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• Jacksonville at-a-glance
• What it’s like to live in Jacksonville
• Economy and job outlook in Jacksonville
• Real estate, cost of living in Jacksonville
• The top neighborhoods in Jacksonville
• How to get around in Jacksonville
• School and education snapshot
• Weather and climate in Jacksonville
• 10 can’t-miss things to do in Jacksonville

Jacksonville At-A-Glance

Move aside, Orlando! Stand down, Miami! There’s a new city getting attention in Florida. With its booming job market, affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods, Jacksonville—or Jax—is becoming the place to be in the Sunshine State. Found on Florida’s northeast coast, Jacksonville is the state’s largest city by area. Nearly a million people call Jax home, and it’s still growing—in fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S.!

Known for its beautiful beaches, abundance of parks for year-round outdoor fun and a blend of urban living with southern charm, it’s no wonder this city appeals to young professionals, families and retirees alike. Add in all the sunshine and it’s easy to see why so many folks are moving to Jacksonville.

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Jacksonville Has Beaches, Sports and Plenty of Art

Roar with the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) at EverBank Stadium or cheer on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (MiLB). If you love a good college rivalry, you can also check out the annual Florida–Georgia game.

Rather be playing? Get your drivers ready. Jacksonville has an abundance of golf courses with even more in the greater area. If you love to golf, you’ll have plenty of sunny days throughout the year to make sure you hit up each one.

Of course, not everyone loves to be out on the green. For those who prefer the beach, Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the U.S.! Jacksonville Beach is considered a gem often overlooked for the better known beaches in central and south Florida. You’ll also want to check out Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra and Little Talbot Island State Park.

Seekers of art and culture will have their pick of things to do and see. Art is everywhere thanks to the Art in Public Spaces Program, and folks love the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts and the Florida Theater. The city is also home to plenty of festivals throughout the year. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival hits in May each year, Florida Fin Fest livens up the beach each September and PorchFest pulls folks into the streets each November.

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Jax Has One of the Best Job Markets in the U.S.

That’s right! In early 2023, WSJ released its list of best job markets in the country, with Jacksonville coming in third. In fact, Jacksonville’s job market has received a lot of “top” marks lately, coming in runner up on WalletHub’s “Best Large Cities to Start a Business,” number 21 on Forbes’ list of “Best Places For Young Professionals To Live,” and taking the top place on MoneyGeek’s “15 Best Cities for Job Seekers.”

Jax’s major industries include healthcare, finance and insurance, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, education and transportation. The Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, Bank of America, Citi and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida are among the city’s top employers.

Given how well the market is doing, it’s no surprise that Jacksonville’s unemployment rate has been on a downward trend. It was recorded at just 3 percent in September 2023.

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Lower Cost of Living Than Florida’s Other Major Cities

Whether you’re looking at the stage averages or comparing Jacksonville to the U.S. average, almost everything costs less in Jax! That said, the median household income is also lower, recorded at just $58,263 in the most recent census.

Looking to buy your home? It may still be doable! At $300,000, Jacksonville’s median home sale price is more than $100,000 less than the U.S. median. The market is somewhat competitive, although homes are staying listed longer than they were in 2022.

For those who prefer to rent, rent growth has been in decline this year, down 3.7 percent since December 2022. This is a sharper decline than the U.S. average. Median rents for a one-bedroom apartment were $1,141 in December 2023, with rent for a two-bedroom at $1,356. 

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Your Choice of Beach Living, Urban Living or Suburbia

Jacksonville’s diverse neighborhoods range from hopping nightlife in the center of everything to slow, suburban living and waterfront access. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find a neighborhood that fits the bill. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Jacksonville:

RIVERSIDE

This diverse neighborhood has a little something for everyone: parks, great restaurants, fun nightlife and more. You’ll also have access to amazing museums and art, including the Riverside Arts Market.

AVONDALE

Safe Avondale provides a suburban feel in the big city, making it a popular spot for families. There are plenty of parks and places to stroll along the St. Johns, but you’ll still be just a few minutes from downtown.

SAN MARCO

Named after the Venetian Piazza San Marco, this historical neighborhood has a fun vibe and plenty of Italian influence. It’s walkable, just minutes from downtown and has a lot going on making it a favorite of young professionals and families.

MANDARIN

This little spot in south Jacksonville is known for its gorgeous oak trees covered in Spanish moss. It also features great shopping, history and waterfront access. It’s schools and abundance of parks make it a family favorite.

