8 Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

If you want to make a big move to the Sunshine State, there are a few things to know before moving to Florida. For starters, it's essential to get a good idea of what the cost of living in Florida is going to be. Once you do that, you can start your search through the thousands of apartments for rent in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville is home to the most extensive urban park system in the country, with a total of 80,000 acres of parks, so it's no wonder it's such a popular destination. Even better, the city sees an average of 270 sunny days each year. What's not to love?

However, when it comes time to find the best place to live, it's essential to look into the different regions within the city. Here is a look at the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville to give you a better idea of where you should be searching for your next apartment.

1. Chimney Lakes

• Population: 14,488
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,629
• Median Household Income: $59,242
• Walk Score: 14
• Transit Score: 13
• Bike Score: 40

Located in Duval County in Jacksonville is Chimney Lakes, offering residents a sparse urban feel. It has been rated #20 of 188 of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville.. With great outdoor activities, spend some time in one of the area's great parks. Check out the Chimney Lakes Gazebo Park, Highland Lakes Park, or Branan Field Wildlife and Environmental Area.

You can also enjoy a wide range of cuisines in Chimney Lake. Some top local restaurants include Fancy Sushi Asian Fusion, Jimmy Hula's Oakleaf, or Moe's Southwest Grill.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Chimney Lakes.

2. Deerwood

• Population: 8,086
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,470
• Median Household Income: $76,665
• Walk Score: 16
• Transit Score: 24
• Bike Score: 38

In Jacksonville and Florida, Deerwood has been rated as the #1 best neighborhood to raise a family. With excellent ratings for outdoor activities, housing, public schools, and jobs, it is not a surprise this suburb has become increasingly popular in Florida. The city offers a unique blend of suburban and urban living with plenty of parks, coffee shops, and restaurants to help keep you entertained.

For those who enjoy getting outside and enjoy the sunny Florida weather, check out some of the beautiful parks like the Deerwood Rotary Children's Park, the Forestry Tower Park, and the Southside Estates Park. Anyone looking into a more hands-on educational experience can visit Jacksonville's "Hands-On" Children's Museum, the Brumos Collection, or the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

There's also a wide assortment of dining options throughout Deerwood. Some of the local favorite spots include Fast Eddy's Quick Mideast, Midtown Table, or Deerwood Bistro.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Deerwood.

3. Riverside

• Population: 9,909
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,350
• Median Household Income: $46,012
• Walk Score: 71
• Transit Score: 38
• Bike Score: 59

Riverside is yet another one of the best neighborhoods to live in, not only in the city of Jacksonville but also in the state of Florida. Many young professionals flock to Riverside thanks to its offerings, including nightlife, health, fitness, and outdoor activities. Some of the best activities in Riverside include the E2ride Bike Tours, which allows you to tour the beautiful city, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and the Jacksonville Walking Tours.

If you want to get outside and enjoy the sunny weather, you can stop by Riverside Park, Memorial Park, or Willowbranch Park. On the hotter summer days, get inside and enjoy some air conditioning while being entertained at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Museum of Science and History Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville.

There are many great restaurants throughout Riverside covering several different cuisines, including some favorites like Black Sheep Restaurant, Hawkers Asian Street Food, and River and Post.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Riverside.

4. Sandalwood

• Population: 16,401
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,150
• Median Household Income: $60,038
• Walk Score: 15
• Transit Score: 24
• Bike Score: 38

Sandalwood is known as a friendly place. While the city is not the most ideal for those who like to get out and walk around, there is something to be said about the peace of the tranquil suburban streets. Most of your daily errands will require having a vehicle of your own. Otherwise, you might find yourself relying on the public transportation offered by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA).

For families, Sandalwood provides various highly rated schools, including Atlantic Coast High School, LaVilla School of the Arts, and Jacksonville Beach Elementary School. There are also highly rated preschools and daycares readily available in Sandalwood. When not in school, families can enjoy some of the great parks in the area, such as Huffman Park, Sutton Lakes Playground, and Windsor Park.

There's plenty to do in Sandalwood for all ages, including countless dining and entertainment options. Some of the local favorite spots include Bruster's Real Ice Cream, Cinco De Mayo, or Sid & Linda's Seafood Market.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Sandalwood.

