Seniors looking for assisted living in Jacksonville, Florida, will find a mix of affordability, warm weather, and exceptional health care options. The Bold New City of the South — as it’s sometimes called — is becoming one of the fastest-growing cities for seniors in the nation. Although it’s the largest city by land mass in the United States, it still feels under the radar. Covering over 840 square miles, Jacksonville offers seniors plenty of assisted living options. Whether you want to be in the bustling South Jacksonville area or the relaxed Beaches, A Place for Mom can connect you with the best assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, Florida.
A Place for Mom partners with 14 assisted living facilities in Jacksonville within a 10-mile radius of the city center. On this page, you’ll find information about how much assisted living in Jacksonville costs; how to pay for assisted living; and how to use programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits to offset your loved one’s assisted living expenses. You’ll also find in-depth descriptions of what living in Jacksonville’s assisted living facilities is like. We get our information about assisted living from our proprietary data and reviews from seniors and their families in Jacksonville.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Jacksonville, FL
Seniors looking for assisted living in Jacksonville, Florida, will find a mix of affordability, warm weather, and exceptional health care options. The Bold New City of the South — as it’s sometimes called — is becoming one of the fastest-growing cities for seniors in the nation. Although it’s the largest city by land mass in the United States, it still feels under the radar. Covering over 840 square miles, Jacksonville offers seniors plenty of assisted living options. Whether you want to be in the bustling South Jacksonville area or the relaxed Beaches, A Place for Mom can connect you with the best assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, Florida.Read more
A Place for Mom partners with 14 assisted living facilities in Jacksonville within a 10-mile radius of the city center. On this page, you’ll find information about how much assisted living in Jacksonville costs; how to pay for assisted living; and how to use programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits to offset your loved one’s assisted living expenses. You’ll also find in-depth descriptions of what living in Jacksonville’s assisted living facilities is like. We get our information about assisted living from our proprietary data and reviews from seniors and their families in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Assisted Living Facilities | 543 Reviews
We moved our parents to Windsor at the Ortega a month ago. What a wonderful experience. The staff immediately engaged with us, getting to know the supports we needed, and what they could do to make our...
The staff at Brookdale Avondale are very helpful and responsive. They are also very professional. We are very happy that we were able to move my mother-in-law to Brookdale Avondale. The food is great too.
My mom is completely at home at Brookdale Mandarin Central. The staff is caring and thoughtful. They keep my mom engaged in activities throughout the day. "Family & friends" events are exceptional.
Spent the day here catching up with relatives while attending the Christmas event. Place looked very nice, and the folks working there were real helpful. Christmas event was great – live entertainment and...
We have been very satisfied with the Brookdale Crown Point facility. Our loved ones friends call tell that she is happy with the move as well. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would absolutely...
This is an excellent place for us old people. Everyone working here goes out of their way to help us not feel alone and to reach our needs as we age. [name removed] the director is the best!
It was clean, friendly, warm, not too big, had a nice vibe and really attentive, thoughtful staff. I would recommend to others.
Very friendly, skilled, and well organized. So people oriented and understanding of the residents. A very cheerful and beautiful home atmosphere. Consistent always.
Everyone was very friendly and outgoing. The food is excellent! The only downside is the facility was losing patients, so that resulted in reducing staff which impacted care and responsiveness.
The facility is clean and they are attentive to our needs when we call upon them. I like the size of the facility. Also since it's only about 60 residents. My biggest concern about sodalis Is staffing...
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The staff at Brookdale are courteous, friendly and really cares for the community. Any issues have been resolved very quickly. The facility is clean, the food is great and the activities are fun. Great...
The sales staff is very good and very forthcoming with services and prices. They aren't trying to hide anything. The housekeeping staff I've dealt with several times and they are excellent. The only things I...
So far staff is beyond helpful friendly, willing to work with you to reach a solution. Other residents are friendly, for to get to know them.
[name removed] who gave me the tour was amazing! Knowledgeable, kind, patient & understanding. Memory care is their primary focus. My mom has dementia. This was a perfect fit.
Overall, our experience has been good here at this facility. We're having a few difficulties at the present time, but we are working through them. The food is very good and includes a great variety. The...