DOWNTOWN

Nothing beats the convenience of living downtown. With easy access to local businesses, schools and over 100 restaurants, it’s no wonder that young professionals, singles and families all love the center of Jacksonville.

Other neighborhoods to include in your Jacksonville home search:

• Baymeadows
• Bartram Park
• Brentwood
• Deerwood
• Highlands

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A Car is Your Best Way Around Jacksonville

Although a lot of residents will complain about the traffic, Jacksonville is far from the worst city in Florida when it comes to being stuck on the road. This is good news, as driving is definitely the best way to get around here unless you’re sticking to the pedestrian-friendly downtown area.

If public transportation is more your style, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority provides bus routes throughout the greater Jacksonville area. You can also get between downtown points of interest for free on the JTA Skyway.

Of course, there are parts of the city and its surrounding area that are considered more walkable and bikeable, but they’re better for sightseeing than for getting around.

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Education Opportunities in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is home to nationally ranked University of Florida and Jacksonville University, as well as the two-year Florida State College at Jacksonville. Degree-seekers may also want to check out Flagler College in nearby St. Augustine.

Moving to Jacksonville with kids? The Duval County Public Schools district is the 20th largest district in the U.S. and the sixth largest in Florida. Nearly 130,000 K-12 students—80 percent of kids in Jacksonville—are educated by DCPS.

Despite the numbers, private schools may offer a stronger education. If you’d like to look into private education for the young ones, you’ll find nearly 150 schools to choose from.

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Jacksonville Enjoys Plenty of Sunshine

Jacksonville is near the top of the Sunshine State and it brings what that name promises: a whole lot of sun with long, toasty summers and short, balmy winters. The city hasn’t seen any significant snowfall in over 30 years, so if you’re looking to escape that white stuff, this is a great place to move! (Of course, your trade off will be preparing for Florida’s famous hurricane season.)

July will be your hottest month living in Jacksonville with average high temperatures of 92 degrees Fahrenheit, while January tends to be the coldest with lows averaging a mild 46 degrees. 

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10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Jacksonville

With the Florida sun, you know you’ll find great outdoor spots when moving to Jacksonville. But you’ll also enjoy art, history, sports and more. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in the Gateway to Florida: 

1. Support artisans, craft makers, artists and local farmers at the Riverside Arts Market held each Saturday morning.
2. Get up close to some big cats at the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, a rescue facility focused on tigers and other big felines.
3. Enjoy 20 miles of biking and hiking trails and other oceanside fun at the Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
4. Get all your shopping done at the St. Johns Town Center, home to everything from Target to Tiffany & Co.
5. Enjoy Florida’s wildlife at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens.
6. Explore deep space from the ground at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), home to one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the country.
7. See the Jacksonville Jaguars play at EverBank Stadium—or if you’re not one for football, try its pools, cabanas and food spots.
8. Take in some art at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), featuring over a thousand pieces in its permanent collection.
9. Take a self-guided tour of the city’s craft breweries with the Jax Ale Trail Passport.
10. Attend an event at the historic Florida Theatre, a high-style movie palace built in the 1920s.

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Navigation Jump Links

• Tulsa at-a-glance
• What it’s like to live in Tulsa
• Economy and job outlook in Tulsa
• Real estate, cost of living in Tulsa
• The top neighborhoods in Tulsa
• How to get around in Tulsa
• School and education snapshot
• Weather and climate in Tulsa
• 10 can’t-miss things to do in Tulsa

Tulsa At-A-Glance

Tulsa is a southern gem often overlooked for larger metros. But with over 400,000 people calling it home, this little city is the second most populous one in Oklahoma and growing. 

Why Tulsa? Located along the Arkansas River, the city is found in Oklahoma’s northeastern “Green Country,” a region named for its beautiful landscapes, lakes and the nearby mountains. Folks find the affordability appealing, too, with Oklahoma being a tax-friendly state for retirees, and economic initiatives like Tulsa Remote making T-Town an attractive option for young professionals.

Keep reading to get a taste of what you need to know before moving to Tulsa.

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A Distinct Blend of Culture, Art and Charm

Known for its beautiful art deco architecture and 28 miles that stretch along the famous Route 66, Tulsa has a unique variety of history and modern things to do. Once all about big oil, the city has been coming into its own as a cosmopolitan with the attractions and amenities of bigger cities.

The Tulsa Arts District has seen buildings revitalized and repurposed in recent years. It’s now full of bars, restaurants, venues for events and museums. The city has also embraced its diverse community through public art. Colorful murals can be found throughout downtown and in various neighborhoods.

