Moving to Jacksonville

Ambitious · July 29, 2010, 01:05:57 PM

Hey guys,

I just found out yesterday that I'll be assigned to Jacksonville for the next few years for work. I'm really excited and can't wait to start my new life! (which won't be until December.)

A little history about me: I'm 23 and I just finished school at the University of Florida in May. I've lived in Florida my whole life, mainly in West Palm Beach. I don't know a single person in Jacksonville, so I'm pretty nervous about the move since I've never moved to a place I haven't known anyone.

But anyways..I'll be working near the intersection of JTB Blvd and 9A. I just started researching some basics about the area, and I have no clue what area of town I should consider living at. I don't want to commute more than say..20 minutes each way. I don't think I want to live around a bunch of families though either. Any idea on a good place to live for a young single guy?

If you have some places in mind, for reference my salary is approx 50 k/yr. I don't have any debts, so I'm not sure what type of place that will get me. Also, I haven't decided yet whether I should try to find some roommates? Any ideas on that?

I know the possibilities are endless based on the few things I described, but luckily I have a few months to figure this all out. Good to meet you all! I'm sure I'll be on this forum a lot for the next couple of years.

duvaldude08 · July 29, 2010, 01:15:56 PM

The JTB/9A area have some VERY nice places to stay. The area is rather pricey, but if you make around 50,000, you can definately afford it and it is a VERY nice area. Welcome!!

RockStar · July 29, 2010, 01:19:02 PM

Depends on your personality. Alot of us here are partial to Riverside/Avondale/Downtown/San Marco, the true core of Jacksonville - lots of bars and the best restaurants are in these areas.

But you might prefer living at the beach, and of course there's lots of nightlife there as well. If so, you'll want to live on 1st or 2nd Street, as it's closer to the water and the neighborhoods tend to be nicer. Ponte Vedra is nice, but will bore you to tears. Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach are good as well.

Good luck and welcome! Go Jaguars!

BridgeTroll · July 29, 2010, 01:21:30 PM

Welcome to you and your 50k! Cmon up and spend a few days and get to know some of the areas mentioned before making a choice...

acme54321 · July 29, 2010, 01:48:39 PM

If I worked at JTB and 9A I would probably be inclined to live out at the beaches somewhere.

finehoe · July 29, 2010, 01:54:50 PM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 29, 2010, 01:21:30 PM
Cmon up and spend a few days and get to know some of the areas mentioned before making a choice...

This is the best advice. Spend some time looking around and see which area feels right for you.

If you're cute, you can stay with me.

(kidding)

fieldafm · July 29, 2010, 01:57:54 PM

Quote from: acme54321 on July 29, 2010, 01:48:39 PM
If I worked at JTB and 9A I would probably be inclined to live out at the beaches somewhere.

Im single, a little older than this young man, and my work is also based in this area... there are certainly a lot of individuals living in the area that would fit his demographics. But, for me Riverside/Avondale, San Marco, or the Beaches(Im not real sure anything North of 3rd Street even exists

) would be the only places I would consider living in.

fieldafm · July 29, 2010, 01:58:49 PM

And like J mentioned.... Welcome and go Jags!!!!!!!

Ambitious · July 29, 2010, 02:13:59 PM

Thanks for the input so far. Wow...I keep looking at a map and the city just looks so big.

At first I liked the idea of the beaches too...but someone told me that most people there are the "laid back beach bum" types and I might not get along with them. I have nothing wrong with people that prefer that lifestyle (my sister is one)..it's just that I'm the opposite type of person. I like going to the beach once or twice a week, but that's it.

I've heard Riverside mentioned before. Do you think this is too far from my work? I would be driving the opposite direction of the cars at rush hour, so maybe it won't be so bad.

The thing that I'm most afraid of is living somewhere in the suburbs surrounded by families and being bored to tears.

duvaldude08 · July 29, 2010, 02:20:06 PM

Quote from: Ambitious on July 29, 2010, 02:13:59 PM
Thanks for the input so far. Wow...I keep looking at a map and the city just looks so big.

At first I liked the idea of the beaches too...but someone told me that most people there are the "laid back beach bum" types and I might not get along with them. I have nothing wrong with people that prefer that lifestyle (my sister is one)..it's just that I'm the opposite type of person. I like going to the beach once or twice a week, but that's it.