If you are looking for a place for your aging parent, look no further. My only wish is that she would’ve moved in a few years earlier. Everyone there, from housekeeping to marketing is welcoming and genuine.
My mom really likes that the community is smaller. She was overwhelmed by some of the larger places we visited. Also the fact that everyone... staff and residents have been friendly. Based on the...
The most friendly staff ever. We are beyond pleased with the service and staff. I chose them for my father because they were genuine and truly cared about their residents.
My loved one is currently a resident at San Jose Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center. Overall, her experience here at this facility has been very good. The friendliness is great! The cleanliness, staff,...
They've been having a problem with roaches. He's in Independent living so he doesn't really need any assistance. He fixes his own breakfast but some of the mills he does not like. He thinks it's rather...
So far Discovery Village at Deerwood has been very pleasant and helpful and based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families who made need a place for their...
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...
Cypress Village gets all 5 stars. They were very helpful in the application process even through a few glitches we had, seems genuinely interested in doing what it took to make the transition as smooth as...
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...
It is a very nice facility, clean, and the staff is very friendly. We had a bit of a rough start because I feel like it was hard to figure out how everything works. Will they escort her to meals? How do...
- Costs of assisted living in the Jacksonville, FL, area
- How people pay for assisted living in Jacksonville, FL
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Jacksonville, FL
- What to expect from assisted living in Jacksonville, FL
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Jacksonville? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Jacksonville, FL, area
Jacksonville, Florida, is an affordable place for seniors in assisted living. According to our proprietary data, the average cost of assisted living facilities in Jacksonville is $3,885 a month.[01] This figure is the average total cost that real families and seniors paid each month for their assisted living in Jacksonville and includes all extra fees, such as care fees, meal plans, and amenity fees.
In Jacksonville, seniors can choose to live in a larger assisted living facility or a smaller board and care home. Both types of communities offer the same type of care, but smaller board and care homes are more affordable, costing an average of $3,000 a month.[01]
Many seniors and their families take the local cost of living into account as they decide where to settle down. Florida is an attractive state to seniors, as it has no income tax and doesn’t tax Social Security benefits or pensions. It also has no estate or inheritance tax, making it a friendly state for seniors and their families.
The figures below reflect the average starting costs for assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, Florida, before adding on extra fees. It’s best read as a comparison between Jacksonville and nearby cities.
Average cost comparisons near Jacksonville, FL
Average monthly costs
Jacksonville, FL
How people pay for assisted living in Jacksonville, FL
Paying for your loved one’s assisted living can be complex. Most families use a mix of private savings and public assistance to pay for their loved one’s assisted living care. Assisted living offers personal care, which means some of your loved one’s expenses may be eligible to be covered by public assistance, such as Medicaid, Medicare, or veterans benefits.
Most families use some private funds to pay for their loved one’s assisted living facility. Private funds include retirement accounts, investments, income from pensions, and equity in real estate or other assets. However, these are not the only private means families can use to afford the best assisted living facility for their loved one. Learn more about how to use private funds to pay for an assisted living facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jacksonville has the third-highest military presence of any city in the United States and bills itself as the most veteran-friendly city in the nation. Because Jacksonville houses Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and multiple military facilities, it has a large number of veterans of all ages. Because 17% of veterans in Jacksonville are 75+, senior veterans looking for assisted living will find a welcoming and well-resourced community in the Bold New City of the South.
Can I pay for my assisted living in Jacksonville, FL, with veterans benefits?
Yes, many veterans and their families use their veterans benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help pay for their assisted living expenses. The Aid and Attendance benefit is the most generous and can be used to pay for anything that improves your loved one’s quality of life, including any costs associated with assisted living. There are several other veterans benefits that you or your loved one may be eligible for, so it’s best to talk with a veterans benefits counselor, even before starting your application.
Am I eligible for veterans benefits?
You may find that your loved one is eligible for more veterans benefits than you think. The eligibility criteria for veterans benefits, such as the VA Pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit can be complicated. Some eligibility criteria are dependent on which conflict your loved one was in, and criteria can change. Therefore, it’s important to work with a benefits counselor to determine for which benefits your loved one is eligible for and to walk you through the application process.
