Moving to Jacksonville, Florida? Florida’s largest city by land is packed with diverse neighborhoods—beachside retreats, historic gems, and family-friendly suburbs—all offering different perks and price points.
Why it matters: Picking the right neighborhood shapes your lifestyle, commute, and long-term investment in this fast-growing metro.
What’s ahead: A quick-hit guide to the 10 best neighborhoods in Jacksonville according to Niche.com, based on livability, value, and local feel.
1. Deercreek
Gated. Green. Family-focused. A serene golf course community in Southside Jacksonville with quiet streets and polished charm.
Population: 11,918 | Median Home Value: $424K | School Rating: B+
Housing: Gated homes, golf course views, and quiet cul-de-sacs
Safety: Private security and low crime statistics, one of the safest spots
Education: Solid B+ public schools with access to magnet options
Perks: Tennis, golf, nature trails, and quick access to the Avenues Mall
Vibe: Suburban, refined, and laid-back — perfect for raising a family or retiring in style
Why it’s great: Deercreek offers security, space, and a high quality of life without feeling far from the city.
2. Miramar
Historic charm, river views, timeless appeal. Nestled in San Marco, Miramar blends elegance with a quiet, upscale feel.
Population: 4,251 | Median Home Value: $645K | School Rating: B
Tucked into the San Marco area, Miramar boasts historic charm, river proximity, and a refined vibe.
Housing: Vintage homes, modern renovations, and upscale curb appeal
Safety: Quiet, residential streets with a close-knit feel
Education: Nearby access to sought-after public and private schools
Perks: Close to San Marco Square, parks, and top dining spots
Vibe: Charming, classic, and well-kept — ideal for professionals and families
Why it’s rising: Miramar combines historic charm and convenience in a coveted corner of Jacksonville.
3. Deerwood
Legacy luxury, prime location. One of Jacksonville’s first gated communities, Deerwood offers upscale living in the heart of Southside.
Population: 20,521 | Median Home Value: $363K | School Rating: B+
Housing: Golf course estates, townhomes, and lakeside properties
Safety: Strong HOA presence and consistent community oversight
Education: Above-average schools and nearby private options
Perks: Near St. Johns Town Center, corporate hubs, and nightlife
Vibe: Established, polished, and highly livable
Why people stay: Deerwood delivers prestige and practicality.
4. Jacksonville Beach
Surf, sun, and city energy. A vibrant coastal hub that blends laid-back beach life with a lively, professional pulse.
Population: 26,055 | Median Home Value: $541K | School Rating: B+
Housing: From beach cottages to modern condos with views
Safety: Beach patrols and a tight community watch vibe
Education: Solid schools with proximity to Atlantic Coast High and private academies
Perks: Surf, sand, dining, and live music — all outside your door
Vibe: Active, social, and coastal-cool
Why it’s loved: Jax Beach is where work-life balance meets salt life.
5. Avondale
Strollable streets, timeless design. Avondale pairs riverfront beauty with historic charm and standout architecture.
Population: 6,047 | Median Home Value: $462K | School Rating: B-
Housing: Early 20th-century homes, restored bungalows, and riverside estates
Safety: Generally safe with an active neighborhood association
Education: Access to decent public schools and private academies nearby
Perks: Shops, cafes, and the Cummer Museum — all within reach
Vibe: Artistic, historic, and culture-forward
Why it stands out: Avondale blends timeless character with modern walkability.
6. Baymeadows
Diverse, practical, well-connected. Baymeadows delivers affordability and convenience in the heart of Southside.
Population: 16,135 | Median Home Value: $206K | School Rating: B
Housing: Mix of condos, apartments, and modest single-family homes
Safety: Overall moderate and improving
Education: Solid B-rated public schools and nearby private options
Perks: Minutes from St. Johns Town Center, I-95, and corporate hubs
Vibe: Accessible, practical, and full of working professionals
Why it works: Baymeadows offers value and location for first-timers and commuters.
7. Secret Cove
Hidden gem, lakeside calm. Secret Cove offers peaceful living and community vibes just off Jacksonville’s main routes.
Population: 6,750 | Median Home Value: $307K | School Rating: B-
Housing: Primarily 70s–90s suburban homes with large lots
Safety: Quiet streets, strong HOA presence
Education: Average public schools, with access to magnet programs
Perks: Community pool, tennis, and lakeside walking trails
Vibe: Peaceful, established, and easygoing
Why locals like it: Secret Cove is calm, central, and full of community pride.
8. Beauclerc
Riverfront grace, old-Florida charm. Beauclerc blends lush scenery with spacious homes in a quiet, upscale setting.
Population: 2,115 | Median Home Value: $584K | School Rating: B-
Housing: Large riverfront estates and custom mid-century homes
Safety: Safe and quiet with a mature residential feel
Education: Decent schools nearby, plus proximity to private alternatives
Perks: River access, shaded streets, and close to Mandarin shopping
Vibe: Serene, stately, and full of character.
Why it’s special: Beauclerc offers space, prestige, and waterfront living without the buzz.
9. Beach Haven
Suburban ease, coastal breeze. Just minutes from the ocean, Beach Haven offers relaxed living with beach-town perks.
Population: 8,376 | Median Home Value: $485K | School Rating: B+
Housing: Mix of new builds, ranch-style homes, and gated communities
Safety: Generally low crime and well-maintained streets
Education: Strong local schools and easy access to coastal campuses
Perks: Close to Mayo Clinic, shopping, and Jax Beach
Vibe: Relaxed, breezy, and family-oriented
Why it shines: Beach Haven blends beach proximity with daily convenience.
10. Montclair
Quiet streets, room to grow. Tucked in the San Jose area, Montclair offers spacious homes beneath a canopy of mature trees.
Population: 1,598 | Median Home Value: $557K | School Rating: B-
Housing: Primarily mid-century ranch homes on large, shaded lots
Safety: Low traffic, low crime, and strong residential pride
Education: Average public schools, private options within driving distance
Perks: Minutes from the river, San Jose Country Club, and Bolles School
Vibe: Private, peaceful, and residential
Why it appeals: Montclair is a quiet retreat in the heart of suburban Jacksonville.
The Bottom Line
From beachfront escapes to suburban calm, Jacksonville’s top neighborhoods offer something for every lifestyle — whether you're chasing walkability, water views, or room to grow.
Find the salt-air lifestyle in an array of neighborhoods in every price point.
Other Resources:
Things To Know About Moving to and Living in Jacksonville, Florida
Best Suburbs Near Jacksonville, Florida
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Florida
Complete Guide to Closing Costs in Florida
Cost to Build a House in Florida
The Top 10 Best Places to Live in Florida
Top 10 Safest Cities in Florida
10 Most Affordable Cities in Florida
10 Healthiest Cities in Florida
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.