Jacksonville is one of the best places to reside in the state of Florida. It offers safe areas with lots of things to do. It’s also the most populous city in the state. So with all these families in the city, which neighborhoods are the best to live in?
13. Secret Cove
It may sound like a mysterious place, but Secret Cove is an ideal family neighborhood. Most residents rent their homes, and it is mostly young professionals starting the next chapter with their new families. Secret Cove was rated 6 out of 190 for best neighborhoods to raise a family in for Jacksonville, Florida.
12. Palm Valley
Palm Valley
is a suburb in Jacksonville with a population of 20,540. 77% of residents own their homes with a median value of $492,200, making it easier for people to plant their roots while raising their families, with others doing the same thing. Palm Valley has some of the best-ranked public schools in the state of Florida, as well as highly ranked private schools. Based on the cost of living, business growth, and employment rates, the median household income is $108,580.
There’s year-round beautiful weather, and a peaceful atmosphere located near the beach. The neighborhood is clean and maintained, with plenty of outdoor activities available like golf and social gatherings organized by the community. It’s no surprise that this suburb is a melting pot for people across the nation. The crime rates are low and could be considered one of the safest areas to reside in for individuals and families.
11. Oakleaf Plantation
Oakleaf is rated among the top 10 Jacksonville family neighborhoods. 86% of Oakleaf residents own their homes. The area has excellent public schools and plenty of activities to keep families active and happy.
10. San Marco
San Marco is an Urban-suburban area with a population of 2,244 and a leaning conservative environment. The median home value is $301,462, with 31% of the population owning their homes. There are tons of highly rated private and public schools, as well as schools that cater to specific interests like art and science, as well as college preparation. The median household income is $46,468, with plenty of work locations nearby, making the commute easier.
The percentage of families with children in this neighborhood is 26%, making it safe, vibrant, and full of activities for everyone to love. There’s a theater that puts on plays regularly and has a section, especially for youth to participate. There are lots of shops, lots of unique restaurants, and a river nearby for beautiful scenery.
9. Beach Haven
Beach Haven is a neighborhood located in Jacksonville with a population of 5,051. The average home value is $398,473, with 69% owning their homes, making it easier to establish roots for growing families. It’s also reasonably priced being so close to the beach without having to pay beach home prices.
Beach Haven has several public and private schools that are highly rated and nearby for kids, as well as jobs and a light commute. Of the people that live in this neighborhood, 28% have families. It was voted #1 for Best Neighborhoods to Buy a House in Jacksonville because of the fun parks, convenient shops, new restaurants, and growth of new homes. It’s also about 10 minutes from the beach.
8. Mandarin
Voted at #2 for Best Neighborhoods to Buy a House in Jacksonville, Mandarin is located in Duval County with a population of 6,293.
Mandarin is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Jacksonville. It was originally named after Mandarin oranges because it used to be the home of one of the biggest ports for oranges and other citrus fruits. It’s a beautiful and historic city. Famous author Harriet Beecher Stowe, writer of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, used to live here, along with the famed painter Lee Adams. Mandarin has a gorgeous landscape with oak trees draped in stunning Spanish moss.
There are also many shopping centers and other forms of entertainment. Mandarin also has a lovely Museum and Historic Park. Along with these Mandarin has many picnic areas for families to be able to spend time outside together.
7. Oakleaf Plantation
Oakleaf Plantation is a suburb that was voted #2 in Best Places to Live in Clay County with a population of 28,153. The majority of people lean more conservative. 86% of residents here own their homes here with median home values of $239,500. With new homes being built, it raises the real estate values and quality of life.
There are great private and public schools with very high ratings for kids to enjoy. Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living, the median household income is $88,948, as well as plenty of jobs nearby. This safe community has soccer fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, workout facilities, basketball courts, pools, and parks within walking distance. There are also regular social gatherings that help with comradery for the families.
6. Ortega Forrest
Ortega Forrest is a family-friendly upscale neighborhood. Beautiful oak trees, delicious restaurants, and a river running through it. The riverfront provides Ortega with gorgeous views and lots of recreational activities. Ortega Forrest even has a yacht club. That yacht club may be the biggest sign that Ortega Forrest is a neighborhood for rich families.
5. Fruit Cove
Fruit Cove was voted as #1 in Best Suburbs to Buy a House in the Jacksonville Area. It has a population of 33,038. The majority of the population here owns their home at 83%, with median home values of $343,000.
The commute to the highly rated schools and jobs is met with beautiful overhanging trees and the river. There is also an average household income of $108,948 when taking into account the employment rates, business growth, and cost of living.
The community is social and lively, with nearly every home having a family pet, and many people are environmentally and politically involved. There are diligent cops everywhere to give a safe feel and keep the crime rates low.
4. Nocatee
Nocatee is a suburb in Jacksonville that has a population of 16,914, and it is not only one of the best places to live in Jacksonville but one of the best places to live in all of Florida. The median home value is $419,400.
Nocatee has some of the best public and private schools to offer nearby with excellent ratings. The county Nocatee is in, St, Johns, was also the #1 rated school district in Florida. The median household income is $124,821, with numerous options for places to work. About 89% of the residents in Nocatee own their homes, meaning they’re also looking for their forever place to settle down with their families. Many people that live here tend to be conservative and have more traditional views.
There are plenty of parks, shopping, and restaurants, as well as frequent community social events. The crime rates are also exceptionally low, and with it being located in St. John’s county (voted to be the healthiest county in the state of Florida), this area is perfectly safe and healthy for all to enjoy.
3. Deercreek
Deercreek is a clean conservative neighborhood. Most residents own their own homes which means they are there for the long term and are thus more concerned with maintaining the neighborhood’s good reputation. It has excellent property values, and the schools there are good as well.
2. Greenland
Greenland was voted #2 in Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in Jacksonville and has a population of about 10,180. 31% of these residents are families with children. About 80% of the residents in Greenland own their homes, giving them ample opportunities to raise a family affordably. The median home value is $264,033, which is only slightly higher than the national average.
Greenland also has many highly ranked public and private schools for children to attend, as well as institutions with a wide range of different subjects kids can join to best cater to their interests. This neighborhood is very clean and maintained, with outdoor activities and social events presented by the community. The crime rates are low, making the area perfectly safe for the families that reside here.
1. Deerwood
Deerwood is a neighborhood with a population of 12,083 people. It was voted #1 in Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in Jacksonville as 27% of residents there are families with children. But what makes it so enjoyable for families that live there?
About 46% of the residents in Deerwood own their homes and 54% of them rent, making it more affordable for families that are just starting out. The median home value is $247,084 and the median rent is $1,445, both slightly higher than the national averages, but contributing to the urban-suburban quality of life being higher as well. It’s also located about 15 minutes from the beach, 25 minutes from the airport, and 5 minutes to 3 major highways, with an added bonus of the HOA fees being some of the lowest in the city.
This enchanting neighborhood is perfect for young professionals and has a median household income of $89,472. Deerwood has many highly ranked public and private schools for children to attend, as well as institutions with a wide range of different subjects kids can join to best cater to their interests and desires.
This neighborhood is very clean and well maintained. It also has lots of amenities to offer, including a park, shopping, restaurants, and a country club. There are also plenty of outdoor activities and social events presented by the community. The crime rates are low in this city, making the area perfectly safe for families to live and enjoy.
