About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2026 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2026 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2026 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Facilities in Jacksonville, FL

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The average starting cost of independent living in Jacksonville, Florida is $4,500 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. Based on our ranking methodology, the top-rated independent living communities in Jacksonville include The Addison of Oakleaf, Sodalis Jacksonville and The Windsor at Ortega. These top communities provide a great starting point for comparing your options for senior living.

Independent living communities are now one of the most popular options for active people over 65. Jacksonville attracts seniors who want to stay active while enjoying a slower pace of life. Independent living communities offer a place where seniors no longer worry about maintenance or housekeeping, but are instead reinvigorated by their old hobbies and new social lives.

In this guide, you’ll find independent living communities in Jacksonville within A Place for Mom’s network, along with key information to help you compare amenities, activities, services, and costs. You’ll also learn about local pricing, payment options, and community features, as well as the senior-friendly lifestyle Jacksonville offers, so you can approach your search with clarity and confidence.

Jacksonville Independent Living Facilities | 624 Reviews

Showing 63 communities
Last Updated: 5/7/26
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Best of Senior Living

The highest-rated senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top reviewed senior care providers nationwide based on reviews submitted by residents and families.

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Photo of The Windsor at San Pablo
2424 Photos available
6.8
Review score
78 reviews
6.8
Review score
78 reviews
5 star
71%
4 star
17%
3 star
6%
2 star
3%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
[Name removed] is phenomenal as far as sales and relationships with the residents. But the administrative staff leaves MUCH to be desired. Requests require multiple attempts to get responses or actions.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The Windsor at San Pablo is a caring assisted living community located in Jacksonville, Florida. We are committed to providing residents with the care and support they need, including memory care. Jacksonville is a vibrant city with much to offer to both residents and guests including great...
See details
Photo of Bartram Lakes Assisted Living and The Green House
77 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
5 star
0%
4 star
40%
3 star
20%
2 star
0%
1 star
40%
See all reviews
What I like the most about the Bartram Lakes Assisted Living community is the friendliness of the staff members. I have a great apartment where I get to control my own heat and air conditioning Everything is...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Brooks Bartram Lakes Assisted Living and The Green House Residences is an ECC licensed assisted living community and memory care provider located in the friendly and upscale Bartram Park area of sunny Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. Situated in one of the most desirable residential areas in...
8.9
Review score
3 reviews
8.9
Review score
3 reviews
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
See details
Photo of Hogans Creek Tower
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Riverside Park Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Campus Towers
Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Riverside Presbyterian Rsdncs
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My mother lived here for five years. She had a one bedroom. It's a very nice place. They are regular apartments for seniors. They had extra safety features but no buzzers in the rooms or anything. One...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Peterson Assisted Living
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Peterson Assisted Living is a retirement home located in beautiful Osage City, KS. This facility is ideal for those who are in late age and have difficult maintaining a healthy level of self-care. This retirement community has a very helpful staff that can assist with daily living tasks and...
Photo of Dellwood Retirement Home-Aged
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Riverside Presbyterian House
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of The Towers of Jacksonville
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Her Heart Village
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Autumn Village is an assisted living community located at the base of Milton, outside Fife. We are surrounded by lavish landscaping and mature trees that will make you feel peaceful. There are also restaurants, shopping malls and freeway access nearby. Milton is a great place to visit or even...
Photo of Diversity Me
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Plymouth Home For Adults
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of BISHOP CHRISTIAN HOME  INC
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Hagan ALF
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of New Horizon Healthcare
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Eureka Garden Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Haven of Love
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Silver Treasures at Jacksonville
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Arlington Haven
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of L'Arche Harbor House, Inc I
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Noble House of Jacksonville
5 star
50%
4 star
0%
3 star
17%
2 star
0%
1 star
33%
See all reviews
Noble house on San Juan Jacksonville is Absolutely awesome , my great auntie is a resident there, and she just turn 100 years old, and they give my family assess of the whole entire facility they allowed us...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
We are located in the wonderful and very pretty area of Jacksonville, Florida, and we at San Juan Retirement Home are proud to offer the best when it comes to real quality health care, as well as really joyous, happy, healthy, and very positive environment and community. We know that we will...

