10 Reasons Why We Love the First Coast

Welcome to the First Coast! Nestled in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is a destination for new residents to Live, Work and Play! While our city is the largest in the U.S., this welcoming community still has a small-town aspect, and is the perfect place for families, young professionals and retirees. Here are some of our reasons why we love the First Coast, we know you will too!

Photo by Stephanie Marty

Photo courtesy of City of Jacksonville

Mighty Military

The First Coast has a strong military presence that has a significant impact on the region by employing thousands of active duty, reserve, and civilian men and women. Jacksonville is home to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, which is the largest Navy base in the Southeast. North of Atlantic Beach is Naval Station Mayport, which is home to the Navy’s Fourth Fleet. Kings Bay Naval Base is about 45 minutes from Jacksonville in southeast Georgia. Marine Corps Blount Island Command and Camp Blanding Joint Training Center are also located here in the First Coast. For more information on our military see page 97.

World Class Health Care

The First Coast is one of the biggest destinations for health care in Florida with some of the best health care providers and medical centers in the nation. Jacksonville is a prime location with easy access along major interstates and waterways, which has helped make the area flourish for health care. We have one of the three Mayo Clinics and MD Anderson Cancer Center as well as Baptist Health, Ascension St. Vincent’s and UF Health. Residents in Jacksonville also have access to children’s health care with Nemours Children’s Specialty Care and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Right outside of Jacksonville, residents can receive top-notch care at Flagler Health+ in St. Augustine, affiliated with Flagler University, which has been a leader on studies in national health. To learn more about health care on the First Coast, see page 70.

Photos by Stephanie Marty

Flourishing Business

Jacksonville is home to three Fortune 500 companies and more than 80 industry headquarters. Whether you are looking for a career in the health care world, government, retail or military, the First Coast can help you find your perfect business and career. On page 80, you will find our Work section with more information on what makes the First Coast a great place for businesses.

Outstanding Education

Parents can find numerous education options for their children with award-winning schools. The First Coast offers public, private, charter and magnet schools as well as schools geared for learning differences. The First Coast has many institutions of higher education including Jacksonville University, University of North Florida, Florida State College at Jacksonville and Flagler University. On page 56, you’ll find great information on First Coast education opportunities.

Energetic Neighborhoods

The First Coast is full of unique selection of neighborhoods each with a unique personality. Whether you are looking for a downtown loft, historic home, a community with new builds, a beachside cottage or rural farmhouse, your new home is here for you. There is a wide variety of styles and budgets available to help find your perfect home. You can find our list of neighborhoods starting on page 15.

Reza, Edge of Illusion photo courtesy of FSCJ Artist Series

Exhilarating Entertainment

We love to have fun on the First Coast, which can be seen by our many concert venues and performing arts centers including the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, and Daily’s Place. Every year popular performers and recording artists grace the First Coast with their talent. For more entertainment options on the First Coast, see page 126.

Photo courtesy of Florida’s Historic Coast

Picturesque Beaches

Jacksonville is a prime spot for beach lovers with miles of sandy beaches and scenic shoreline filled with the true beauty of nature. Our beaches are ideal for those looking to surf, fish, kayak, or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. Sun and sand are main attractions of the beaches, but several of the beaches also offer a glimpse the area’s history and culture. Find your perfect beach in our Beaches and Waterways section on page 110.

Delectable Dining

The First Coast food scene is a tantalizing fusion of casual elegance and classic southern comfort. You can sample cuisines from all over the world and find some of the best seafood on the East Coast! Whether you are looking for an upscale restaurant, casual café or quaint coffee shop, you’re bound to find the perfect restaurant. On page 145, you can find our list of restaurants.

Thrilling Sports

Here on the First Coast there’s always a game to watch! The First Coast has just about any sport you could want! Whether you’re looking to head to TIAA Bank Field to cheer on the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, or stroll to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for an evening of hockey with the Jacksonville Icemen, or enjoy a baseball game with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, there is a sporting event for everyone. Annual events in Jacksonville include THE PLAYERS Championship, Florida-Georgia game and the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. See our Sports section on page 133 for all of the great teams in our area.

Unique Shopping

The First Coast offers shopping districts and options for any taste! The St. Johns Town Center has more than 150 retailers and is a premier shopping destination. For trendy, upscale and unique boutiques visit our historic neighborhoods. Jacksonville is also home to many farmers markets where you can browse homemade arts and crafts and shop from local area farms. Our shopping section starts on page 142 and will be your go-to resource for First Coast shopping.

Photo courtesy of Florida’s Historic Coast

We believe this publication will be your go-to for everything you need to know about living on the First Coast. We love living here, and we are excited for you to discover what you love about your new home and city. Before you know it, you will see why the First Coast is the best place to call home.

In the Live Section, you’ll find all the essential information for day-to-day living on the First Coast.