News Summary
Jacksonville, Florida has been recognized as the 7th best retirement destination in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Places to Retire list. The city scored high in housing affordability and quality of life, making it attractive to retirees with its vibrant community and recreational opportunities. Despite some challenges in healthcare, Jacksonville’s low housing costs and appealing living conditions continue to draw retirees and familes alike.
Jacksonville, Florida has secured its place as one of the top retirement destinations in the United States, ranking 7th in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Places to Retire list. This recognition highlights the city’s appeal based on various factors vital to retirees, including quality of life, housing affordability, health care quality, crime rates, and weather.
Jacksonville achieved an overall score of 6.8 out of 10 in the study, with notable scores of 7.1 for housing affordability, although it faced some challenges with a health care score of 4.8. The report evaluated a total of 150 cities, emphasizing Jacksonville’s unique combination of amenities and accessible living conditions.
The city’s status is bolstered by its abundant recreational opportunities, diverse cultural attractions, and a vibrant restaurant scene, making it attractive not only to retirees but also to a wider audience. Furthermore, Jacksonville offers a favorable comparison in median household income and housing costs with other metropolitan areas of similar size.
In addition to its retirement ranking, Jacksonville was also recognized for its livability, placing 7th in the Best Places to Live in Florida and 56th in the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for the years 2025-26. As the largest metropolitan area by land mass in the continental U.S., Jacksonville provides a unique residential landscape filled with a high quality of life that scores higher than 90% of cities assessed nationwide.
Healthcare and Housing
Jacksonville boasts a robust healthcare system, with options ranked in the top 10% nationally. Despite the challenges noted in the health care score, the city’s overall living conditions improve resident satisfaction. The real estate market shows that the median sale price for homes is around $310,000, while the average rent is approximately $1,445. This affordability of housing exemplifies a key component of Jacksonville’s appeal.
Community and Neighborhoods
Jacksonville is home to a variety of neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics appealing to both retirees and families. Here’s a closer look at some prominent neighborhoods:
- Arlington:
- Niche Grade: B-
- Public School Grade: A
- Population: 1,502
- Median Sale Price: $220,000
- Average Rent: $828 (1-bedroom) / $1,464 (2-bedroom)
- Avondale:
- Niche Grade: B+
- Public School Grade: A
- Population: 11,911
- Median Sale Price: $480,000
- Average Rent: $1,142 (1-bedroom) / $1,374 (2-bedroom)
- Baymeadows:
- Niche Grade: B+
- Public School Grade: B-
- Population: 961,739
- Median Sale Price: $292,990
- Average Rent: $1,384 (1-bedroom) / $1,640 (2-bedroom)
- Other Neighborhoods: Areas like Beach Haven, Brooklyn, Cedar Hills, Deerwood, Downtown Jacksonville, East Jacksonville, Greenland, Jacksonville Heights, Lackawanna, Mandarin, Murray Hill, Ortega, Riverside, San Marco, Southbank, Springfield, and Windy Hill also offer unique advantages with varied housing types and community environments.
The diverse range of housing options—from single-family homes to apartments—across different neighborhoods contributes significantly to the overall quality of life in Jacksonville. Each neighborhood’s architecture and community characteristics attract a variety of residents, particularly those looking for a welcoming environment as they transition into retirement.
As Jacksonville continues to foster a growing job market and maintain low housing costs, it solidifies its reputation as a desirable destination for retirees and young families alike, promising not only a place to reside but also a vibrant community to thrive in.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: Best Places to Live in Jacksonville Metro Area
- Redfin Blog: Jacksonville Neighborhoods
- U.S. News: Best Big Cities to Live in the U.S.
- World Atlas: Best Jacksonville Neighborhoods
- First Coast News: Jacksonville’s Retirement Ranking
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.