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.
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!!
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!
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... :)
If I worked at JTB and 9A I would probably be inclined to live out at the beaches somewhere.
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. :D (kidding)
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.
And like J mentioned.... Welcome and go Jags!!!!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
Welcome again, Ambitious. I saw you on citydata yesterday...
You need to come to town and check it out yourself. You'll probably pick up the vibe of each area within a few hours and know what feels right. My preference is Riverside, but as I said on the other website, the area where you work is quite attractive as well. And the beaches can be exciting, but probably would get old if I was out there every night. Walk around Riverside (start with Five Points or Avondale), drive around Tinseltown and the St Johns Town Center, and then hit Jax Beach. There are other nice spots as well, but you'll probably be able to start (and end) your search with the above.
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?
Riverside/Avondale was made for running.
As has been said, Riverside/Avondale offers a lot of multi-family residences for rent. As far as apartment complexes.. Villas of St Johns is great. Clean places in the heart of Riverside.
There are a few buildings on the river near St Vincents Hospital... can't recall the names offhand but I'll driveby on the way home from work.
I'm probably going to be the far minority opinion here...but working at JTB/9A and living in Riverside? Really? That strikes me as a little crazy. After living here for 5 years and about to move around town for the 4th time, the #1 rule I've learned about this city is that you should think long and hard about putting the river in between where you live and where you're going to travel to the most. Personally, I work near that area and I wouldn't even consider living in Riverside.
The Tinseltown area on Southside might be worth looking at (Tapestry Park in particular depending what you're looking for). There's also some great places to rent from the south end of Southside and the northeastern part of Mandarin. There's also a ton of townhomes in the area that people are putting up for rent at great rates (I've seen some incredible deals on great sized 3 bed/2 bath places in Bartram Park for the same rent as some apartments around town want to charge for small 2/1s).
The JTB/9A/Southside area is loaded with apartments and condos, most of which are very new. This area is also the most like WPB area if that's what you're interested in. Riverside is a very long drive from there doesn't seem very practical.
Quote from: Clem1029 on July 29, 2010, 03:54:40 PM
I'm probably going to be the far minority opinion here...but working at JTB/9A and living in Riverside? Really? That strikes me as a little crazy. After living here for 5 years and about to move around town for the 4th time, the #1 rule I've learned about this city is that you should think long and hard about putting the river in between where you live and where you're going to travel to the most. Personally, I work near that area and I wouldn't even consider living in Riverside.
The Tinseltown area on Southside might be worth looking at (Tapestry Park in particular depending what you're looking for). There's also some great places to rent from the south end of Southside and the northeastern part of Mandarin. There's also a ton of townhomes in the area that people are putting up for rent at great rates (I've seen some incredible deals on great sized 3 bed/2 bath places in Bartram Park for the same rent as some apartments around town want to charge for small 2/1s).
I agree. Im not a fan of driving and rush hour traffic. I did it for 5 years. I stayed on Dunn ave and worked in Baymeadows. WHOO UPON MY SOUL. That was a 30 minute drive there and back every morning, and lets not count an accident. I now work in downtown and stay in Baymeadows, so my drive is about 10-15 at the most during rush hour. Which isnt too bad.
Where did you live in WPB and do you want a similar 'hood here?
If you're looking for places around Riverside, I'd recommend finding a realtor who knows the area. There's MLS listings similar to what is available for when you're buying a home, they can help you find a few options, and then drive you around to see them since you aren't familiar with the area. They usually do this for free since they often receive a stipend no matter what realty company manages the property. It lets you see a lot of properties at once with the guidance of someone who is from here.
JTB/9A is a 15-20 minute commute from the beach, which has a good night life for 23 year old single male and a lot of eye candy on the weekends.
Haha okay after thinking about the commute, I'm changing my mind on Riverside. I've been researching the Tinseltown area, it looks pretty nice and is close to work, and it isn't too far from the city or the beach.
Prices do look a little high, but maybe that's because I'm used to places from college that were $400/month? I'll definitely take the advice and go up there for a couple of days when I get the chance.
In West Palm Beach, I pretty much live in Greenacres/unincorporated area around there, about a 15 min drive West of downtown.
Quote from: Ambitious on July 29, 2010, 05:14:22 PM
In West Palm Beach, I pretty much live in Greenacres/unincorporated area around there, about a 15 min drive West of downtown.
Tinseltown is more similar to that area than Riverside is.
I live in Riverside and previously worked in Ponte Vedra. I could make it door to door in 25min...usually while texting and never using my signal, unless it was my signal finger. (lol, j/k see other thread about driving) And no, I don't have a magical car and tend to keep it about 5-10 over the limit when possible. But best advice is, as the others said, come out for a couple of days and check out the different areas. My number one priority is there being a bar I can walk to, not drive, walk...in other words, quality of life is more important than commute time. If I love where I live, I'll drive forever to work. (Besides, live too close to work, and you're always right there...close to work.) Just my opine...
