Welcome to Duval County, Florida

Duval County sits at the heart of Northeast Florida, home to Jacksonville and a collection of coastal communities that stretch from the riverfront to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a county known for its size, natural beauty, military presence, and the kind of laid-back Florida lifestyle that attracts people from all over the country.

Because Duval County includes both Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Beaches, you get a mix of everything — urban energy, quiet waterfront pockets, historic charm, walkable districts, golf communities, and resort-style coastal living. Buyers love the options. Relocating families appreciate the flexibility. And sellers benefit from a steady flow of people moving into Northeast Florida year after year.

If you’re looking for a clear, lifestyle-forward overview of Duval County, this guide will help you understand what it’s really like to live here.

Living in Duval County: What You’ll Find

A Coastal County With Variety

Duval County covers a large geographic area, and each part has its own personality. You’ll find:

• Riverfront neighborhoods along the St. Johns

• Beach towns with walkable dining and surf culture

• Historic districts with character and charm

• Suburban areas with space and amenities

• Gated communities and golf course developments

• Active 55+ communities

• Urban pockets with growing arts, culture, and food scenes

That variety is one of the biggest reasons people choose Duval County over other parts of Florida. There’s room to build the lifestyle you want.

Outdoor Lifestyle Comes First

Whether you live inland or near the coast, outdoor living is part of everyday life in Duval County. There are miles of beaches, boat ramps, river access points, golf courses, parks, and nature preserves.

Residents spend weekends biking the beach, exploring trails, fishing, paddleboarding, golfing, boating, or visiting local markets and events. And because the weather stays mild for most of the year, outdoor plans are rarely limited to just one season.

Duval County Real Estate Overview

Real estate in Duval County varies more than almost anywhere else in Florida because of the range in lifestyle, geography, and home types. Most buyers begin with what they want life to look like — and then find the part of the county that matches it.

Here’s what stands out:

Riverfront Homes

Stunning views, boating access, and peaceful surroundings along the St. Johns River.

Beachfront & Coastal Living

Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach offer walkability, ocean views, and an active coastal lifestyle.

Golf Course Communities

Several golf neighborhoods throughout Jacksonville and along the northern county corridors.

Gated Neighborhoods

Gated communities with amenities for privacy, recreation, and convenience.

Historic Districts

San Marco, Riverside, Avondale, and Springfield offer charm, architecture, and local dining.

55+ Active Adult Communities

Duval and surrounding counties include several resort-style 55+ options.

New Construction

Plentiful throughout the county with ongoing development across multiple corridors.

Because the county is so large, prices differ widely. Most buyers pick an area based on commute, lifestyle, and proximity to the places they care about most.

Commuting, Jobs & Getting Around

Living in Duval County means learning how to navigate a large, bridge-connected region. It’s manageable, but planning goes a long way.

Things residents quickly learn:

• Your routine drives your home search.

• Bridges matter — and yes, they can back up.

• Proximity to beaches, downtown, hospitals, or bases affects where you’ll want to live.

Major job centers include:

• Downtown Jacksonville

• Southside / St. Johns Town Center

• Jacksonville Beaches

• The Port of Jacksonville

• NAS Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport

• Healthcare hubs like Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, UF Health, and Ascension/St. Vincent’s

If you’re relocating in or out of Duval County, commute planning is one of the first steps we help with. The right location makes everyday life smoother.

Lifestyle, Recreation & Things to Do in Duval County

Beaches

Duval County is home to several Atlantic beach towns, each with its own personality.

Parks & Nature

Duval has one of the largest park systems in the country — plus preserves, trails, gardens, and riverfront green spaces.

Sports & Events

From Jaguars football and minor league games to golf tournaments and large community events, there’s always something happening.

Arts & Culture

Museums, galleries, theaters, outdoor art, and local festivals are spread throughout Jacksonville and the Beaches.

Local Experiences

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, small coastal cafés, rooftop dining, breweries, farmers markets, and seasonal activities for all ages.

It’s a county where you can enjoy big-city amenities without losing access to nature and space.

Why People Choose Duval County

People relocate to Duval County for countless reasons, but a few consistent benefits stand out:

• Coastal and riverfront access

• A wide range of housing options

• Year-round outdoor recreation

• Military-friendly locations

• Expanding job opportunities

• Proximity to St. Johns County, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine

• A balanced lifestyle with space, amenities, and lower density than many Florida metros

For many newcomers, Duval County strikes the right mix between convenience and coastal living.

Common Questions Buyers Ask

“How big is Duval County?”

Duval County, Florida covers approximately 918.5 square miles, including about 762.6 square miles of land and 155.8 square miles of water. As of 2025 estimates, Duval County’s population is roughly 1,071,485 residents, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing counties in Florida. This combination of substantial land area and a steadily rising population positions Duval County—and the Jacksonville metro area—as a major hub for Northeast Florida living, business, and real estate.

“What’s traffic like?”

Manageable, but bridges and major corridors can get congested at peak times.

“Is it better to live closer to the beach or inland?”

Both have advantages depending on your routine, commute, and lifestyle.

“What about storms or flood zones?”

Flood zones vary by area. We help buyers understand insurance requirements and risks.

Is Duval County Right for You?

If you’re looking for a coastal county with variety, space, recreation, and a blend of urban and relaxed living, Duval County is worth a serious look.

You can choose riverfront, beachfront, historic, suburban, or urban pockets — all within one county. And if you’re exploring Northeast Florida for the first time, Duval is often the place people start.

We’re here to help you make sense of it.

Homeowner + Buyer Value With CrossView Realty

Here’s how we support you when buying or selling in Duval County:

• Honest guidance about which areas match your lifestyle

• Local insight into commuting routes, bridges, and traffic patterns

• Support for first-time buyers, luxury buyers, military relocation, retirees, and out-of-state moves

• Strategic listing plans to help sellers stand out in a competitive market

• Optional partnership with our property management team when needed

Duval County is big — but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Ready to Explore Duval County?

If you're considering buying or selling in Duval County, we’d be happy to help you map out your next steps.

Give us a call or reach out online. We'd love to help.