Jacksonville Nursing Homes: Florida's Hidden Gem for Quality Senior Care
Expert analysis of Jacksonville's 34 nursing homes. With 62% rated 4-5 stars and 11 five-star facilities, Jacksonville offers exceptional quality at reasonable Florida prices.
Jacksonville at a Glance
Total Facilities
34 nursing homes
Average Rating
3.7 stars (Exceptional!)
Daily Cost (Semi-Private)
$318/day
$9,680/month • 4% above national average
Five-Star Facilities
11 facilities (32%)
21 facilities with 4-5 stars (62%!)
Jacksonville Nursing Home Overview
Jacksonville, Florida's largest city by area and most populous city with 950,000 residents, is quietly emerging as one of the best markets in the United States for nursing home care. With 34 facilities serving a senior population of 136,937 residents aged 65 and older, Jacksonville combines abundant high-quality options with reasonable pricing that's far below South Florida rates.
Jacksonville's Quality Advantage:
- • 3.7 average star rating - among the highest of any major U.S. city
- • 62% of facilities have 4-5 stars (21 out of 34)
- • Only 2 one-star facilities (6%) - exceptional market quality
- • 11 five-star facilities to choose from
While Miami, Tampa, and Orlando attract more attention as Florida retirement destinations, Jacksonville offers superior nursing home quality at lower costs. The city's combination of excellent medical infrastructure (Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, UF Health), military healthcare resources (Naval Hospital Jacksonville), and lower cost of living creates an ideal environment for senior care.
Jacksonville's nursing home market reflects the city's character: unpretentious, high-performing, and focused on delivering value. Facilities here emphasize clinical quality and personalized care over flashy marketing, making it easier for families to find genuinely excellent care.
Why Jacksonville is Florida's Quality Leader
Jacksonville's exceptional nursing home quality isn't accidental. Several factors combine to create a superior care environment:
1. World-Class Medical Infrastructure
Jacksonville is home to multiple nationally-ranked healthcare systems:
- •Mayo Clinic Jacksonville: Top-ranked hospital brings cutting-edge geriatric medicine and attracts excellent healthcare professionals
- •Baptist Health: Comprehensive five-hospital system with specialized senior services
- •UF Health Jacksonville: Academic medical center with geriatric research programs
- •Naval Hospital Jacksonville: Military healthcare excellence influences civilian care standards
This medical ecosystem creates a deep pool of trained nurses, therapists, and geriatric specialists, raising quality standards across all nursing homes.
2. Strong Regulatory Environment
Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) maintains strict oversight of nursing homes. Jacksonville facilities benefit from:
- •Regular unannounced inspections and quality monitoring
- •Strong penalties for safety violations drive compliance
- •Mandatory staffing ratios ensure adequate care levels
- •Transparent public reporting helps families make informed choices
3. Lower Operating Costs = More Resources for Care
Jacksonville's lower cost of living (compared to South Florida) means facilities can:
- •Pay competitive nursing salaries without charging premium rates
- •Invest more in staff training and quality improvement
- •Maintain better staffing ratios than higher-cost markets
- •Focus on quality outcomes instead of cutting costs to maintain profitability
4. Mature, Established Market
Jacksonville's nursing home market has been serving seniors for decades, creating:
- •Experienced leadership teams with deep community roots
- •Long-tenured staff who understand best practices
- •Established partnerships with medical providers
- •Proven track records and reputation-based accountability
The Bottom Line:
Jacksonville offers a rare combination in American healthcare: abundant high-quality options at reasonable prices. Families seeking nursing home care should seriously consider Jacksonville even if they don't currently live in the area.
Costs & Affordability
Jacksonville nursing homes cost an average of $318 per day for semi-private rooms, which is 4% above the national average but significantly lower than other major Florida markets.
| Cost Type | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Semi-Private | $318 | $9,680 | $116,070 |
| Jacksonville Private | $360 | $10,958 | $131,400 |
| Florida State Average | $340 | $10,200 | $124,100 |
| National Average | $305 | $9,150 | $111,325 |
Jacksonville vs. Other Florida Markets
Jacksonville offers the best value among major Florida cities:
| City | Daily Cost | Annual Cost | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $318 | $116,070 | 3.7 ⭐ |
| Tampa | ~$350 | ~$127,750 | 3.2 ⭐ |
| Orlando | ~$365 | ~$133,225 | 3.0 ⭐ |
| Miami | ~$425 | ~$155,125 | 2.8 ⭐ |
Cost + Quality Advantage:
Compared to Miami, Jacksonville saves $39,055 per year while delivering significantly better quality (3.7 vs 2.8 avg stars). Over a typical 2.5-year stay, that's $97,638 in savings with superior care.
What's Included in Jacksonville Rates?
The daily rate typically includes:
- ✓24/7 skilled nursing care and supervision
- ✓Room (semi-private or private), utilities, and housekeeping
- ✓Three meals daily plus snacks
- ✓Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, mobility)
- ✓Social and recreational activities
- ✓Medication administration and management
Additional costs may include: Physical/occupational/speech therapy, specialized dementia care programs, private rooms, and personal items (toiletries, cable TV, phone).
