JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 🌴 ☀️ 🐅 | THE LARGEST CITY IN THE LOWER 48 (4K)

Рет қаралды 40,732

Күн бұрын

I know. I know. Miami and Orlando are all the rage in Florida but you should try Jacksonville. The beaches are clean, beautiful, and not nearly as crowded. It's also way more affordable.
Tampa Bay has really taken off in recent years and I believe Jacksonville will be the next major city in Florida to experience a boom. Just remember, Kevin Across America told you so ;)
Filmed in February 2022, with an iPhone 11 📱 + DJI Mavic Air 2 + RØDE Wireless GO II
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Featured Sites 🏙️
•John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge - thecoastal.com/featured/seven...
•Beaches Town Center - www.beachestowncenter.com/
•Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier - www.visitjacksonville.com/dir...
•Laura Street Trio - / officialbarn. .
•James Weldon Johnson Park - jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org/
•Riverside Arts Market - riversideartsmarket.org/
•Abundant Harvests Farm - www.abundantharvests.farm/
•Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary - cattyshack.org/
•Boneyard Beach @ Big Talbot Island State Park - www.floridastateparks.org/lea...
•Jacksonville Skyway - www.jtafla.com/ride-jta/skyway/
•San Marco Neighborhood - www.visitjacksonville.com/nei...
•Five Points Neighborhood - 5pointsjax.com/
Featured Restaurants 🍽️ 🍺 🥪
•Poe's Tavern - www.poestavern.com/location/p...
•Metro Diner - metrodiner.com/locations/flor...
•Palm Valley Fish Camp (not in the video, but visited) - palmvalleyfishcamp.com/
•River & Post (not in the video, but visited) - www.riverandpostjax.com/
Featured Accommodations 🏨
•My parents' house in Nocatee, FL - www.nocatee.com/
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Video Chapters 📖
00:00 Introduction
00:30 The St. Johns River
01:30 Atlantic, Neptune, Jacksonville Beaches
02:58 My Parents' Neighborhood
03:42 Downtown Jacksonville
05:15 1901 Jacksonville Fire
05:38 Riverside Arts Market
07:18 Musical Break
08:03 Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
10:21 Big Talbot Island State Park
11:10 Jacksonville Skyway Monorail
12:22 Metro Diner Flagship Location
12:56 Outroduction
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👋🏼 About me...
Hey there! I'm Kevin Lewis, a TV news reporter at ABC7 in Washington, D.C.
I launched this travel journalism KZfaq channel in 2021, with the goal of sharing stories that unite and uplift society. Lord knows there is way too much of the opposite these days.
My videos focus on national parks, state parks, small and mid-sized cities, and the interesting people I meet along the way! 🎥 🚐 I hope you'll subscribe to my channel to learn more about this world we all call home.

Пікірлер: 127

@jordansummerlin7040 Жыл бұрын

As someone who is from Jax and lived there for 20+ years it makes me happy to here someone, especially someone not from there, speak so fondly of It. Love my hometown. Great vid.

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jordan! Jacksonville is a city on the rise. I really believe that.

@EastieRick 7 ай бұрын

As someone who lives here now it’s still not that good

@DaDon_krazy 8 ай бұрын

All the ppl in the comments are ungrateful asf. Jax is a great city . I’m from Michigan where this is considered a vacation. So many other worst places to live . Jax is a thriving city . But I see a lot of natives don’t even have the balls to change anything but instead leave 😂🤷🏾‍♂️ I’m here to stay 💪🏾🔥

@JayJay-lc5qq Жыл бұрын

Outstanding editing, as I would expect from a professional. The only thing missing was the mention of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, as the flyover showed the stadium. Beautiful video! Thank you sir!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the high praise! And you're right, I should've woven the Jags into the video, especially with the drone stadium flyover "tease" shots. Feel free to subscribe to the channel for more travel content.

@rahkeembattiste5854 9 ай бұрын

That team is trash

@luiscalderon3210 Жыл бұрын

Great video! So informative!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Luis! I try to make my videos informative while still being enjoyable to watch.

@matthewchesser6111 Жыл бұрын

Solid editing. We did indeed rebuild the pier btw!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Matthew! I'm happy to hear the pier is back in business. It looked like a complicated endeavor.

