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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.
Types of care available in Jacksonville, FL
Independent Living
I would recommend The Cove at Marsh Landing to anyone who is looking for affordable, high quality care. The overall impression of the facility is a 5 star hotel. The staff is professional. They are also kind and caring towards the residents. There are daily activities for everyone to enjoy. Transportation is available as well. My mom was well cared for and enjoyed the time that she was there.
It is a lovely community with good sized rooms. It is a nice place with well cared for grounds. The fees were a little more than we expected. Anthem Lakes is a community that is on the newer side and has been around for about 5 years.
The Brookdale Orange Park staff is absolutely wonderful. They all [names removed] have been so very supportive of mom, and my brother and I as well. Mom did have a period that was difficult to transition from her completely independent home life to Assisted Living outside of her home. We could not ask for a better living situation than Orange Park Brookdale!
4060 San Pablo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Windsor Pointe is something truly different from other independent living residences. The emphasis at Windsor Pointe is on variety, an oasis of activities just beyond your door, relaxation with family and friends and a selection of bars and restaurants for variety in experiences and flavors....
Just moved in at the end of Oct 2023, so still learning the ropes here. Mostly positive. Everybody is very friendly and accommodating. A lot to take in. Have attended only a few activities thus far. Have not...
5939 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244
The Windsor at Ortega is an assisted living community located in Jacksonville, Florida. We are committed to providing residents with the care and support they need, including memory care. Jacksonville is a vibrant city with much to offer to both residents and guests including great opportunities...
We moved our parents to Windsor at the Ortega a month ago. What a wonderful experience. The staff immediately engaged with us, getting to know the supports we needed, and what they could do to make our...
4455 Merrimac Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Luxurious Senior Living in JacksonvilleOur residents have traded the stress and isolation that often comes from living at home for a life lived well. We handle all the cooking, cleaning and chores. You just handle making the most out of each of your senior living days. Our community is a...
The staff at Brookdale Avondale are very helpful and responsive. They are also very professional. We are very happy that we were able to move my mother-in-law to Brookdale Avondale. The food is great too.
4000 San Pablo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32224
The Windsor at San Pablo is a caring assisted living community located in Jacksonville, Florida. We are committed to providing residents with the care and support they need, including memory care. Jacksonville is a vibrant city with much to offer to both residents and guests including great...
Overall I'm very pleased and would recommend. They really need more staff in dining and to help with activities. More staff led activities would be beneficial rather than through video.I would tell a friend...
10790 Old Saint Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Redefining Assisted Living For Jacksonville seniors looking for exceptional care, our community is worth a close look. Visit, and you might find that we feel more like a great resort than what you typically think of senior living. Our community offers assisted living for seniors in...
They are very thoughtful, professional, kind and thorough. The residents are happy. My brother loves it there. He is content and is making many new friends. He feels valued there. There are no bad smells in...
4870 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Sunrise of Jacksonville, FL, is proud to offer residents and their families the benefits of Sunrise Senior Living’s 30-plus years of expertise in caring for the needs of seniors. Situated on three beautiful acres with walking paths and benches, our mansion-style community features gorgeous...
All of the staff are very friendly and seem to be concerned with the residents . Her room is always clean, and she is always dressed in fresh clothing. She appears to be bathed frequently. The activities...
6895 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216
Great Care for Great SeniorsA great life deserves a great backdrop, and that’s what our community provides. Days spent in our on-site beauty parlor, or evenings on our covered porch are often filled with friends, as our community is full of vibrant seniors just like you. And with an almost...
The staff at Brookdale Southpointe listened to our needs and did their best to support us. They took care of my aunt and stopped to help us too.I am so glad we found Brookdale Southpoint
7620 Timberlin Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Lease by October 29 and get $1,000 off your rent for the first three months. THAT’S A SAVINGS OF $3,000!*We are continuing to admit new Residents, where possible and appropriate, to help residents and families in need. We will do all we can to help those who are in need of our services now and...
I wholeheartedly recommend Sodalis Jacksonville for the friendly professional staff at all levels. I was at all times kept informed as to any change in status of my loved one. The food is very good and...
10660 Validus Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Inspirations at Town Center is a luxury, modern, resort-style, Independent Senior Living community located in Jacksonville servicing the Town Center area, Ponte Vedra and Bay Meadows area of Southeast Jacksonville. This state-of-the-art, gorgeously designed community welcomed its first residents...
I love it here. There are lots of activities and the food is great. The people here are very friendly and the pool is great -- what more can you ask for? 5 for all! I would of course recommend this community...
12350 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223
From our tranquil and relaxing atmosphere to our luxurious apartments with modern amenities—HarborChase of Mandarin provides helpful and convenient services that make life easier and more enjoyable. Residents can enjoy a cafè latte just the way they like it, in our bistro or let our chefs delight...
Essentially, nice place, good people but understaffed and unprepared to handle people that have fall issues. She fell several times, last time she hit her head real hard and ended up with a brain bleed. She...
3455 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Welcome to HarborChase of Jacksonville Assisted Living and Memory Care. We believe in celebrating senior living every day, and we have the perfect location to do just that. Shopping, dining and entertainment outings take full advantage of the greater Jacksonville, Florida area. Loving, lively and...
