📍 About ZJX & Hilliard
Jacksonville ARTCC (ZJX) is located in the small town of Hilliard, FL, about 40 miles northwest of downtown Jacksonville. While Hilliard is a quiet rural community, many controllers choose to live in nearby towns such as Yulee, Fernandina Beach, and parts of north Jacksonville for better amenities and lifestyle options.
🏡 Where to Live
For Singles & Young Couples
- Fernandina Beach – Charming historic downtown, beachside living
- Yulee – Quiet suburb with new developments
- North Jacksonville – Convenient to ZJX and JAX airport
For Families
- Callahan – Small-town vibe, close to Hilliard
- Yulee – Good schools and suburban feel
- Fernandina Beach – Excellent schools and beach access
🚗 Commute Times to ZJX (Hilliard, FL)
- 0–15 min: Hilliard, Callahan
- 20–35 min: Yulee, Fernandina Beach
- 40–50 min: North Jacksonville, Westside Jacksonville
🎓 Top School Districts
- Nassau County School District – Covers Hilliard, Callahan, and Yulee
- Duval County Public Schools – Covers Jacksonville area
- Fernandina Beach Schools – Highly rated public and charter options
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌴 Outdoor Activities
- Beaches: Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Little Talbot Island
- Hiking/Kayaking: Egan’s Creek Greenway, Okefenokee Swamp, Timucuan Preserve
- Golf: Numerous courses in Amelia Island and Jacksonville
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Historic Sites: Fort Clinch, Kingsley Plantation
- Jacksonville: Museums, concerts, and festivals year-round
- Family Fun: Jacksonville Zoo, MOSH (Museum of Science & History)
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): ~40 min from Hilliard
- General Aviation: Fernandina Beach Muni (FHB), Hilliard Airpark
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Hilliard: Very low crime, quiet rural community
- Yulee: Safe with good public services
- North Jacksonville: Varies by neighborhood
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home ~$260,000 in Hilliard/Yulee
- Rent: 1-bedroom ~$1,000–$1,400 depending on proximity to beach or city
- Utilities: ~$180–$220/month
- Taxes: Florida has no state income tax; property taxes ~0.9–1.1%
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Hilliard: Rural, quiet, 5-minute commute to ZJX
- Fernandina Beach: Coastal charm, shopping and dining
- Yulee: Suburban feel with growing amenities
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild, 50s–70s°F
- Spring: Warm and breezy, 70s–80s°F
- Summer: Hot and humid, 90s°F, frequent afternoon storms
- Fall: Warm and pleasant with some hurricanes possible
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Car: Required for most travel
- Traffic: Light in Hilliard, more congestion near Jacksonville
- Major Roads: US-1, FL-200, I-95 for airport and city access
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Local Options: Baptist Medical Center Nassau, CareSpot in Yulee
- Jacksonville: Mayo Clinic, UF Health, Ascension St. Vincent’s
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Community Events: Hilliard Fall Festival, Fernandina Shrimp Festival
- Outdoor Meetups: Beach cleanups, local hiking groups
- Jacksonville: Large city with plenty of dining, sports, concerts
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Local Favorites: The Pig BBQ, T-Rays Burger Station, Wicked BAO
- Seafood: Amelia Island Fish Market, Shuckers
- Jacksonville Dining: Diverse restaurants from Latin to Asian fusion
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Facility: ZJX is a large enroute facility covering southeastern U.S. airspace
- Shifts: Mix of days, mids, and overnights — proximity helps reduce fatigue
- Nearby ATC Community: Several employees live in Yulee and Fernandina Beach
📦 Moving Tips
- Utilities: Nassau Amelia Utilities, Florida Power & Light
- Storm Prep: Keep a hurricane kit and know evacuation zones
- Best Moving Months: October–May for cooler weather
❓ FAQs
- Is Hilliard a good place to live?
Yes, especially for quiet, low-cost living near ZJX - What about hurricanes?
They're possible — have a plan and stay informed - Is the commute bad?
Not at all if you live in Hilliard, Yulee, or Fernandina