Accommodation in Jacksonville

New arrivals looking to settle down in Jacksonville will be pleased to know that the city offers a huge range of housing for just about every budget. Most newcomers tend to rent initially while they find their feet and get a feel for the city and its neighbourhoods before settling on a more permanent situation. 

Those who do decide to buy property in Jacksonville further down the line will find that the city has great investment potential. Not only is the property market robust, but the city continues to attract more and more people each year, increasing the demand for housing. 

Areas and suburbs in Jacksonville

With year-round sunny weather, affordable housing, and beautiful beachfront neighbourhoods, Jacksonville has plenty to offer new arrivals. Jacksonville is a fairly large city, so newcomers will be delighted that some areas and suburbs offer a strong sense of community. Downtown Jacksonville is undoubtedly the most popular area with young professionals and small families seeking convenience. 

San Marco, Arlington, Riverside, and Avondale are some of the most sought-after suburbs in Jacksonville. These areas are popular for their beautiful condos, apartments, and historic homes as well the vibrant lifestyle amenities on offer here. Families looking for homes in tree-lined residential areas will love neighbourhoods such as Bertram Park, Orange Park, and Northside. These neighbourhoods are home to excellent schools and gorgeous natural landscapes, allowing its residents to spend plenty of time outdoors. 

See Areas and Suburbs in Jacksonville to learn more about the city's neighbourhoods. 

Types of accommodation in Jacksonville

Prospective residents will find that the standard of accommodation in Jacksonville is generally quite good. Most buildings are well maintained and property sizes are more generous than in more densely populated US cities. New arrivals searching for a new home will have various options, including apartments, condos and larger houses.

Apartments

These are modern self-contained units within a larger building, and can be found all over Jacksonville. They tend to be one of the most affordable options, and are a particularly popular choice within the downtown area where space is limited.

Condos

Condos are a happy medium between houses and apartments. New arrivals will find this option allows them a little extra space along with the benefits of communal living. Condos are self-contained units within a bigger complex where residents share a range of amenities including communal swimming pools, gyms, gardens and laundry facilities. 

Houses

Newcomers looking for a house in Jacksonville will find a huge variety, particularly towards the outskirts of town. From classic and colonial-style mansions filled with character, to minimalist modern designs, there is something to suit everyone's tastes. Most of the newer housing will be found in outlying suburbs.

Finding accommodation in Jacksonville

The best place to begin the hunt for a home in Jacksonville will be online. Consulting reputable property portals is a good way for prospective residents of Jacksonville to get a feel for the different types of property available in each neighbourhood, and how much to budget.

Estate agents with knowledge of Jacksonville are also a really useful source of information. They can help new arrivals familiarise themselves with different parts of the city in their search for the perfect home. Neighbourhood and expat social media groups can also assist newcomers with finding unlisted rental properties. 

Important things to consider when looking for a home in Jacksonville include proximity to amenities, shopping hubs, transport infrastructure and one's place of work. Lifestyle considerations will also come into play.

Useful links

• Zillow
• Jacksonville FL Rental Properties

Renting accommodation in Jacksonville

Though Jacksonville’s economy is growing, and more people are seeing the potential lifestyle benefits of moving to the city, the demand for property is relatively stable and new arrivals won’t find it too difficult to secure a rental contract.  

Making an application

Once prospective tenants have found a property they like, they’ll need to express their interest either to the agent or the landlord directly. The landlord or estate agent will then carry out credit and reference checks. Once these have been verified, the tenant and landlord can sign the lease. For those moving to Jacksonville from outside the US, it's best to try to open a US bank account and have a social security number set up before applying for a rental property.

Leases, costs and fees

Rental contracts in Jacksonville are most commonly valid for a year, but tenants can renew at the end of the initial term. At the landlord's discretion, it may be possible to request a shorter lease. For tenants who want to negotiate any aspect of their lease, it is better to do so outside peak holiday season, when there isn't as much demand for holiday rentals. 

Prospective tenants will be required to put down a security deposit to secure the lease on a property, typically the equivalent of one or two months' rent. These rental deposits are fully refundable once the lease terminates, provided the property is left in an acceptable state. For this reason, it is important to carry out a detailed inventory at the beginning and end of the rental term, as damages will be deducted from the deposit.

Utilities

Renters must pore over the terms of their lease agreements to determine which utilities are included. The landlord usually covers standard utilities such as water and electricity. Optional extras such as internet, cable TV and landline telephone services are usually for the tenant's personal account. 

Utilities will typically be set up, but some tenants may have to coordinate the process themselves. In that case, they must begin the process at least a week in advance and be prepared to pay deposits. 

Electricity and gas

Depending on their specific situation, new arrivals to Jacksonville can apply for a new electricity account or transfer an existing one to their name. The Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) is the major electricity provider in Jacksonville, and the company has also started providing natural gas. Other companies such as Peoples Gas System also provide mains gas across Jacksonville. JEA allows customers to request a service start date up to 30 days before their move in date. Those looking to stop a service must give JEA at least three days notice.

To start a service, newcomers can apply online and submit their proof of identification and new service address. They will also be required to pay a deposit, usually returned after 12 months of consistent payments. Electricity bills in Jacksonville are usually sent and paid monthly. 

Water

Similarly to electricity and gas, water is supplied by the JEA in Jacksonville. Once new arrivals create an online account on JEA's website, they can start all their utility services, including electricity, gas, and water. Newcomers must note that the JEA does not provide natural gas services in all of Jacksonville, so they may have to use another utility company for this service. 

The utility bills are colour-coded and sent out monthly via mail or online. The bill will usually include electricity, water, and sewer services charges. 

Waste management and recycling

The City of Jacksonville oversees waste management in the city and offers weekly curbside waste collection. The city has also created a portal, known as MyJax, to allow residents to manage city services, including waste management. Newcomers can register an account on the portal to find their waste collection day. 

For those looking to recycle while living in Jacksonville, the City of Jacksonville provides yellow-lid recycle carts that allow residents to place their recyclable paper, metal, plastic, and glass waste. These will usually be collected along with the household waste. Waste bins must be placed outside between 5pm the previous day and by 6am on the waste collection day. 

Useful links

• JEA
• Peoples Gas System
• MyJax