A rising star in the real estate investment landscape, Jacksonville, FL, offers a unique blend of coastal charm, vibrant culture, and economic opportunity. Known for its beautiful beaches, bustling port, and diverse neighborhoods, Jacksonville is attracting a growing number of real estate investors to its surrounding cities as well.
Jacksonville is often highlighted as the economic powerhouse of Northeast Florida, with a thriving job market and a steadily increasing population adding to its investment allure. Investors seeking a good return on investment (ROI) may find the real estate market, particularly the Jacksonville foreclosures market that has been gaining interest, quite appealing.
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According to ATTOM’s December 2024 data, Jacksonville saw 16,088 residential properties sold over the past year, with a median home price of $300,000. Additionally, 38.25% of homes in Jacksonville are equity rich, while 1.12% are seriously underwater. For investors interested in foreclosure properties, there have been 112 foreclosure filings year-to-date.
Jacksonville is a hub for industries such as logistics, finance, healthcare, and technology. The city boasts numerous attractions, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and the historic Riverside Avondale district. The annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival and the Florida-Georgia football game are just a few of the events that draw visitors and residents alike.
Investors can capitalize on the spillover effect that Jacksonville may have on cities nearby, both in Florida, as well as across the state line in Georgia. Did you know that in Georgia, you can bid on properties from wherever you are using the Auction.com app’s Remote Bid feature?
With Remote Bid, you can skip the in-person auction and bid on multiple properties simultaneously using the device of your choice and from your cozy spot– be it your couch, home office, or even while lounging on a beach.
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Let’s identify why some of these cities can be viable investment destinations. You can click on the city in the Table of Contents to jump to its respective section.
Table of ContentsInvestor-Friendly Florida Cities Near Jacksonville
Investment Destinations in Neighboring Georgia
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Investor-Friendly Florida Cities Near Jacksonville
Middleburg
Middleburg, located about 30 miles southwest of Jacksonville, offers a suburban feel, a family-friendly environment, and cost of living 11% lower than the national average. According to Redfin’s November 2024 data, the median sale price of a home in Middleburg witnessed an uptick of 3.9% Year-over-Year (YoY). Home to attractions like the Jennings State Forest and Highland Horse Farm, it’s a great place for outdoor activities and exploration.
Saint Augustine
Nestled along the northeastern coast of Florida, Saint Augustine is one of the nation’s oldest cities, rich in history and culture. In November 2024, home prices in the St. Augustine housing market were up 4.2% from a year prior. The city’s downtown area is perfect for exploring, with its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant arts scene.
Green Cove Springs
Located approximately 28 miles south of Jacksonville, Green Cove Springs offers a small-town feel with easy access to the city’s business districts. As per Redfin’s November 2024 data, houses in Green Cove Springs spend only 41 days on the market before sale, on average, compared to 68 days a year earlier.
Palm Coast
Palm Coast, 60 miles south of Jacksonville, boasts numerous parks and trails, including the Palm Coast Linear Park and the Graham Swamp Preserve. The Palm Coast Community Center offers a variety of programs and activities. You can attract potential buyers thanks to the beautiful beaches, golf courses, and the European Village, which features shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Fort McCoy
About 90 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Fort McCoy is predominantly rural, with large tracts of agricultural land and homes ranging from modest bungalows to modern farmhouses. Investors can make good use of the large land parcels to develop versatile multi-use properties and attract buyers looking for a respite from city life.
Ocala
Ocala is located around 100 miles southwest of Jacksonville and serves as a regional business hub with a growing economy. Redfin’s November 2024 data revealed that the median sale price per square foot for homes in Ocala went up 1.3% YoY. Ocala is centrally located in Florida, providing easy access to major cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. This strategic location enhances its appeal for businesses and residents alike.
| Jacksonville, FL, not only offers a vibrant real estate market but also boasts a strategic location near the Florida-Georgia state line. This proximity opens up additional investment opportunities in charming Georgia cities like Valdosta, Folkston, and Quitman, all within a short drive. Exploring these nearby areas can provide diverse options for savvy investors looking to expand their portfolios. Venturing further inwards into cities like Warner Robins or Monticello can also be lucrative, offering a mix of established neighborhoods and growing markets. |
Investment Destinations in Neighboring Georgia
Valdosta
Valdosta’s location near the Georgia-Florida border provides easy access to major highways and transportation hubs. Home prices have been on a steady upward trajectory over the past half a decade as per Redfin’s November 2024 data. With Valdosta State University located in the city, there is often a steady demand for rental properties from students and faculty, which may present a reliable income stream for property investors.
Woodbine
Situated about 15 miles from the state line and roughly 45 miles from Jacksonville, Woodbine offers low cost of living, excellent schools, and a variety of recreational activities. Home values in Woodbine have increased by 4.4% over the past year. This upward trend indicates a healthy and appreciating real estate market, providing opportunities for capital gains.
Albany
Albany has a suburban feel while being a regional business hub with a burgeoning economy. It offers a variety of cultural and recreational amenities, including the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Museum of Art, and Chehaw Park. Albany State University can create a steady demand for rental properties with each intake of students, faculty, and staff all year round. The days on market for homes here declined by 11% YoY, as per Redfin’s November 2024 data.
Monticello
Investors willing to venture farther away from Jacksonville can find that Monticello is a worthy real estate investment hub. Monticello is close to several natural attractions, including the Oconee National Forest and Lake Jackson. Despite its small size, Monticello has seen a consistent population growth rate of 4.2% over the past five years. This growth indicates a rising demand for housing and rental properties.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for investment options beyond Jacksonville, consider exploring surrounding cities such as Saint Augustine, Palm Coast, Middleburg, and more. Jacksonville investors can also consider the nearby Georgia that offers robust investment alternatives, some closer to the state line (Valdosta and Woodbine), with great options like Monticello or Folkston further within the state.
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