Moving to Jacksonville, FL: The Complete Local Guide
Thinking about moving to Jacksonville, Florida? You’re not alone. With miles of coastline, the St. Johns River, a growing job market, diverse neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, and plenty of local personality, Jacksonville continues to attract people looking for a new place to call home.
But Jacksonville is big, and choosing where to live involves much more than finding a house you love. From the beaches to historic neighborhoods, suburban communities, new construction, and everything in between, each part of Northeast Florida offers something different.
As local real estate experts, EXIT 1 Stop Realty is here to help you get to know Jacksonville and make your move with confidence.
Where Is Jacksonville, Florida?
Jacksonville is located in Northeast Florida along the Atlantic Coast, just south of the Georgia state line. It is the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States, which is one reason Jacksonville ...

 




 
I had been meaning to stop by Plantd Juicery since I first heard they opened, and I finally made it over there. I went expecting to grab a drink, look around for a few minutes, and head out.
That is not exactly what happened.
 
Plantd is tucked away at 5381 South Fletcher Avenue in Fernandina Beach, and if you have driven by without noticing it, you are probably not alone. It sits back from the road surrounded by plants and greenery, and once you pull in, you realize pretty quickly that you did not just find a juice shop.
 
Plantd opened in 2026 and is owned and run by a mother and daughter, with the owner’s best friend working right alongside them. Honestly, the three of them are part of the charm.
If you follow Plantd on Facebook, you may already recognize them. Their videos are cute, funny, and sometimes completely unserious, which makes them even better. After meeting them in person, I can tell you that what you see online is pretty m ...

 




Some of the best summer plans are the ones that do not require tickets, reservations, or an uncomfortable conversation with your bank account. Every Thursday evening, Concerts in the Plaza brings free live music to the heart of downtown St. Augustine. With music playing beneath the oak trees and historic buildings surrounding the crowd, it is a simple summer tradition that feels perfectly suited for the Nation’s Oldest City.
The concerts are held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the gazebo in Plaza de la Constitución. Located between Cathedral Place and King Street, just west of the Bridge of Lions, the Plaza has served as a public gathering place for more than 400 years. The gazebo itself has stood in the center of the Plaza for nearly a century, making it a fitting stage for an evening that brings locals and visitors together.
This Thursday, August 20, Glory Tributes will perform popular songs made famous by female artists. Bring a chair or blanket, arrive e ...

 




For six years, Kitchen 251 was one of those Amelia Island spots where the food, the people, and the waterfront sunsets all seemed to work together. Tucked inside the Amelia Island Marina, it became a favorite for locals and visitors looking for fresh seafood, comforting Southern dishes, and a little Cajun flavor.
Now, Kitchen 251 has traded its marina views for historic charm, a much larger dining room, and plenty of room to grow.
The restaurant officially opened its new location at 801 Beech Street in January 2026, settling into the historic William Bell House in downtown Fernandina Beach. While the setting may be different, the familiar food and welcoming atmosphere that built Kitchen 251’s loyal following have made the move right along with it.
The new space is a major change from the restaurant’s former marina location, which only had a small number of indoor tables. Kitchen 251 can now welcome approximately 140 guests inside, with additional seatin ...

 


If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d willingly pay to cuddle the world’s largest rodent, I probably would’ve laughed. But after meeting a capybara, I completely understand the hype.
And yes… before you ask… Can I pet that capybara? The answer is yes.

Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, these gentle animals have become internet celebrities, and now you don’t have to travel across the world to meet one. Right here in St. Augustine, Capybara Café gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with one of the friendliest animals you’ll ever encounter.
 
Located just minutes from Historic Downtown St. Augustine, the experience is much more than a café. Guests can feed, pet, and learn about capybaras in a relaxed, educational setting that feels surprisingly personal.
The café was created in partnership with Noah’s Ark Sanctuary, giving rescued animals a place to educate t ...