Jacksonville metropolitan area

Jacksonville Metropolitan Area

The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area, also known as the Greater Jacksonville Area, is a region in northeastern Florida, United States. It encompasses the city of Jacksonville and its surrounding counties. With a population of over 1.5 million people, it is the largest metropolitan area in the state of Florida and the 40th largest in the United States.

Geography

The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area is located in the northeastern part of Florida, along the Atlantic coast. It covers a total area of approximately 3,500 square miles (9,100 square kilometers). The region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and extends westward to include parts of Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area had a population of 1,534,701 people. The racial makeup of the region is diverse, with a significant percentage of African Americans, followed by White, Hispanic, and Asian populations. The area has experienced steady population growth over the years, attracting residents from various parts of the country.

Economy

The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area has a diverse and robust economy. It is home to several major industries, including finance, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. The region's proximity to major transportation routes, such as Interstate 95 and the Port of Jacksonville, has made it a hub for trade and commerce. Companies like CSX Corporation, Fidelity National Financial, and Baptist Health are headquartered in the area.

Education

The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area is served by several educational institutions. The University of North Florida, located in Jacksonville, is a prominent public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Other notable institutions include Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Edward Waters College.

Culture and Recreation

The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. The region is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Museum of Science and History are popular attractions.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the area's natural beauty, with numerous parks, nature preserves, and beaches. The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, located along the St. Johns River, offers hiking trails and historical sites. Jacksonville Beach and Amelia Island are popular destinations for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

Transportation

The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area has a well-developed transportation infrastructure. The region is served by Jacksonville International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. Interstate 95 and Interstate 10 are the major highways that connect the area to other parts of Florida and the United States.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority operates a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and a Skyway monorail system. The St. Johns River Ferry provides a unique mode of transportation across the St. Johns River.

Sports

Sports play a significant role in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. The city of Jacksonville is home to several professional sports teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL) and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a minor league baseball team. The area also hosts various sporting events, such as the annual Florida-Georgia football game and the Players Championship golf tournament.

See Also

• Jacksonville, Florida
• Duval County, Florida
• St. Johns County, Florida
• Nassau County, Florida
• Baker County, Florida
• Clay County, Florida