10 Best Independent Living Communities in Jacksonville, FL
Independent living communities have exploded in Jacksonville, Florida, and are now one of the most popular options for active people over 65. Jacksonville, which covers over 840 square miles, accommodates plenty of these sprawling independent living communities. Jax, as it’s also known, is the largest city by land mass in the United States. But, with a population of just under 1 million, Jacksonville gives its residents plenty of elbow room.
Jacksonville is young-at-heart and attracts seniors who want to stay active while enjoying a slower pace of life. Independent living communities offer a unique blend of autonomy and a lack of daily hassles — a place where seniors no longer worry about maintenance or housekeeping, but are instead reinvigorated by their old hobbies and new social lives.
In this guide, you’ll find information about A Place for Mom’s six partnering independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of Jacksonville, Florida. This area includes parts of South Jacksonville, Northside, Westside, and The Beaches. We review what to expect from these communities and explain local and federal senior benefits that can help you afford the community of your dreams. Much of this information comes from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. We also include reviews from real residents of our Jacksonville partner independent living communities. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Jacksonville’s independent living communities.
Jacksonville Independent Living Facilities | 556 Reviews
Overall, our experience has been good here at this facility. We're having a few difficulties at the present time, but we are working through them. The food is very good and includes a great variety. The...
This is a lovely property with gorgeous grounds. I believe there isn't enough staff due to COVID. The family has to follow up on requests to make sure these are taken care of for our loved one. The...
I would recommend this facility for independent living, not familiar with other levels of services offered,ie, Memory care, Skilled nursing etc. to offer an opinion
What I like the most about the Bartram Lakes Assisted Living community is the friendliness of the staff members. I have a great apartment where I get to control my own heat and air conditioning Everything is...
The facility is very clean. Everyone is so caring and helpful. The staff cares about their residents well-being and that is a major factor when you have family living at facilities like these. You always...
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Noble house on San Juan Jacksonville is Absolutely awesome , my great auntie is a resident there, and she just turn 100 years old, and they give my family assess of the whole entire facility they allowed us...
My experience at Fort Caroline Gardens has been great. I think the value of the facilities and staff are beyond what I expected. The business is owned and operated by a family and I think they do a good job...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Jacksonville community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Jacksonville community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in Jacksonville, FL
- What families are saying about independent living in Jacksonville
- How people pay for independent living in Jacksonville, FL
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Jacksonville, FL
- Jacksonville independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Jacksonville? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville’s independent living communities cost an average of $3,388 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data.[01] Independent living tends to be more expensive than senior apartments. However, independent living communities include more services and amenities than senior apartments, which can make them potentially more cost-effective.
Most independent living communities in Jacksonville, Florida, include the following as part of their monthly fee:
- Rent for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment, condo, or detached home
- Utilities
- Maintenance
- Meal plans
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Complimentary transportation
- Security
- Daily activities and events
Many seniors are surprised to find that independent living communities are actually cost-effective because of how much they include in their monthly rate. Many communities have a chart where you can compare your current monthly costs of living with their all-inclusive monthly fee to see how much you might be saving if you made the move.
Jacksonville, FL, is an affordable senior living option
Jacksonville maintains its reputation as a low-cost destination, as its independent living communities are cheaper than most other large cities. According to Forbes’ Cost of Living Advisor, Jacksonville housing is 15% more affordable than other cities in Florida.[02] Living in Florida comes with its own financial benefits, as there is no state income tax, and the state doesn’t tax Social Security benefits.
Traditional independent living communities vs. continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)
In Jacksonville, and in most major U.S. cities, there are two types of independent living: Traditional and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). While they can both offer multiple care types — like assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing — on one campus, traditional independent living communities and CCRCs differ in their payment structure.
Payment structure: Traditional independent living communities
Traditional independent living communities roll all their fees into one monthly sum, but care services are treated as add-ons. For instance, many traditional independent living communities offer access to skilled nursing care services, but these come at an additional monthly fee. Because skilled nursing is so expensive, residents of traditional independent living communities can expect to pay a considerable amount in addition to their monthly fee if they ever need skilled nursing care.
Payment structure: Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)
On the other hand, residents of CCRCs have both a monthly fee and a one-time admissions fee, which is meant to be like insurance for future potential care needs. These admissions fees can be quite large, varying between $50,000 and $500,000. This is because they are meant to keep your monthly rate the same even if your care needs shift to assisted living or skilled nursing levels. Seniors often find they end up paying less for skilled nursing care in a CCRC because the admission fee offsets the cost of this notoriously expensive care type.