Our methodology

How we rank order the Jacksonville community options above

We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Jacksonville community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:

  • Proximity to your search location
  • Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
  • The amount of detailed community information available

Where we source our information

14,000+ communities

We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information

350,000+ reviews

We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities

Read our full methodology

How much does independent living cost in Jacksonville, FL?

In Jacksonville, the average monthly cost of independent living is $4,500 according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This cost represents starting rates for communities in Jacksonville. Pricing can vary depending on your apartment layout, the exact neighborhood, and any extra amenities or services you choose.

The average monthly cost of independent living in Jacksonville is slightly higher than both the state cost of $4,265 and the national cost of $4,247.[01] While the cost of living in Jacksonville is generally lower than the rest of Florida, the city’s popularity with active seniors has driven pricing up, according to the Economic Research Institute.[02]

In general, independent living in Jacksonville costs slightly more than assisted living, which averages $4,439 per month. Assisted living communities often use an a la carte approach, adding fees for specific care services, while independent living rates are usually all-inclusive. Independent living is more affordable than memory care, which is almost $5,000 per month.

Read more: Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: What’s the Difference?

The charts below are based on average starting costs and don’t include fees for care services or any other additional expenses.

Independent living costs in Jacksonville, FL, vs. nearby cities

Jacksonville, FL
$4,500/mo

Independent living costs in Jacksonville, FL, vs. state and national averages

Jacksonville, FL
$4,500/mo
$4,265/mo
U.S. national average
$4,247/mo

Independent living costs in Jacksonville, FL, vs. other senior living options

$4,982/mo
Independent Living
$4,500/mo

Independent living costs in Jacksonville, FL, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$4,115/mo
Studio
$3,103/mo
1 Bedroom
$3,218/mo
2 Bedroom
$3,535/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$4,920/mo

Senior living costs in Jacksonville vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Jacksonville, FL
Column state: Florida
Column national: U.S.
Community typeJacksonville, FLFloridaU.S.
Independent Living$4,500/mo$4,265/mo$4,247/mo
Assisted Living$4,435/mo$4,141/mo$4,784/mo
Memory Care$4,982/mo$4,613/mo$5,056/mo
Independent Living
Jacksonville, FL:$4,500/mo
Florida:$4,265/mo
U.S.:$4,247/mo
Assisted Living
Jacksonville, FL:$4,435/mo
Florida:$4,141/mo
U.S.:$4,784/mo
Memory Care
Jacksonville, FL:$4,982/mo
Florida:$4,613/mo
U.S.:$5,056/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Jacksonville, FL, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Jacksonville and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Jacksonville, FLFL stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Jacksonville, FL

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Jacksonville have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Jacksonville, FL$3,179/mo$3,096/mo+2.7%
Florida$3,394/mo$3,301/mo+2.8%
National$3,257/mo$3,166/mo+2.9%
Jacksonville, FL
2024 average cost:$3,179/mo
2023 average cost:$3,096/mo
Percent change:+2.7%
Florida
2024 average cost:$3,394/mo
2023 average cost:$3,301/mo
Percent change:+2.8%
National
2024 average cost:$3,257/mo
2023 average cost:$3,166/mo
Percent change:+2.9%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

How to pay for independent living in Jacksonville

Most people pay for independent living by using private funds, like a retirement account, personal savings, and investments. Because independent living is designed to support an active lifestyle without added health or personal care services, insurance and government benefit programs usually don’t cover the costs.

Private pay options

Personal income and assets that families often use to pay for independent living include:

VA benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs that may help eligible veterans and surviving spouses manage the cost of independent living and enjoy a more comfortable, maintenance-free lifestyle. Benefit programs that may apply include:

If you’re considering using VA benefits, it can be helpful to gather your paperwork early and connect with a VA-accredited benefits counselor who can guide you through the application process and ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to.

Resources for veterans in Jacksonville

For the more than 78,500 veterans who live in the Jacksonville area,[03] the following organizations and agencies provide invaluable guidance, resources, and support.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps eligible individuals pay for certain health and long-term care services. While it doesn’t cover room and board in an independent living community, it may help pay for medically-necessary home care services if you qualify and need some support while living there.

