Welcome

to the First Coast Relocation Guide™!

such as finding the right utility and internet providers. Our pet section includes information on local dog parks, pet-friendly beaches and pet adoptions.

The Work section focuses on the important industries on the First Coast including healthcare, logistics and distribution and financial services. The current top employers of the area are highlighted, as well as impactful industries like advanced manufacturing and aviation and aerospace.

In the United States, Jacksonville is the largest city area-wise, covering approximately 840 square miles. As a new resident on the First Coast, you will want to know the best ways to traverse this vast area. The Transportation section includes information on toll roads and the many transportation services around the First Coast that accommodate its growing population.

Our military presence on the First Coast is very strong, so it is easy to see why many active-duty military and veterans have chosen the First Coast as their home. Naval Air Station Jacksonville has more than 20,000 military personnel and is the largest navy base in the Southeast region. In Duval County, you can find Naval Station Mayport which is home to the Navy’s Fourth Fleet and the third-largest naval surface fleet concentration area in the nation.

The Play section includes everything there is to have fun on the First Coast! Our weather gives much opportunity for outdoor activities such as visiting beaches and waterways, state parks and preserves and historical sites and museums. The First Coast has the largest urban park system in the nation and miles of beaches and coastline make the area a perfect place for adventure.

The entertainment options on the First Coast are endless, from concerts to festivals to sporting events. It is easy to find an outdoor festival, exhilarating concert or even a Broadway production. The First Coast has a rich dining scene from quaint cafes to restaurants headed by some of the most prestigious chefs cooking up exclusive dishes. For those looking for a night out, check out the lively nightlife filled with bars, breweries and nightclubs.

We are so excited that you have chosen the First Coast as your home! We hope the First Coast Relocation Guide™ helps you find everything that makes the First Coast such an amazing place to Live, Work and Play!

Welcome to the First Coast! It’s a privilege to call Jacksonville and Northeast Florida home and soon you will see why. The First Coast has everything residents could ever want. Here, you’ll find bustling urban areas, rural farmlands, quaint suburbs and gorgeous beaches. This area has grown into a destination for business, healthcare, sports, entertainment, shopping and dining. To keep up with the population influx, new residential and commercial developments continue to pop up all over the First Coast.

The First Coast is a vast region, encompassing Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Living in such an expansive area means there is always something new to discover, even for longtime residents like us. Whether you are looking for a day with the family or a night on the town, there is something for everyone. With beautiful beaches in Nassau, Duval and St. Johns counties, you’ll find endless opportunities to soak up the sun and feel the sand between your toes.

If you love the great outdoors like we do, there are plenty of places to hike, camp, fish and simply enjoy nature. In Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park is a great spot to hunt for shark teeth. The beaches at Big Talbot Island State Park are known for their gorgeous salt-washed driftwood and rich coastal ecosystems. Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the entire country. Visit one of our many local nature centers or preserves for a chance to get up close and personal with native wildlife and plants.

The First Coast is also home to historic St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. Bursting with history, it features iconic Spanish colonial architecture, charming cobblestone streets, historical landmarks and stunning beaches. Take a day to visit St. Augustine’s iconic Castillo de San

Marcos, the largest masonry fort in the continental U.S.

When you’re craving something delicious, our food scene has you covered. With everything from holein-the-wall eateries to elegant bistros, First Coast restaurants are always serving up delectable dishes. Our local chefs take inspiration from all over the globe, creating a fusion of flavors. Since we live in a coastal region, fresh seafood is a menu staple at many restaurants as well.

When you need to get some shopping done, head to Jacksonville’s premier outdoor mall, the St. Johns Town Center. In St. Johns County, the everexpanding Pavilion at Durbin Park is expected to be the largest shopping destination in Northeast Florida once fully complete. There are also one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques throughout the First Coast in neighborhoods such as San Marco, Avondale, Riverside, Fernandina Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine.

For families living on the First Coast, there are many opportunities to have tons of fun! Catch a sporting event or concert in downtown Jacksonville. Take a walk on the wild side at the Jacksonville Zoo or Catty Shack. Visit the Museum of Science and History and learn about the coastal creatures of Northeast Florida.

Even though the First Coast has grown and expanded over the years, it still has a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Friendly neighbors and tight-knit communities make our neck of the woods the best place to settle down. We are thrilled to call you our neighbor.

Welcome home!