The River City made US News & World Report’s top 10 list of most attractive places to retire, landing at #7 ahead of popular locales like San Francisco, Charleston, and Tampa.
“Restaurants, shops and entertainment options fill all of Greater Jacksonville’s neighborhoods,” the magazine said. “There are nature trails to hike and marshes to kayak. There is history to see, and there is business to develop. In fact, the region witnessed an ignition of its art and music scene, stimulating business development that has led to demand for a higher standard of living.”
The publication gave Jacksonville an overall score of 6.8 out of ten — including a 7.1 on home affordability and a 4.8 on healthcare.
Citing an influx of transplants from out of state, the magazine was bullish on the city’s prospects.
“There is history to see, and there is business to develop,” it concluded. “In fact, the region witnessed an ignition of its art and music scene, stimulating business development that has led to demand for a higher standard of living.”
Naples topped the list with an overall score of 7.0, followed by Virginia Beach and New York City.
The Big Apple was followed by Sarasota, Boise, and Raleigh.