Veterans benefits counseling in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville lives up to its reputation as a veteran-friendly city by dedicating a city department to veterans affairs. But veterans in Jacksonville can access valuable benefits counseling from a variety of programs and organizations, some of which are run by the federal and local governments while others are unaffiliated.
Local veterans and their families can receive benefits counseling from these organizations in Jacksonville, Florida:
- The City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department. Jacksonville’s Department of Military Affairs and Veterans is dedicated to serving local veterans and their families. Through this department, the city of Jacksonville provides robust benefits counseling and can even appeal decisions in court on behalf of veterans and their loved ones. Veterans service officers are the primary benefits counselors. Additionally, veterans and their families can learn about local housing and employment opportunities in Jacksonville for veterans. To contact a veterans service officer directly, call the department using the number listed below.
- The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA). Veterans and their families can access 100% virtual benefits counseling through the FDVA. These benefits counselors can determine which benefits you should apply for and will help you through the application process. You can set up your virtual appointment by calling 727-319-7408.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Jacksonville. Local VFW and DAV chapters are unaffiliated with federal or state governments and can advocate for veterans applying for benefits. These programs offer robust benefits counseling and can appeal decisions on behalf of veterans and their families. They also provide community-building events and are a great way to get involved with the local veteran community in Jacksonville.
Number of veterans who live in Jacksonville, Florida
About 17% of Jacksonville veterans are 75+.
Resources for Jacksonville veterans
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Phone: 727-316-7440
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
Virtual benefits counseling
Jacksonville Vet Center
3728 Phillips Highway, Suite 31
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-399-8351
Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department
City Hall
117 W. Duval St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-778-7907
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7909
6204 Blanding Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32244
Phone: 904-778-7909
Sign up for the local VFW newsletter.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3270
915 8th Ave.
South Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: 904-249-7366
Disabled American Veterans Jacksonville
1439 Parental Home Road
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: 904-720-0244
Seniors in Jacksonville may be able to pay for some of their assisted living expenses with Florida Medicaid, the state’s Medicaid program. Run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Florida Medicaid is intended to help cover health care costs for low-income individuals.
Florida Medicaid offers two different plans:
- Managed Medical Assistance (MMA). If your loved one needs an assisted living level of care, they probably shouldn’t enroll in the MMA plan. The MMA plan functions like all other health insurance plans and covers basic medical services. These include doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care. The MMA plan doesn’t cover any housing or meals at long-term care facilities.
- Long-Term Care (LTC). If your loved one needs the type of care provided in an assisted living facility, they should likely enroll in Florida Medicaid’s Long-Term Care Plan. Specifically for individuals who need a nursing home level of care, the LTC plan will cover more care services than the MMA plan. This plan is also called the State Wide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program (SMMC LTC).
What does Florida Medicaid’s LTC plan cover?
Florida Medicaid’s LTC plan should cover all of the medical services covered by the MMA plan and the personal care services in an assisted living facility. Examples of what the LTC plan may cover include the following:
- Personal care, such as bathing, grooming, and mobility
- Medication administration
- Occupational, physical, respiratory, and speech therapy
- Housekeeping
- Social programs
- Transportation to and from LTC services
What does Florida Medicaid’s LTC plan not cover?
Florida Medicaid’s LTC plan does not cover rent or meals in an assisted living facility. However, it will cover rent and meals in a Medicaid-approved nursing home. In Florida, any facility that provides skilled nursing services is considered a nursing home. This means that your loved one’s assisted living facility may be considered a nursing home if it provides skilled nursing services. In that case, you may be able to cover rent and meals with Florida Medicaid’s LTC plan.
Is my loved one eligible for Florida Medicaid’s LTC plan?
To qualify for Florida Medicaid, a senior must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Florida resident
- Be without other health insurance
- Be low-income: A single individual can make up to $18,075 annually, and a couple can make up to $24,353 annually. These numbers change each year.
To qualify for the LTC plan, a senior must meet certain criteria stating they’re in need of a nursing facility level of care. This usually means going through the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) program. Usually, being in need of personal assistive care qualifies a senior for the LTC plan. You can set up a free needs assessment by contacting your local Medicaid office.
