP), which showcases small independent businesses in the neighborhood, such as Happy Medium Books Café, Sweet Theory Baking Co., and the Grassroots Natural Market. All of this comes with stunning views of the St. Johns River from various vantage points in the community.

The cornerstone of this Jacksonville neighborhood is the Cummer Museum, which features some of Northeast Florida’s most significant gardens designed by prominent landscape gardeners and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Another must-see landmark in the area is the 100-year-old Memorial Park, featuring its iconic bronze “Life” sculpture, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of World War I.

Riverside and Avondale offer a range of housing options, with some homes priced higher; however, there are still affordable choices available. The median home listing prices in April 2025 range between $460,000 and $470,000.

Southbank

In the Southbank neighborhood of Jacksonville, it’s all about the stunning view of the Jacksonville skyline and the St. Johns River from the 1.25-mile Southbank Riverwalk, where new residents can see one of Jacksonville’s landmarks, the Friendship Fountain in St. Johns River Park. An ideal location for residents who want a combination of big-city life and the tranquility of nature, Southbank is near trendy restaurants, shopping areas, and Jacksonville’s most visited museum, the Museum of Science & History (MOSH). The hood is also home to the historic Florida Theatre, one of the few atmospheric theatres in Florida, alongside the Tampa Theatre and the Olympia Theatre in Miami, all of which were built in the 1920s.

Nearby eateries not to be missed include The Bearded Pig for Southern BBQ and beer, Voodoo Brewing Co., and the waterfront Chart House. The friendly Southbank community also hosts regular Sip & Stroll events along the South Riverwalk every 3rd Thursday of the month.

Depending on what a buyer is looking for, there are one-bedroom, one-bathroom condos for sale with a median listing price of $225,000, as well as six-bedroom, 4.5+ bathroom homes with a price tag of $895,000. Still, with its proximity to top-rated schools, hospitals, and good transportation options, Southbank is a real gem.

East Arlington

Along the St. Johns River, East Arlington is a suburban oasis with beautiful waterfront views. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and a wide range of recreational opportunities at the dog-friendly Ed Austin Regional Park, complete with basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, a playground, and an 18-hole disc golf course. East Arlington is ideal for residents who work in downtown Jacksonville, about a twenty-minute commute, but prefer to live in a residential area. The median listing home price in East Arlington during April 2025 was $395,000, according to realtor.com

For nature lovers, the 126-acre Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers seven distinct natural hiking trails with creeks and 13 different ecosystems to explore, including freshwater and tidal marshes, pine flatwoods, and live oak hammocks. The center also hosts educational programs and special events, such as watching North Florida’s top plein air artists at work. For younger family members, the 51-acre Tree Hill Nature Center features a hands-on museum dedicated to Florida’s natural history, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, a live butterfly exhibit, and a variety of animals.

Mandarin

Historically known for its many acres of mandarin orange groves, Mandarin is a predominantly residential neighborhood characterized by its Spanish moss-draped oak trees and higher-than-average price tag, where home prices range from $210,000 to $4.3 million. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it features an unparalleled view of the stunning St. Johns River, where residents can enjoy water sports, boating, or have a picnic by the water’s edge. For recreation, Mandarin Park features a marina, a fishing pier, and accessible boat ramps.

History buffs will enjoy exploring the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society, housed in the historic Mandarin Post Office and Store. The museum is in the Walter Jones Historical Park, which offers peaceful walking trails, a riverfront boardwalk, and a picnic area. "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" author Harriet Beecher Stowe also spent her winters in Mandarin, and her former home is another historical landmark worth visiting.

A few standout eateries in the neighborhood include the Julington Creek Fish Camp near the popular kayaking spot, the Julington Durbin Creek Preserve, the Wicked Barley Brewing Company with its dog-friendly waterfront garden, and the sophisticated Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro. For an escape to Paris, head to Le Petit Paris Café for an aperitif, a fresh baguette, or a macaron.

Jacksonville, Florida, is home to a diverse collection of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. Whether seeking vibrant urban culture, historic landmarks, waterfront views, or quiet suburban retreats, Jacksonville offers the perfect home for everyone. From the artsy vibe of Murray Hill to the serene riverfront views in St. Johns Bluff, there are plenty of unique places to explore. These are the seven best Jacksonville neighborhoods to call home in 2025; enjoy their attractions, historical significance, and local amenities that make them ideal for new residents.