Many seniors use the sale of their home to pay their admissions fee to a CCRC.
It’s important to also note that some CCRCs offer return of capital (ROC) plans, which will return up to 80% of the admissions fee to the senior or the senior’s family if the senior moves or passes away before using the on-site skilled nursing or assisted living care services.
Baseline independent living fees
The figures in the chart below reflect the average starting cost of independent living in Jacksonville before any additional fees, such as admissions fees or extra services. These figures provide a baseline comparison between Jacksonville and nearby cities.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Jacksonville, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Jacksonville, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Jacksonville vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Jacksonville, FL by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Jacksonville over time
What families are saying about independent living in Jacksonville
Recent reviews for independent living in Jacksonville
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Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
How people pay for independent living in Jacksonville, FL
Most people pay for their independent living facility by using private funds, like a retirement account, personal savings, and investments. Read on to learn how you can leverage your personal funds, Social Security, or VA benefits to help pay for independent living in Jacksonville. We also outline how to use Medicaid or Medicare to help cover your long-term care costs.
Most seniors rely on the sale of their homes, their retirement accounts, or other investments to pay for independent living. While these are good options, there are many methods you can use to afford your dream independent living community. Learn more about some of these methods below.
Jacksonville considers itself the most veteran-friendly city in the nation. Because of its naval port and multiple military facilities, Jacksonville has a high number of active personnel and veterans of all ages. Many aging veterans came to Jacksonville during their service and never wanted to leave. About 34% of Jacksonville’s veterans are over 65, and the city has developed excellent veterans support programs, most notably through the City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department.{{citation:3}}
Can I pay for my independent living with veterans benefits?
You may be able to use veterans benefits to pay for some of your independent living costs in Jacksonville. Veterans may be eligible for several different VA benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Two of these benefits — the VA pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit — can be used to pay for anything that improves your quality of life, including rent or other fees in an independent living community.
Benefits counseling for Jacksonville veterans
Even eligible veterans can struggle to receive their benefits. The application process is complicated and requirements sometimes change, making it difficult to do alone. It’s best to start with a veterans services organization (VSO) that can guide you through the process. Thankfully, Jacksonville lives up to its reputation as a veteran-friendly city with plenty of city-run and other veterans resources.
Local veterans or their families can access compassionate and expert benefits counseling from these organizations in Jacksonville, Florida:
- Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department. The City of Jacksonville offers top-notch and individualized benefits counseling to local veterans and their families. They can even appeal denied claims on behalf of local veterans. Veterans services officers can meet with you to determine for which benefits you’re eligible and can walk you through the application process. The department can also refer you to local employment or housing organizations. To set up a benefits counseling appointment, call the department directly at 904-778-7907.
- Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA). Veterans across Florida can access benefits counseling through the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA). The FDVA provides 100% virtual benefits counseling to veterans and their family members. To set up an appointment, call 727-319-7408.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Jacksonville. Jacksonville has local branches of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Both organizations are independent of the federal government and can provide an unbiased perspective on your benefits application. They can help you determine which benefits you’re eligible for and appeal denied claims. These organizations also provide social and volunteering events where you can meet new friends and find community.
- Jacksonville Vet Center. The Jacksonville Vet Center is your go-to source for mental health counseling in the Jacksonville area. Veterans and family members can access general mental health counseling and more specialized services for PTSD, financial counseling, and more. The Jacksonville Vet Center can also refer veterans and their loved ones to employment and housing organizations.
79,583 veterans live in Jacksonville, Florida
34 percent of Jacksonville’s veterans are over 65
Resources for Jacksonville veterans
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA)
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Phone: 727-316-7440
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
Jacksonville Vet Center
3728 Philips Highway, Suite 31
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-399-8351
Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department
City Hall
117 W. Duval St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-778-7907
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7909
6204 Blanding Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32244
Phone: 904-778-7909
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3270
915 Eighth Ave.
South Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: 904-249-7366
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Jacksonville
1439 Parental Home Road
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: 904-720-0244
Medicaid and Medicare are both health insurance programs, which means they can’t be used to pay for independent living. Unlike other senior care types — think memory care or skilled nursing care — independent living communities are not considered care facilities, so they can’t be paid for with Medicaid or Medicare.