@janicechiaretto7082 Жыл бұрын

Very well done. I enjoyed your approach. I plan to learn more about Jacksonville!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

I really appreicate the kind feedback, Janice. My primary goal is to use my background in journalism to educate people on different destinations across the world. Please let me know if I can help answer any questions on JAX.

@GregoryFiege Жыл бұрын

Thank you for a great video of my hometown!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

You bet, Gregg!

@luiscalderon3210 Жыл бұрын

I love JAX! I want to move there in the future! Best climate in FL! And the USA!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Yes, the weather is great. You get some fall-like temps during the winter, which provides a bit of climate diversity.

@carmelariley9491 10 ай бұрын

Thank You... thinking about visiting 😊

@kingrow918 Жыл бұрын

Great presentation.

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

I really appreicate you watching and taking the time to comment, Rowan.

@elliejax Жыл бұрын

Great video. Sharing with family to get them to visit. Next time don't forget to mention UNF and the other fine colleges in the area. ❤🎉

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ellie! I'll have to walk around the UNF campus the next time I'm down there.

@crazycomments8038 Жыл бұрын

@@KevinAcrossAmerica Check out Jacksonville University

@natalyagapich769 Жыл бұрын

Finally nice video about Jack. Thank you . I moved from New Jersey and live on the country side of Jacksonville and I love that.

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

You bet, Natalya! That's a part of Jacksonville I still need to explore. I'll be flying down to JAX this week for Thanksgiving.

@MichaelSmith-yg8mc Жыл бұрын

Excellent video

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Michael! I love hearing from viewers like you. Happy travels!

@reinholdschmitt7228 Жыл бұрын

Nice report of my favorite Florida city. I'd a condo in Miami, never want to get back to that crazy town. JAX has also great wildlife. Living at the Pottsberg river, we've bald eagles, all kind of birds, some harmless snakes, even dolphins and-new buddy- an 8ft alligator....very shy (until now,lol)

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

I totally agree. JAX has so much pristine nature and lots of wildlife. Careful with the gator 🐊

@aaronlewis2501 Жыл бұрын

Well you really upsold my hometown!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

I think Jacksonville is the last "undiscovered" major city in Florida. With the historic FL population growth, that may all change.

@yuvonnesmith9012 11 ай бұрын

Crime is everywhere. No matter where you live. Everything is expensive. Welcome to life.

@davestang5454 10 ай бұрын

Actually, the amount of crime varies a lot by area. Ask anybody if they would rather deal with the crime in a place like Jacksonville vs Chicago or Los Angeles or San Francisco or Portland or Seattle or Washington D.C. or Baltimore. Downtown Jacksonville is like walking inside a church compared to conditions in all of those cities.

@rahkeembattiste5854 9 ай бұрын

Remember the tailgate you in Jacksonville Florida

@johnbeckham1483 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Kevin, for your great video on my hometown Jacksonville indeed!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed it, John! My next stop will be Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

@glendanicolini1379 11 ай бұрын

Living in the Jacksonville area for 18 years. moved from New York . Real estate is going up in price. Weather is not as hot/humid as South Florida. Crime is concentrated in North West of Duval county. Beaches are nice lots of recreation opportunities Minor league base ball, hockey and the University of north Florida and several fine community colleges. Would recommend checking this tout. International Airport, cruise ships, Interstate 10 which if you want can drive to California, Good diverse racial population.

@KevinAcrossAmerica 11 ай бұрын

This is a very good summary of the Jacksonville Metro. Thanks for taking the time to leave this comment 😊

@MaryLopez-hc7rc 6 ай бұрын

Hey, Jax is full. No more folks. HaPpy you like it though.

@user-yv9fq5ym9w 2 ай бұрын

It's NOT as hot and humid as South Florida?

@WHATISUKRAINE Жыл бұрын

Nice

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment.

@rahkeembattiste5854 9 ай бұрын

U can’t get lose in Jacksonville Florida it’s a huge racetrack highway is a circle . Every body driving like there in Daytona 500

@Moneypower572 5 ай бұрын

I prefer Hallandale beach Florida beautiful city good beaches and restaurants and growing businesses and communities, and good night life.❤🇺🇸

@maxsmodels Жыл бұрын

We just went to Poe's a couple of months ago.

