Highlands, Jacksonville
Updated June 22, 2026 · 10,313 residents
Highlands is a quiet, semi-rural neighborhood in Jacksonville characterized by a mix of single-family homes and mature tree canopies. Residents enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with moderate walkability and a notably diverse demographic spread.
Key Highlights
About Highlands
Highlands offers a semi-rural feel within the broader Jacksonville landscape, defined by open land, woodlands, and a blend of residential housing styles. The area maintains a low industrial presence, contributing to its quiet, residential character. While the neighborhood features standard suburban architecture, it distinguishes itself with private pools and waterfront docks in certain sections, providing a modest suburban charm that stands out from more dense urban environments.
Prospective residents should note that the area experiences a consistent hum of traffic noise from nearby busy streets and has a higher flood risk than the city average. However, it remains a pet-friendly environment with good access to outdoor walking areas. The neighborhood is well-suited for those seeking a diverse, liberal-leaning community with high rates of health insurance coverage and a slower, more established pace of life.
Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities
Residential spacing provides more separation between neighbors than the Jacksonville average. According to iHuus data, the area features a mix of dense apartment blocks and single-family homes with varying yard buffers.
Quiet residential streets and cul-de-sacs offer safe walking conditions, though sidewalks are inconsistent across the neighborhood. This level of pedestrian accessibility is higher than the Jacksonville average according to iHuus data.
Standard single-family homes and apartment blocks define the landscape, featuring tidy yards and uniform roof structures. The area offers more visual variety than the Jacksonville average due to the presence of private pools and waterfront docks in certain sections.
Grassy street verges and nearby wooded areas with a pond provide more opportunities for pet walking than the Jacksonville average. According to iHuus data, the presence of natural marsh edges and residential greenery supports frequent outdoor activity for dogs.
Frequent open land and scattered homes amid woodlands provide a more semi-rural atmosphere than the Jacksonville average. According to iHuus data, the area features a mix of low-density housing and mature tree canopies alongside some denser suburban pockets.
Primarily composed of established housing blocks, this area offers a more active environment than the Jacksonville average. While commercial activity remains sparse, residents can find occasional local dining and essential services within a moderately walkable landscape.
A consistent hum of local traffic from a nearby busy street characterizes the area. This level of acoustic activity is roughly in line with the city average, according to iHuus data.
Air quality in Highlands fluctuates between acceptable and unhealthy levels, though it remains better than the average for Jacksonville. Sensitive individuals should monitor local conditions during periods of occasional concern.
Minimal heavy industry characterizes this area, which features primarily residential streets and light commercial services. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood maintains a much lower concentration of industrial activity than the Jacksonville average.
Health insurance enrollment among residents is notably higher than the Jacksonville average, according to iHuus data.
Voting patterns and census indicators show a much more liberal political leaning than the Jacksonville average, according to iHuus data.
Residents live alongside a wide variety of age groups, including young professionals and families. This demographic spread is notably more diverse than the broader Jacksonville average according to iHuus data.
Flood risk in this area is higher than the Jacksonville average, though official FEMA studies for the neighborhood remain incomplete. Residents should exercise caution as certain properties may be susceptible to rising water levels during heavy rain events.
Block-Level Insights for Highlands
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| Dimension | Highlands | 29th and Chase |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walkabilityavg 3.96 | ||
| 🔊 Acoustic Comfortavg 4.37 | ||
| 🤫 Privacy Indexavg 4.3 | ||
| 🎨 Visual Appealavg 4.24 | ||
| 🐕 Dog Friendlinessavg 4.28 | ||
| 🗺️ Urban-Rural Indexavg 5.22 | ||
| ✨ Neighborhood Vibeavg 1.5 | ||
| 🏥 Health Insurance Coverageavg 4.35 | ||
| 🌿 Air Qualityavg 3.84 | ||
| 🏭 Industrial Proximityavg 5.11 | ||
| 🌊 Flood Safetyavg 4.01 | ||
| 🗳️ Ideological Leanavg 2.75 | ||
| 👥 Population Age Profileavg 3.26 | ||
| 🔥 Fire Safety | ||
| 🏫 School Quality |
Highlands Rankings
School Districts Serving Highlands
Duval County Public Schools functions as a Mixed/Transition district defined by a stark contrast between its nationally recognized flagship academies and struggling neighborhood schools. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier, who took office in 2024, the district is navigating a complex right-sizing process to address nearly 30,000 empty seats. This effort has led to a series of contentious school consolidations and intense public debate over a projected 100 million dollar budget deficit, drawing scrutiny from state officials and local families alike. For homebuyers, the district offers exceptional educational opportunities through highly sought-after magnet and advanced studies programs, such as Stanton College Preparatory and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. However, the ongoing consolidation of under-enrolled elementary schools and persistent achievement gaps in the urban core present a highly uneven landscape. While the district's overall financial reserves remain stable, the friction of managing declining enrollment and consolidating neighborhood campuses means that a family's experience will depend heavily on school zoning and access to the district's premier specialized programs.
Schools
School Insights for Highlands
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
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