Duval or St. Johns County? How to Choose Where to Live Around Jacksonville
"Which part of Jacksonville should I live in?" might be the most-asked question from people moving here. It's a fair question. Jacksonville is the largest city by total area in the lower 48 states, and the metro spreads across several counties.
Most of our relocation clients end up choosing between two: Duval County, which is the City of Jacksonville itself, and St. Johns County, just to the south.
The quick version
| Duval County | St. Johns County | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | Widest range, from starter homes to riverfront estates | Generally higher, with many newer communities |
| Schools (2026 state grades) | District grade: A | District grade: A, ranked No. 1 in Florida |
| Housing style | Historic neighborhoods, established suburbs, new construction | Mostly newer master-planned communities |
| Commute to downtown | Shorter from most areas | Longer, especially from southern St. Johns |
| Vibe | City energy, more variety | Suburban, family-focused |
Areas of Duval worth knowing
- Riverside and Avondale: historic homes, walkable streets, restaurants and the river. Great for people who want character and community. If you love Riverside, also look at Murray Hill (more laid-back, often more affordable) and Ortega (larger, pricier homes along the river).
- San Marco: charming and central, close to downtown, with its own village square.
- Southside and the Town Center area: convenient to shopping, offices and I-295, with a lot of housing options.
- Mandarin: established, leafy and residential along the St. Johns River.
- The Beaches (Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beach): coastal living at a premium.
- Northside and Westside: some of the best value in the area, including many newer communities at lower price points.
Areas of St. Johns worth knowing
- Nocatee: a large master-planned community known for its amenities and schools.
- St. Johns and Fruit Cove: suburban neighborhoods popular with families.
- Ponte Vedra: upscale and coastal.
- St. Augustine: historic charm and beaches, farther from Jacksonville's job centers.
How to actually decide
Start with three questions:
- Where will you work, and how often? Commute time changes everything. Drive it at rush hour before you buy.
- How important are schools to you right now? If they're the top priority, St. Johns and specific Duval school zones will lead the list. If not, you may get more home for your money elsewhere.
- What's your true monthly budget? Include taxes, insurance and any CDD or HOA fees. Two homes at the same price can have very different monthly costs.
The bottom line
There's no single "best" part of Jacksonville. There's the best part for how you live. We help people moving here narrow it down before they ever fly in, so the house-hunting trip is focused.
Moving to Jacksonville? Tell us how you live, and we'll tell you where to look.
Questions and answers
- Which school district is best near Jacksonville?
- Florida’s 2026 district grades gave St. Johns, Nassau, Duval and Clay counties an A. St. Johns County reports ranking No. 1 in total accountability points. District-wide results do not establish the performance or assignment of an individual school. Check the official school results and address-specific attendance zone.
- Is Jacksonville cheaper than St. Johns County?
- Generally, yes. Duval County offers a wider range of price points, while many St. Johns County communities are newer and priced higher.