Jacksonville & the First Coast
Northeast Florida from the Georgia line through Jacksonville to historic St. Augustine — a real banking/logistics economy paired with Atlantic beach towns.
The First Coast combines Jacksonville’s genuine non-tourism economy (finance, logistics, a deep-water port) with Atlantic beach communities (Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach) and the historic charm of St. Augustine. St. Johns County’s well-regarded schools also draw multigenerational households, not just retirees.
Who Fits This Region
- Retirees who want a diversified regional economy and healthcare base beyond tourism
- Those drawn to St. Augustine’s historic character
Who May Prefer Another Region
- Retirees seeking a smaller, quieter town than a large metro
Major Tradeoffs
- Broad economic and healthcare infrastructure versus big-metro traffic and a geographically sprawling city