Welcome to Downtown Jacksonville
A bustling city with laid-back coastal vibes
The Downtown Jacksonville neighborhood is a hip, vibrant urban area along the St. Johns River. It is nicknamed “The River City” because of its waterfront location and the many bridges connecting it to the rest of the Florida coast. This stunning city boasts walkable streets, an exciting restaurant scene, and a budding job market. In addition, the beautiful weather allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, and it is easily accessible by train, plane, car, or water taxi.
Downtown Jacksonville has a rich history that dates back to the 1500s. It began as a village named Ossachite and was ruled by various countries, including Spain, France, and Britain. After the Great Fire of 1901, one of the largest urban city fires in history, the Downtown neighborhood grew steadily into the metropolis it is today.
The city was rebuilt by famous architect Henry John Klutho who reconstructed many of the iconic buildings in the area. The eclectic mix of modern skyscrapers and renovated theatres, banks, museums, and churches give Downtown Jacksonville a historic yet contemporary vibe. These features make it an excellent place for professionals, history buffs, and locals to site-see, work, and participate in leisurely activities throughout the year.
What to Love
- Sporting events and arenas
- Parks that host community events
- Live music and seafood cuisine
- Beach access and marinas
Local Lifestyle
Downtown Jacksonville is perfect for individuals who revel in a bustling area with ongoing exciting events. The location is prime because of its endless river views and stunning architecture, which make the city a marvel for community members. From fitness classes in the park and museum exhibitions to sporting events and concerts, there is always something for locals to do Downtown.
This thriving metropolitan area is popular for professionals seeking job opportunities and development in various industries. The urban and artistic vibe of the neighborhood is maintained by its cultural events, boutique shopping, and fine dining. These attributes make the lifestyle of Downtown Jacksonville fast-paced and stimulating for residents.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Whether you’re going out on the town with friends and family or looking for a romantic date spot, Downtown Jacksonville has a place for you. A local favorite for foodies and sports fans is TIAA Bank Field. The stadium is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars and hosts food festivals, concerts, and fitness events.
Locals visit Morton’s The Steakhouse for a fantastic view of the St. Johns River and out-of-this-world steak. Initially opened in 1978 in Chicago, this award-winning restaurant serves succulent steaks accompanied by delectable side dishes and hand-crafted cocktails. Residents also love the “Jax Mex” cuisine at Burrito Gallery Downtown, a unique restaurant that focuses on authentic Mexican flavors, a laid-back vibe, and eccentric artwork. The walls adorn revolving artwork submitted by local artists to ensure the ambiance screams Downtown Jacksonville.
For a special evening, locals go to the Cowford Chophouse, the only steakhouse and rooftop lounge in Downtown Jacksonville. The restored First National Bank of Florida maintains many of its original Renaissance Revival elements, including a brick facet, arched windows, and pine lumber. A mouth-watering meat and seafood menu accompanies this stunning architecture.
Things to Do
In addition to cheering on the Jags at TIAA Bank Field, Downtown hosts an endless list of events for residents to participate in throughout the year. Next door to the stadium is the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. This indoor arena hosts sporting events, the circus, and some of the biggest entertainment stars, including Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
For other live events, community members attend shows at the historic performing arts center, Florida Theatre. This theatre opened in 1927 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Shows at the venue span from comedians and musicians to dance companies and dramatic plays.
A local staple is the Riverside Arts Market, known by the community as RAM, which is open every Saturday. This market is under the Fuller Warren Bridge, featuring local small business owners and live music performances. It is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors while shopping for unique gifts for friends and family or sampling new cuisines from regional food trucks.
Another closeby market is the Jax Beach Art Walk, located at Jacksonville Beach. Like RAM, this market is free to attend but focuses on local artists in the beach community. Residents can peruse the walk to discover and purchase beautiful artwork for their homes.
