Best Places to Live: Jacksonville
8/8/2022 - By Rachel Ham - Stories and Insights
Updated:03/23/2026
Temperate weather, top-ranked schools, beach access and international cuisines describe many cities in Florida. SouthState’s bankers in Jacksonville, however, feel their city offers something special to those looking to relocate.
Though it’s the largest city in the United States by land, stretching 840 square miles, our bankers tout Jacksonville’s small-town feel. Market President Chad Clarke explains each area has a distinct flavor from the beaches to Town Center to San Marco.
“These are 3 major areas each with a local atmosphere, so you have the benefits of a large city yet also a strong community,” he says.
Clarke credits the city’s climate and relatively low cost of living for making Jacksonville a desirable place.
"Jacksonville is a great place to live because of its relative affordability, good climate, the many different parts of town that are all very attractive in their own ways, and most of all, because of the hospitality of our residents towards one another and newcomers,” he adds.
Temperate weather, top-ranked schools, beach access and international cuisines describe many cities in Florida. SouthState’s bankers in Jacksonville, however, feel their city offers something special to those looking to relocate.
Though it’s the largest city in the United States by land, stretching 840 square miles, our bankers tout Jacksonville’s small-town feel. Market President Chad Clarke explains each area has a distinct flavor from the beaches to Town Center to San Marco.
“These are 3 major areas each with a local atmosphere, so you have the benefits of a large city yet also a strong community,” he says.
Clarke credits the city’s climate and relatively low cost of living for making Jacksonville a desirable place.
"Jacksonville is a great place to live because of its relative affordability, good climate, the many different parts of town that are all very attractive in their own ways, and most of all, because of the hospitality of our residents towards one another and newcomers,” he adds.
With such a large geographic area, potential residents have a variety of options when it comes to where they find a home. Jacksonville offers urban high-rise condo living, beach life, riverfront housing, and even rural areas of town.
The city, of course, does get its fair share of visitors seeking warm weather. One of Jacksonville’s popular communities, San Marco, is home to popular eateries, including Clarke’s favorites Taverna, Mathew’s and Town Hall.
“Each restaurant is within the historic San Marco dining district, and I appreciate that they’re all locally owned and operated,” Clarke says. “The most difficult decision is deciding which of these to visit.”
Jacksonville has all walks of life represented. This melting pot creates avenues for a wide variety of viewpoints, art and culture. Whether people are on vacation or looking to move to the area, people will find what they’re looking for in this city.
The city, of course, does get its fair share of visitors seeking warm weather. One of Jacksonville’s popular communities, San Marco, is home to popular eateries, including Clarke’s favorites Taverna, Mathew’s and Town Hall.
“Each restaurant is within the historic San Marco dining district, and I appreciate that they’re all locally owned and operated,” Clarke says. “The most difficult decision is deciding which of these to visit.”
Jacksonville has all walks of life represented. This melting pot creates avenues for a wide variety of viewpoints, art and culture. Whether people are on vacation or looking to move to the area, people will find what they’re looking for in this city.