Quality Analysis & Star Ratings
Jacksonville's nursing homes average 3.7 stars on Medicare's Five-Star Quality Rating System - among the highest of any major U.S. metropolitan area. This exceptional average reflects genuine quality depth across the market.
Star Rating Distribution
| Rating | Facilities | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 11 | 32% |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars | 10 | 29% |
| ⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars | 8 | 24% |
| ⭐⭐ 2 Stars | 3 | 9% |
| ⭐ 1 Star | 2 | 6% |
Exceptional Quality Profile:
62% of Jacksonville facilities have 4-5 stars (21 out of 34), compared to just 37% nationally. Only 6% are rated 1-star, versus 18% nationally. Jacksonville families have abundant excellent options.
What the Star Ratings Mean
Medicare's Five-Star Rating evaluates three key areas:
- •Health Inspections (50% weight): On-site surveys checking compliance with federal health and safety standards
- •Staffing (25% weight): Registered nurse (RN) and total nurse staffing hours per resident per day
- •Quality Measures (25% weight): Clinical outcomes like pressure ulcers, falls, medication management
Jacksonville's high concentration of 4-5 star facilities reflects superior performance across all three areas, not just one dimension of quality.
Top-Rated Facilities (11 Five-Star Options!)
Jacksonville offers 11 five-star nursing homes - more than many entire states. Here are the top-rated facilities based on Medicare's Five-Star Quality Rating System:
River Garden Hebrew Home for the Aged
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 11401 Old Saint Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL
Capacity: 180 beds
Prestigious Jewish senior care community with comprehensive services. Large facility with exceptional staff ratios and personalized care. Beautiful campus setting with modern amenities. Open to all faiths.
Bartram Crossing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 6209 Brooks Bartram Drive, Jacksonville, FL
Capacity: 100 beds
Modern facility in growing Bartram Park area. Strong rehabilitation services and post-hospital care. Convenient location near shopping and medical services. Family-friendly visiting environment.
Vivo Healthcare Normandy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 8495 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Capacity: 120 beds
Well-established facility with strong community reputation. Excellent wound care and specialized nursing programs. Accessible Westside location. Good Medicare/Medicaid acceptance.
Cypress Village
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 4600 Middleton Park Cir E, Jacksonville, FL
Capacity: 100 beds
Continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering full continuum of care. Premium amenities and services. Independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing on one campus. Higher-end option.
Westminster Woods on Julington Creek
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 25 State Road 13, Jacksonville, FL
Capacity: 60 beds
Boutique CCRC in affluent St. Johns County. Smaller size allows highly personalized attention. Beautiful natural setting near Julington Creek. Presbyterian-affiliated but serves all faiths.
Shands Jacksonville Medical Center
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 580 W 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL
Capacity: 56 beds
Hospital-based skilled nursing facility affiliated with UF Health. Excellent for complex medical needs and post-acute care. Direct access to hospital specialists and advanced diagnostics.
5 More Five-Star Facilities:
- • Park Ridge Nursing Center (730 College Street, 104 beds)
- • Woodland Grove Healthcare & Rehabilitation (4325 Southpoint Blvd, 120 beds)
- • Life Care Center of Jacksonville (4813 Lenoir Avenue, 120 beds)
- • River City Nursing and Rehab Center (15480 Max Leggett Parkway, 116 beds)
- • Plus one more facility - full list available on city rankings page
Want detailed comparisons?
View complete Jacksonville nursing home rankings with all 34 facilities, inspection reports, staffing data, and user reviews.
Jacksonville Neighborhoods & Areas
As America's largest city by area (874 square miles), Jacksonville's nursing homes span diverse neighborhoods. Here's a guide to the city's key areas:
Southside / Baymeadows
Best for: Upscale care, shopping and dining proximity
Jacksonville's most affluent area with concentration of high-quality facilities. Near St. Johns Town Center, restaurants, and medical offices. Easy access to I-95 and I-295. Home to several five-star facilities including Cypress Village and Woodland Grove.
Arlington / East Jacksonville
Best for: Beach proximity, value
Established middle-class neighborhoods near beaches and St. Johns River. Good mix of facility types and price points. Convenient to Arlington Naval Air Station and beach communities. Family-friendly area with strong sense of community.
Mandarin / Southbank
Best for: Scenic setting, quality options
Historic community along St. Johns River with tree-lined streets. Home to River Garden Hebrew Home and other top facilities. Quieter, more residential feel. Easy access to downtown and medical district.
Westside / Normandy
Best for: Affordability, Medicaid acceptance
Working-class neighborhoods with good Medicaid-accepting facilities like Vivo Healthcare Normandy. More affordable options without sacrificing quality. Good public transportation access. Close to shopping and services along Normandy Blvd.
