Travel Nurse Housing in Jacksonville, Florida: Complete Guide

Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States and a major healthcare hub in Northeast Florida. With a warm climate, beautiful Atlantic beaches, and a cost of living well below the national average, Jax offers travel nurses an attractive combination of strong hospital systems, affordability, and Florida’s no state income tax benefit.

Jacksonville’s healthcare market is anchored by two major systems: Baptist Health and Ascension St. Vincent’s. The Mayo Clinic also has a campus here, and several large community hospitals serve the city’s sprawling geography. Travel nurse demand is consistent given the large and growing population.

Whether you are heading to Jacksonville for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Jax has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.

Major Hospitals and Health Systems

Jacksonville is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — One of three Mayo Clinic campuses nationally, this facility in the San Pablo area offers specialized care in transplant surgery, oncology, and neuroscience. Travel nurses here benefit from Mayo’s renowned patient care standards.

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville — The flagship of Baptist Health, located downtown along the St. Johns River. It is a major trauma center and referral hospital serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside — A large Catholic hospital on the banks of the St. Johns River, known for its cardiac and stroke programs and its commitment to serving the community.

UF Health Jacksonville — The Jacksonville campus of the University of Florida Health system, serving as the region’s safety-net hospital. It offers high-volume, high-acuity experience for travel nurses.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville — A military hospital on the Naval Air Station Jacksonville base. Travel nurse contracts through military staffing agencies are occasionally available here.

Travel nurse demand in Jacksonville is generally strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and telemetry being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter months when the population increases and summer when permanent staff take vacations. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.

Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Jacksonville assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Jax.

Riverside and Avondale

Jacksonville’s most walkable and charming historic neighborhoods, located along the St. Johns River south of downtown. They feature tree-lined streets, locally owned shops along King Street and Park Street, and a vibrant dining and bar scene.

Pros: Most walkable area in Jax, excellent dining and nightlife, historic character, close to downtown and Ascension St. Vincent’s

Cons: Higher rents for Jax, street parking only in most areas, some flooding risk near the river during heavy rain

San Marco

A beautiful neighborhood east of downtown with a walkable town square, upscale restaurants, and classic Florida architecture. The San Marco Theatre and shops along San Marco Boulevard create a village atmosphere.

Pros: Charming town square with shops and restaurants, safe and well-maintained, close to downtown hospitals, beautiful architecture

Cons: Higher rents, limited furnished rental options, traffic along the San Marco bridges during rush hour

Jacksonville Beach

If you want to live at the beach, Jax Beach offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle with boardwalk restaurants, surfing, and a strong community of young professionals. The commute to downtown hospitals is about 25 to 35 minutes.

Pros: Beach lifestyle, laid-back community, restaurants and bars along the beach, active outdoor scene

Cons: 30-minute commute to downtown hospitals, higher rents near the ocean, parking can be limited in summer

Southside

A large area of the city with abundant newer apartment complexes, shopping centers, and easy access to the Town Center mall. It is affordable and convenient, though it lacks the walkability and character of older neighborhoods.

Pros: Affordable rents, newer apartment complexes, easy freeway access, close to St. Johns Town Center for shopping

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent, less neighborhood character, farther from downtown hospitals

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Jacksonville’s sprawling geography means commute distance varies dramatically based on where you live and work. The city covers over 875 square miles, so choosing housing near your hospital is crucial. There is limited public transit, and you will need a car. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Jacksonville through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Jacksonville are slightly below the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.

Studio apartment: $800 to $1,300 per month
One-bedroom apartment: $1,000 to $1,600 per month
Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,300 to $2,000 per month

Jacksonville is one of the most affordable major cities in Florida for travel nurse housing. Your stipend will go far here, and you should be able to find furnished housing well below your stipend amount. The Riverside and San Marco areas offer the best balance of walkability and value for central hospital locations.

Many travel nurses in Jacksonville find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.

GSA Stipend Rate

The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Jacksonville, FL area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.

It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.

Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.

Housing Tips for Jacksonville

Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Jacksonville that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.

No state income tax — Florida has no state income tax, which boosts your take-home pay significantly. Combined with Jax’s affordable cost of living, this makes it one of the most financially rewarding travel nurse markets in the Southeast.
The city is enormous — Jacksonville is one of the largest cities by area in the US. Do not assume a Jacksonville address means a short commute. Check the specific distance between your housing and hospital, as it could be 10 minutes or 45 minutes depending on location.
Hurricane season awareness — June through November is hurricane season. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, keep emergency supplies, and understand your hospital’s hurricane staffing policies before your assignment starts.
Enjoy the beaches — Jacksonville has over 20 miles of Atlantic coastline. Even if you do not live at the beach, a beach day is always within reach. Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach each have their own character.

For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.

Cost of Living Overview

Jacksonville has a below-average cost of living that makes it one of the most affordable large cities in the Southeast. Groceries are at or slightly below the national average. Gas is typically moderate. Dining out is very affordable, with excellent seafood, barbecue, and Southern food at reasonable prices. The combination of low housing costs and no state income tax makes Jax a top pick for travel nurses focused on saving money.

When budgeting for your Jacksonville assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Publix and Winn-Dixie are the main grocery chains, with Aldi offering budget-friendly alternatives. Take advantage of Jacksonville’s excellent and affordable seafood restaurants, especially in the beach communities. Free outdoor activities like beach days and hiking in the Timucuan Preserve help keep entertainment costs low. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.

Things to Do on Days Off

One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Jacksonville has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

Jacksonville Beaches — Over 20 miles of Atlantic coastline offer surfing, swimming, fishing, and beachfront dining. Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach each have distinct vibes from family-friendly to lively.
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens — Located along the St. Johns River in Riverside, this museum features an excellent art collection and beautiful formal gardens. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve — Over 46,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and waterways offering kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the East Coast.
St. Augustine Day Trip — Drive 40 minutes south to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Explore the historic fort, charming downtown, and beautiful beaches.

Take full advantage of your time in Jax. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.

Final Thoughts

Jacksonville, Florida offers travel nurses a large and affordable healthcare market with no state income tax, Atlantic beaches, and a warm climate year-round. With Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, UF Health, and Ascension St. Vincent’s and a below average cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.

Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Jacksonville, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.

For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Jacksonville assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

We wish you the best on your Jacksonville assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.