5. Baymeadows

• Population: 9,563
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,433
• Median Household Income: $51,801
• Walk Score: 24
• Transit Score: 26
• Bike Score: 42

Another excellent neighborhood in Jacksonville worth considering as a new place to reside is Baymeadows. Ranking significantly high amongst Florida neighborhoods, Baymeadows is known for its superb amenities, affordable cost of living, low crime rates, and highly rated public schools.

Some of the best Baymeadows schools for families looking to relocate include Stanton College Preparatory, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Baymeadows also offers top-tier private schools like the Jacksonville School for Autism and the La Petite Academy of Jacksonville.

Nature lovers can get outside and enjoy the Baymeadows views at Dog Wood Park of Jacksonville, Fort Family Park, and Touchton Park. Other fun and exciting entertainment options include the Autobahn Indoor Speedway, One Way Out Escape Room, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Baymeadows.

6. Murray Hill

• Population: 8,971
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $963
• Median Household Income: $46,649
• Walk Score: 59
• Transit Score: 35
• Bike Score: 63

If suburban life is what you are looking for, Murray Hill is an excellent Jacksonville neighborhood to look into relocating to. With plentiful amenities, low cost of living, and excellent housing options, Murray Hill ranks highly compared to other communities in the area.

Families in the area look forward to the multiple highly-rated schools for their children. Some of the best schools in the area include the Darnell Cookman Middle and High School, the James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School, or the J. Allen Axson Elementary School. The Broach School, located in Murray Hill, is an excellent private school option for families.

Great parks in the area include the Murray Hill Playground and Splash Pad, the Murray Drive Playground, the Murray Hill Four Corners Park, and Cameron Park. For other forms of entertainment, check out the King Pins Bowling Center, Murray Hill Theatre, or the Self-Guided Mural Tour.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Murray Hill.

7. East Arlington

• Population: 17,645
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,919
• Median Household Income: $83,757
• Walk Score: 9
• Transit Score: 9
• Bike Score: 40

East Arlington is an excellent place for young professionals who are looking for a good quality of life. This suburban neighborhood is known for its tranquility. Unfortunately, this type of lifestyle comes at the compromise of the city's overall walkability. If you're interested in living in East Arlington, you'll likely have to rely on a vehicle of your own. Otherwise, the JTA has ten stops throughout this neighborhood.

Families living in East Arlington get to enjoy various daycares, preschools, and highly ranked grade schools. There are some excellent childcare options in East Arlington, including Arlington KinderCare, Kids Hour Learning Center, and Solantic Urgent Care. To get outside with the kids, visit Girvin Park, Leonard Abess Park, or American Beach at the Timucuan Preserve.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in East Arlington, like Breakfast Bowls and Burritos, Another Broken Egg Cafe, and Thai Blossom Bistro.

Check out the thousands of apartments available for rent now in East Arlington.

8. Golden Glades - The Woods

• Population: 19,432
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,334
• Median Household Income: $45,964
• Walk Score: 21
• Transit Score: 17
• Bike Score: 44

Golden Glades - The Woods is another highly ranked neighborhood in Jacksonville known for its family-friendliness, exciting outdoor activities, fantastic nightlife, and even better weather. This densely suburban neighborhood welcomes families of all ages, with public schools rated above average for the area.

Any families who want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather can check out Biscayne Gardens Park, Claude Pepper Park, Oleta Park, or Oak Grove Park. When you're done there, stop by a local restaurant to grab a bite to eat. Some local favorites include Bon Bagay Seafood and Grill, Nuvo Cafe Restaurant and Lounge, and Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Murray Hill.

Which Jacksonville Neighborhood is Right for You?

No matter what you are looking for in Jacksonville, whether it be close to the water in Golden Glades - The Woods or the hustle of a more metropolitan area like East Arlington, there's something there for everyone. Thankfully, some of the best places to live in Jacksonville are also the cheapest places to live in Florida. You can learn more about Jacksonville's average rent prices.

So, if you are interested in moving to Florida and Jacksonville, now might be a good time to start your research. First, find out more information about the cost of living in Florida.

Next, register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Jacksonville!