That said, many people residing in independent living communities in Jacksonville use Medicaid and Medicare to cover their health care expenses. Read on to learn how you can offset your health care costs using Medicaid and Medicare in Jacksonville, Florida.
Florida Medicaid: Florida’s health care program
Medicaid is federally regulated but state-run, which means each state runs their Medicaid programs differently. Florida Medicaid is run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (the AHCA).
Seniors can enroll in one of two different plans under Florida Medicaid:
- Managed Medical Assistance (MMA). If you live in independent living in Jacksonville and you’re enrolled in Florida Medicaid, you’re likely enrolled in the MMA plan. The MMA plan functions like all other health insurance plans. It covers basic medical care, like doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care. It also covers transportation to and from appointments. It doesn’t cover rent, personal care services, or meals in an independent living facility.
- Long-Term Care (LTC). Florida Medicaid’s LTC plan is specifically for individuals who need a nursing home level of care. If you’re enrolled in the LTC plan, you likely live in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or receive in-home health care.
Am I eligible for Florida Medicaid?
You’re eligible for Florida Medicaid’s MMA plan if you’re a Florida resident, in need of health care, and are low-income. A single person needs to make at most $18,075 a year before taxes to be eligible. You must also meet at least one of the following requirements to be eligible for Florida Medicaid’s MMA plan:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be blind
- Have a disability or a household family member with a disability
- Be responsible for someone under 18 years of age
- Be pregnant
Medicare: A federal health care program
The federal government runs Medicare as a health care program for seniors. All seniors are eligible if they’re over 65 and have paid their Medicare taxes or are married to someone who has paid their Medicare taxes. Like Medicaid, Medicare won’t cover any independent living costs like rent, meals, or amenity fees. However, Medicare will cover many of your health care costs if they’re deemed short-term and medically necessary.
What does “short-term” mean for Medicare?
Medicare will cover 100% of inpatient care costs, such as in a hospital or rehabilitation facility, for the first 20 days. This includes rent, meals, and all care. After day 20, Medicare will cover some costs, but you will pay a daily copay. Medicare may also cover some recurring medical costs, like prescriptions or dialysis.
What does “medically necessary” mean for Medicare?
Whether or not a prescription, item, or procedure is considered medically necessary depends on whether or not a physician has stated it’s medically necessary and if the Social Security Administration agrees. What’s considered medically necessary for one person may not be medically necessary for another. You can get an idea of what Medicare covers by searching for individual medications, items, or procedures on the Medicare coverage portal.
Can Jacksonville seniors get help paying for their Medicare premiums?
Yes, in Jacksonville, seniors can get help paying for their Medicare premiums with local Medicare Savings Programs. Information about these programs is on the federal Medicare website, but to apply, you’ll need to contact Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). To be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs in 2023, you can’t make more than $1,549 a month, although the income limit is updated annually.
Where can I get Medicaid and Medicare benefits counseling in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville seniors can access Medicaid and Medicare benefits counseling through the Florida Department of Health. Human Services Counselors help you determine for which benefits you’re eligible and will walk you through the application process. Jacksonville has a Senior Services Division that also offers benefits counseling. You can sign up for benefits by calling 904-255-5400.
Jacksonville Medicaid and Medicare resources
Florida Medicaid
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 866-762-2237
SSA office — Jacksonville 1685 Dunn Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: 866-635-0789
Human Services Counselors
921 N. Davis St., Bldg. A, Suite 251
Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: 904-253-1000
Jacksonville’s Senior Services Directory
Administrative offices, City Hall at St. James building
117 W. Duval St., Suite 280
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Gloria Crawford, Chief of Jacksonville’s Senior Services Division
Phone: 904-255-5400
Email: adultsvcs@coj.net
Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities in Jacksonville, Florida, are regulated and licensed similarly to other rental complexes. However, independent living communities are more restrictive about who can become tenants. Most have an age requirement of at least 55 or 64, and new residents usually need to be able to care for themselves without assistance.
Because independent living communities don’t provide direct care services and, instead, partner with third-party care agencies, they aren’t regulated by the Florida Department of Health. However, many independent living communities in Jacksonville are part of larger senior living communities that include assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing wings. In these cases, such wings are regulated by the Florida Department of Health. To learn more about the regulations in these wings, check out the Jacksonville assisted living, memory care, or nursing home pages.
