Relative area comparison
Jacksonville, FL
Metropolitan Government, TN
Jacksonville, FL vs Metropolitan Government, TN
Jacksonville, FL and Metropolitan Government, TN, commonly referred to as Nashville, offer unique living experiences with their own set of pros and cons. Jacksonville's coastal location makes it a popular beach destination, while Nashville's signature music scene brings visitors from around the world. Each city has its own unique culture, economic climate, and factors to consider regarding safety, weather, and cost of living. By evaluating crucial elements such as crime and safety, weather conditions, cost of living, employment opportunities, city's local infrastructure, primary industries, top employers, real estate market, neighborhoods, taxing policies, cultural and sports scene, geographic layout, and health care services, this comparison guides you through what it's like to live, work, or pay a visit to these cities.
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Distance between 
Jacksonville, FL and 
Metropolitan Government, TN : 499.5 miles
Jacksonville, FL and
Metropolitan Government, TN : 499.5 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 54%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000.
| Population | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 954,614 | 620,916 |
| Female / male percentage | 51.4% / 48.6%
|
51.6% / 48.4%
|
Crime and Safety
Jacksonville has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, though it varies widely by neighbourhood. In contrast, Nashville also perceives a high crime rate, especially in certain areas of the city. However, like many other cities, both offer many safe neighborhoods, especially those located in suburban areas. Keep in mind areas' specific records and recent safety measures when you consider relocating.
Cost of Living
Overall, Jacksonville has a lower cost of living, including housing costs when compared to Nashville. However, other expenses, such as groceries, can be a bit higher in Jacksonville. Alternatively, Nashville, although having a higher cost of living, offers a wide range of prices in housing and services that depend on the neighborhood.
Income Tax
As previously stated, both states where these cities are situated don't levy state income tax, favourable for workers' paychecks.
Property Tax
Jacksonville has lower property taxes compared to the national average, while Nashville property taxes are slightly higher than the national average but on par with other major cities in Tennessee.
Sales Tax
Florida, including Jacksonville, has no state income tax and a state sales tax of 6%. Nashville resides in Tennessee, which implements a high sales tax rate of 9.25% but has no income tax.
| Income | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated median household income | $58,621 | $65,348 |
| Estimated per capita income | $32,953 | $43,994 |
| Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) | 88.3 | 97.9 |
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $55,436 in Metropolitan Government to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Jacksonville features flat topography with beautiful beaches and the St. Johns River, offering various water activities. Nashville is located in the Nashville Basin and is surrounded by rolling hills and fertile plantations, providing ample opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.
| Geographical information | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Land area | 757.7 sq. miles | 502.3 sq. miles |
| Population density | 1,259.9 people per sq. mile | 1,236.2 people per sq. mile |
Jacksonville, FL
Metropolitan Government, TN
Education
Education is a considerable factor in both cities. Nashville's public school system is part of the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, one of the largest in Tennessee. Several universities, including the esteemed Vanderbilt University, are located in Nashville. Jacksonville has numerous quality public, private, and charter schools, and hosts a substantial number of colleges and universities, including the University of North Florida.
| Education level (25-year-olds and older) | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.3% | 30.5% |
| Graduate or professional degree | 10.5% | 10.4% |
| High school or higher | 90.8% | 81.5% |
Work and Economy
Jacksonville's economy is broad, with sectors such as banking, healthcare, logistics, and military playing significant roles. Nashville's economy is diverse and robust, anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and the entertainment industry, notably the country music industry. Both cities have favourable job markets for job seekers in these industries.
Biggest Employers
In Jacksonville, Navy Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and the Duval County Public School system are among the biggest employers. Nashville's largest employers include the Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nissan North America, and HCA Healthcare.
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Metropolitan Government (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans.
Weather
Jacksonville experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Coastal breezes often make summer heat bearable. On the other hand, Nashville has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation in Nashville is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with the winter months tending to be slightly wetter.
| Weather and climate | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature - Average | 68.3°F | 58.4°F |
| Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity | 78.4% | 75.9% |
| Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity | 44% | 38% |
| Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 92% | 89% |
| Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 48% | 51% |
| Precipitation - Yearly average | 51.8 in | 49 in |
| Snowfall - Yearly average | 0 in | 17.8 in |
| Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds | 15.8% | 17.1% |
| Sunshine amount - Average | 69.6% | 59.7% |
| Sunshine amount - Differences during a year | 16% | 23% |
| Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly | 74% | 65% |
| Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly | 58% | 42% |
| Wind speed - Average | 7.2 mph | 7.7 mph |
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Metropolitan Government, Tennessee
| Natural disasters | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado activity compared to U.S. average | 75.2% | 169% |
| Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average | 18.1% | 296.3% |
| Natural disasters compared to U.S. average | 24% | 17% |
Transportation
Jacksonville's public transportation system covers most of the city, but many prefer driving due to the city's spread-out geography. Nashville has a convenient public transit system, including buses and commuter trains, but the city also has a high reliance on cars.
