Jacksonville is a big city — 874 square miles, the largest by area in the contiguous US — and most of it looks exactly like what you'd expect: strip malls, chain restaurants, and subdivisions that could be anywhere in Florida. Murray Hill and Riverside are the exception. These two neighborhoods sit just west of downtown along the St. Johns River, and they've managed to hold onto something rare: a genuine sense of place.
I live in Murray Hill. I've spent the last five years here, and I've watched the neighborhood evolve firsthand. This guide is what I'd tell a friend who was thinking about moving — not a sales pitch, just the real picture.
Murray Hill: Affordable, Artsy, and Still Under the Radar
Murray Hill is Jacksonville's retro-cool neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, century-old craftsman bungalows, colorful murals on nearly every block, and a local business scene that's earned real loyalty. The vibe is young-ish, creative, and genuinely friendly in a way that doesn't feel forced.
Home Prices
Murray Hill has appreciated significantly over the last few years, but it's still one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Jacksonville with real character. You can still find a well-maintained 3-bedroom bungalow under $270,000 — something that's increasingly rare as the neighborhood gains attention. The market has cooled slightly from its 2023 peak, which actually presents an opportunity for buyers who've been on the sidelines.
What It's Like to Live Here
The walkability is one of Murray Hill's biggest selling points. You can get to Moon River Pizza (legitimately the best pizza in Jacksonville), the Dreamette ice cream stand — which has been serving soft serve since the 1930s — and Community Loaves bakery without touching your car. Flamingo Coffee is the kind of neighborhood spot where baristas know your order — the sort of anchor no chain can replicate, though some keep trying. The Murray Hill Theater, a 1940s movie house that now hosts all-ages live music, is the kind of neighborhood institution that you don't find in new developments.
Cameron Park gives the neighborhood a genuine green space anchor, and the self-guided mural trail makes even a routine walk feel like something worth doing. If fitness is part of your routine, First Coast CrossFit is right in the neighborhood — one of those gyms that actually becomes part of your social life if you let it. The residents here skew 30s and 40s, a mix of young families, remote workers, and longtime residents who've been here through multiple cycles of the neighborhood's evolution.
Safety
Public safety is a personal priority for many buyers, and like any urban neighborhood, doing your own research is worthwhile. For current public safety data, visit the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or search your address on CrimeMapping.com.
Agent's take: Murray Hill feels safe in the way that engaged, walkable neighborhoods tend to feel safe — there are people out on the street, business owners who know their regulars, and a community that pays attention. Like any urban neighborhood, do your research using the resources above.
Schools
Murray Hill is served by an A-rated elementary school recently recognized as a School of Excellence, which is a genuine differentiator for families. The neighborhood also has access to several magnet school programs, which Jacksonville's school system is known for. Worth researching your specific address if schools are a priority — boundaries matter.
Riverside: Urban Energy, Historic Architecture, Five Points
Riverside sits right along the St. Johns River and is anchored by Five Points — an eccentric commercial strip with record stores, tattoo parlors, indie bookstores, and a vegan donut shop that's perpetually busy. If Murray Hill is the quiet, community-focused choice, Riverside is the one for people who want to be in the middle of things.
Home Prices & Market
Riverside commands a premium over Murray Hill, particularly for renovated historic homes. Median prices sit higher than the city average, and the neighborhood attracts buyers who are specifically looking for early 20th-century architecture — craftsman homes, four-squares, and bungalows that have been updated but retain their original bones. Many residents rent rather than own (homeownership rate around 31%), which keeps a healthy rental market here for investors as well.
Walkability & Lifestyle
With a Walk Score of 71, Riverside is one of Jacksonville's most walkable neighborhoods — practically unheard of in a city built around the car. Five Points gives you food, nightlife, and shopping within a 10-minute walk for most residents. The Riverside Arts Market runs every Saturday morning along the river, and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a genuine cultural anchor.
The food scene is strong: European Street Café is a local institution, Hawkers Asian Street Food draws crowds from across the city, and River and Post does rooftop dining with waterfront views. The bar scene along King Street is active without being overwhelming.
Safety
Public safety is a personal priority for many buyers. Like any urban neighborhood, do your research — visit the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or search your address on CrimeMapping.com for current public safety data. As with Murray Hill, researching your specific address within the neighborhood is always a good idea.
Who Lives Here
Riverside skews educated and urban — 51% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 31% nationally.7 The median age is 38. You'll find a mix of college students (Florida State College at Jacksonville has a campus here), young professionals, artists, and long-tenured residents who've watched the neighborhood evolve over decades. It's diverse, walkable, and genuinely interesting in a way that's hard to manufacture.
Murray Hill vs. Riverside: Which One Is Right for You?
| Murray Hill | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $220K–$310K typical | $280K–$500K+ depending on renovation |
| Vibe | Quiet, community-focused, artsy | Urban, energetic, eclectic |
| Best for | Families, remote workers, first-time buyers | Young professionals, urban lifestyle seekers |
| Walkability | High for dining & entertainment; car still useful for groceries | Very high (Walk Score 71 3) |
| Public Safety Info | See Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or CrimeMapping.com | See Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or CrimeMapping.com |
| Schools | A-rated elementary, magnet options | Good options; check specific address |
| Nightlife | Low-key, local bars and live music | Active — Five Points, King Street |
| Appreciation | Strong recent gains; still value-priced | Steady; premium already baked in |
If you want to maximize value, get into a neighborhood before it fully arrives, and have a home with genuine character at a price that won't keep you up at night — Murray Hill is the move. If you want walkability, urban energy, and proximity to everything Jacksonville has to offer right now — Riverside delivers that.
Both are genuinely great neighborhoods, and both are miles ahead of the average Jacksonville subdivision in terms of feel, community, and long-term appreciation potential.
What to Know Before You Buy
- Flood zones: Some areas near the St. Johns River are in flood zones. Check FEMA maps for any specific address before making an offer — flood insurance can add meaningfully to your monthly costs.
- Historic designation: Parts of Riverside are in a historic district, which affects what renovations you can make. Good for preserving character, worth understanding before you buy if you're planning changes.
- Older homes = older systems: Most homes in both neighborhoods were built before 1960. Budget for updated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC when you're evaluating a deal. A thorough inspection matters more here than in a new construction neighborhood.
- Traffic: Both neighborhoods are close to I-10 and 95, but getting in and out during peak hours can be slow. Walk or bike if you can.
Bottom line: I've lived in Murray Hill for five years, and I'd buy here again. The neighborhood has something that most of Jacksonville doesn't: a real identity. If you're thinking about making a move to either of these neighborhoods, I'd be glad to show you around and help you find the right home at the right price.
Data & Sources
- Murray Hill housing market data — Redfin, 2026
- Murray Hill public safety data —