Independent living rental unit regulations
Jacksonville independent living residents enter into a tenant-landlord relationship with their independent living community. Residents are expected to be good tenants and communities are expected to uphold the same living conditions and fair treatment as all landlords in Florida. Read on to learn about the state regulations for rental units in Jacksonville.
Resident rights in Jacksonville independent living communities
As a resident of an independent living community in Jacksonville, Florida, you have the same tenant rights as if you rented an apartment or house. You may be unfamiliar with tenant rights in Florida because this may be the first time you’ve rented in a long-time.
Thankfully, Florida is friendly to tenants and has a governing body to mediate landlord-tenant disputes. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services handles all complaints and disputes between landlords and tenants in Jacksonville.
As a tenant in Jacksonville, you have the right to live in a home that’s comfortable and safe. If your landlord doesn’t meet the following requirements, you can break your lease within one week of informing your landlord with a written notice. Written notices should be specific and give the landlord time to respond and rectify the issue. Before breaking a lease, it’s a good idea to consult with a local housing association or a lawyer to avoid any unforeseen problems.
Landlord-tenant standards in Jacksonville
Property owners, or landlords, in Jacksonville should ensure their independent living community facilities meet the following standards:
- Living areas should meet building codes and be in a livable condition.
- The residence should have running and hot water, gas, and electricity at all times.
- The community should supply extermination services.
- All maintenance and repairs should be handled by the community in a timely manner.
- The tenant should receive locks prior to moving in.
- The landlord can’t enter the residence without notifying the tenants beforehand.
- The tenant’s security deposit should be returned within 15 days of move-out.
Residents of independent living communities in Jacksonville should meet the following standards:
- Residents should pay their monthly fee on time.
- Residents shouldn’t knowingly alter the home without asking permission from the community landlord.
- Residents should keep the home in a livable condition.
- Residents should follow all community rules, like keeping quiet hours and picking up after a pet.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800
Phone: 800-435-7352
COVID-19 regulations for Jacksonville independent living communities
Independent living communities in Jacksonville follow the COVID-19 guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Florida’s COVID-19 Response, and the City of Jacksonville. Because many of Jacksonville’s independent living communities are connected to assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, residents may need to mask if feeling ill and test when exposed.
Visitors are allowed at any time, regardless of whether or not they’re vaccinated.
The City of Jacksonville publishes updated information about COVID-19 on the Jacksonville COVID-19 FAQ page. You can find local testing sites, case numbers in your area, and more.
Types of independent living in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is becoming one of the most popular cities to retire in the United States. As a family city and retirement haven, Jacksonville has boomed in popularity. Even more, the area offers the same outdoor and cultural activities as other senior living hotspots in the country, but for a fraction of the price. Seniors have plenty to explore in Jacksonville.
Spread out over 840 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city by landmass in the United States. But with a population of just under 1 million, Jacksonville feels more like multiple cities in one. Locals refer to the different areas of Jacksonville as the Northside, Westside, Southside (or South Jacksonville), and The Beaches. Each area has its own distinct personality. A Place for Mom partners with communities almost exclusively in the bustling, affluent South Jacksonville and in the laid-back, waterfront Beaches.
A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities provide a step-up in quality of life. Jacksonville’s young-at-heart senior population tends to live in independent living communities first before transitioning to assisted living or memory care.
Independent living communities in South Jacksonville
South Jacksonville’s independent living communities pride themselves on being all-inclusive. Most of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities are in South Jacksonville, which is a bustling area with some of the best shopping districts in Florida. It’s safe, affluent, and there’s never a lack of farmers markets, movie theaters, or shopping districts. South Jacksonville is also somewhat protected from the weather patterns along the coast, making it a logical choice for many seniors.
South Jacksonville’s independent living communities focus on the finer things. You can expect restaurant-style dining, a stylish one- to three-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, and plenty of in-house activities. Almost all of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities in South Jacksonville employ an activities coordinator who’s responsible for organizing daily social and educational events for the residents. For example, you can learn pottery, attend a tai chi class, or enjoy a happy hour with new friends.
Most — but not all — of South Jacksonville’s independent living communities are Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). You can age gracefully in the same facility and know that you’ll receive exceptional health care when you need it from the comfort of a familiar environment.
Independent living communities in The Beaches
The Beaches is composed of multiple beach-front towns that are technically part of Jacksonville but are separated from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Beaches is considerably more laid-back than other parts of Jacksonville and appeals to seniors who enjoy the quieter things in life. Picking up seashells in the morning, fishing from an ocean pier, and bird watching are some of the most popular pastimes for seniors living in The Beaches.
