The Ritz Theatre opened in the LaVilla neighborhood of Jacksonville in 1929. This historic theater was known as the "Harlem of the South," drawing black musicians from all over the country. In fact, some of the most notable performers in Jacksonville's jazz scene, including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Cab Calloway, played at the Ritz. Ray Charles played piano at the Ritz when he was just 15 years old. In October of 1999, the theatre was completely rebuilt.
With a high rate of job growth and low unemployment, Jacksonville Florida is an excellent location for real estate investors. Jacksonville's job market is growing at a fast pace, and the average yearly salary is nearly $46,000, less than the national average. Jacksonville's major employers include a rapidly growing hospitality industry, and a naval air station that provides a wealth of jobs and diversity to the city. Although Jacksonville may not be as wealthy as its neighbors, the city offers plenty of opportunities for the discerning investor.
The city is home to several trade and industry organizations. Jacksonville has a thriving import-export economy and is one of six trade centers in Florida. The World Trade Center Jacksonville is one of the six such centers. It helps Florida companies access foreign markets by offering assistance on a variety of trade-related issues. Its library houses more than 2,500 volumes of international trade literature and 700 periodicals, and it holds intensive research sessions. Several monthly trade seminars are held at the World Trade Center Jacksonville.
After the Civil War, American settlers in the region began to plan the town. They named it Jacksonville after celebrated war hero Andrew Jackson, who was both the first U.S. President and the first Territorial Governor. Residents drafted a town charter, which was approved by the Florida Legislative Council on February 9, 1832. While the name has been changed over the centuries, the city has retained its historic roots. Jacksonville is still one of the country's most beautiful cities and a great place for families and friends to get away from it all.
Housing costs in Jacksonville are among the most affordable major cities in the country. The cost of housing is 17% lower than the national average, and more than half of residents own their homes. A three-bedroom home can be affordable, and you can live within shouting distance of the beach. If you're looking to buy a home, Jacksonville is a great place to start your search. With low property prices, the city is a perfect place to settle down.
Jacksonville is a vibrant city that offers a great variety of attractions. You'll find a thriving community filled with warm-hearted families and friendly people. With a subtropical climate, the city has plenty to offer its residents. And the area is well connected to the pristine beaches and river and lake systems in the surrounding region. Jacksonville also has a number of family-friendly attractions, including a beach-side theme park.