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Did you enjoy it?

@diamondwchamp 2 жыл бұрын

Jacksonville is one of the largest cities via land area. Hugenot Park is another wonderful beach and a place to visit.

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the rec. I just looked it up and Huguenot is just south of Driftwood Beach. I'll put that on my to-do list next time I visit my parents.

@davestang5454 10 ай бұрын

Timucuan preserve has a good system of hiking trails only a few miles from the urban core.

@timvarnadore2892 Жыл бұрын

I agree with EllieJax - great video . And yes - we do have fantastic universities! (not to mention we are UF's home away from home!) Also you need to mention the Naval Stations like NAS Jax and Mayport. BIG USN area. DUUUUVALLLLL!!!!!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment, Tim! You are right, the military is a major part of the JAX economy/culture. I should have included it in the video.

@alleycatbookfiend2453 Жыл бұрын

Did you try famous Amos on the westside? The only one listed in Jacksonville after COVID. Great country food.

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

I hadn't heard of Amos, but I will certainly check it out next time I'm down in JAX.

@everaldosilva1369 Жыл бұрын

I believe I'll live in Jack!!!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

It's the last major city in Florida that's quasi-undiscovered, particulary the downtown district.

@tryjesus2101 11 ай бұрын

I love Jacksonville Florida❤ I have lived here for 5 years and Jacksonville keeps getting better and better. After living in multiple areas in Jax I have figured it out. Like most large cities there are good areas and bad areas. Jax is a huge massive city land wise. I would say 40% of Jax is low income high, crime, and neglected "Bad" areas. These are near downtown on the Westside, Downtown on the eastside north of stadium, alot of east arlington, near St Nicholas... These areas are lower income or economically disadvantaged. Generally speaking the majority of the entire west side of jacksonville is lower income or lower middle class. Where is the best places to live then? If your family is making near or over 6 figures you would enjoy buying in a middle to upper middle class area you should consider Bartram, Communities in St Johns County, Mandarin, The Beaches Jax Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte vedra Beach, Generally anything East of 295 beltway toward the beach.

@KevinAcrossAmerica 11 ай бұрын

You certainly know your stuff re Jacksonville. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and leaving this detailed and insightful comment.

@Itshadow306 3 ай бұрын

As a South Florida resident I never been to Jacksonville but I do know it’s much colder than Miami but still very nice. Jacksonville is growing rapidly currently at 1.6 million people and with a lot of New York people moving down here I can see it jump to about 4.3 Million people. New Yorks rapid decling population currently at 19.1 million people could drop down to as low as 10.3 million people with relocation teams to Jacksonville. I could imagine a timeline where Jacksonville gets all of New York Teams in future turning Jacksonville into New York South. NBA > Jacksonville Wave NHL > Jacksonville Burracudas MLB > Jacksonville Manatees NFL > Jacksonville Gladiators MLS > Jacksonville Armada FC My prediction is that we probably lose the Jaguars to San Antonio however due to Jacksonvilles growing population and New Yorks declining population I can definitely see Jacksonville get all of New Yorks teams in the future as the United States population growth will be west and south and population decline will be east and north.

@henrynguyen9423 Жыл бұрын

Loved Jacsonville

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you had a good trip there! What were your favorite spots?

@user-se6vg7mr1z 4 ай бұрын

I noticed that the "animal sanctuary" that was mentioned called "Catty Shack Ranch" which has mostly Tigers and Lions, they looked in a normal state of health, in that they didn't look "drugged" or "doped" or "zonked-out" or "zombied-out" or "droopy-fied" or "sedated" or "medicated", as I have been to very similar "wildlife sanctuaries" in Asia, and the tigers are practically "sleep-walking" or "son-ambulating", floating with their eyes hanging-out of their heads, in a complete state of "1 flew over the cuckoo's nest", and I was thinking to myself, were these "tigers" already caught MAN-EATERS, who had gone into villages in the country-side, Up-country, and fucking eaten a few kids, a couple of rice-farmers, an old granny who was a stir-fry cook, eaten all her food as well, and devoured half the cattle in the village, and destroyed the Chicken pens, eaten all the chickens in a couple of minutes. So "they" shot it with a tranquilizer gun, and now keep all the Tigers in that type of deplorable state. I momentarily thought of pushing my "short-time girlfriend" into the tigers "holding pens", but knew the tigers would have run-away, scared shit-less. I then started to wonder, could "they" do the same to "people".

