JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A growing number of Americans are packing up and moving, and Jacksonville is landing on many of their shortlists.
New data from real estate brokerage Redfin shows Jacksonville ranked No. 9 nationwide among the most popular destinations for homebuyers searching outside their current metro area between February and April 2025. Nearly 28% of homebuyers nationwide looked to relocate during that time frame.
“We’re definitely dealing with more relocation,” said Laila Hassan, a local realtor with Engels & Völkers. “As of early 2025, there were over 7,600 new residents in Jacksonville. Jacksonville has gained 50% new residents over the last five years.”
Hassan said the city’s mix of coastal living, a growing job market, and no state income tax are just a few reasons Jacksonville is gaining momentum. She also pointed to plans for major developments downtown, including thousands of new residential units, a Four Seasons hotel, a revamped Museum of Science & History (MOSH), and the upcoming renovation of EverBank Stadium.
“So currently, right now, they have 2,000 residential units under development, with approximately 3,000 more units headed for downtown,” Hassan said. “The new stadium renovation is going to be absolutely incredible.”
The Redfin report also revealed where people are moving from.
The top five states with the highest outflow of residents were California, New York, Illinois, Washington, and Maryland. In contrast, Florida topped the list of destination states, along with Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
While the influx of new residents is fueling local growth, it’s also putting upward pressure on home prices and infrastructure. Still, Hassan said Jacksonville remains one of the most affordable large cities in the state.
“There are no other cities that have what we have to offer and the affordability to go along with it,” she said.