I've heard Riverside mentioned before. Do you think this is too far from my work? I would be driving the opposite direction of the cars at rush hour, so maybe it won't be so bad.

The thing that I'm most afraid of is living somewhere in the suburbs surrounded by families and being bored to tears.

Again, in my opinon, stay in the JTB area if you want to be near your job. Traffic is a nightmare coming some of the areas mentioned above. If you dont mind the traffic, the recommended areas are great area as well.

Bativac · July 29, 2010, 02:26:27 PM

Quote from: Ambitious on July 29, 2010, 02:13:59 PM
Thanks for the input so far. Wow...I keep looking at a map and the city just looks so big.

At first I liked the idea of the beaches too...but someone told me that most people there are the "laid back beach bum" types and I might not get along with them. I have nothing wrong with people that prefer that lifestyle (my sister is one)..it's just that I'm the opposite type of person. I like going to the beach once or twice a week, but that's it.

I've heard Riverside mentioned before. Do you think this is too far from my work? I would be driving the opposite direction of the cars at rush hour, so maybe it won't be so bad.

The thing that I'm most afraid of is living somewhere in the suburbs surrounded by families and being bored to tears.

Riverside is gonna be a fair piece from 9A/JTB but if you're going opposite of traffic then it shouldn't be too bad. A friend of mine lives in Riverside and works in that area and I think his daily commute is 20-25 minutes. Half an hour if there's a wreck or something. But he works 2nd shift.

I think if I were you (and I am not too far removed - 31 year old guy, making around the same, just married in April), I'd look for something in Riverside. There are lots of cool places you can rent (apartments, houses, etc) while you get a feel for the city before you take the plunge and buy something. Riverside has more going on than San Marco (which is really just one yuppie-ish strip surrounded by neighborhoods) and you don't sound like you want to be immersed in beach culture.

But certainly, come down and visit for a few days. Hang out and get a feel for the place.

Ambitious · July 29, 2010, 02:27:12 PM

I'm definitely going to rent. Since I may have to move to a different city with short notice and I live alone, there is no need to get a house anytime soon. Are there any specific apartment complexes near my work that anyone recommends? Or a specific area, like near UNF or the town center?

Or maybe an apartment complex in Riverside that is good?

JaxDiablo · July 29, 2010, 02:32:40 PM

Jacksonville is like one big suburb (this is coming from someone from Chicago). I currently work in the same general area. The area around St. Johns Towncenter is for the young soon to be or transitioning to affluent set. So if that's the crowd you're part of perfect place to be.

As for Riverside (which is closer to the area I live in, and again work right near SSide and Butler), it's definitely got a more artsy feel to it, tons to do where you aren't pigeon holed into seeing the same crowd every night that you go out, and you have the ability to go downtown much easier than if you lived at the beaches.

I'd recommend coming out for a weekend before hand and taking a night hanging out/checking out the various areas. And see how it works out for you.

**EDIT**
Oh, and as for traffic, I work 9am to 6pm and my commute each way is 20 minutes from door to door.

Ambitious · July 29, 2010, 02:54:25 PM

Quote from: JaxDiablo on July 29, 2010, 02:32:40 PM
Jacksonville is like one big suburb (this is coming from someone from Chicago). I currently work in the same general area. The area around St. Johns Towncenter is for the young soon to be or transitioning to affluent set. So if that's the crowd you're part of perfect place to be.

Not the crowd I am part of. Riverside does sound better based on your description. I also want to be able to run around where I live. Any recommendations of apartments in Riverside?

duvaldude08 · July 29, 2010, 03:05:34 PM

Quote from: Ambitious on July 29, 2010, 02:54:25 PM
Quote from: JaxDiablo on July 29, 2010, 02:32:40 PM
Jacksonville is like one big suburb (this is coming from someone from Chicago). I currently work in the same general area. The area around St. Johns Towncenter is for the young soon to be or transitioning to affluent set. So if that's the crowd you're part of perfect place to be.

Not the crowd I am part of. Riverside does sound better based on your description. I also want to be able to run around where I live. Any recommendations of apartments in Riverside?

Unfortunately Riverside is mostly composed of privately owned apartments building. IT would be best to visit one weekend and take a stroll around riverside and look for "for rent" signs. Other than that, there are two condos highrises over there, unfortunatley I do not know the name of them.