Is Jacksonville a Good Place to Retire?

Are you asking the question “Is Jacksonville, Florida a good place to retire?”

If a new town in a warmer climate is what you seek for retirement, look no further than Jacksonville, Florida. With excellent, warm weather all year and a wide variety of terrific amenities, Jacksonville is a favorite among retirees. In fact, in 2021, we’re ranked #13 in the U.S. for “Best Places to Retire” by US News Report.

If you’re curious about why Jacksonville is ranked so highly, we’ve got your answers below! Read on to find out why so many folks are flocking to Jacksonville and discover why you’ll want to move here too!

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Skyline of Jacksonville FL Is Jacksonville Florida a Good Place to Retire?

Jacksonville is a Good Place to Retire Due to the Activites!

Being on the northern Atlantic coast of Florida offers many fantastic perks, no doubt. Jacksonville has several stunningly beautiful beaches to enjoy, with lovely white sand and cooling breezes.

If boating and fishing are more your style, though, there are opportunities aplenty! Jacksonville has an extensive system of waterways begging to be explored, offering an impressive variety of fish and other seafood. Many residents here rent a Jacksonville storage unit to store their boat and boating gear for this very reason.

Of course, there’s more to do in Jacksonville besides take advantage of our abundance of saltwater! You’ll find gorgeous state recreation areas here to hike, bike and camp, and the golfing here is top-notch! In short, you’ll never get bored in retiring in a place like Jacksonville, Florida because there’s so much fun, exciting and interesting stuff to do!

The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville is Impressive

Fancy seeing a new movie, a play, or a concert in one of the most glamorous Movie Palaces in the country? If yes, the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville is your popcorn-munching, opera-singing, the jazz-playing destination of choice!

One of only four remaining Movie Palaces built in Florida in the 1920s, the Florida Theatre is smack in the middle of downtown Jacksonville. The Florida Movie Palace hosts over 200 events every year, from concerts to ballet, opera, and other fantastic community events. It’s truly an amazing place to enjoy some culture, music, and much more.

Love Food? Jacksonville is a Good Place to Retire!

We mentioned above that Jacksonville offers fantastic fishing, and it’s true. However, even if you never step foot on a boat, fresh delicacies from the sea are available everywhere in Jacksonville!

For example, you’ll find many fish camps selling their catch right off the boat, served up fresh for your enjoyment. And hey, if seafood isn’t your thing, no worries! There are many fine restaurants, bars, cafes, and more in and around the city. Many offer food from across the globe as Jacksonville is a highly diverse, international hub. From elegant dining to delicious dives and everything in between, your taste buds will be thrilled when living in Jacksonville!

Is Jacksonville Florida a Good Place to Retire?

The Cost of Housing in Jacksonville Makes It a Good Place to Retire

One of the main draws for retirees looking at Florida is the cost of housing, which is affordable. Jacksonville has a housing index of 78/100, one of the lowest in the state. The median home cost here is $231,800, about $60,000 less than the national and Florida averages. That’s a significant saving that many retirees are keen to take full advantage of when they arrive.

As for the other living costs to consider if Jacksonville, Florida is a good place to retire, most are just above, or just below, the national average. The major indexes are listed below for your perusal:

  • Overall Cost of Living – 93/100
  • Housing – 78/100
  • Groceries – 99/100
  • Healthcare – 97/100
  • Utilities – 102/100
  • Transportation – 101/100
  • Miscellaneous Costs – 100/100
MOVING TIP: If you're moving to Jacksonville to retire, rent a storage unit in Jacksonville before you arrive. That way, if you have problems with your move, house closing, or whatever, you can put your things in storage. (You can also do it without breaking the bank, as moving companies charge a lot for storage!)

Jacksonville’s Excellent Cultural Attractions

OK, let’s be honest, as a retiree, you’re not going to be out clubbing (at least not very often). You’re more relaxed and reserved now and looking for the finer things in life. Jacksonville has them, from museums to theatres, gardens, zoos, and much more.

Even better, many of the amenities here are great for grandkids, who will undoubtedly be visiting. When they do, you’ll be glad to know that many of the cultural locations cater to kids and kids at heart. Some of the very best include:

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

One of the finest art museums in this part of the country, they have over 5000 items in their permanent collection! The museum offers art classes for adults and children, plus their nationally recognized interactive education center, the ArtExplorium Loft. Make sure to see the Cummer Oak on their grounds, one of the oldest oak trees in the United States.

Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History (The MOSH)

This excellent science and history museum has something for the entire family. They change their exhibits regularly, also, so there’s always something new to see and do. If you have toddlers in tow, be sure to check out Kidspace and the Space Science Gallery!

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Kids big and small (and retired) will adore the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! They offer everything from informative garden tours to their unique Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s filled with big cats that are being nursed back to health, a majestic sight to see.

Is Jacksonville Florida a Good Place to Retire?

Overall, Jacksonville is a GREAT Place to Retire!

We think you’ll agree, Jacksonville is a superb place to retire. It offers excellent weather, a wide variety of things to do, and an affordable cost of living to boot. Here at iStorage, we rent storage units in Jacksonville that are always clean, very secure, and affordable, too. They’re perfect for household goods, antiques, boats, and much more.

If you have questions about renting a storage unit in Jacksonville, chat with us online anytime! Even better, drop by our Jacksonville self storage location and say hello to the onsite manager. They’ll be pleased as punch to show you storage units and help you find the best one for your needs. Until then, we wish you the very best of luck with your move to lovely Jacksonville, FL! Once you arrive, you’ll wonder why you didn’t move here years ago!


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