Jacksonville, FL Senior Living

Jacksonville, Florida is one of those special cities that has something for everyone. This charming coastal area has tons of activities no matter what you're looking for, but it's especially attractive to beach lovers. St. John's River spills into the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville, Florida, which makes this sunny and warm metropolis ideal for fishing and sun-tanning. It's also home to some of the most unique modern architecture of the south, including its blue steel bridge, and it offers everything from shopping and professional sports to camping, hiking and fresh-water lake swimming.

Jacksonville has quite the cultural scene as well, playing host to a number of museums, professional football and baseball teams and the annual PGA Tour event, The Players. With a cost of living below the national average, a beautiful climate and a plethora of activity, senior living in Jacksonville is retirement at its best!

Population

Jacksonville has a population of about 827,908 residents, according to the 2011 U.S. Census. 10.9% of the city's population is of or over the age of 65. *US Census Bureau

Cost of Living

According to Area Vibes, Jacksonville's cost of living has a friendly rating of 95, compared to the national rating of 100. It is 2% less than Florida's overall cost of living rate and 5.1% less than the national average. This makes the area ideal for retirees who don't want to pay the higher costs of other Floridian cities such as Miami. *AreaVibes.com

Home Prices

Jacksonville's median house price is around $171,500. This is about 24.1% lower than Florida's overall median price and 14.4% less than the national median price. Median rental prices in Jacksonville are significantly higher than the national median, equaling $872 to the national median of $801. However, rental prices are far less in Jacksonville than Florida's overall median of $970. Investing in real estate could be a great option for those looking for permanent residence in Jacksonville. *AreaVibes.com

Cost of Assisted Living in Jacksonville

Assisted living costs vary drastically among Florida cities, depending on location and amenities. Average assisted living costs in Jacksonville are approximately $3,350 monthly, according to Genworth Data.

Crime Rate

Jacksonville has had a trend of lower crime rates for the last couple of years, and projected rates for 2013 are less than current calculations. Jacksonville has a violent crime rate of 64.75% greater than the national average. Comparatively, the property crime rates for the city sit at about 54.68%. All neighborhoods are calculated to determine crime rates, and as with any city, some areas are safer than others. Be diligent in researching neighborhoods, real-estate and sub-divisions prior to purchasing, leasing or relocating permanently. *CityRating.com

Medical Facilities

Jacksonville is home to many top-rated hospitals. Of the 16 major hospitals in the city and its surrounding metropolitan area, six are nationally ranked by US News as top-performing hospitals. These facilities include Baptist Medical Center, Wolfson Children's Hospital, Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, Memorial Hospital, Mayo Clinic and St. Vincent's Medical Center. Many are top-ranking specialty hospitals in areas of cancer, diabetes and endocrinology.

Consult a complete list of medical centers and hospitals in Jacksonville, FL.

Transportation

Jacksonville is home to JAX (Jacksonville International Airport). By way of public transportation, the city offers a skyway monorail, trolleys, a shuttle system and a para-transit for the disabled.

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Resident Reviews of Jacksonville, Florida
"Jacksonville, FL has both pros and cons for senior living. The climate is warm and humid. The average annual temperature is 68 degrees, making it great for a person with breathing difficulties such as myself. There are plenty of outdoor activities, including local beaches, parks, nature trails, as well as activies such as fishing, swimming, and sports groups and gatherings via the council on aging. I enjoy visiting the Jacksonville pier. Jacksonville is also home to many art and science museums. The 4 main hospitals and affiliated branches offer volunteer opportunities, and are where I spend many days delivering flowers to patient rooms. There are many options for senior housing, from independent housing to assisted living and full-service senior centers and nursing homes. Personal budget determines the type of living, as facilities range from upscale to lower-end. The main downside to living in Jacksonville, FL is the sheer size of the city. Public transportation via bus is limited to the city center, so immobile seniors may have difficulties navigating the city and traveling. It is definately a city where a means of transportation is required. Overall a nice place for seniors to retire and call home. There are plenty of us here to welcome you!" -- Rebecca Bales, 32 year resident of Jacksonville, Florida