For music and other performing arts, the Brady Arts District houses plenty of great venues like the Woody Guthrie Center, the Jazz Depot and Cain’s Ballroom, while the Tulsa Performing Arts Center brings Broadway shows, ballet, symphony concerts and more.

Throughout the year there are plenty of opportunities to get to know your neighbors at festivals and events like the Blue Dome Arts Festival, Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa, the Tulsa International Film Festival and the classic Tulsa State Fair.

Tulsa’s Oral Roberts University is home to the world’s largest praying hands — a 30-ton sculpture.

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Work Remote? Get Paid When Moving to Tulsa

With the city once known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” it’s no surprise that the oil industry is still a major player in Tulsa. As we look ahead to cleaner energy, Tulsa has been promoting other target industries with growth in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, transportation and tech. 

The biggest draw for digital nomads, though, may be that the city has been making efforts to infuse its economy with new life through remote workers looking to relocate. The Tulsa Remote program pays $10,000 to folks moving to Tulsa with an existing remote role. The hope is that these new residents bring big paychecks that help boost the economy, and in return the program promotes a strong community. It’s a great deal for young professionals!

If you’re looking for something local, top employers include BOK Financial, the American Airlines maintenance base and local healthcare systems.

Although the unemployment rate increased slightly toward the end of 2023, it remained relatively low at 3.4 percent.

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Tulsa Boasts a Low Cost of Living

If you’ve been looking to buy a home, moving to Tulsa is a good start. Although the cost of living in Tulsa is 3 percent higher than the Oklahoma state average, it’s a healthy 11 percent lower when you look at national numbers. And the cost of housing? A whopping 22 percent lower than the national average! Utilities, healthcare, transportation and food are all lower, too.

Much of the U.S. has seen housing markets remain steady or go up, but Tulsa has seen a slight decrease in home sale prices. In October 2023, the median sale price was down nearly 4 percent at $231,000. Homes are also staying on the market longer and are more likely to see a price drop. Despite this, the Tulsa market is considered highly competitive due to its affordability, so if you find your dream home, make an offer!

As expected, rents in Tulsa are also on the lower side. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $895, and the median for a two-bedroom only $1,155, with little month-to-month changes in 2023.

This amazing cost of living does come with a price, of course: the median household income in Tulsa falls well below the national average at just $52,438. A much higher percentage of its citizens also live in poverty than national numbers. It’s no wonder the city has sought to boost its economy through initiatives such as the Tulsa Remote program.

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A Changing City Full of Distinct Neighborhoods

With Tulsa Remote pulling in a lot of young professionals, homes here are in-demand and neighborhoods are changing. But there’s still plenty of variety, whether you’re looking for that family feel or want to be part of the social scene. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Tulsa:

BROOKSIDE

This walkable neighborhood is a favorite of young professionals and singles looking for a vibrant social scene. Full of coffee shops, wineries, boutiques and art galleries, there’s plenty to do and see.

DOWNTOWN

The heart and center of Tulsa, Downtown is full of stunning Art Deco architecture that is a big draw for many. It’s also a center of fun and entertainment, granting easy access to some of the city’s best art, performances and restaurants.

CHERRY STREET

Cherry Street is considered one of the best neighborhoods for young families, but it has a lot to offer professionals and singles, too. There’s a lot of shopping and dining here, and it’s home to some of the best art galleries in Tulsa.

RIVERVIEW HISTORIC DISTRICT

As the name suggests, this predominantly middle-class neighborhood features historic homes and is a favorite of anyone looking for stunning architecture and classic styles. 

PEARL DISTRICT

The revitalized Pearl District is a great example of urban renewal. Once struggling, it’s now a cultural hub full of startups, making it a favorite of young professionals more than families. You’ll enjoy cafes, art and the Pearl Street Farmers Market.

Other neighborhoods to include in your Tulsa home search:

• Greenwood
• Deco District
• Midtown
• East Village
• The Blue Dome

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Commuters Will Love the Lack of Traffic in Tulsa

This city is made up of over 200 square miles, which means living in Tulsa almost certainly requires having your own car. Thankfully, despite being a busy metro area, Tulsans deal with less traffic than the majority of the country. In fact, folks here lose less than a third of their time to rush hour than the residents of New York! 

There are some public transportation options available thanks to Tulsa Transit. There are nearly 20 fixed routes to get you around, as well as several connectors and a rapid transit system. It’s good to know, though, that there’s no service on public holidays. 

You can also find bikes and electric scooters throughout the downtown area to rent and ride.