Florida Medicaid offers several programs for personal and home care services for eligible residents through two programs with similar names:

  • SSI-Related Medicaid, the state’s regular Medicaid plan for elderly and disabled residents.[04]
  • SMMC-LTC, a Medicaid waiver program for home and community-based long-term care.[05]

While neither SSI-Related Medicaid nor SMMC-LTC covers room and board costs in assisted living communities, both programs may help offset the cost of specific care-related services, such as:

  • Home health care
  • Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
  • Meal assistance
  • Support with activities of daily living
  • Housekeeping and related in-home services

Eligibility for both programs depends on a person’s income and assets, as well as their need for health care support. SSI-Related Medicaid is an entitlement program, meaning that any Florida resident who meets the eligibility criteria is guaranteed access to covered services. In contrast, the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC-LTC) program is a waiver program, so enrollment may be capped and eligible applicants could be placed on a waitlist.

Medicaid resources in Jacksonville, Florida

To apply for Florida Medicaid, seniors can:

  • Complete an online application at MyAccess
  • By phone at 850-300-4323

You can also apply in person at your local Family Resource Center. These centers can also help you complete the application and answer questions about the process. Call 833-438-4673 to make an appointment.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older, as well as for younger individuals who qualify due to certain disabilities or medical conditions.[06] Although Medicare won’t cover independent living itself, it can help cover medically necessary services your doctor orders while you live in a community, such as prescriptions, doctor visits, and approved durable medical equipment.

Medicare resources in Jacksonville

Older adults in Jacksonville can contact the organization’s below for free, unbiased guidance on Medicare coverage and benefits.

If you prefer to meet with a counselor in person, Jacksonville has several SHINE sites, including:

  • Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry BEAM
    850 6th Ave. S., Suite 400
    Jacksonville, FL 32250
    Phone: 904-241-2326
  • Elder Source
    10688 Old St. Augustine Rd.
    Jacksonville, FL 32257
    Phone: 904-391-6600

What families are saying about independent living in Jacksonville

Recent reviews for independent living in Jacksonville

Westminster Woods On Julington Creek a CCRC in Jacksonville, FL

4.6
This is a lovely property with gorgeous grounds. I believe there isn't enough staff due to COVID. The family has to follow up on requests to make sure these are taken care of for our loved one. The grounds are secure for the residents to enjoy the outdoors. There is one meal day provided by ...
Read more

Anthem Lakes in Atlantic Beach, FL

4.7
It is a lovely community with good sized rooms. It is a nice place with well cared for grounds. The fees were a little more than we expected. Anthem Lakes is a community that is on the newer side and has been around for about 5 years.

Osprey Village Assisted Living in Amelia Island, FL

5.0
Staff very friendly and accommodating. Always meeting new and very interesting new residents, all become family. Activities are very varied and always fun. Town is charming and laid back. Very good medical facilities. Attractive 2-3 bedroom stand alone homes (93) and 40 apartments. 2 blocks ...
Read more

Reviews mention these favorite features of communities

Friendly and attentive staff. Several reviews mention the kindness and helpfulness of the staff in different communities, such as at Discovery Village Deerwood Independent Living, where the staff have been described as 'welcoming' and 'attentive', and at HarborChase of Mandarin, where the staff 'go out of their way to he ...
Read more
Varied activities for residents. Residents enjoy the wide range of activities offered in various communities, including movie nights, museum outings, gardening classes, and social events. For example, at Augustine Landing, the staff organize weekly Bingo games and a game called 'left, right, center'. At Windsor Pointe, resi ...
Read more
Engaging common areas. Reviews consistently mention the appeal of common areas, such as the library, the dining room, and pools, which are favorite spots for residents to socialize and relax. At Discovery Village Deerwood Independent Living, the dining room is 'beautiful and there's so much to do'. At Windsor Point ...
Read more
Delicious and customizable meals. Many residents highlight the quality of the food, with compliments to the chefs for accommodating dietary restrictions and personal preferences. For instance, at Discovery Village Deerwood Independent Living, the food is 'really good but a little repetitious'. At Windsor Pointe, the meals ar ...
Read more
Secure and well-maintained grounds. Community grounds are mentioned as being well-maintained, clean, and secure, allowing residents to safely enjoy the outdoors. For example, at Westminster Woods On Julington Creek a CCRC, the property has 'gorgeous grounds' and is 'secured for the residents to enjoy'. At Camellia at Deerwood, ...
Read more
Welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of different communities is a consistent theme in the reviews. At Augustine Landing, the residents have made 'many friends' and are 'active'. At Windsor Pointe, the community is described as having 'all different types of people' and 'wonderful friends ...
Read more
AI generated from the text of family reviews

What is independent living like in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville’s size makes it feel more like multiple cities in one. Locals refer to the different areas of Jacksonville as the Northside, Westside, Southside (or South Jacksonville), and The Beaches. Each area has its own distinct personality. A Place for Mom partners with communities almost exclusively in the bustling, affluent South Jacksonville and in the laid-back, waterfront Beaches.

