Jacksonville has experienced unparalleled growth in the past decade, but we have managed it well, upgrading our infrastructure through the Better Jacksonville Plan, revitalizing our downtown and preserving our beautiful natural resources with great care and foresight. In the process, it has also created the largest urban park system in the United States.

Jacksonville also has one of the lowest overall costs of living in Florida and the U.S. The area's cost of living is 92.6 percent of the national average, with housing and utilities being the best bargains. The median age of Jacksonville residents is 35.3. The average household income is $50,475, while the median household income is $40,792.

The city's appeal has been reinforced by national media, including a steady ranking among the "top ten best places to live" by Money magazine. Plus, for the second time in fours years, Jacksonville tops Expansion Management Magazine's list of "America's Hottest Cities."

Jacksonville lines both banks of the St. Johns River, the state's longest river, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean about 20 miles from downtown. The St. Johns flows north for 310 miles before turning east to the ocean at Jacksonville. Jacksonville's deep-water port is the 14th largest in the U.S. and handles shipments from around the globe.

The city's climate is subtropical, but tends to be cooler than the Florida peninsula to the south. Winters can be marked by spells of cold weather, and limited snow or ice occur once every few years but outdoor events and sports outings can be comfortably accommodated year round.

The hottest month is July, with an average high of 92° F and an average low of 70° F. In January the average high temperature is 66° F and the average low is 41° F, though it is usually colder in December with an average high of 61° F and low of 38° F.

Normal annual precipitation is 51.3 inches, with the largest monthly totals accumulating from July through September.

*This information was obtained from the Official web site of the City of Jacksonville at www.coj.net – we encourage you to visit their site and experience Jacksonville for yourself!