Jacksonville

Spanning nearly 875 square miles across Northeast Florida and centered along the banks of the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, Florida, is the United States' largest city geographically. It's the city of Florida's banking and insurance center and is home to three U.S. Navy facilities, making it the third largest naval presence in the country.

Jacksonville welcomes residents who enjoy the advantages of major cities — fine restaurants, bustling nightlife, museums, and professional sports teams — along with the charm of small towns in the various communities that comprise the region. Mild winters and sunny days provide ample opportunities to get out and enjoy golfing, fishing, and relaxing in the area's nature preserves and parks.

Jacksonville also has a major international airport and the third-largest port in the state of Florida. Top-rated public and private schools attract families to the area, and a robust collection of private and public universities, including the University of North Florida, provide residents immense educational opportunities.

History buffs, art connoisseurs, and adventure seekers all find something to do in Jacksonville. Learn about the area's earliest residents at the Timucuan Preserve, a national park with miles of hiking trails and educational programs about the Timucua people, Native Americans who lived in the area at the time of the Spaniards' arrival. Visit the Kingsley Plantation and Fort Caroline to explore the grounds of the old plantation and the site of the 16th-century French fort. The arts scene in Jacksonville continues to thrive, offering festivals, live performances, and gallery exhibits. Explore the collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art, take in some live theater, or enjoy some music at the Veterans Memorial Arena or Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall. For a livelier evening, check out the dining and entertainment at Jacksonville Landing in downtown. Or spend some time outdoors relaxing along the 50 miles of sand and surf that make up Florida's First Coast.

In a city as large and diverse as Jacksonville, residents often refer to neighborhoods in Jacksonville instead of the city as a whole. Homes for sale in these neighborhoods offer a wide range  of home and property styles. Ortega, just south of downtown, has a blend of modern mansions, century-old wood-frame homes, and sprawling brick homes on large lots. This area also houses the Florida Yacht Club, Timuquana Country Club, and Belles Park. Also near downtown, San Marco is home to fine examples of Spanish architecture and prized waterfront properties with docks. With its convenient location and affordable housing, Avondale remains a popular part of town. Homes in this area typically feature European-style architecture, and The Shoppes of Avondale and King Street District house a variety of restaurants and shops. Named one of the nation's best neighborhoods by Forbes and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Riverside is both historic and charming. This area features an interesting combination of prairie-style homes, preserved houses, and even historic buildings converted to condominiums.