| Transport | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak stations | 1 | 0 |
| Amtrak stations nearby | 1 | 1 |
| FAA registered aircraft | 566 | 0 |
| FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers | 34 | 0 |
| Means of transportation to work | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 0.1% |
| Bus | 1.1% | 1.6% |
| Carpooled | 9% | 13.3% |
| Car alone | 86.5% | 78.6% |
| Motorcycle | 0.2% | 0.1% |
| Taxicab | 0.2% | 0.1% |
| Walked | 1.2% | 2.3% |
| Average travel time to work | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Average | 27.5 min | 23.7 min |
Real Estate
Jacksonville has a healthier housing market, with median home prices lower than the national average. Nashville, on the other hand, has a hotter real estate market with home prices higher than the national median, attributed to its growing popularity and economic stability.
Neighborhoods
Jacksonville offers numerous desirable neighborhoods such as San Marco and Riverside, each with its own unique feel. Nashville neighborhoods like East Nashville and The Gulch have a vibrant ambiance, popular with the younger population due to their proximity to music venues and cultural hotspots.
| Houses and residents | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| Houses | 422,315 | 252,977 |
| Average household size (people) | 2.5 | 2.3 |
| Houses occupied | 386,283 (91.5%) | 237,405 (93.8%) |
| Houses occupied by owners | 226,429 (58.6%) | 131,384 (55.3%) |
| Houses occupied by renters | 159,854 (41.4%) | 106,021 (44.7%) |
| Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units | $1,444 | $1,207 |
| Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos | $260,045 | $226,967 |
| Estimated median house or condo value | $239,400 | $350,700 |
| Median number of rooms in apartments | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Median number of rooms in houses and condos | 6.3 | 6.4 |
| Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) | 557.4 | 503.7 |
| Household income disparities | 44.2% | 45.5% |
| Housing units without a mortgage | 2,439 (1.6%) | 32,597 (28.1%) |
| Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan | 8,460 (5.5%) | 342 (0.3%) |
| Housing units with a mortgage | 150,468 (98.4%) | 83,416 (71.9%) |
| Housing units with a home equity loan | 255 (0.2%) | 8,009 (6.9%) |
| Housing units with a second mortgage | 11,378 (7.4%) | 9,691 (8.4%) |
| Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities | 1.5% | 0.7% |
| Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities | 1.4% | 0.5% |
Industries and Occupations
The major industry in Jacksonville is defense and security, with a large military presence. The port of Jacksonville is also significant, playing a role in automotive imports and exports. Nashville is recognized for its healthcare and music industries, with numerous hospitals and music recording studios within its vicinity.
Health Care
Both cities have excellent healthcare facilities. Jacksonville hosts Mayo Clinic and the esteemed Wolfson Children's Hospital. Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center is renowned nationwide for its advanced research and patient care.
| Health (county statistics) | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) | 3.4 | 3.5 |
| Average weight of females (lbs) | 163.1 lbs | 168.2 lbs |
| Average weight of males (lbs) | 198.5 lbs | 201.5 lbs |
| Residents visited a dentist within the past year | 64.1% | 65.5% |
| Residents exercised in the past month | 69.2% | 69.9% |
| Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days | 52.3% | 48% |
| Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives | 46.4% | 42.1% |
Infrastructure
Both cities have been investing in their infrastructure. Jacksonville has been renovating its downtown and riverfront areas and improving its air and sea ports. Conversely, Nashville has focused on expanding its public transit and improving the roadways, alongside their ambitious "Nashville Yards" infrastructure project, a multi-use development downtown.
| Infrastructure | ||
| Type | Jacksonville | Metropolitan Government |
|---|---|---|
| TV stations | 17 | 19 |
Culture and Food
Jacksonville offers a blend of Southern and coastal cultures, with seafood being the star of its culinary scene. Nashville is famous globally for its country music scene and vibrant nightlife, along with its signature hot chicken and barbecue, embodying southern comfort food.
Sports Teams
Football fans in Jacksonville can follow the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, while hockey fans can cheer for the NHL's Nashville Predators. Soccer fans also have teams to follow in both cities with Jacksonville Armada FC and Nashville SC respectively.