Moving from Charlotte, NC to Jacksonville, FL

Leaving Charlotte for Jacksonville

Considering a move from Charlotte to Jacksonville? While you might be eager to live the beach life in Jacksonville, you may have some reservations about leaving the comforts of home in Charlotte. But don’t worry. While the two cities have some unique differences, they both have significant cultural and entertainment options, healthy business climates and lots of outdoor recreational opportunities.

There’s a lot to like about living in Jacksonville. The city is home to 22 miles of sandy beaches, more than 500 neighborhoods and a strong, growing labor market. Check out some other reasons why you’ll love moving to Jacksonville and how it compares to Charlotte, and learn about how U-Pack® can help you move across the country.

Getting to know the River City

Need a crash course on your new city? Here are some important things to know about Jacksonville:

Five quick facts about Jacksonville

  • It’s the most populous city in Florida and the largest city by area in the contiguous U.S.
  • The city was founded in 1822 and was named after former U.S. President Andrew Jackson.
  • Jacksonville operates 337 public parks — which cover more than 80,000 acres — making it the most extensive urban park system in the country.
  • The city is located on the banks of the St. John’s River, which is the longest river in the state of Florida. It’s also one of just a few rivers in North America that flows north instead of south.
  • The Dames Point Bridge is 1,300 feet long and 175 feet high, making it one of the most massive concrete cable-supported bridges in the world.

Jacksonville job market

The Atlantic Ocean has proven to be profitable for the city and has made it the largest deep-water port in the south. But, once you move here, you’ll quickly learn that Jacksonville has more to offer. Major employers located in the city include: 

  • St. Vincent’s HealthCare
  • Baptist Health
  • Nemours Children’s Clinic
  • CSX Corporation
  • Fidelity National Financial
  • Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.

Aside from those industries, Jacksonville’s economy relies on the military and tourism, and industries like financial services and advanced manufacturing.

Climate comparison

Charlotte’s weather is beautiful. When you lived there, you got all four seasons — stunning fall foliage, pleasant but hot summers, and even a little snow in the winter. In Jacksonville, however, you get a bit more of a temperate climate, allowing you to enjoy the beaches and all your favorite outdoor activities throughout the calendar year. The city helps the state of Florida live up to its name of the “Sunshine State” with about 221 sunny days a year. Rain isn’t uncommon in Jacksonville — the city typically gets around 52 inches of rain a year, usually in the summer months. The weather in Jacksonville is pretty mild, with comfortable springs and falls, warm summers and cool but mild winters. Snowfall in Jacksonville is rare. 

Cost of living in Jacksonville

It’s cheaper to live in Jacksonville than it is in Charlotte. Home prices are the biggest factor in that equation. Utilities, health care, and food and groceries tend to be lower or about the same in the two cities. Transportation costs run a bit higher in Jacksonville than in Charlotte. 

Entertainment options

If you enjoyed outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, biking or exploring in Charlotte, you can look forward to similar experiences in Jacksonville! Along with all the public parks in the city, you can spend a day enjoying watersports on St. John’s River or the Atlantic Ocean. Bike, walk or jog on a nature trail. Or, just relax and take in the scenic views! If you’re in the mood for some culture, see a Broadway show at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts or enjoy one of the area’s many art museums. Are you a foodie? Jacksonville has an eclectic food scene with a variety of cuisines. Into sports? Watch the Jaguars in NFL action or play a round of golf at one of the area’s world-class resorts! Whatever you’re looking for, Jacksonville surely has it! 

Moving from Charlotte to Jacksonville with U-Pack

Your long-distance move doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s how it works with U-Pack®: You pack and load, and we drive. That’s it! And with our network of service centers, we can deliver your belongings from Charlotte to Jacksonville quickly. Get a free online quote or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to see how much your move will cost.