Forbes Advisor Names Jacksonville No. 2 on List of ‘Best Places to Live in Florida’

As a local home builder in Northeast Florida, we understand how truly special the River City is. Forbes also seems to agree! From its position along the Atlantic Ocean, subtropical climate, culinary scene and reasonable cost of living, it’s no surprise that so many are flocking to call Jacksonville, FL, home. And don't forget that Florida is notable for being one of the few states that does not have state income or estate taxes, which has made the Sunshine State an increasingly more attractive place to relocate. Forbes Advisor, which offers “money advice, news and product reviews from a name you trust,” recently named Jacksonville to the No. 2 spot on its annual list of the “Best Places to Live in Florida 2023.” The cities that received the honor were analyzed by recent data on key lifestyle factors such as the area’s median home price, personal income per capita, and the unemployment and crime rate. Jacksonville beat out other well-known Florida cities including: Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee and Gainesville.

Data Forbes Advisor shared from the report on Jacksonville:

Population: $954,614

Median home price: $429,00

Estimated monthly expenses: $6,594

Median income: $55,531

Unemployment rate: 2.8%

Community wellness score: 59/100

In Jacksonville, residents enjoy big city conveniences while enjoying relatively affordable living. Banking, healthcare and transportation are the seven-county metro area’s biggest employment opportunities. 

Miles of Sandy Beaches + Great Weather

Love the sand between your toes, a cool ocean breeze and the sun shining on your face? With 22 miles of white sand beaches, Jacksonville residents are never too far away from the shoreline. With access to piers, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and boating, the beaches of Jacksonville are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Local beaches including Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Amelia Island, each offer a unique charm and distinct identity. 

Mild winters and warm weather are huge advantages of living in Jacksonville, FL. The year-round sun allows Jacksonville residents to enjoy what seems like a never-ending-summer. From front porches to covered lanais, Riverside Homes extends your living space outdoors so you can enjoy the laid-back Florida lifestyle. Fun upgrades to your Riverside home like fireplaces and firepits provide a cozy, welcoming ambiance that you can enjoy alone with a glass of wine and a good book or with family and friends.

Building a New Home in Jacksonville

Another advantage to living in one of the top-rated cities in Florida is the affordability of the housing options. With a dozen communities around the First Coast, homebuyers can select from Riverside Homes' thoughtfully designed floor plans with varying budgets. Once you have settled on a home design, the possibilities are endless at the Design Center, where you can see, touch and feel all of your selections. 

Ready to make the move? Let our Riverside Homes team help you find the perfect Jacksonville quick move-in ready home or build a new home from the ground up. Contact us today to start living the coastal lifestyle you deserve in a Riverside home in one of the best places to live in Florida.