@cardinalnationuofl8041 11 ай бұрын

City limits wise, Jax is no bigger than most mid size cities, the size of the airport can prove that. The whole county is considered Jacksonville . The county is actually petty big!. So it being called the biggest city by area is no surprise to me. Not sure if this is true or not but Polk county was told to me, that was the biggest county in Florida. If that’s the case and if Lakeland for example considered whole Polk county Lakeland, they would be the biggest city by area in Florida. Everyone that has been to other actual big major cities, would know that Jacksonville city wise and population doesn’t really stand up with places like Atlanta or Dallas etc. overall Jacksonville is a nice laid back city to me, compared to places like Tampa where I used to live. It actually isn’t a bad place to live. Although if I had more options, I would probably choose somewhere that attracts more tourists . Due to having more things to do, like Orlando. Just my opinion. Still can’t go wrong with Jax if that’s the deciding factor for people that’s thinking about moving here.

@davestang5454 10 ай бұрын

You are talking about the urban area for the "city limits" but by strict legal definition, Jacksonville is VERY big as a city. Try 845 square miles. It really is the largest city by geographic size in the lower 48 states. Who cares if Jacksonville can't "stand up" with those mega cities in terms of their big population you mentioned. That's a PLUS as far as I am concerned. Last time I checked, you can start at that JAX airport and get anywhere in the world you want to go and it's one hell of a lot easier to negotiate it than Atlanta or Dallas.

@KevinAcrossAmerica 10 ай бұрын

I enjoyed reading your comment. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

@TeutonicTribe Жыл бұрын

The city proper is a bit far from Nocatee, but the 30-mile multi-use Emerald Necklace Trail is also being developed that will connect about 14 JAX n’hoods 🤩😍

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Yes, Nocatee is a bit far and annoyingly far from the JAX Airport. I hadn't heard about the Emerald Necklace Trail. I'll look into it.

@njv1234 Жыл бұрын

Chijax, and I didn’t see a single Jaguars jersey

@davestang5454 10 ай бұрын

Jaguars jerseys are actually among the highest sellers on the market. Look it up. The Jaguars are also well known in EUROPE as they play there almost every year.

@rokit430 4 ай бұрын

Yes and very popular in the U.K too..I like to think am one of their Biggest fans😁. Go Jax and Go Jag✊🐆

@brayansantana1760 Жыл бұрын

Not the largest by population. Miami has a larger population. Jax has more sq miles though

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Believe it or not, the City of Jacksonville has a larger population than the City of Miami. However, Miami has a much larger metropolitan area though.

@PSTXFL Жыл бұрын

Nope.

@gaspump64 Жыл бұрын

Wrong

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

You think the City of Miami is bigger? If so, show me your evidence...

@PSTXFL Жыл бұрын

@@KevinAcrossAmerica Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida. Both land area and population. Agreed. 👍

@DragonErin2 Жыл бұрын

Ahh, the prepandemic days. Now most of these places are gone

@9001012 Жыл бұрын

Try ABNB

@KevinAcrossAmerica 11 ай бұрын

COVID did kill many businesses all around the world. Such a shame.

@user-hj9rx9xe7i 11 ай бұрын

Very good video! - Hi from 69-33 😅😅😅

@KevinAcrossAmerica 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video.

@sunyunduan 10 ай бұрын

not the largest city by population

@sepupr21 9 ай бұрын

@@user-ky8nd2rz4f Miami have a lot more population. x3 more.

@therealaustinpowers1967 8 ай бұрын

@@sepupr21 Jacksonville is actually the most populous city in Florida. The Miami area has a bigger population because the cities around Miami has a bigger population. According to the 2020 census, Jacksonville had a population of 949,611 and Miami had a population of 442,241. But in the flip side, the metro area of Miami has a population of 6,138,333, while the metro area of Jacksonville only has 1,605,848.

