Pros and Cons of Living in Jacksonville, NC

All American towns have their pros and cons, and Jacksonville, NC, is no different. Moving to our fine city? If so, you might be wondering what the biggest pros and cons are of living in Jacksonville, NC. To learn what makes our city a great place to call home (and drives us a little mad), read on!

MOVING TIP: We recommend reserving a storage unit in Jacksonville, NC, if you haven't arrived yet. The reason being is simple; it will be ready when you arrive. That way, you can store your things securely while you take your time searching for a new home or apartment.

PRO: There’s a Lot to Do Near Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a relatively small city by American standards. That being said, we offer many amenities, including various outdoor opportunities and leisure activities. For example, there are a metric ton of festivals in Jacksonville! There’s the Spring Festival, Jacksonville Jamboree, Winterfest, Oktoberfest, National Night Out, and more! You can also “run with the heroes” during the annual Marine Corps Half Marathon, part of the USAA Grand Prix series.

Then there’s the New River, which flows through the city to create our beautiful downtown waterfront area. We also offer Jacksonville Commons, a massive recreational center with something for everyone. In short, there’s never a lack of something to do here in Jacksonville, NC.

CON: Jacksonville has a “Hurricane Season”

One drawback to living in Jacksonville is that we see a lot of hurricanes during our aptly named “hurricane season.” Indeed, for over six months of the year, the chance of a hurricane passing through is pretty high. For some, that means purchasing extra flood insurance, an extra monthly cost. It also means shutdowns and evacuations occasionally. Our recommendation; check your local flood zone and prepare for hurricanes.

Pros and Cons of Living in Jacksonville, NC

PRO: Jacksonville is Close to Beautiful Beaches

If you love dipping your toes in the ocean, Jacksonville will be a dream. We’re located alongside the Crystal Coast, an 86-mile stretch of amazing coastline. It starts at the New River and ends at Cape Lookout National Seashore, which is simply spectacular. (Residents of Jacksonville can get to the beach by boat using the Intracoastal Waterway!) We’re also close to the Grand Strand, one of the country’s most famous stretches of beach. If you love the beach, fishing, boating, and surfing, living in Jacksonville, NC, will be right up your alley! Below are some of the best beaches near Jacksonville for your perusal. (Thank you, Vacation Idea magazine!)

  • Carolina Beach
  • Emerald Isle
  • Kure Beach
  • Masonboro Island
  • Myrtle Beach
  • Surfside Beach
  • Topsail Island
STORAGE TIP: Renting a storage unit in Jacksonville, NC, to store your boat and boating gear is convenient and affordable.

CON: Living Jacksonville Means Humidity

One thing that does drive people crazy in Jacksonville is the humidity. It gets so thick here in the summer you can almost cut it with a butter knife. Then there are the mosquitoes, sand gnats, and the giant palmetto bugs. They look like cockroaches but, frankly, aren’t nearly as harmful or destructive. (They just look gross.) None of them is a deal-breaker, but all three are something you’ll need to get used to, at least eventually.

PRO: It Almost Never Snows in Jacksonville

Here’s the thing; it can get cold in Jacksonville during wintertime, but snow is something we rarely see. For some, that’s a blessing, while for others, it’s a minor drawback. (A little bit of snow can be a lot of fun, at least occasionally.) If you’re moving from “up north,” though, you’ll probably be glad to get away from the white stuff. Let’s be honest; it doesn’t make life easier unless you’re still in school. If you love snow, though, don’t fret! There are quite a few ski resorts in North Carolina. (Are they close? Not really. Do we have them? Yes!)

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PRO: Living in Jacksonville Means Affordability

Of all the pros and cons of living in Jacksonville, NC, one of the biggest pros is the low housing costs. Our housing cost index is 59/100, over 40% lower than the national average. That’s phenomenal no matter who you are and a life-changing amount of savings for many families. The overall cost of living in Jacksonville is also affordable when compared to the national average. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are all lower than the national average too. The only cost that is significantly higher is healthcare. Read more about the Cost of Living in Jacksonville, NC on our blog!

The Pros & Cons of Living in Jacksonville, NC

From a low cost of living to diversity, good weather, and many outdoor activities, Jacksonville, NC, offers a lot! We’re good for families, have excellent public schools, and exciting nightlife. Also, our commute time is very low, and our city is very diverse.

Here at SecurCare, we help Jacksonville residents safely and affordably store their things. That includes new arrivals, many of whom reserve a Jacksonville, NC storage unit before they get here. That way, they can take their time searching for a new community to call home.

If you have questions, please feel free to chat with us online whenever you like. You can also visit the SecurCare self storage facility in Jacksonville, NC. The onsite manager will help you figure out which storage option is best for your needs. Until then, best of luck moving to Jacksonville, NC. We’re sure that, once you arrive, you’ll be delighted to call our lovely city home.


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9 thoughts on “Pros and Cons of Living in Jacksonville, NC”

  1. I’m moving to the city in a week from New England and I just have to say thank u so much for this, it was informative but hilarious!

  2. Hey hun I live in New England too. I am researching Jacksonville and would love to move there. How’s it going a far.

  3. If your not sure on a bigger city like Jacksonville, NC but want to live close to the base or to the beaches, try the small town of Richlands, NC, as it’s a very close and friendly town and, well that’s where we live and it’s amazing:)

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