Because they’re further out from the city, independent living communities in The Beaches tend to be on larger plots of land with their own walking trails to the ocean. They cost about the same as communities in South Jacksonville but provide a slower, quieter pace of life.
You can expect your independent living communities in The Beaches to be more rustic than in South Jacksonville, but with all of the same convenient amenities. Restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and daily activities are the norm. These communities also tend to include other care types, like assisted living and memory care, but fewer are CCRCs. Meaning, you won’t have a large admission fee but will still have the option to access care services for additional monthly fees later on.
Jacksonville’s senior community
Jacksonville attracts a huge variety of seniors. Many are from Jacksonville and have no desire to leave in their retirement years. Others were stationed in Jacksonville during their time in the military and returned later. Still others follow their children who moved to Jax to work in the city’s booming finance, technology, and health care industries. And some simply chose Jacksonville because it has the right mix of weather, senior living options, health care, and affordability. Regardless of why you chose Jacksonville, you’ll find an active and welcoming senior community.
Jacksonville independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Jacksonville independent living
Availability of select dining options in Jacksonville independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Jacksonville independent living
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Unfamiliar with Jacksonville? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 who currently live in Jacksonville
Percentage of Jacksonville’s population 65 or older
Median household income in Jacksonville
Health care for seniors in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has some of the best hospitals in the United States. The renowned Mayo Clinic has one of their main campuses in Jacksonville, and in South Jacksonville, there is a high concentration of exceptional geriatric care providers.
Mayo Clinic — Jacksonville
The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is one of the main campuses of the world-class hospital system. It’s ranked the best hospital in Florida by U.S. News and World Report. Seniors should also know that it’s one of the best geriatrics and neurology providers in the nation.
4500 San Pablo Road
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: 904-953-2000
Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville
The Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville is the main campus for the Baptist Health system. It’s considered one of the best hospitals in Florida, according to the U.S. News and World Report, and performs highly in geriatric care, diabetes, and other procedures.
800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-202-2000
University of Florida Health Jacksonville
The University of Florida Health in Jacksonville is the region’s foremost academic medical center. It’s a teaching hospital, and it offers primary and specialty services across four different locations. The primary location is called UF Health Jacksonville.
655 Eighth St.
West Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: 904-244-0411
Transportation for seniors in Jacksonville, FL
Seniors in Jacksonville’s independent living communities don’t need to worry about transportation, because 100% of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living facilities offer transportation services. These services can be complimentary or for a small fee. That said, visiting family and friends should know that Jacksonville is a driving city. It’s so large and spread out that most people use a car to get around.
For public transportation options, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (also called the JTAFLA) is the region’s fairly reliable bus system. You can find bus schedules, fares, and routes on the JTAFLA website. Seniors can ride for free with a Senior ID STAR card.
Walkscore.com rates cities for their walkability, bike-friendliness, and public transportation. Each score is out of 100. Jacksonville received the following scores:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Jacksonville, FL
Seniors in our partner Jacksonville independent living communities will find plenty of activities right at home. All of A Place for Mom’s partnering facilities employ an activities coordinator who arranges daily social and educational events. You can expect on-site activities like yoga classes, art tutorials, happy hours, special interest clubs, and more. Most activity coordinators also plan regular outings for their residents to nearby attractions, like the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Museum of Science and History, to name a few.
Many seniors enjoy getting out of their independent living community to experience what Jacksonville has to offer. And Jacksonville has plenty to offer! It’s a massive, sprawling city, and each neighborhood has its own personality and diversions. Read on to learn about some of the best things to do in Jacksonville, Florida.
Shopping in South Jacksonville
Most of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities are in South Jacksonville. Affluent South Jacksonville is an exceptional destination for shopping, health care, and luxury apartments. The area is also home to two of Florida’s largest (and newest) indoor and outdoor shopping centers.
The Avenues is a massive indoor shopping mall where you can find top brands, luxury items, and that cinnamon pretzel you’ve been craving. Plenty of seniors use this as an indoor walking track on rainy days. St. John’s Town Center is the area’s primary outdoor shopping hub. It has anything you need or want and is a beautiful space in its own right to take a walk or meet with friends.
Arts in downtown Jacksonville
While most seniors don’t live in downtown Jacksonville, it’s not far for seniors living in South Jacksonville or The Beaches. Downtown Jacksonville has an exploding art scene, with a funky sensibility all its own.