Bartram Park / St. Johns County
Best for: Newest facilities, suburban setting
Fast-growing area on Jacksonville's southeast edge (technically St. Johns County). Modern facilities like Bartram Crossing and Westminster Woods. Excellent schools nearby for visiting grandchildren. Suburban lifestyle with easy interstate access.
Downtown / Springfield
Best for: Hospital proximity, medical district access
Central location near Mayo Clinic, Baptist Medical Center, UF Health. Hospital-based facilities like Shands Jacksonville. Urban setting with convenient access to medical specialists. Good for complex medical needs requiring frequent physician visits.
Florida Medicaid & Financial Assistance
At $9,680 per month for semi-private rooms, nursing home care in Jacksonville represents a significant expense. Understanding payment options is crucial for long-term planning.
Florida Medicaid Coverage
Florida Medicaid covers nursing home care for eligible low-income seniors through the Institutional Care Program (ICP). To qualify:
- •Income limit: $2,829/month for individuals (2025)
- •Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals (excluding home, car, and personal belongings)
- •Medical necessity: Must require skilled nursing care level as determined by physician and state assessment
Jacksonville Advantage:
Most Jacksonville facilities accept Medicaid, including many five-star options. This is uncommon in high-quality markets - many premium facilities nationwide don't accept Medicaid at all.
Other Payment Options
Medicare (Limited Coverage)
Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care following a qualifying hospital stay (3+ days). First 20 days are fully covered; days 21-100 require copayment ($200/day in 2025). Not for long-term custodial care.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Private insurance policies can cover $3,000-$6,000/month of nursing home costs. Jacksonville's moderate costs mean policies stretch further than in expensive markets like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans may qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits (up to $2,431/month for couples, $2,050/month for individuals in 2025). Jacksonville's large military presence means local VA resources are excellent. Contact Naval Hospital Jacksonville at (904) 542-7300.
Private Pay Then Medicaid
Many families initially pay out-of-pocket and transition to Medicaid once assets are spent down. Jacksonville facilities are experienced with this transition and most maintain consistent quality for both private and Medicaid residents.
Need Help with Medicaid Planning?
Contact the ElderSource Area Agency on Aging at (904) 391-6600 or visit myeldersource.org for free counseling on Medicaid eligibility and application assistance.
How to Choose the Right Jacksonville Nursing Home
With 21 facilities rated 4-5 stars (62% of all Jacksonville nursing homes), families have an abundance of excellent options. Here's a systematic approach to choosing:
Step 1: Start with Your Shortlist
Given Jacksonville's exceptional quality, you can be selective. Consider only:
- ✓Five-star facilities first: 11 options to choose from
- ✓Four-star as backup: 10 additional quality options
- ✓Filter by location: Choose neighborhoods convenient to family
- ✓Match to needs: Specialized dementia care, rehabilitation focus, etc.
Step 2: Review Inspection Reports
Even among five-star facilities, inspect recent surveys:
- •Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare for full reports
- •Check for patterns across multiple surveys, not just single incidents
- •Verify deficiencies were corrected (facilities must submit correction plans)
- •Review Florida AHCA reports at ahca.myflorida.com
Step 3: Tour Multiple Facilities
Schedule tours at 3-5 top facilities. Visit at different times of day and use this checklist:
Jacksonville Nursing Home Tour Checklist
- ✓ Facility cleanliness and freedom from odors
- ✓ Resident appearance and engagement level
- ✓ Staff interactions - respectful, patient, attentive?
- ✓ Staff-to-resident ratio during your visit
- ✓ Response time to call lights (observe for 15-20 minutes)
- ✓ Food quality (ask to sample a meal)
- ✓ Activities calendar and resident participation
- ✓ Outdoor spaces and common areas
- ✓ Room size, amenities, maintenance
- ✓ Staff turnover rate (ask administrator directly)
- ✓ Medicaid acceptance policy and any differences in care
- ✓ Speak with current residents and families if possible
Step 4: Compare Specialized Services
Jacksonville facilities offer varying specializations:
- •Post-hospital rehabilitation: Bartram Crossing, Fort Worth Wellness & Rehabilitation
- •Complex medical needs: Shands Jacksonville (hospital-based), Mayo Clinic affiliates
- •Memory care: Most CCRCs have specialized dementia units
- •Wound care: Vivo Healthcare facilities have specialized programs
- •Veterans care: Several facilities specialize in military healthcare needs
Step 5: Understand Total Costs
Get detailed pricing information:
- •Base daily rate for semi-private vs private rooms
- •Therapy costs (often separate from daily rate)
- •Medication management fees
- •Specialized care program costs (dementia units, etc.)
- •Medicaid acceptance and private-pay to Medicaid transition policy
Jacksonville Advantage:
With 11 five-star facilities and 21 total facilities rated 4-5 stars, Jacksonville families can prioritize fit and location without compromising quality. This is rare in American healthcare - embrace the abundance of excellent options.
Ready to Compare Jacksonville Nursing Homes?
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