Everyone was very friendly and outgoing. The food is excellent! The only downside is the facility was losing patients, so that resulted in reducing staff which impacted care and responsiveness.
10141 Old Saint Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Holiday Retirement provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Situated on scenic grounds in a quiet corner of Jacksonville, you'll love our elegant facilities and the convenience of living in the heart of it all. We're just minutes from shopping, healthcare,...
I would recommend Augustine Landing but suggest that they offer more outings for the residents. Everyone I have spoken with has been very positive and helpful.
10061 Sweetwater Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256
At Camellia at Deerwood, you can live the life you want to. Enjoy the convenience of all-inclusive dining, a wealth of life enrichment activities and the freedom to explore your interests within the community and around Jacksonville area. Our amenities are designed to enhance your day, leaving...
The administrative people I've dealt with seem sincerely engaged with the residents welfare and happiness. Apartment sizes are comfortable. Not too small.
10660 Old Saint Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Always ready to lend a hand, our team is a caring and compassionate group of individuals committed to providing the best care and service to our residents.' Wyndham Lakes is conveniently located behind Southlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Our beautiful park-like community sits on 14 acres...
Everyone there made the admission process easy. [name removed] in Admissions especially and the ADON were thorough and very helpful. The onsite [name removed] Rehab therapy and home care has been...
1035 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218
New facility. Young energetic staff. Apartments have plenty of room. My parents are in memory care, so it's not so much about the amenities. Everything is taken care of: meds, meals, PT, laundry.
14199 Wm Davis Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Atria Park of San Pablo is a charming, elegant senior living community located on the Intracoastal Waterway between historic St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. This location is near some of Florida's most beautiful...
My mom is currently a resident at Discovery Commons San Pablo. We like the place because it is small and with mom's dementia, she can find her way around and get back to her room easily. The staff are all...
9960 Atrium Way, Jacksonville, FL 32225
You really can have everything that senior living has to offer! A beautiful quiet setting with that sweet home feeling, an almost endless list of activities designed to bring fulfillment and socialization. A life of fewer worries that comes from living in a community built specifically for your...
We've had a few struggles with care in the beginning and still with paperwork being submitted in a timely manner for insurance purposes. The exterior of the facility is well past due for maintenance,...
9601 Southbrook Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Relaxation for Now. Care for Later.With three distinctly different levels of senior living care, our community has something for everybody. Our residents take advantage of independent living, assisted living, and memory care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. At each care...
I found the facility to have a very active and diverse independent living schedule of activities, including shuttles for errands to Walmart, Target, etc. The outdoor pool is a real plus in Florida!
905 Assisi Ln, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Anthem Lakes: Why a better choice?Consider the setting and the value of nature for health.Anthem Lakes has 14 acres. A lake and a dock. Three ponds. Mature forest in a park-like setting.Does It Matter?Yes. Extensive research proves the health benefits of nature.Consider this summary statement...
What our family likes the most about Anthem Lakes is the overall cleanliness, the staff stability, location and the food services. Based on the experience we have had we would recommend Anthem Lakes to...
25 State Road 13, Jacksonville, FL 32259
Nestled on 75-acres of lush, semi-tropical paradise, Westminster Woods on Julington Creek is situated on the shores of Julington Creek, a half-mile wide arm of the St. Johns River. Our community provides the best combination of a private, natural setting with the big-city amenities of nearby...
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...
10520 Validus Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Discovery Village at Deerwood is a newly-opened purpose built, luxury Supervised Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Community located in Jacksonville, FL.
The staff and management are very willing to work with you. The caregivers are friendly and kind. The location is awesome. I wish they would let the chef have more say in the menu instead of being dictated...
4600 Middleton Park Circle East, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Maybe it’s time to let someone else do the dishes.At our continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Jacksonville, Florida, you can. Here you’ll have access to four levels of care on one campus, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Plus, you’ll have...
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
9075 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Starling at San Jose is an elegant sanctuary offering unmatched comfort and vitality along the peaceful shores of Goodby’s Creek. Offering resort-style services and personalized care, this state-of-the-art community featuring luxurious amenities in a warm and inspiring environment is the perfect...
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...
6209 Brooks Bartram Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32258
Brooks Bartram Lakes Assisted Living and The Green House Residences is an ECC licensed assisted living community and memory care provider located in the friendly and upscale Bartram Park area of sunny Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. Situated in one of the most desirable residential areas in...
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...
1115 Edgewood Avenue South, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Florida Christian Apartments Florida Christian Apartments is a senior housing nestled in Murray Hill, located in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida which is home to NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars. Museums, restaurants, shopping opportunities, medical facilities and more are all in close...
It's absolutely great! I think it's the best that I have every seen for someone in a situation like my mother-in-law where she just has social security. The other people that live there, some have been there...
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
37.35 miles from you
Your zip code
27.12 miles from you
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.
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.
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.
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.
Property owners, or landlords, in Jacksonville should ensure their independent living community facilities meet the following standards:
Residents of independent living communities in Jacksonville should meet the following standards:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800
Phone: 800-435-7352
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.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
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.
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.
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 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.
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Percentage of Jacksonville’s population 65 or older
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.
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
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
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
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:
26
21
41
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Windsor Pointe, Brookdale Orange Park and The Windsor at Ortega 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 4,197 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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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