Jacksonville, Florida One Florida city that has really come into its own during the 1990s is Jacksonville. This major metropolitan area in northern Florida is one of the fastest growing in the United States. Already the metro area holds over a million inhabitants. Money ranks Jacksonville as the ninth best place to live among 300 cities in the United States. The forecast for job growth through the year 2000 is an amazing 5.1 percent.
Money also rates Jacksonville as one of the most affordable places to live in the Southeast.
Also, the change in average home value has risen faster than the national average. Like other cities on the south Atlantic, Jacksonville's advantages are not lost on leading domestic and international companies. The economy is integrating into the burgeoning information and financial service sectors. American Online has placed a major technical support center in the city. Merrill Lynch plans to expand by 500 employees over the next two years.