Home and Community Based Services waivers
Seniors in Florida may qualify for a Home and Community Based Services waiver (HCBS waiver) to cover their home care services. HCBS waivers are also called Section 1915(c) waivers, and they are part of the SMMC LTC plan. If you or your loved one is over 65 and is eligible for both Medicaid and the LTC SMMC plan, then you or your loved one is likely eligible for the HCBS waiver in Jacksonville. A senior can receive personal care, such as assistance with bathing, grooming, eating, meal preparation, and mobility services from the location of their choice using an HCBS waiver.
Can my loved one get help applying for Florida Medicaid?
Yes, seniors in Jacksonville, Florida, can access Medicaid benefits counseling services through a few different organizations. Applying for Medicaid can be confusing, especially for seniors coming from a different state. However, you or your loved one are likely eligible for more assistance than you realize. Take advantage of these resources to get the help you need.
The Florida Department of Health-Duval County employs Human Services Counselors who can help you determine which benefits you’re eligible for. Jacksonville’s Senior Services organization can also help you apply for your Medicaid benefits. You can direct any complaints about Florida Medicaid to the Florida Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide, who will either help solve your issue or direct you towards someone who can.
Jacksonville resident Medicaid resources
Florida Medicaid
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 866-762-2237
Human Services Counselors
921 N. Davis St.
Bldg. A, Suite 251
Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: 904-253-1000
Jacksonville’s Senior Services Directory
Administrative offices, City Hall at St. James building
117 W. Duval St., Suite 280
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Gloria Crawford, Chief of Jacksonville’s Senior Services Division
Phone: 904-255-5400
Email: adultsvcs@coj.net
Medicare is a federal health insurance program specifically for seniors over 65 who have paid their Medicare taxes or are married to someone who has. Any senior who’s applied for retirement or disability benefits is automatically enrolled in Medicare, but some seniors still need to apply on the Social Security website.
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare only covers short-term and medically necessary health care expenses. Short-term means that Medicare will pay for up to 20 days of in-patient care in a hospital or a rehabilitation facility. This includes rent, meals, and all care services. From day 20 to day 100, Medicare only pays some of the costs, and the senior pays a daily copay. Medicare may also cover some recurring expenses, such as dialysis.
Medically necessary means that a physician has determined that the procedure, item, or test is necessary for the individual to maintain their standard of living. What’s medically necessary for one person may not be for another. You can explore some of the more common medically necessary procedures, items, or tests on the Medicare coverage portal.
Will Medicare cover assisted living expenses?
No, Medicare will not cover assisted living expenses. Assisted living care primarily includes personal care instead of medical care, and it often lasts much longer than the short-term procedures covered by Medicare. This means that Medicare will not cover rent, meals, or many of the personal care services received in an assisted living facility.
Can residents of Jacksonville, FL, get help paying Medicare premiums?
Yes, seniors in Jacksonville can get help paying their Medicare premiums. Local Medicare Savings Programs can assist seniors to pay for costs associated with Medicare. The federal Medicare website has information about these programs. Seniors can apply by contacting Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) directly.
To be eligible, seniors must be under the income limit, which can be between $1,153 and $1,549 a month as these income limits are adjusted annually for inflation.
Can my loved one get help applying for Medicare?
Yes, seniors can get help applying for Medicare. First, seniors and their loved ones can review the Medicare website, check their benefit eligibility, and explore the covered tests, items, or services. If you need more help, you can contact the human services counselors through the Florida Department of Health-Duval County. The local Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide can take any complaints you may have about your Medicare benefits.
Medicare resources for Jacksonville, FL seniors
SSA office — Jacksonville
1685 Dunn Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: 866-635-0789
Human Services Counselors
921 N. Davis St.
Bldg. A, Suite 251
Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: 904-253-1000
Jacksonville’s Senior Services Directory
Administrative offices, City Hall at St. James building
117 W. Duval St., Suite 280
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Gloria Crawford, Chief of Jacksonville’s Senior Services Division
Phone: 904-255-5400
Email: adultsvcs@coj.net
Understand Florida laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
You can rest assured that assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, Florida, are held to high standards and offer safe, secure, and compassionate care. In Florida, all assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation. Because there are different kinds of assisted living facilities, the Bureau offers a few different types of licenses under the assisted living umbrella.