South Jacksonville has luxury

South Jacksonville’s independent living communities pride themselves on being all-inclusive. Most of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities are in South Jacksonville. These communities focus on high-end amenities and services. You can expect restaurant-style dining, a stylish one- to three-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, and plenty of in-house activities.

Most, but not all, of South Jacksonville’s independent living communities are Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).[01] You can age gracefully in the same facility and know that you’ll receive exceptional health care when you need it from the comfort of a familiar environment.

Laid back in The Beaches

The Beaches is composed of multiple beach-front towns that are technically part of Jacksonville but are separated from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Beaches is considerably more laid-back than other parts of Jacksonville and appeals to seniors who enjoy the quieter things in life.

You can expect independent living communities in The Beaches to be more rustic than in South Jacksonville, but with all of the same convenient amenities. Restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and daily activities are the norm. These communities also tend to include other care types, like assisted living and memory care, but fewer are CCRCs. Meaning, you won’t have a large admission fee, but will still have the option to access care services for additional monthly fees later on. Communities with multiple care types on site enable residents to age in place.

Jacksonville independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Jacksonville independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Jacksonville, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Jacksonville independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Jacksonville partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Jacksonville, FLNational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
27%
20.9%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
36.5%
35.2%
No sugar
No sugar
34.9%
31.6%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
31.7%
34.3%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
12.7%
11.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Jacksonville independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Jacksonville communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Jacksonville, FLNational
Professional chef
Professional chef
34.9%
37.1%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
36.5%
44.3%
Room service
Room service
33.3%
37.7%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
23.8%
17.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Jacksonville independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Jacksonville offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Jacksonville, FLNational
Activity director
Activity director
41.3%
46%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
34.9%
28.9%
Community service programs
Community service programs
38.1%
33.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
38.1%
48.1%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
42.9%
49.6%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
41.3%
54.7%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
39.7%
43.8%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
33.3%
39.2%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
38.1%
42.6%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
41.3%
47.9%
Live performances
Live performances
41.3%
47.5%
Dances
Dances
36.5%
33.8%
Fitness center
Fitness center
31.7%
40.3%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
41.3%
47.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

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Unfamiliar with Jacksonville? Highlights for seniors

Jacksonville offers seniors a blend of affordability, cultural offerings and outdoor recreation options. From a walkable downtown, to multiple museums, to kayaking on the St. Johns River, there’s something for every interest.

Top hospitals for seniors in Jacksonville

Seniors in Jacksonville are near several nationally ranked hospitals and medical centers. Several of these centers also have specific programs for seniors or are nationally ranked in geriatric care.

Single icon image

Mayo Clinic — Jacksonville

The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is one of the main campuses of the world-class hospital system. Seniors should also know that it’s one of the best geriatrics and neurology providers in the nation.

4500 San Pablo Road
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: 904-953-2000

Find a doctor

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Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

The Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville is considered one of the best hospitals in Florida, and performs highly in geriatric care, diabetes, and other procedures.

800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-202-2000

Find a doctor

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University of Florida Health Jacksonville

The University of Florida Health in Jacksonville is a teaching hospital that offers primary and specialty services across four different locations.

655 Eighth St.
West Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: 904-244-0411

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Transportation for seniors in Jacksonville

Seniors in Jacksonville’s independent living communities don’t need to worry about transportation, because 100% of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living facilities offer complimentary transportation services.[01] That said, visiting family and friends should know that Jacksonville is a driving city. It’s so large and spread out that most people use a car to get around.

Transportation options for seniors in Jacksonville include the following:

  • Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates bus and rail services throughout the city. While routes cover many areas, longer travel times and wait periods can make public transit less practical for older adults who have mobility or safety concerns.
  • JTA Connexion provides door-to-door paratransit service for eligible riders who can’t use fixed bus routes. This service is often better suited for seniors who need additional assistance getting to appointments.