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Education Opportunities in Tulsa

Oklahoma is known for its education struggles and Tulsa schools don’t fare any better. The Tulsa School District has nearly 70 schools serving over 30,000 K-12 students, with math and reading proficiency scores in the single digits. If you’re moving with kids or plan to start a family, you may want to consider one of the city’s 47 private schools when it comes to their education.

For those seeking a degree, you’ll find no shortage of colleges and universities to choose from. Most of the state’s higher education options are found in Tulsa or Oklahoma City. Tulsa is home to nationally ranked University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University, as well as Oklahoma State University, Langston University and more.

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Weather in Tulsa is Temperate with a Temper

Some residents will tell you that Tulsa is a four-season city while others insist it’s only two (hot and cold). But you will experience some distinct weather patterns with hot, sticky summers and icy, windy winters. Thankfully, snow is rare, and you’ll enjoy an abundance of sun year-round.

The city is also prone to some extreme weather phenomena, including tornadoes, so brush up on your safety procedures when moving to Tulsa.

The coldest month is January, with average low temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. July brings the heatwaves, with an average high of 93.

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10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Tulsa

Full of history, beautiful parks, professional sports teams and a bopping nightlife, Tulsa has a lot going on. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in T-Town: 

1. Stroll through the stunning themed spaces of the Tulsa Botanical Gardens.
2. Check out fun spots along the piece of historic Route 66 that runs through Tulsa.
3. Get a taste of history at the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum.
4. Snap a shot of yourself with the 75-foot-tall Golden Driller, a symbol of the city’s oil industry and one of the largest statues in the U.S.
5. Dine, drink and laugh in the famous Blue Dome District, home to some of the best nightlife in Tulsa.
6. Become part of a mystery when you stand in the Center of the Universe, an unexplained anomaly that distorts sound.
7. Learn more about famous musicians Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan at the adjacent Woody Guthrie Center and Bob Dylan Center.
8. Educate yourself on the city’s aerospace heritage at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
9. Catch a concert, live shows or an Oilers game at the BOK Center.
10. Spend a day at Mohawk Park and visit the Tulsa Zoo.

Kids can pet the stingrays and feed the turtles at the Oklahoma Aquarium. The 85-acre Tulsa Zoo was named “America’s Favorite Zoo” by Microsoft Game Studios in 2005.

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Looking to move out west? Hoping to find a more affordable place to live than the biggest cities in Nevada and California? Making a move to find a better career? There are plenty of reasons you might want to move to Reno, Nevada, and we’re here to help give you a primer on everything the “biggest little city in the world” has to offer.

Thanks to some infrastructure and city planning upgrades, recent years have seen more people moving to Reno than leaving. It’s currently the third most populous city in Nevada, with a population of around 300,000 people.

You may recognize Reno’s name as a hotbed for gambling and gaming, but the city has established its own culture and lifestyle for its residents. Yes, you’ll still have plenty of casinos if you’re looking to try your hand, but there are no shortage of opportunities to engage with art, try delicious food and drink, and experience the outdoors with nearby ski slopes. 

Keep reading for a few more things to know before moving to Reno, and you’ll see why it’s been voted one of the happiest places to live in the U.S. by multiple publications.

What’s there to do in Reno?

Reno has been known for its casinos for some time, and many consider it a younger sibling to Las Vegas, but living in Reno also opens you up to unique street art and murals, museums, culture, and the stunning landscapes and outdoor fun of nearby Lake Tahoe and the Nevada Mountains.

Arts enthusiasts who enjoy the outdoors will find plenty to love about the Nevada Museum of Art, and science lovers can get hands-on STEM experience at the Discovery. If you’re more of a music and theatre fan, the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts hosts many touring Broadway and music events, and you’ll catch great concerts thanks to the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and Reno Pops Orchestra.

If you’ve got an appetite, you’ll find everything from cozy street carts to upscale fine dining serving food from all over the world in Reno. The Brewery District is home to some of the best craft breweries in Nevada if you’re a fan of craft beer.

What sort of jobs are available in Reno?

Gaming, tourism, and recreation are most likely the first industries you think of when Reno comes to mind, but the city has been diversifying its employment base over time; manufacturing, construction, financial services, communications, and transportation now make up 25 percent of the workforce. If you’re looking for a new job, Reno has plenty of reputable companies in the education, healthcare, and tourism markets for you to look into.

As a little snapshot of Reno’s bustling job market, the city added 3,238 jobs between January and August 2025. The city’s unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in November 2025, a percentage lower than the Nevada rate.