For example, small residential group homes with a live-in caregiver receive an Adult Foster Care license. Assisted living communities that also offer skilled nursing receive an Extended Congregate Care license. Traditional assisted living facilities receive the Assisted Living Facility license.
What are the requirements for assisted living facilities in Florida?
In Florida, all assisted living facilities must adhere to the following standards in order to keep their license:
- Facilities must be clean and secure.
- Residents should receive regular nutritious meals.
- Residents should be allowed to keep their personal belongings in their own room.
- If spouses live in the same facility, they should be permitted to reside together.
- Assisted living facilities should contact family members or guardians at least every 30 days.
Employees are held to high standards and need to meet the following requirements in order to work at a Florida assisted living facility:
- Employees must pass a background check.
- Within 30 days of their employment, all caregiving staff should complete a 4-hour training on limiting the spread of disease and senior care needs.
- Administrative staff must complete an initial 26 hours of training and 12 hours of continuing education every two years.
Assisted living facilities in Florida go through regular inspections. You can find the inspection results for every facility in Florida on the Agency for Health Care Administration website. To find the inspection results, go through the following steps:
- Go to the Agency for Health Care Administration website.
- Click on the “Statement of Deficiencies” tab.
- In the drop down menu for “Provider type,” select “Assisted living facility.”
- To search for individual facilities, type the name of the facility. Or, you can choose to see all facilities in Duval County.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Duval County Administrative Office
921 N. Davis St.
Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: 904-253-1000
Email: Chd16_dchd_contact@flhealth.gov
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800
Phone: 800-435-7352
COVID-19 regulations for Jacksonville assisted living facilities
Florida doesn’t have any vaccination, masking, or quarantine requirements for assisted living facilities. Instead, it provides a COVID-19 preparedness checklist for all long-term care facilities; some items are included below. The City of Jacksonville publishes case updates and a list of COVID-19 testing sites on their Jacksonville COVID-19 FAQ page.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities should be regularly disinfected, and all staff members should maintain good hygiene by regularly washing their hands.
Staff safety. Each facility should have a written COVID-19 plan to prepare for an outbreak and to maintain the safety of all residents, staff members, and visitors.
Social distancing. If a resident becomes ill with COVID-19, they should avoid interacting with other residents.
Get to know assisted living in Jacksonville, FL
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What to expect from assisted living in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is an increasingly popular place for seniors looking for assisted living options. And since Jacksonville is spread out over 840 square miles, there are plenty of assisted living options. Many seniors prefer assisted living facilities near their families, and with a booming economy, many seniors follow their children who move to Jacksonville for work. Other seniors were stationed in Jacksonville during their time in the military and decided to return for their golden years.
Jacksonville has everything you’d expect from a Florida city: beaches, commerce, and a young-at-heart culture. However, Jax — as it’s also called — is considerably more affordable than most other major cities in Florida. It’s a logical choice for seniors in assisted living who want that Floridian lifestyle without the price tag.
As the largest city by land mass in the United States, there really is something for everyone in Jacksonville. Many seniors are surprised by Jax’s many beautiful, safe, and lively neighborhoods. A Place for Mom partners with 14 assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, Florida. Most of these assisted living facilities are in the laid-back Beaches and the bustling and affluent South Jacksonville neighborhood.
Assisted living in South Jacksonville: Large facilities in an affluent setting
Jacksonville is split into four quadrants: South Jacksonville, Northside, Westside, and The Beaches. South Jacksonville is where the majority of A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities are. In part, this is because South Jacksonville is geographically protected from coastal weather patterns — unlike The Beaches — and isn’t near the swamplands of Northside.
South Jacksonville is an affluent, booming neighborhood. Massive state-of-the-art shopping centers sit next to luxury apartments, groomed parks, and beautiful public libraries. Health care facilities are also concentrated in South Jacksonville. And while it may be luxurious, South Jacksonville is not expensive. In fact, assisted living facilities in South Jacksonville are among the most affordable in the nation.
