People no longer move primarily for job-related reasons, though it remains a significant motivator. In Jacksonville, four other factors rank higher: seeking new or better housing, starting their own household, cheaper housing, and health considerations.
A Rent Café analysis, using IPUMS CPS data from 107 metro areas, identified three broad categories driving moves: housing, jobs, and lifestyle.
In Jacksonville, the leading reasons for moving are housing-related: 16.37% of movers cited a desire for new or better housing, the highest in the city. Establishing a household (nearly 12%) and health factors (10%) also rank prominently, outpacing job-related relocations, which accounted for only 4.74% of movers.
Even so, Jacksonville ranks 18th nationally for job-driven moves, showing that employment still plays a meaningful role.
Health considerations are a major factor for movers, with Jacksonville ranking fourth among U.S. metros in this category. This is likely influenced by the presence of the Mayo Clinic, a nationally renowned hospital with top rankings and expertise in complex conditions, attracting residents who want access to advanced healthcare.
The Mayo Clinic’s ongoing expansion reinforces Jacksonville’s reputation as a healthcare hub, alongside other systems like Baptist Health, Ascension St. Vincent’s, and UF Health.
Cheaper housing is another key reason for relocation, accounting for 7.9% of movers—higher than in many other metro areas. Jacksonville has experienced a decline in rental prices due to a post-pandemic building boom that created a surplus of housing supply. This surplus has led landlords to offer competitive rent concessions, making the city even more appealing to cost-conscious movers.
In Florida, Jacksonville also leads in the share of people moving to establish their own household, surpassing cities like Miami and Orlando. This trend aligns with the rise of solo renters, the fastest-growing group in the rental market.
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