If you’ve just accepted a job at UF Health Jacksonville, congratulations — and welcome to Jacksonville.

Once the excitement of the new position settles in, there’s usually another big question:

Where should you live in Jacksonville if you work at UF Health?

Jacksonville is a large city, and choosing a neighborhood here isn’t simply a matter of finding the house closest to work. Where you live can have a significant impact on your commute, your weekends and your overall experience of living in Northeast Florida.

If you’ll be working at UF Health Jacksonville on West 8th Street, there are several established neighborhoods and communities around Jacksonville’s urban core that are worth exploring.

Four I would put on your list are The Plaza at Berkman, Riverside, Avondale and San Marco.

Each offers a very different type of Jacksonville lifestyle.

Watch the UF HEALTH RELOCATION VIDEO

Where Is UF Health Jacksonville?

UF Health Jacksonville’s main campus is located at 655 West 8th Street in Jacksonville, just north of Downtown.

That location opens up some interesting housing possibilities because you don’t necessarily need to move to one of Jacksonville’s farther-out suburban communities to find a traditional home, yard and established neighborhood.

You can stay relatively close to Downtown and still choose between high-rise condo living, historic homes, tree-lined residential streets and neighborhoods with restaurants and shops nearby.

That’s why I encourage relocation buyers to think about more than mileage.

Ask yourself:

What do I want my life in Jacksonville to look like when I’m not at work?

That answer can help narrow your search considerably.

The Plaza at Berkman: Downtown Jacksonville Condo Living

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, The Plaza at Berkman offers something completely different from the other communities on this list.

Located on East Bay Street in Downtown Jacksonville, The Plaza is a riverfront condominium building overlooking the St. Johns River.

This can be an interesting option for someone who wants a lock-and-leave property rather than the responsibilities that come with maintaining a single-family home.

You’re also in Jacksonville’s urban core, close to the riverfront, Downtown entertainment and sporting venues.

Pricing within a condominium building can vary significantly depending on the size of the unit, floor, condition and view. You may find smaller units in the $200,000s, while larger and more extensively updated residences — particularly those with desirable river views — can be considerably more expensive.

When buying a Jacksonville condo, however, I always recommend looking beyond the purchase price.

Association fees, insurance, reserves, building financials and any current or anticipated assessments should all be part of your due diligence.

For someone relocating to Jacksonville who wants riverfront views, amenities and less home maintenance, The Plaza offers an alternative to buying a traditional house.

Riverside Jacksonville: Historic Homes and an Urban Neighborhood Feel

Just west of Downtown is Riverside, one of Jacksonville’s best-known historic neighborhoods.

If you’re searching for historic homes in Jacksonville but still want restaurants, parks and local businesses nearby, Riverside is worth exploring.

The neighborhood is known for its older architecture, mature landscaping and areas such as Five Points, Memorial Park and the Riverside Arts Market.

Housing is varied.

You’ll find historic single-family homes, condos, apartments and other housing styles throughout the greater Riverside area.

As a general starting point, buyers looking for a single-family home might see properties from roughly the $300,000s into the $600,000s and beyond, depending on the size, condition, location and level of renovation.

Waterfront and particularly distinctive properties can be substantially higher.

One important consideration when buying an older home in Jacksonville is maintenance.

Historic character is wonderful, but buyers should pay attention to the roof, plumbing, electrical system, foundation, insurance and previous renovations rather than focusing only on cosmetic updates.

For someone working at UF Health Jacksonville who wants an established neighborhood with character and plenty happening nearby, Riverside may deserve a place on the shortlist.

Avondale Jacksonville: Established Homes and Tree-Lined Streets

Continue farther into the historic district and you’ll reach Avondale.

Riverside and Avondale are often grouped together, but they don’t necessarily feel exactly the same when you're driving through them.

Avondale is known for its established residential streets, historic architecture and the shops and restaurants around St. Johns Avenue.

It's also an important neighborhood to consider if you're moving to Jacksonville and want a traditional single-family home.

There are smaller historic properties as well as substantial homes with yards, garages and more living space.

As a broad guide, you may see many Avondale homes starting in the $400,000s and moving through the $600,000s and $700,000s, with larger, extensively renovated, waterfront or particularly distinctive properties commanding considerably more.

As with Riverside, condition matters.

Two homes with similar square footage can have very different values depending on renovations, lot, location and the condition of major systems.

For a UF Health employee who likes historic architecture but wants a more traditional residential setting, Avondale is well worth exploring.

San Marco Jacksonville: Historic Homes, Restaurants and the St. Johns River

Cross the St. Johns River from Downtown and you’ll find San Marco.

San Marco is another established Jacksonville neighborhood that offers an interesting combination of residential streets, historic architecture, restaurants, shops and proximity to Downtown.

San Marco Square is one of the neighborhood’s recognizable gathering places, surrounded by local businesses and restaurants.

Housing options range from condos and smaller homes to substantial properties, including homes near the river.

Because there is so much variety, San Marco also has a wide price range.

Buyers may find homes beginning in the $400,000s, while renovated homes, larger properties and desirable riverfront locations can move into the $700,000s, $1 million range and well beyond.

So if you've heard that San Marco is expensive, don't automatically eliminate it without looking at what is currently available within your particular budget.

For someone working at UF Health Jacksonville who wants a traditional home while remaining close to Jacksonville's urban core, San Marco is another area I would consider.

Which Jacksonville Neighborhood Is Right for You?

There isn't one neighborhood that is right for every person relocating to Jacksonville for a job at UF Health.

Instead, think about the type of home and lifestyle you want.

The Plaza at Berkman may appeal if you want riverfront condo living and less exterior maintenance.

Riverside offers historic character with parks, restaurants and an active neighborhood environment.

Avondale combines historic architecture with established residential streets and a variety of single-family homes.

San Marco offers another mix of historic homes, condos, restaurants and proximity to Downtown and the St. Johns River.

And this is why I don't recommend choosing a Jacksonville neighborhood based solely on the number of miles between your home and your workplace.

Your commute matters.

But so does everything that happens after you leave work.

Should You Rent Before Buying in Jacksonville?

If you're relocating to Jacksonville and have never spent much time here, renting first can sometimes make sense.

It gives you an opportunity to experience the city before making a long-term decision.

You can test your commute during the hours you'll actually be traveling, explore different neighborhoods, visit restaurants and shops, and see where you naturally find yourself spending your free time.

On the other hand, if you've already spent time in Jacksonville and know what you're looking for, you may be comfortable beginning your home search before you move.

I regularly work with relocation buyers who aren't yet in Jacksonville, and much of the initial process can be handled remotely, including neighborhood research, property searches and virtual home tours.

Moving to Jacksonville for a Job at UF Health?

Relocating for a new job involves a lot more than buying a house.

You're learning a new city at the same time you're beginning a new position.

My advice is to start with the neighborhood rather than the house.

Think about your commute, budget and the type of property you want — but also think about how you want to spend your evenings and weekends.

Once you've narrowed down where you want to live, finding the right home becomes much easier.

Free Jacksonville Neighborhood Guide

If you're researching where to live in Jacksonville, I've created a free Jacksonville Neighborhood Guide to help you compare different areas of the city.

Download the Jacksonville Neighborhood Guide here:

https://www.homesanytime.com/guides/

And if you're relocating to Jacksonville for a position at UF Health and would like help narrowing down your options, I'm happy to help you understand the different neighborhoods and begin your home search.

Amanda Bolwell
Jacksonville Realtor | Relocation & Waterfront Specialist
(904) 613 9818 HomesAnytime