A Local Expert's Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in the Jacksonville Area

Hey there! I’m Chuck, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local Expert! I've joined Jaguars fans many times on Sundays to hear their rallying cry, "Duuuval!", but there's so much more to enjoy here in one of the nation's largest cities. Living in Jacksonville has certainly been an adventure, whether I feel like a lazy afternoon at the beach or exploring one of those iconic food trucks in Riverside. This city’s got serious range, and that includes neighborhoods that won’t break the bank while providing some of the awesome benefits of the North Florida lifestyle.

It doesn't matter whether you're new to the area or want a different location to explore in Jacksonville. It has many affordable neighborhoods to call home. Trust me, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or convenience to make these spots your next place to live. Let's dive in!

Westside

I think it's great to start with the place I already call home, Westside, Jacksonville. Many residents here say the "Westside is the best side" for a few good reasons! You have some nostalgic neighborhoods like Murray Hill and Ortega that make you feel liked you've transported back in time to suburban 1950s. Newer communities like Argyle and OakLeaf Plantation seem to grow in popularity with every passing second. There are plenty of A-rated schools in Clay County. Green landmarks families will love include Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park and Stockton Park.

It's a dream for commuters too, because of the proximity to major highways. Westside offers convenient access to major highways like I-10 and I-295. There's also a diverse mix of friendly people of all ages, from young families to retirees looking for a slower pace of life while having plenty of outdoor activities to explore. My daughter hasn't even checked out all the local parks for kids yet (and we've been here more than 7 years!)

Central Jacksonville

If you're a fan of real city living, Central Jacksonville is about as close as you could get. This is the area most locals refer to as "downtown." What makes it convenient is the 30-minute drive to major highways like I-95 and I-10, ensuring easy access to other parts of the city. The city itself has cool attractions for families, like the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), and the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. If you want something completely free that the entire family will love, you can stroll the scenic Riverwalk along the St. Johns River. Of course, my kids have stopped many times to ask for ice cream on the walk, but that is a win-win for parents.

Many residents with kids in high school also consider sending their children to Jacksonville University and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Affordable duplexes or single-family homes give younger kids the ability to have their independence while still having mom and dad nearby.

LaVilla

Some of the nicest people I've met have come to the LaVilla area, a neighborhood rich in culture and history. It's known for music and the arts, once attracting famous performers like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Residents connect to various parts of the city via bus and the Skyway monorail system. There's no shortage of affordable 1/2 bedroom apartments with some nice single-family homes for rent sprinkled throughout the area. The area is also home to the LaVilla School of the Arts, a magnet middle school known for its strong academic performance and arts programs.

It's also considered a "central Jax" neighborhood, which makes it an easy commute for anyone wanting to commute near or around the city. The neighborhood's ongoing redevelopment efforts make it a good option for anyone who might be considering a new start in northern Florida.

Southside

If you're like me, you like the best of both worlds (the city and the suburbs). That's precisely what the Southside of Jacksonville has to offer. There's a lot to do here, and you'll find a friendly group of people always ready to tell you what's fun and new to explore. A few of the local favorites include St. Johns Town Center and The Avenues Mall. If you can look past the heavy traffic on Saturdays, you'll find a lot of awesome, affordably-priced restaurants and indoor gaming or parks for the kids. The neighborhood is well-connected by major highways like I-95 and J. Turner Butler Boulevard.

It's a desirable place to live for people of all needs or budgets, including gated communities, trendy apartments, or townhomes a breath away from the beach. You can still find some unique, cozy places at an affordable price while having some of the amenities you love about "beachlife" living.

Arlington

Let's move to the northeastern part of Jacksonville next where we find Arlington. If I had to summarize this area in two words, it would be peaceful and family-friendly. It's a great place to live, or you can enjoy the beautiful attractions if you're visiting out of town. One of those landmarks is the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, a 120-acre urban woodland with nearly three miles of hiking trails. You're also very close to the Arlington Expressway and I-295, which allow for easy access to downtown Jacksonville and the beaches.

Arlington is served by schools like Arlington Elementary School and Arlington Middle School, which offer programs for gifted and talented students. It's a nice area to raise a family or for older adults who want plenty of unique activities to explore in their golden years.

Brooklyn

Most of the love for Brooklyn is known to New York, but this is a highly underestimated neighborhood in North Florida many people haven't explored further. Think of it as the chill cousin of its New York namesake. Located west of downtown along the St. Johns River, this neighborhood has undergone extensive changes over the decades. You'll find locals enjoying rooftop tacos at Burrito Gallery or strolling along the Riverwalk, all within walking distance or a short bike ride on a warm summer's day.

It seems like every weekend you'll find an outdoor art or food festival to explore. If you want to explore the area, route 95 is nearby to take you all around Jacksonville in thirty minutes or less. Brooklyn is buzzing with energy, despite a modest population compared to the rest of the city.

Miramar

There's a reason one of my best friends has never left this neighborhood (and she's 40 years old!) Miramar could be described as timeless, charming, and full of character. It's south of San Marco, which is one of my absolute favorite areas in all of Jacksonville. When you're driving through the area, you'll see plenty of well-kept lawns and homes that give the 1940's vibe instantly. Whether you're getting a coffee at the local shop or a haircut for a job interview, everyone here greets you by name. Oh yes, and the dog population might outnumber humans.

The neighborhood's demographics lean towards a well-educated, established crowd, but you'll still find many affordable renting options right in the heart of all the action. Renting options are appealing to renters looking for something with a bit more soul than your average cookie-cutter apartment.

Oak Haven

You can't go to Jacksonville's eastside, and not forget about the quiet and friendly neighborhood of Oak Haven. It provides a close-knit community atmosphere where many residents own their homes. All the major highways (95, 295, and I-10) are all relatively close, giving you easy access to downtown or if you want to head to the beach for the day. There is an abundance of older-style homes for rent that give a "serene" feel that many people enjoy. Since it's northwest of Arlington, it also has more of an outdoorsy type of vibe. Most of the locals enjoy taking their dog for a walk or grilling on Sunday afternoons.

Empire Point

One of the most desirable waterfront neighborhoods in the Jacksonville area is Empire Point. This area attracts many older adults or retirees because of its calm atmosphere and river views. It's conveniently located about 10 minutes from downtown Jacksonville and 20 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport when you have to leave for a weekend trip. While there aren’t many large parks within Empire Point itself, nearby Tree Hill Nature Center offers walking trails and environmental education. The neighborhood is zoned for schools like Arlington Elementary and Terry Parker High, giving families great choices for educational opportunities.

Englewood

I think Englewood shouldn't be left off this list simply because of the convenience of location. Its central location is just 15 minutes from downtown Jacksonville and 25 minutes from the beaches. Englewood is near the University of North Florida (15 minutes away) and St. Vincent’s Medical Center Southside if you need a trusted medical provider nearby. It's also near Johns Town Center, one of the city’s premier shopping and dining destinations that was mentioned earlier. Did we mention how popular that spot is?