What Are the Best Walkable Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL? (2025)

While Jacksonville has walkable neighborhoods, the city is largely car-dependent. In some neighborhoods, you’ll be able to get by without a car, but others only have biking and walking trails in natural areas for recreational purposes.

Even though much of Jacksonville remains sprawling and auto-centric, the following neighborhoods offer sidewalks along tree-lined streets, local charm, and accessibility. From riverside strolls in Downtown to the lively square in San Marco, here are the most walkable neighborhoods in Jacksonville, based on data and lived experience.

Note: We used internal data and cross-referenced with neighborhood data from Apartments.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across Jacksonville as of July 2025.

Best Walkable Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

• Most walkable overall: Riverside - Packed with cafés, shops, and art venues, right near the St. Johns River.
• Best for urban professionals: Downtown - Convenient access to corporate offices, restaurants, nightlife, as well as solid public transportation.
• Best historic district: San Marco - Local boutiques, restaurants, and historic architecture surrounding an iconic square.
• Best transit access: Southside - Upscale dining and shopping with access to Downtown.
• Most bike-friendly: Murray Hill - Solid bike lanes make it easy to do errands nearby.
• Most central for commuters Springfield - Historical neighborhood with quick Downtown access.
• Best blend of culture and convenience: Avondale - Explore Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens or wander Memorial Park.
• Most underrated: Arlington - Quiet streets and cycling trails in iconic parks.
• Best for waterfront living: Lakeshore - Walkable and bike-friendly areas near the Ortega River and Big Fishwier Creek.

Best Walkable Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

Is Jacksonville Walkable?

Overall, Jacksonville is not a very walkable city—it has a walk score of just 26 out of 100, making it the 50th-most walkable large city in the U.S. While a few neighborhoods offer good walkability in their commercial cores, most of the city is designed around cars. That said, many other neighborhoods feature designated green spaces, parks, and trails that are ideal for recreational walking, even if they’re not practical for running daily errands on foot.

Is Jacksonville a Bike-Friendly City?

Jacksonville has a moderate bike score of 41, reflecting a mix of bike-friendly infrastructure across the city. While some neighborhoods offer safe bike lanes, most only have biking trails in natural areas. The city is home to several active cycling groups, like the North Florida Bicycle Club and SORBA JAX, which promote biking and organize events for riders of all levels.

Excitingly, Jacksonville is planning the Emerald Trail, a major project expected to be completed by 2030. This 30-plus-mile network of trails, greenways, and parks will connect at least 14 historic neighborhoods to Downtown and key natural areas like Hogans Creek and the St. Johns River. The trail will also link schools, hospitals, parks, and businesses, creating a vibrant, safe space for cycling and walking. Once finished, the Emerald Trail could become a transformative asset, boosting both social connection and economic development throughout Jacksonville.

Is Jacksonville a Car-Dependent City?

Jacksonville is one of the largest cities in the United States by area, which presents significant challenges when it comes to walkability and transportation. The city’s sprawling layout, with many neighborhoods separated by rivers and connected by bridges, makes it very car-dependent. While Jacksonville has a growing public transit system and steadily increasing ridership, it remains historically auto-centric, leading to high traffic volumes and frequent parking issues.

Living without a car in Jacksonville can be tough. The bus system is available, but due to the city’s spread and infrastructure, bus commutes can be long and inconvenient—often taking two hours to cover distances that might take 20 minutes by car, especially when transfers are involved. That said, with a combination of biking and bus use, it’s possible to get by without a car, though it requires planning and patience. Simply put: Jacksonville is very, very spread out, and for most residents, driving remains the easiest and fastest way to get around.

What Are Jacksonville’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods?

While Jacksonville overall is known for being car-dependent, there are neighborhoods that break that mold with walkable streets, nearby amenities, and access to reliable transit. In many parts of the city, you’ll still need a car for errands, but several neighborhoods offer great outdoor spaces perfect for recreational walking and biking. Below are some of the best areas in Jacksonville to live if you’re looking for walkability and an active lifestyle.

Downtown Jacksonville

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,583
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,056
• Walk score: 73
• Transit score: 58
• Bike score: 53
• Map of Downtown Jacksonville

Downtown Jacksonville is the city’s most walkable neighborhood, where most errands and activities can be completed on foot. Nestled along 5.6 miles of the scenic St. Johns River, Downtown is also perfect for evening strolls or catching the sunset. North Laura Street, which is full of bars, restaurants, cafés, historic architecture, and public art, is also great to explore.