What’s the cost of living in Reno?

There are plenty of cultural and career reasons to make a move to Reno, but you’ll end up paying a little bit more than average to enjoy it.

While the median household income is $86,721 (higher than the U.S. average), Reno costs about 9 percent more to live than the national average as well, and most of that cost applies to buying or leasing a home.

The median home sale price was $541,667 in November 2025, and about 16.1% of those homes are still selling above list price.

If renting is more your style, you’ll be happy to know that median rents are just a bit lower than the national average, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $1,095. The median for a two-bedroom is only a little higher at $1,350.

What are the best neighborhoods in Reno?

Whether you prefer the great outdoors or the convenience and fast pace of city life, Reno has plenty to offer. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Reno:

Midtown

Full of cafes, restaurants, vintage clothing shops, trendy bars, and located close to several great trails, Midtown offers a little something for everyone. There is a mixture of homes, from older and cost-effective to modern and pricey.

Caughlin Ranch

You’ll have to have a bigger budget for this planned community, but it’s worth it if you’re looking to live in a quiet area surrounded by lakes, big parks, nature trails and more. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness facility among the subdivisions.

Stead

Just 20 minutes from downtown Reno, Stead is ideal for those searching for lower-cost homes. You’ll trade in some of the amenities of other neighborhoods, but shopping is still only a few minutes away by car. 

Riverwalk District

If you prefer a walkable area, this is your neighborhood. A stroll along the Truckee River will bring you to shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries and more. Housing is made up mostly of multi-story condo buildings.

Mira Loma

One of the most affordable neighborhoods in Reno, Mira Loma is full of lower-priced condos and single-family homes. There are still several restaurants and shopping options in the neighborhood, with the Meadowood mall area nearby.

Other neighborhoods to include in your Reno home search:

• Arrowcreek
• Galena Forest Estates
• Kings Row
• Donner Springs
• Newlands Historic District

How walkable and drivable is Reno?

Although Reno’s public transport systems are safe and reliable, they’re not the most convenient. While the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) bus system has a wide reach with plenty of routes, there are so many that you’ll usually need several transfers to get exactly where you want to go.

The city also scores low for walkability, but it’s been making moves to become more bikeable, with local organizations promoting bicycling as a more sustainable means of transportation. As it stands, you’ll probably want to bring your car with you.

How good is Reno’s education system?

Reno has some of the top high schools in Nevada (and the U.S.), with Davidson Academy; Academy of the Arts, Careers and Technology; Coral Academy of Science; and Reno High School all in the state’s top 10. The city’s K-12 proficiency scores consistently outrank those of the state’s public school average. However, if you’d rather give your child a private education, there are 37 private schools available for you to look into.

If you’re looking for a higher education, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is right there, and there are many universities a relatively short drive away.

What weather can I expect in Reno?

Located in a high desert valley, Reno celebrates a dry, year-round warmth and plenty of sunshine. However, thanks to the cooler air from the Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, the city still enjoys distinct seasons. Expect warm summers and comfortably cool winters with occasional snow days.

July and August are the hottest months in Reno, with each seeing most days reach or exceed 90 degrees fahrenheit. December and January are the coldest months, with lows around 26 degrees, but highs still get into the mid-40s.

What else is there to do in Reno?

There’s plenty of activities for all walks of life in Reno, even if you’re not into casinos: 

1. Stroll the pedestrian walkway along the gorgeous Riverwalk District.
2. Join a street art tour to experience Reno’s unique public art through its many murals, or pop by the Nevada Museum of Art Sculpture Garden.
3. Enjoy trendy shopping and delicious food on Dickerson Road.
4. Visit the National Automobile Museum, home to over 200 historic vehicles.
5. Check out the Discovery Museum downtown for family-friendly STEM experiences.
6. Go surfing on the Truckee River, or visit one of its two main standing waves in Wingfield Park.
7. Scale the World’s Tallest Artificial Climbing Wall, a 164-foot climb found on the side of the Whitney Peak Hotel.
8. Have a swim, a relaxing boat ride, or a jet ski adventure at Pyramid Lake.
9. Experience the outdoors at the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, a pleasantly green getaway next to the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
10. Make the move official with a photo under the Reno Arch.

How do I find storage in Reno?

By now, you should have a better idea of whether Reno is the right city for you. If you’re looking for diverse cultural experiences, a new career, or just a change of scenery, it may be worth putting Reno on your list!

Moving to Reno and need a little extra space? We can help! SelfStorage.com’s built-in search tool will help you find storage units with the features you need at the best price.