Jacksonville, the largest city in area in the continental United States, is a rapidly growing metropolitan city in Northeast Florida. It is the county seat of Duval County.
One of Jacksonville's many natural assets is one of the largest urban park systems in the country. The active and passive parks and preservation lands are a key part of Jacksonville's quality of life. So are the miles of beaches and waterways, a major symphony orchestra, a sports and entertainment complex downtown and a myriad of special events that this sports-loving city hosts each year. The home of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, the city welcomed its first Super Bowl in 2005.
With a growing population, a strong economy, diverse cultural and recreational opportunities and abundant natural resources, Jacksonville continues to distinguish itself as one of the nation's most dynamic and progressive cities.
Jacksonville has a diversified economy that includes service, transportation, medical and insurance industries. The city's annual employment growth rate is 4.7 percent, while unemployment, at 3.6 percent, is consistently below both state and national levels.
Jacksonville offers five-star restaurants, resorts and other leisure activities. Its geographical location puts it close to many cultural, historic and entertainment centers in both Florida and Georgia. Elegant Savannah and exotic Amelia Island lie to the north, while historic St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States and home of the new World Golf Village, lies to the south.
Just two and one-half hours away is Orlando, home of the Disney theme parks, Universal Studio and Sea World.
Jacksonville has five regional shopping centers, a zoo, two major museums, eight galleries, a symphony orchestra, and several theaters and nightclubs. The educational system offers nearly 250 public and private schools and 14 regional colleges and universities.
The nationally famous Jacksonville Jazz Festival is held each year in Metropolitan Park, and the renowned Jazz Keyboard Competition is held annually at the Florida Theatre.
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No matter what your neighborhood preference, chances are your future Jacksonville home will be on or near water. White sand Atlantic Ocean beaches, oak-lined St. Johns River shores, the boating Intracoastal Waterway paradise, plus numerous lakes, ponds and lagoons have made "waterfront property" a common phrase.
Neighborhoods and housing styles are as varied as people's tastes in lifestyle. If you've yearned for a turn-of-the-century Victorian, you'll be enchanted with the historic Avondale and Ortega areas. Spanish charm emanates from the architecture and landmarks found in San Marco and San Jose. Moss-draped ancient oaks provide the backdrop for the new and restored homes in the Mandarin area. These are but a few of the distinctive communities that make up the Bold New City.
Its housing market is ranked as one of the most affordable in the country. By combining all city services in the late 1960s, when Jacksonville's citizens voted to consolidate city and county government, taxes and municipal costs were greatly reduced. Also, Florida has no state income tax.
Demographics
Population in July 2009: 813,518. Jacksonville covers 757.7 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 12 feet above sea level. Area code 904
Weather
Jacksonville, FL climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 90.40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 44.80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 16 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Jacksonville is 48.96 Inches. Summer months tend to be wetter than winter months. The wettest month of the year is September with an average rainfall of 7.28 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