Almost all of A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities in South Jacksonville include independent living, assisted living, and memory care. These are ideal for seniors who know they’ll want to stay in the same facility as their care needs progress. Living units tend to be larger in Jacksonville than in other cities and often include a kitchenette, large windows, and covered patios.
Assisted living facilities in South Jacksonville are often very large with hundreds of residents on large plots. Many have their own walking trail system, gyms, and craft rooms. Seniors in Jacksonville’s assisted living facilities can expect to receive compassionate help with their personal needs, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining.
Assisted living in The Beaches: Laid-back luxury with beach-front access
Where South Jacksonville’s assisted living facilities are large and splashy, The Beaches’ assisted living facilities tend to be smaller and more exclusive. Real estate is somewhat more expensive in this area, so these assisted living facilities are costlier, sometimes up to 30% more expensive than what you can get in South Jacksonville. However, many are right on the beach and have walking trails that lead directly to the water.
The Beaches is an area in Jacksonville made up of a few beach-front towns, and the largest of these is Jacksonville Beach. These communities are resort-like, and many people use them as regular vacation destinations. However, The Beaches are much quieter than most other spots in the Jacksonville area, making them a great option for seniors who like to kick back and relax.
Seniors can expect the same exceptional level of care and attention from assisted living facilities on The Beaches. Facilities tend to be smaller and somewhat older than options in South Jacksonville, but they have beautiful views of the water and a more intimate setting.
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Unfamiliar with Jacksonville? Highlights for seniors
139,311
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Jacksonville
$58,236
Median household income in Jacksonville[04]
Health care for seniors in Jacksonville
Jacksonville has an exceptional health care system, in part because it’s home to one of the Mayo Clinic’s main campuses. South Jacksonville, home to most of A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities, has a high concentration of hospitals and health care options. This means accessing high-quality health care in Jacksonville is convenient for local seniors.
Mayo Clinic — Jacksonville
The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is a main campus for the world-class Mayo Clinic hospital system and is ranked the best hospital in Florida by U.S. News and World Report. It provides exceptional care across specialties, but it offers particularly excellent care in geriatrics and neurology.
4500 San Pablo Road
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: 904-953-2000
Find a doctor
Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville
As the main campus for the entire Baptist Health hospital system, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville is one of the best hospitals in Florida. It offers above-average care for seniors, according to U.S. News and World Report.
800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-202-2000
Find a doctor
University of Florida Health Jacksonville
The University of Florida Health in Jacksonville is the region’s academic medical center. It’s a teaching hospital, and it provides both primary and specialty care across four different locations.
655 8th St.
West Jacksonville, FL 32209
Phone: 904-244-0411
Find a doctor
Transportation for seniors in Jacksonville
Seniors living in Jacksonville’s assisted living facilities won’t need to worry about transportation, as almost all of A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities offer complimentary transportation. That said, family members and friends should be aware that most people in Jacksonville use a car as the primary means of transportation.
Jacksonville does have a public transportation system called the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (also known as JTAFLA). The bus system runs throughout the city, and you can find bus schedules, fares, and routes on the JTAFLA website. It’s very affordable, and seniors can ride for free. However, wait times can exceed 30 minutes, and it’s not recommended for most seniors to ride alone.
Walkscore.com rates cities for walkability, bikeability, and public transportation options. Each score is out of 100. Jacksonville received the following scores:
26
Walk Score
21
Transit Score
41
Bike Score
Senior activities in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is young-at-heart and takes its extracurricular activities seriously. Seniors and their loved ones will find no shortage of social or educational events. From South Jacksonville and the Northside to downtown and the Beaches, each neighborhood has its own slate of fun and exciting activities.
But regardless of where you find yourself, all assisted living facilities in Jacksonville offer daily activities for their residents. Most employ an activities coordinator, who plans activities based on the residents’ interests and needs. You can expect activities like daily Spanish classes, yoga, and swimming. Walking clubs, cribbage, and birding are also popular in our partner assisted living facilities in Jacksonville.
While seniors in assisted living tend to stay close to home and enjoy the activities offered in their community, they can go out and about. And when family members visit, everyone may enjoy a refreshing outing to some of Jacksonville’s most iconic attractions.
