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It may not be the state capital, but Jacksonville holds the honor of being Florida’s largest city in terms of both population and area. In fact, Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the continental U.S., with a total consolidated area of 885 square miles.Jacksonville is part of Florida’s “First Coast” region, which contains the first permanent European settlement in the country (St. Augustine) and is the first coast spotted by southbound travelers along the Atlantic seaboard. Jacksonville (incorporated 1832) is not quite as old as St. Augustine (founded 1565), but it has a strong blend of history and modern industries that make it a popular choice for those moving to the state.The city’s present-day location was actually the site of the first French colony in the U.S., Fort Caroline, in 1564. However, it was destroyed by the Spanish a year later, and then destroyed and rebuilt by the French in 1568. The Fort Caroline National Memorial features a smaller-scale reconstruction of the fort and a visitor center with historical information.Today, the city is a haven for banking, insurance, and healthcare companies. Its seaport location also makes it a leading spot for automobile imports. The Jacksonville International Airport is an access point for the many businesses in the city, which also include biomedical technology and information services. As with most areas in Florida, Jacksonville also sees its share of tourists. A number of the visitors just happen to be golf enthusiaststhe PGA Tour is headquartered in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach, and the Players Championship is held yearly at that location.A number of buildings stand out in the Jacksonville skyline. The tallest is the Bank of America Tower, built in 1990 and formerly known as the Barnett Bank Center. The Modis Building, completed in 1974, is the second-tallest, but is more often considered Jacksonville’s identifying landmark. The building takes up a whole downtown block and features an auditorium, bank, restaurants, and retail stores on the first floor. A four-story tropical atrium greets visitors.Movers to Jacksonville have over 500 neighborhoods to choose from, divided into six planning districts: Greater Arlington, North Jacksonville, Northwest Jacksonville, Southeast Jacksonville, Southwest Jacksonville, and the Urban Core. Despite the number, each district has its own special appeal, regardless of whether you’re looking for a historic urban neighborhood, a rural community, or beachfront property.If this has piqued your interest, there are plenty of real estate agents in the area who will be happy to work with you in finding the home of your dreams. Good luck, and happy hunting!