There really is only one season in Florida and that is year round summertime and Jacksonville is no exception. Mild temperatures, lots of sunshine and perpetual blue skies combine to make Jacksonville the perfect environment for outdoor living. It is on the water so you know that it is a fisherman's paradise. In addition it has a first class zoo and is home to the Jaguars football team. It is also a very culturally diverse city with museums, art galleries and a symphony orchestra in residence.

The overall cost of living in Jacksonville is about 9% below national averages. The median rent for an apartment is this city is $620 per month. Studio apartments start at $350. The rent for a three bedroom with run you about $675 per month. Utility bills are very low, here. The lowest apartment rentals are located in the downtown area, which has been undergoing a big surge in renovation for the past couple of years. The city has seen $2 billion dollars in new construction, including a new library, ballpark, arena, office space and high rise apartment buildings.

If you like ocean front living then head over to the Beaches district. Bear in mind that this is also some of the most expensive apartment living in the city, but it is well worth it. if you can afford it. The average rent at the Beaches is about $600 a month. Looking for more moderately prices places, then explore Southeast, Orange Park, and Southwest. If these neighborhoods don't suit you then look in North, Greater Arlington and Urban core/Northwest.

The job market is Jacksonville is pretty healthy. So much so that you would never know that the country is in a recession. This market offers a diversity in industry and opportunity. Major employers include distribution services, finance, biomedical and technology, consumer goods, information services and manufacturing. Jacksonville is home to the largest deep water port in the southern United States and is therefore the leading port for the nation's auto import makers. The American military also has a huge presence in the city with three major naval installations in the area.