For more traditionally minded art lovers, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is the largest fine art museum in Northwest Florida. It has a stunning collection of American artists, ancient artifacts, and beautiful gardens. The museum gardens are one of Jacksonville’s hidden gems. Tours are available for $20 or $40 for an included lunch. Or, if you’re feeling up to a challenge, you can test your observation skills in the Mildred Thompson Escape Room.
The Florida Theater, established in 1927, puts on nightly shows for delighted local audiences. Performances change regularly, and you can expect to see anything from an ABBA tribute band to theatrical renditions of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad to symphony orchestras. The theater is wheelchair accessible but doesn’t offer a senior discount.
To experience the real Jacksonville, get to the Riverside Arts Market. It’s a weekly vendor market where local artists sell their wares every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Southbank Riverwalk is a 20-minute walk from the market and offers some beautiful views of downtown Jax.
Adventure in North Jacksonville
The Catty Shack Ranch is a big cat sanctuary in North Jacksonville. It’s an ethical nonprofit that works to rehabilitate big cats and other endangered species. Visitors can safely see lions, tigers, panthers, and more for only $15. You can rest assured that your money is going to an organization that doesn’t breed, sell, or trade its animals for profit.
The Fort Caroline National Memorial is a historical French colonial settlement from 1564. You can learn about its long history of Spanish conflicts, native Timucua people, and the free black population that called it home during the Civil War. You can hike through the ecological preserve and watch historical reenactments.
Relaxation at The Beaches
Outside of South Jacksonville, The Beaches is the second most popular place for seniors in Jacksonville. Comprised of several beachside communities, it’s considerably more laid-back than the rest of Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Beach is the largest of these communities, with a population of about 24,000 people. Jacksonville Beach sits on a wide sandy beach and has a golf course, a fishing pier, and some good surfing spots. You can walk for miles along the water and enjoy a dinner at sunset with views overlooking the ocean.
Atlantic Beach is another community with miles of white sandy beaches. Neptune Beach is nestled between Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach, and it’s an upscale bedroom community.
There’s more to do in The Beaches than lay out in the sun, fish, and collect sea shells (although you should certainly do those things). Huguenot Memorial Park commemorates the place where French Huguenots landed in 1562. It’s now a great place to camp or picnic.
No one should go to Florida without kayaking, and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the best place to do just that in Jacksonville. You can paddle through hundreds of acres of rare coastal hammock groves. There’s a small fee for a day pass, and seniors don’t get a discount.
Sports in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is loyal to its local sports teams: Jaguars football, Jumbo Shrimp baseball, Armada soccer, Axemen rugby, Iceman hockey, Giants basketball, and Sharks arena football. The Jaguars play at home in Everbank Field, and many seniors still enjoy cheering on their favorite teams.
Golfing is a quintessential Floridian pastime, and seniors in Jacksonville took this to heart when they organized the North East Florida Senior Golf Association. This is an amateur league of senior golfers, and to sign up, you need to be over 50 and fill out the application on their website.
Jacksonville, FL, day trips
Jacksonville is conveniently located near multiple great day trip destinations. Little Talbot Island State Park is just 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville. It’s accessible by car and has beautiful sand dunes, clean beaches, and a barrier reef. Big Talbot Island State Park is located nearby and is one of the best places to birdwatch in North America.
Surrounding Jacksonville are plenty of crystal clear springs that are open to locals and visitors. Blue Springs State Park is only two hours away from Jacksonville, and it boasts bright blue, natural swimming pools and a local manatee population. Ichetucknee Springs is also only two hours away and is an ideal day trip for visiting family members with young kids.
Seniors in Jacksonville are fond of taking advantage of Amtrak’s affordable tickets for weekend trips to Orlando or other parts of the state. A ride from Jacksonville to Orlando is only about two hours and 45 minutes and costs about $26.
Local guides to Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has a local visitor’s guide where you can find up-to-date information about events and activities going on in the Gateway to the South. You can find more information about where to stay and what to do on the Jacksonville visitor’s guide website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Palagio for Seniors at Orange Park, The Windsor at Ortega and Windsor Pointe are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Jacksonville, FL. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Jacksonville is $4,196 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Forbes Advisor. (2023, February). Cost of Living Calculator. Forbes.com
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Jacksonville city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Jacksonville city [Data set].
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Median income in the past 12 months: Jacksonville city (S1903) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
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