Jumpin' Jacksonville - Florida's Rising Star

Thinking about relocating? Forget about the rest of country, for Jacksonville Fl, things are looking up. For two years in a row, Forbes.com has named Jacksonville one of the top 10 American cities to find a job in. Based on a number of favorable economic factors including strong job and income growth, low unemployment and low cost of living; Jacksonville ranked 3rd in the country in 2007, up from 8th in 2006.

Not surprisingly, the site also picked Jacksonville as one of America's best housing markets for 2007. It's not hard to see why. With a booming economy drawing people to the area, Jacksonville is one of the few US cites where median home prices are increasing during a nationwide downturn. What's better - Jacksonville homes are still affordable and showing a strong appreciation rate.

Right now there's a huge surplus of newly built homes in Jacksonville that builders are anxious to move. In Jacksonville, where a strong market and great location are causing the city to boom, the time to buy has never been better.

So Many Houses, So Little Time...

What's a buyer to do? Negotiate!

A recent downturn in the housing market has left builders with a huge inventory of brand new single family homes in the Jacksonville area. For buyers ready to purchase a newly constructed home, this is great news. In order to offload some of these houses, builders are competing for buyers' attention with lucrative incentives. Rebates, upgrades, additions, and new appliances are all getting thrown into the bargain. The latest survey taken by the NAHB indicates that 56% of builders are offering incentives this year.

But a buyer's market only lasts as long as there are more houses than buyers. Builders are already building fewer homes. Housing starts dropped 6.1% between June and July this year and Dave Seiders, Chief Economist for the NAHB predicts that the market will balance itself out by mid 2008. If you are looking to own a new home in Jacksonville - now is the time!

Florida's First Coast

Jacksonville's great climate, location and natural beauty have drawn people to the area since the end of the ice age. Rich with history and alive with activity, Jacksonville is a great place to live, work and retire. Built on the banks of the St. Johns River and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, residents enjoy some of the choicest recreation in the country. Beaches, fresh water and sport fishing, abundant green space, and wide open skies converge with a thriving cultural center. The city's arts and entertainment district offers world class events, restaurants, museums, and theater. Residents can enjoy major league sports events, trips to the zoo or walks along the vibrant river walk. Located in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the currently the largest city in the state and not showing any signs of slowing down.