@Itshadow306 3 ай бұрын

With Northeast and Rust Belt declining population I see nothing but growth for the following areas. Miami > 8.8 million people Tampa > 4.6 million people Orlando > 6.0 million people Jacksonville > 4.0 million people Atlanta > 6.6 million people Charlotte > 4.2 million people Nashville > 3.2 million people Norfolk > 4.8 million people Richmond > 2.6 million people Arlington/DC > 7.2 million people Philadelphia > 6.2 million people Harrisburg > 2.3 million people

@rahkeembattiste5854 9 ай бұрын

Jacksonville Florida is dangerous to drive crazy on route 95 Orange Park they tailgate you where you can move out of the lane the crime is like the wild wild West there’s an accident every day on Jacksonville Houses and get them very high apartments. The rent is getting high. Just make sure you don’t get a house 3:55 H O A out there. The police don’t play out there. Make sure you slow down a normal school zone. Their beaches are dirty. Whatever you do slow down when you’re driving when the ducks and geese‘s cross the road and turtles because you can get a fine and jail time 💯💯

@crazycomments8038 Жыл бұрын

Jacksonville needs Amusements for the families and no more apartments communities! I just purchased a home in The Preserve at Beacon Lake!!

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Congrats on the new home purchase! I truly believe Jacksonville is going to become the next Tampa Bay. It has too much potential with the St. Johns River, Jags, beach, weather, no state income tax, etc...

@Yoursistersazz Жыл бұрын

Nobody wants kids around here. More apartments and more businesses!

@willbygosh4887 4 ай бұрын

No Jacksonville os the largest city by area not by population.

@jjfattz 2 ай бұрын

It’s actually both. Look it up.

@PCrailfan3790 Жыл бұрын

Jacksonville is also the largest city in the world via urban area

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Are you sure about that? I can't find that online.

@njv1234 Жыл бұрын

That’s not true

@TeutonicTribe Жыл бұрын

Not even in the US- Alaska has that claim. In the whole wide world, it’s Chongqing, China. … hope this isn’t indicative of a Duval education…😳

@AlucardDracula1000 Жыл бұрын

Great place for the rich. But if your not the city is using you for the rich to benefit. Story of the whole state

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

I agree that there is extreme wealth and poverty though I think that's notable across the entire state of Florida.

@davestang5454 10 ай бұрын

That's news to me. I am far from rich and have been living close to the beach. It's not "cheap" but it's affordable for most people.

@user-yv9fq5ym9w 2 ай бұрын

Where are the rich in Jacksonville?

@MrBonediver 10 ай бұрын

Learn to talk!!! Nocatee is one of if not the MOST expensive place to be!!!!

@KevinAcrossAmerica 10 ай бұрын

Are you responding to something I stated in the video?

@trimtrac Жыл бұрын

you know if you yankees come down here you can at least pronounce Ponte Verde correctly !

@keithf5883 Жыл бұрын

Ponte Vedra

@crazycomments8038 Жыл бұрын

I am a Yankee! Been here Ponte Vedra Beach since 1998 haha. You should have added Mike-Lers not Mic-Lers

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Guilty as charged. I was also appropriately roasted by a buddy of mine who used to live down in Jax.

@9001012 Жыл бұрын

Wrong - Not Largest City by Population - but - Largest City By Area !

@KevinAcrossAmerica Жыл бұрын

Jacksonville is the largest city by population in Florida and the largest city by land area in the Lower 48 States.

@Mothmann. Жыл бұрын

@@KevinAcrossAmerica Yup about to cross 1 million into big city territory

@KevinAcrossAmerica 11 ай бұрын

@@Mothmann. You're exactly right.

@davestang5454 10 ай бұрын

That's what is stated in the video.

@MrJersey84 Жыл бұрын

They are times that I always wanted to visit Jacksonville Beach but the Hotels and places are so expensive to stay.

@richardfloridaman 11 ай бұрын

And its not worth it, I am from Jax and I wouldn't spend that much to visit it again. I left and moved. I love being from there, but, its not that great of a city.

@KevinAcrossAmerica 11 ай бұрын

It never ceases to amaze me how much hotels can cost. Have you tried Airbnb or vrbo? Jacksonville, Atlantic, and Neptune Beaches are all nice. San Marco and Five Points are cool neighborhoods within the actual City of Jacksonville.

@rahkeembattiste5854 9 ай бұрын

Bedbugs, central, Jacksonville, Florida