hello...moving to jax, and considering springfield or avondale

[michelle]

Hi, my name is Michelle and I am moving to Jax with my family.  I want to live downtown...either Springfield or Avondale.  I am especially taken with Springfield because of what seems like a very strong community feeling.  However, with the recent downturn in the economy, I worry that springfield will not be able to continue its revitalization.  What do you think???  Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Michelle

[jagsfan32092]

If you have kids, I would do:  1.  Avondale, 2.  San Marco, 3.  Riverside, 4.  Springfield. 

[michelle]

Any particular reason why?  Thanks for the response
Michelle

[TREE4309]

I would tend to agree, just because there are less "negative" aspects of Avondale and San Marco (hence the higher property values).  I wouldn't hesitate to live in Springfield or Riverside myself, but I'm also a single male in my early 30s.  As beautiful as areas of Springfield and parts of Riverside are, they are also adjacent to some less than desirable urban neighborhoods.

[GatorShane]

Hey Michelle! We welcome you to our great city. IMO I think Riverside-Avondale might be a better fit for you and your family. The reason for this is because you will already have most everything you need already in place-schools, grocery store, restaurants, shopping, doctors offices, hair salons, etc.(maybe all within walking distance-depending on what part of this area you might locate) Anyway, have a safe move and once again--Welcome!---Shane(GatorShane)

[uptowngirl]

Springfield has the Mommies club. We have lots of kids....where have ya'll been? We also have a new grocery store going in on Main, and the newly remodeled Winn Dixie, we have some of the best magnet schools, parks galore, and cheaper property holding it's value. We are also a "neighborhood" meaning we all get together, party, talk, and have events more so than any other neighborhood.

[michelle]

I am not sure what it would mean to live in Springfield with "less desireable" neighborhoods close by, but it seems everyone that lives in Springfield loves it.  I was certain after the first time I visited that I wanted to live in Springfield, but my husband was unsure of investing in a neighborhood going through a revitalization during a recession.  He was afraid that Springfield would lose momentum or something.  Since we are obviously unfamiliar with the area, these forums are great for learning about the area.  So, due to the prodding of my husband    I looked into Avondale.  It is beautiful!  There is no doubt about that!  I love Boone park and the river front and all the shoppes.  But, I just never got excited about it like I did Springfield.  I am really looking for a community and it seems Springfield definitely has it! 

As far as the less desireable neighborhoods around Springfield, what does this acutally mean for those living in Springfield?  Maybe those neighborhoods will improve over time too. 

Thanks for all the responses!

Michelle

[TREE4309]

If you've been to Springfield, then you know that the neighborhood can change drastically from block to block...some blocks are beautifully restored or have new homes built to match the original old homes...other blocks are run-down, full of empty lots, or are generally blighted looking.  The further north you go on Main St. the less desirable and less revitalized the neighborhood gets.  Also, to the east of Springfield's Historic District is the heavily industrial and generally unattractive Talleyrand area.  To the west is a good amount of low-income apartment complexes.  The collapse of the housing market also stifled a lot of the renovations that were helping the resurgence of the neighborhood...there are dozens of unfinished homes that have been left to rot courtesy of failed flippers and investors.  Again, I love parts of Springfield and wouldn't hesitate to live in the heart of it's historic district for the right price, but I don't think anyone can deny that it has some less than desirable aspects. 

[uptowngirl]

Not anymore than Riverside. We have not had anyone get their eyes cut out.

Now I will grant you it is not as pristine as Avondale, but you also get the 250K crime nuisance discount. This is a discount given to you so that you can replace your lawn mower every couple of years (if you don;t have big dogs). You also GET a real community, with events, parties, and that works together for a better neighborhood.

[TREE4309]

You are correct about those positive aspects of Springfield...and I'm not trying to bash your neighborhood, as I've said, I personally like the neighborhood and would have no problem living in Springfield.  However, I don't think I've painted an unfair representation of the neighborhood.

[michelle]

I know what you mean about there being some areas of Springfield that still need a lot of work.  My family (parents, sister, etc.) all think I am crazy for wanting to live there because they are worried about the safety of the neighborhood too.  My in-laws are scratching their heads too   But, I think it is all about what you are looking for in a neighborhood.  Like I have said before, more than anything I want a really strong community feeling that Springfield seems to have for my family.  I haven't gotten the sense that Avondale/Riverside or San Marco have that same community feeling.  Maybe I am wrong about that, but it seems that I keep reading about the strong community that Springfield has and not much about the communities of Avondale/Riverside and San Marco.  Also, the houses that are redone in Springfield are AMAZING!!!   

Thanks again everyone for all the responses!  It is so great to have found this forum before I move there!

Michelle

[blizz01]

Well, come on down already!

[michelle]

We are certainly trying   Some things are out of our control, but it looks like we should be able to come and house hunt next month, and then move about 6 weeks after that.  I have my eye on several homes I have seen online, so I am very excited to see them in person!
Michelle

[RiversideGator]

Good luck with your move!   

[brainstormer]

I just moved to Springfield last week and love it so far.  I used to live downtown, so I didn't move very far.  My friends just closed on a beautiful house on Laura Street at an unbelievable price!  I would check out Laura, Market and Walnut streets.  I think in general you get more for your money in Springfield, at least that is what I found out apt hunting.