Walk Score rates Jacksonville as a car-dependent city, and gives the following transportation ratings out of 100:[07]

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26

Walk Score

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21

Transit Score

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41

Bike Score

Things to do in Jacksonville for seniors and their families

Seniors in our partner Jacksonville independent living communities will find plenty of activities right at home. All of A Place for Mom’s partnering facilities employ an activities coordinator who arranges daily social and educational events. You can expect on-site activities like yoga classes, art tutorials, happy hours, special interest clubs, and more.

Shopping in South Jacksonville

Affluent South Jacksonville is an exceptional destination for shopping and its proximity to health care. The area is also home to two of Florida’s largest (and newest) indoor and outdoor shopping centers.

  • The Avenues is a massive indoor shopping mall where you can find top brands, luxury items, and that cinnamon pretzel you’ve been craving. Plenty of seniors use this as an indoor walking track on rainy days.
  • St. John’s Town Center is the area’s primary outdoor shopping hub. In addition to designer brands, the center is beautiful space to walk or meet with friends.

Arts in downtown Jacksonville

While most seniors don’t live in downtown Jacksonville, it’s not far from South Jacksonville or The Beaches. Downtown Jacksonville has an exploding art scene, with a funky sensibility all its own.

  • The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens has a stunning collection of American artists, ancient artifacts, and beautiful gardens. The museum gardens are one of Jacksonville’s hidden gems.
  • The Florida Theater puts on nightly shows for delighted local audiences. Performances change regularly, and you can expect to see a variety of acts. The theater is wheelchair accessible but doesn’t offer a senior discount.

Relaxation at The Beaches

Outside of South Jacksonville, The Beaches is comprised of several beachside communities, it’s considerably more laid-back than the rest of Jacksonville.

  • Jacksonville Beach sits on a wide sandy beach and has a golf course, a fishing pier, and some good surfing spots. You can walk for miles along the water and enjoy a dinner at sunset with views overlooking the ocean.
  • Atlantic Beach has miles of white sandy beaches and local dining and shopping.
  • Neptune Beach is an upscale area nestled between Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach with a laid-back vibe.

Outdoors in Jacksonville

  • Huguenot Memorial Park, located in The Beaches, commemorates the place where French Huguenots landed in 1562. It’s now a great place to camp or picnic.
  • Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers more than 100 acres of award-winning exhibits and gardens. The zoo also offers behind-the-scenes experiences where you and your family can feed a sloth, pet a penguin, or learn how to do an MRI on a gorilla.
  • No one should go to Florida without kayaking, and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the best place to do just that in Jacksonville. You can paddle through hundreds of acres of rare coastal hammock groves.

Golfing is a quintessential Floridian pastime, and seniors in Jacksonville took this to heart when they organized the North East Florida Senior Golf Association. This is an amateur league of senior golfers, and to sign up, you need to be over 50 and fill out the application on their website.

Independent living laws and regulations in Florida

Independent living communities aren’t typically licensed or regulated in the same way as assisted living and memory care communities. However, these communities must often meet state and city requirements, including building codes, fire safety regulations, and tenant rights laws that protect residents and renters. Learning about how independent living is regulated can help you make informed senior living decisions.

Read more: Independent living regulations in Florida.

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2026). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. Economic Research Institute. (2026, March 26). Cost of living data in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.

  3. United States Census Bureau. American Community Survey. Jacksonville city, Florida. Data.census.gov.

  4. Florida Department of Children and Families. (July 2025). SSI-related  Medicaid program fact sheet.

  5. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care Program.

  6. U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Get started with Medicare. Medicare.gov.

  7. Walk Score. (2026). Living in Jacksonville.

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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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1.

A Place for Mom. (2026). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

2.

Economic Research Institute. (2026, March 26). Cost of living data in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.

3.

United States Census Bureau. American Community Survey. Jacksonville city, Florida. Data.census.gov.

4.

Florida Department of Children and Families. (July 2025). SSI-related  Medicaid program fact sheet.

5.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care Program.

6.

U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Get started with Medicare. Medicare.gov.

7.

Walk Score. (2026). Living in Jacksonville.