Jacksonville
Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida by both population and land area. Located in the northeastern corner of the state, it’s known for its extensive park system, military presence, coastal lifestyle, and growing economy.
Overview
- Population: ~975,000 (over 1.6 million in the metro area)
- Nicknames: Jax, The River City
- Founded: 1822 (named after Andrew Jackson)
- Geography: Located on the banks of the St. Johns River near the Atlantic Ocean
Landmarks and Attractions
- Jacksonville Riverwalks and Downtown Riverfront
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
- Riverside and Avondale Historic Districts
- Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach
Economy
Jacksonville has a diverse and growing economy centered on:
- Logistics and distribution
- Military and defense – home to multiple naval bases
- Finance and insurance
- Healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Military Presence
- Naval Air Station Jacksonville
- Naval Station Mayport
- One of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the U.S.
Culture and Lifestyle
- Southern hospitality mixed with a beach-town vibe
- Strong local arts, food, and craft beer scenes
- Hosts events like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and Florida–Georgia football rivalry
- Miles of riverfront and shoreline for boating, surfing, and fishing
Transportation
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- JTA bus and Skyway (automated people mover)
- I-95 and I-10 intersect here — major East Coast gateway
- Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT) – a key shipping and cruise terminal
Fun Facts
- Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the continental U.S.
- The St. Johns River is one of the few major U.S. rivers that flows north
- Elvis Presley played his first indoor concert here in 1956