Jacksonville is Florida’s largest city, with almost a million residents. It’s also one of the biggest seaports in the state, earning it the nickname the “First Coast” by many. It’s a city that has many business opportunities, a vibrant arts and culture scene, many wonderful neighborhoods, and a growing and thriving LGBTQ community. In fact, The Advocate recently ranked Jacksonville as one of the “Top 5 Emerging Cities for Gays and Lesbians,” and with good reason. If you are part of the LGBTQ community and are thinking of making a move to Jacksonville, you’ll find plenty to love about it!
A Look at Jacksonville’s History
The modern-day history of Jacksonville began in the late 18th century when the area was first settled by British colonists. By the late 19th century, it had become a winter vacation destination for many tourists from the North and Midwest, and from that time on, and particularly during the 20th century, the city experienced steady growth. Today, it is a major port for the U.S. Navy, a thriving metropolis, and a city with a vibrant arts and culture scene and a bustling tourist industry. This diverse, welcoming city would truly make a wonderful place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Jacksonville
Read more fun facts about Jacksonville here.
Jacksonville’s LGBTQ Community
Jacksonville is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Jacksonville is Jacksonville’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Jasmyn is an LGBTQ youth community center serving youth, friends, and allies in the Jacksonville area. With a mission of supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth, the group offers event-planning, health services, activities, support, and safe spaces for youth to feel celebrate and supported for who they truly are.
What's the Weather Like in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has fairly mild weather year-round, except for summers, which can get quite warm. Highs in the summer can often reach above 90°F, but in the winter the average lows are often only in the mid-40s. The city receives a considerable amount of rain each year – an average of 50 inches, in fact – and no snow. For those who enjoy plenty of sunshine, they are sure to find it in Jacksonville – the city has an average of 221 sunny days each year.
The Best Events in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade is an annual Jacksonville tradition that you won’t want to miss. Each year, it is a holiday favorite, and a time when boats of all shapes and sizes are decorated for the holidays as they float along the banks of the St. John’s River for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Even better, the event ends with one of the best fireworks shows in the city each year.
Also known as Jacksonville Pride, River City Pride is an annual weekend-long pride festival and parade that celebrates Jacksonville’s LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Whether you enjoy family-friendly activities, parties, parades, networking opportunities, or a little bit of everything, this is one event you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar.
Where to Live in Jacksonville
When considering where to live in Jacksonville, you’ll have many wonderful options to choose from. A few neighborhoods that you may want to look at include:
If you're looking for a great LGBTQ neighborhood in the city, you will definitely want to look in Riverside. This neighborhood is home to a LGBTQ community center and is also where the annual pride parade is held. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Riverside is approximately $333,000.
San Marco is an older and sophisticated area of the city which is located on the south bank of the St. John’s River, and which has many upscale business and old plantation-style homes which have been turned into apartments, or vacation and retirement homes for wealthy residents. It also has a great deal of architecture with an Art Deco flair, and homes in a wide variety of price ranges. The median list price of homes currently for sale in San Marco is about $380,00.
Old Ortega and Ortega Forest is another very welcoming and beautiful neighborhood in the city. Many of the homes in this area are part of the National Registry of Historic Districts. The places here are large Southern–style mansions and turn-of-the-century homes and are considered to be some of the most beautiful and luxurious places opt live in Florida. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Old Ortega is around $480,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Florida Theatre is a historic American movie theater that has been entertaining Jacksonville residents and visitors alike for almost 100 years. Originally opened in 1927, the theater is on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for hosting a variety of performances and special events each year. Truly, there is something here for everyone to enjoy!
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is the largest fine arts museum in the area. Established in 1958, it is known for its excellent collection of art, as well as its stunning gardens. Whether indoors or out on a beautiful Jacksonville day, there is much to enjoy here.
Parks and Recreation
Jacksonville is a beautiful coastal city, and one of its most beautiful beaches is Ponte Vedra. Located 18 miles southeast of downtown Jacksonville, this scenic stunning beach is a great place to enjoy surf, sand, and sun on a beautiful Jacksonville day.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a beautiful space of over 100 acres, with more than 2000 animals, and 1000 plant species for visitors to enjoy. It is a beautiful space that is a wonderful option for spending the day begin educated, inspired, and entertained.
Jacksonville Nightlife
In Cahoots is one of the most popular LGBTQ nightclubs in the Jacksonville area. Known for its excellent drag shows, talented DJs, dancing, and friendly crowds, it’s a perfect spot to spend a night out having fun in the city.
Park Place Lounge is a very popular gay bar offering pool tables, a spacious patio, great DJs, strong drinks, and friendly crowds.
Contact a Jacksonville Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Jacksonville, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Jacksonville, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Jacksonville gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
