Hillcrest, Jacksonville
Updated June 22, 2026 · 7,483 residents
Hillcrest is a suburban Jacksonville neighborhood defined by its tree-lined streets and a mix of residential and light commercial development. It offers a balanced, semi-rural feel with a diverse age demographic and higher-than-average health insurance coverage for the city.
Key Highlights
About Hillcrest
Hillcrest features a landscape of standard residential housing interspersed with pockets of open land and woodland. The area maintains a moderate level of privacy, with spacing that varies between dense apartment clusters and single-family homes. While it lacks large public parks, the neighborhood provides a consistent street grid that supports walking, despite the presence of a steady background hum from nearby traffic according to iHuus data. The area is well-suited for those seeking a quiet suburban environment that remains connected to local retail and hospitality hubs. Residents benefit from lower industrial presence compared to other parts of Jacksonville and a politically balanced community. While the Duval County school system serving the area is currently undergoing significant administrative shifts, families have access to a range of magnet and specialized programs. Prospective residents should note that flood risk remains an area of ongoing study, and the neighborhood is best navigated by those who appreciate a blend of established residential character and accessible local services.
Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities
Residential spacing varies between dense apartment clusters and single-family homes with more buffer. This level of density provides greater separation between neighbors than the Jacksonville average.
Low traffic volumes and a consistent street grid make for pleasant strolls, even though sidewalk availability is inconsistent due to heavy tree canopy. According to iHuus data, this area remains more walkable than the Jacksonville average.
Standard tract housing and apartment complexes define the landscape, offering a more varied visual environment than much of Jacksonville. Residential lots are typically small with simple architectural features like boxy roofs and limited private amenities.
Walking with pets is primarily restricted to private yards and narrow street verges because the area lacks large public parks. According to iHuus data, this level of access is slightly higher than the Jacksonville average, though greenery remains mostly within private residential boundaries.
Characterized by a significant tree canopy and pockets of open land, this area offers a more spacious, semi-rural feel than much of Jacksonville. Residents will find a landscape defined by suburban density and interspersed woodland rather than dense urban development.
Local activity levels are significantly higher than the Jacksonville average, offering a reliable mix of independent shops, dining, and transit hubs. While much of the area feels low-key and residential, certain pockets serve as active community hubs with concentrated retail and hospitality services.
Local traffic from nearby busy streets creates a consistent background noise. This level of acoustic activity is slightly higher than the Jacksonville average, according to iHuus data.
Air quality levels in Hillcrest fluctuate between acceptable and unhealthy, which may pose occasional concerns for sensitive groups. According to iHuus data, the air quality in this area remains notably better than the Jacksonville city average.
Industrial activity is significantly lower than the Jacksonville average, as the area consists primarily of residential streets and light commercial services. Residents may encounter occasional heavy vehicle traffic near storage facilities or utility yards, but the neighborhood lacks heavy industrial hazards.
Health insurance accessibility in Hillcrest is notably higher than the Jacksonville average. According to iHuus data, a significant portion of the resident population maintains coverage.
Political viewpoints in this area are relatively evenly distributed between conservative and liberal leanings. This represents a more moderate ideological landscape compared to the significantly more conservative average found across Jacksonville.
Residents live alongside a wide variety of age groups, ranging from young professionals to older adults. According to iHuus data, the area features a much more balanced age distribution than most parts of Jacksonville.
Flood safety levels in Hillcrest are slightly higher than the Jacksonville average, though the area lacks a detailed FEMA flood study. According to iHuus data, residents should remain cautious as the precise risk level is currently undetermined.
Block-Level Insights for Hillcrest
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| Dimension | Hillcrest | 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 |
Hillcrest Rankings
School Districts Serving Hillcrest
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 Hillcrest
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
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