Shopping and walking in South Jacksonville
Most seniors in Jacksonville live in the hopping South Jacksonville area. This neighborhood has plenty for seniors who love to shop ’til they drop, including some of the largest and newest shopping centers in Florida.
The Avenues is an indoor shopping destination, great for walking on a rainy day. St. Johns Town Center is an outdoor mall, and many seniors enjoy meeting their friends for lunch in one of the many tasty restaurants. You’ll find luxury and budget brands, as well as some beautiful outdoor areas to walk.
The arts in downtown Jacksonville
Downtown Jacksonville is the artistic heart of the city. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is one of the largest fine art museums in Florida. In addition to its wide range of art installations and pieces, it is also home to one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the area. You can have a tour for $20 or a tour and lunch for $40. Visiting family and friends may particularly enjoy the Mildred Thompson Escape Room.
The Riverside Arts Market is a local vendor market for artists that you can visit each week. You can find art pieces, pottery, local produce, and more every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Just a 10-minute walk away is the Southbank Riverwalk, which has some of the best views of the downtown Jacksonville skyline.
Exotic adventure in North Jacksonville
The Catty Shack Ranch is one of the most popular activities for visitors, and for good reason. It’s a big cat sanctuary north of Jacksonville, and it’s an ethical nonprofit focusing on rehabilitating cats who were kept in illegal captivity. You can visit for just $15. There’s no senior discount.
The Fort Caroline National Memorial is an exciting day trip. Originally a French colonial settlement dating back to 1564, its long history includes Spanish conflicts, native Timucua peoples, and a free Black population. It is now an ecological preserve and the site of historical reenactments.
Loosen up at The Beaches
Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, most of which are in an area known as The Beaches. The Beaches are actually made up of multiple beach-front towns near Jacksonville. The largest of these in Jacksonville Beach. It’s the closest beach town to downtown Jacksonville, and it has a population of about 24,000. It has a wide sandy beach, golf courses, and a fishing pier.
Nearby sits Atlantic Beach, which is a bit quieter than Jacksonville Beach and has miles of white sand waterfront. Neptune Beach is between Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach. It offers more upscale dining and entertainment. North of The Beaches sits Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. This is the best place to experience the rare coastal hammock groves as you kayak peacefully through the water.
Golf in Jacksonville
Like the rest of Florida, Jacksonville is all about golfing. For seniors who want to make golf a regular part of their week and meet like-minded friends along the way, they can join the North East Florida Senior Golf Association. Seniors 50 and older gather at the best golf courses around Jacksonville for good-natured competition. You can join by filling out the application on their website.
Sports in Jacksonville
Jacksonville sports fans are loud and proud of their local sports teams: The Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jumbo Shrimp, the Armada, the Axemen, the Icemen, the Giants, and the Sharks. Seniors may not get a discount on local games, but they can still enjoy the energetic environment. Everbank Field is the home of the local NFL team, the Jaguars.
Day trips around Jacksonville
Jacksonville is conveniently located near excellent day trips. Little Talbot Island State Park and Big Talbot Island State Park are both about 26 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, and offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can experience sand dunes, clean beaches, and even a barrier reef on Little Talbot Island State Park. On Big Talbot Island State Park, you can find rare birds and the famous Boneyard Beach. Both islands are accessible by car, and seniors can easily enjoy the scenery from shaded picnic areas.
Near Jacksonville are plenty of clear, freshwater springs, which make great day trips for people of all ages. Blue Springs State Park has a local manatee herd, and Ichetucknee Springs is the perfect spot to play in the water.
Local guides
There’s always something new going on in Jacksonville, so to keep track of the newest happenings in the Bold New City of the South, check out Jacksonville’s local visitor’s guide. You can find up-to-date information about events, where to stay, and where to eat.
Frequently asked questions
The Windsor at Ortega, Brookdale Orange Park and Brookdale Avondale are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Jacksonville, FL. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Jacksonville is 4064.77 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Jacksonville city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Jacksonville city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Median income in the past 12 months: Jacksonville city (S1903). [Data set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Jacksonville.
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