Let the numbers do the talking.
Jacksonville, FL vs Orlando, FL
Jacksonville, FL vs Orlando, FL: What the data shows
Jacksonville, FL is in Jacksonville, FL while Orlando, FL is in Orlando, FL — both in the same state. On home prices, Jacksonville, FL is the more affordable option at $230,000 median — $254,200 less than Orlando, FL's $484,200. WYLT rates Jacksonville, FL as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Orlando, FL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Jacksonville, FL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Jacksonville, FL has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Orlando, FL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Jacksonville, FL has Low flood risk and Orlando, FL has High flood risk.
Orlando, FL is the more walkable neighborhood. Jacksonville, FL scores N/A/100 versus Orlando, FL's 10/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Jacksonville, FL has the higher school rating — Jacksonville, FL rates 7.5/10 and Orlando, FL rates 6.9/10.
| Category | Jacksonville, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $230K ✓ Lower price | $484K |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $56K | $109K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 10/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 ✓ Better transit | 1/100 |
| Bike Score | 60/100 ✓ More bikeable | 18/100 |
| Commute | 27 min | 9 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.9/10 |
| Best for | Families with young childrenYoung professionals who value a strong communityRemote workers who need a stable internet connection and a productive workspace | Families with school-aged kidsRemote workers who can driveHomebuyers looking for a low-cost entry point |
Bottom line
For families with young children or young professionals who value a strong community, Jacksonville is the better choice due to its better schools, lower crime rates, and more stable cost of living. Those who are willing to accept the risks of a high flood-risk zone and humid climate may find Orlando's lower commute times and slightly lower property prices appealing, but Jacksonville's advantages make it the more reliable choice for most types of households. If you're a retiree who prioritizes affordability and can handle the commute, Orlando might be a good fit.
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