In addition, public transportation is more convenient in this neighborhood. There’s the free Skyway, which glides above traffic, connecting the Southbank and Northbank in under five minutes. For even more impressive views, hop on the water taxi and travel down the river. Another option for getting around is the Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI), which offers weekday rides along Bay Street.

Check out our listings in Downtown Jacksonville.

Riverside

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,425
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,999
• Walk score: 71
• Transit score: 33
• Bike score: 58
• Map of Riverside

If walkability is what you’re after, Riverside is the place to be. This neighborhood offers everything from groceries and gyms to museums and medical offices. With leafy, shaded streets and an easygoing vibe, this neighborhood is designed for people, not just cars. You might even be able to forgo a car altogether.

Whether you're strolling to a local café, browsing eclectic boutiques, catching live music, or heading to the weekly community market, everything feels close and comfortably walkable. King Street and Five Points are hubs of activity that are just a short walk or bike ride away. Cycling is especially popular here, with solid bike lanes on Riverside Avenue and an easy, scenic ride downtown via the Riverwalk. While public transportation is available and quick for Downtown commutes, especially by bus, many locals prefer walking and biking to get around.

Check out our listings in Riverside.

San Marco

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,520
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,898
• Walk score: 70
• Transit score: 42
• Bike score: 61
• Map of San Marco

The center of San Marco concentrates around the lively and picturesque San Marco Square. This community hub is a favorite gathering place, known for its street performers, local events, and relaxed, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re interested in drinking a coffee, browsing through locally owned boutiques, or catching a show at one of the charming neighborhood theaters, San Marco offers it all within a short distance.

It’s also a dog-friendly area, making it a great place to bring your furry companion along for the adventure. For those who love a scenic walk, the nearby bridges offer beautiful views that lead to the Riverwalk.

Check out our listings in San Marco.

Avondale

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,642
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,251
• Walk score: 68
• Transit score: 34
• Bike score: 59
• Map of Avondale

While Avondale may not be the most convenient spot for daily errands compared to Riverside or Downtown, you can still accomplish a lot on foot, especially when it comes to dining, shopping, and enjoying the outdoors. The tree-lined streets and historic architecture make every stroll feel like a step back in time, with unique boutiques, antique shops, and some of Jacksonville’s most beloved restaurants and bars along the way.

The neighborhood is also rich in cultural and recreational attractions. You can spend the day exploring the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which houses a world-class art collection and offers stunning views of the river. Memorial Park provides another scenic place to unwind, complete with waterfront views, open green spaces, and a poignant World War I monument.

For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail and the Northbank River Walk offer bike-friendly routes that connect Avondale to the rest of the city’s vibrant riverfront.

Check out our listings in Avondale.

Springfield

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,483
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,899
• Walk score: 66
• Transit score: 47
• Bike score: 61
• Map of Springfield

There’s a quiet charm in walking through Springfield, where majestic oak trees covered in Spanish moss line streets full of century-old homes. Founded in 1869, Springfield is one of Jacksonville’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods. Once the home of the city’s elite and early film industry stars, this historic area has experienced a vibrant revival, with beautifully restored mansions, cozy bungalows, and a growing collection of restaurants, local shops, and colorful murals.

In addition to its walkable layout and scenic residential streets, Springfield offers great connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. The S-Line Urban Greenway runs right through the neighborhood, providing a car-free trail that weaves through the city’s urban core. Whether you're heading to a local café, exploring a park, or simply enjoying a slow-paced walk beneath the oaks, Springfield offers a walkable lifestyle full of history and character.

Check out our listings in Springfield.

Murray Hill

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $974
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,216
• Walk score: 59
• Transit score: 33
• Bike score: 63
• Map of Murray Hill

Murray Hill is one of Jacksonville’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, known for its laid-back vibe and growing creative energy. With a mix of dive bars, unique restaurants, vintage shops, and local businesses, the area offers plenty to explore on foot. Residents and visitors alike enjoy strolling between favorite hangouts, grabbing a bite at a local eatery, or treating themselves at the beloved walk-up vintage ice cream shop.

The neighborhood’s walkability is enhanced by its compact layout and community-focused atmosphere. Whether you’re heading to the small but charming public library, browsing local storefronts, or just wandering through the neighborhood’s increasingly vibrant streets, Murray Hill makes it easy to enjoy life without needing a car. As more young creatives and entrepreneurs settle in, the area will continue to develop and become more walkable.

Check out our listings in Murray Hill.

