Blog > Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Jacksonville Florida
Welcome to Jacksonville!
Jacksonville is a city of great opportunity. It has tons of options for job seekers and homeowners, making it an ideal place to live.
It’s the largest city in the continental US
Jacksonville, Florida, is the largest city in the continental United States. It is also the most populated city in Florida, with a population of 821,784 people as of 2010. The city has a population density of 1,823 people per square mile and covers an area of 973 square miles (2,551 km²).
Weather is usually mild
The weather in Jacksonville is mild. The average annual temperature is 72.8 degrees Fahrenheit and the average humidity is 77% to 79%. The average rainfall is 45 inches per year, which is lower than much of the Southeast but higher than many coastal cities like New York City or Los Angeles. That being said, you’re still going to need a good umbrella if it rains because the rain can be heavy at times! In terms of snowfall and wind speed, Jacksonville sees an average of just 3 inches of snow per year and winds reach speeds up to 13 mph on average (though they can reach hurricane force). Finally, there are only two months out of the year that don’t have any measurable amount of cloud cover: May and October!
Mayport Naval Base
The Mayport Naval Station is the home of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet and is located on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. It is also the second largest military installation in Florida after Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB).
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The Mayport naval base was built during World War II to replace older bases destroyed by German attacks on America's East Coast. The base was named after Lieutenant Commander Charles F. May, commander of one of two minesweepers used by American forces during an attack by four German submarines off Jupiter Inlet in 1942.
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The base has been home to many ships over its history, including several aircraft carriers such as USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS Forrestal (CV 59), and USS Coral Sea (CV 43). These have included some vessels from other countries as well: Japan sent two destroyers during World War II; Argentina sent several corvettes, and Canada sent HMCS Athabaskan for training purposes in 1972 and again with HMCS Ontario between 1995-1997.*
The beaches are great
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There are a ton of beaches in Jacksonville. From Fernandina Beach to Cresent Beach. The coast has so many different beaches to enjoy year-round.
They're clean, and you can swim in them! Depending on which beach you go to you can drive on the beach as well and stick your toes right in the sand.
You can enjoy the beach without paying for access. The city of Jacksonville has public beach access points all over the city that you can visit for free at any time, no matter what season it is (and if you live close enough to one).
There's something for everyone on the beach: there are tons of activities such as swimming, boating, surfing, fishing, and more available at most beaches around Jacksonville. Families with kids will love spending time on their local beach because there are plenty of restaurants nearby where they can grab lunch or dinner after enjoying some fun in the sun together!
Wildlife is everywhere
The first thing you need to know about Jacksonville is that it's a wildlife haven. There are alligators, manatees, dolphins, and turtles everywhere. Plus, there are snakes and a variety of birds.
While some people may not be into this, if you're looking for a place to hang out with your pet gator or giant turtle, Jacksonville might be the place for you!
Diversity of people and neighborhoods
Jacksonville, Florida, is a very diverse city. The people are friendly and welcoming. There are many different neighborhoods to live in, each of which has its unique character.
Lots of family-friendly things to do without breaking the bank.
Jacksonville is a fantastic place to raise children. The city offers many family-friendly options and activities, including:
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Beaches, parks, and playgrounds. The beaches in Jacksonville are great for kids as they are not crowded or dangerous like other beach areas can be at times. There are plenty of public parks around town with playgrounds where your kids can play outside while you relax on nearby benches.
There are tons of Family-friendly events and activities year-round! There are lots of festivals throughout the year, such as Jacksonville Jazz Festival (mid-March), Art Walk Downtown (first Friday of each month), and family fun nights at local museums like the Museum of Science & History or Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens which have special activities for kids including arts & crafts stations featuring hands-on learning experiences for all ages!
Jacksonville also has very Family-friendly restaurants that offer menus from burgers to pasta dishes cooked fresh daily with local ingredients - both fancy enough for date night dinners but casual enough for parents who don't want to spend too much money on dinner out (even better if there's free parking!). Some restaurants even offer kids meals free when accompanied by an adult entree purchase!
There are A LOT of beaches and a lot of things to do.
You’re probably looking for a place where you can spend time with your family and have fun, right? Well, Jacksonville has just that. There are many great beaches in Jacksonville to enjoy the sun and sand. The beaches have great food, shopping, and entertainment. You can even find some nearby restaurants to grab a bite before heading back home from one of these hot spots.
Consulsion
Jacksonville is a unique place to call home. It has a lot to offer, and it’s a great place to live. We hope this post has helped you decide whether or not moving here is right for you!