Southside

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,360
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,649
• Walk score: 58
• Transit score: 53
• Bike score: 62
• Map of Southside

Southside is a broad, diverse area that encompasses several of Jacksonville’s most popular neighborhoods, including parts of San Marco and Mandarin. While these individual communities may offer varying degrees of walkability, the Southside as a whole leans more suburban and car-dependent. Its sprawling layout means that many errands and outings require a vehicle, though there are pockets with sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly developments, and recreational green spaces.

Still, Southside has its walkable highlights. Parks like Southside Park offer walking trails, playgrounds, and sports courts perfect for active afternoons. Beach and Peach Urban Bike Park is another local gem, popular with both walkers and cyclists looking for a scenic route. While it may not be as walkable as Riverside or Springfield, Southside still offers access to some enjoyable outdoor spaces.

Check out our listings in Southside.

Lakeshore

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $751
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,240
• Walk score: 55
• Transit score: 35
• Bike score: 55
• Map of Lakeshore

Tucked along the Ortega River and Big Fishwier Creek, just seven miles southwest of Downtown, Lakeshore is a unique waterfront neighborhood with a strong boating culture and a laid-back atmosphere. The area is known for its many homes with backyard docks and marinas that line the waterways, creating a lifestyle centered around the river. Though much of Lakeshore has a suburban feel, it does offer walkable areas, especially near local businesses and community hubs.

Streets in Lakeshore are generally well-lit, and the neighborhood features some bike infrastructure, making it more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists than other suburban areas. While a car is still needed for daily errands, residents enjoy the ability to walk or bike to parks, small shops, and neighborhood restaurants. With its mix of natural beauty, quiet streets, and waterside charm, Lakeshore offers a relaxed, semiwalkable lifestyle in one of Jacksonville’s more distinctive communities.

Check out our listings in Lakeshore.

Arlington

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,214
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,435
• Walk score: 51
• Transit score: 32
• Bike score: 45
• Map of Arlington

One of Jacksonville’s oldest areas, Arlington was first settled by Europeans in the 1500s and remains a significant part of the city’s geographic and cultural landscape. As a large, sprawling region, Arlington functions more as a suburban counterpart to Jacksonville’s Urban Core, bordered by the Southside and connected to Downtown, the Northside, and the Beaches by several bridges. While much of Arlington is car-dependent, it offers walkable sections—especially near parks, schools, and community hubs—and an abundance of natural beauty.

Nature lovers will find Arlington especially appealing. The Tree Hill Nature Center provides wooded paths ideal for walking and wildlife spotting, while the nearby Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers 120 acres of preserved woodland and nearly three miles of scenic trails. Though not the most walkable region overall, Arlington’s green spaces make it a compelling neighborhood for those who love to walk in nature.

Check out our listings in Arlington.

Final Thoughts

While Jacksonville is largely a car-dependent city, Downtown and Riverside stand out as neighborhoods where you can truly live without relying on a car. Even though many other neighborhoods require driving for daily errands, they still offer great outdoor spaces perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying nature. Together, these areas provide a balance of urban convenience and access to scenic spots for exercise and relaxation.

• Best overall walkability: Downtown Jacksonville (73 walk score)
• Most bike-friendly: Murray Hill (63 bike score)
• Most affordable walkable option: Lakeshore ($751 average rent for a one-bedroom apartment)

For more renter-friendly advice, check out our guide on how to budget for an apartment. When you’re ready to find a place that fits your lifestyle, take the Apartment List personalized quiz and get matched with rentals built around how you actually live. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacksonville’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods

What is the walkability score in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has an average walk score of 26 out of 100, indicating that most errands require a car. Some neighborhoods, like Downtown and Riverside, are more walkable, scoring 73 and 71 out of 100.

What’s the most walkable neighborhood in Jacksonville?

Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable neighborhood, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services all within easy walking distance.

Can you live in Jacksonville without a car?

You could live without a car in Downtown Jacksonville or Riverside, where most daily needs are walkable, but in most other parts of the city, having a car is necessary.

Which Jacksonville neighborhoods have the best transit access?

Downtown Jacksonville has the best transit access, with options like the Skyway, bus routes, water taxis, and even autonomous vehicles connecting key points.

Is Jacksonville bike-friendly?

Neighborhoods like Riverside, Avondale, San Marco, and Springfield are among the most bikeable in Jacksonville. These areas feature bike lanes, low-traffic streets, and are close to amenities, making them ideal for cyclists.