~j.
I agree with everything posted ahead of time. Couple questions: what's your monthly price range and what type of place are you looking for? By the last question I mean do you want something new/relatively new, a gated community, a home, a duplex, a neighborhood, a charming older home, etc. Both of those can help us narrow down what might be best suited for you.
I spent 5 years living in the Southside/Tinseltown area (lived on campus at UNF for 3 years, 1 year in a townhome near the Town Center and another year in an apartment near the Town Center) and now I work near the JTB/9A interchange. To me, there's nothing really bad about that area, but nothing really great either. You're close to a lot of things, but you have to drive everywhere.
I moved to Riverside about two months ago and, so far, I really like it. I'm not wild about the commute, but it's not awful - about 20 mins door to door. I love being able to walk around to bars, restaurants and shops and there are a lot of people around my age in the neighborhood (I'm 23 btw). It's definitely not for everyone though; most of the buildings are from the early to mid 1900's and some haven't been renovated. Whereas the Southside has the same general amenities in all their apartments (i.e., practically all of them have central air, dishwashers, ice makers, etc), there's far more variety in Riverside/San Marco/Springfield. Some places have been recently renovated and have all the modern conveniences while others require window A/C units and don't have on site laundry facilities.
It sounds like you're leaning towards the Tinseltown area, which can be a good base for your first few months/year. Like you said, the location is good and you're convenient to a lot of other places in Jacksonville. You can do some exploring and when your lease is up you'll have a better idea of where you want to live.
In my experience, it can be a little easier to find a place on the Southside just due to the fact that the apartment complexes are so big. You can look at the model unit and tell if you like it, select the floor plan you want and then see what they have available around your moving date. When you visit a complex, you're essentially checking out 5-10 vacant units. If you want to see that in Riverside, you have to look at 5-10 different units. Plus, apartment complexes usually have someone on site during business hours, so you can basically drop in as opposed to having to call ahead and make an appointment. Just something to think about since you're doing your search from out of town. If you do choose Riverside or one of the downtown neighborhoods, I would definitely recommend using a realtor or similar service. That said, I have to commend you for finding MetroJax...it may be the most useful resource at your disposal :)
Welcome to Jacksonville, it really can be a cool place to live. Keep the questions comin' if you got'em!
Hmm..for monthly payments, I have no idea really. Salary is 50 k...I am pretty much just going to show up with a few bags and a car. I don't have any payments on anything, and I don't really know what it costs for a single guy to live. What do you recommend that I spend on housing?
I should probably live in an apartment. One problem is that I don't have any furniture, I wonder if any of these places are already furnished? I should probably buy my own furniture, but all I know is that I will be there for about 2 years minimum. I could be moving shortly after those 2 years are up or I could be staying for 5-10 years.
Do you guys recommend living alone? I've lived with either family or roommates all of my life. I've had good and bad experiences. I'm definitely leaning towards Tinseltown but I'll be sure to check out Riverside when I visit too.
Springfield to Soutside where it ends at Philips -17 miles and about 25 mins each way, I don;t think that is bad at all, of course now I hardly ever have to go in the office ;-)
Quote from: Ambitious on July 29, 2010, 08:26:09 PM
I should probably live in an apartment. One problem is that I don't have any furniture, I wonder if any of these places are already furnished? I should probably buy my own furniture, but all I know is that I will be there for about 2 years minimum. I could be moving shortly after those 2 years are up or I could be staying for 5-10 years.
On your way up drive through Tampa, rent a Uhaul /w a car tow, spend $1-2k at Ikea and furnish your place fairly well, turn the u-haul in at your local Uhaul rental in Jax, thank me.
Quote from: JaxDiablo on July 30, 2010, 02:53:34 PM
Quote from: Ambitious on July 29, 2010, 08:26:09 PM
I should probably live in an apartment. One problem is that I don't have any furniture, I wonder if any of these places are already furnished? I should probably buy my own furniture, but all I know is that I will be there for about 2 years minimum. I could be moving shortly after those 2 years are up or I could be staying for 5-10 years.
On your way up drive through Tampa, rent a Uhaul /w a car tow, spend $1-2k at Ikea and furnish your place fairly well, turn the u-haul in at your local Uhaul rental in Jax, thank me.
He'll spend 3 weeks with an allen wrench if he buys all his stuff at Icrapa...and he won't be thanking you unless you come and help him put his Verhoovershmidt together. LMAO
First of all Ikea is not high quality by any means, but I have Ikea furniture that looks good, all matches, it's modern, it's cheap and you have to build it yourself which can actually be fun and tune up your mechanical skills, and I have made mine last over 3 years and counting with no incidents. Ikea is great for college age/young people, there is no doubt about it.
Second of all, everyone is complaining about 20-30 minute commutes? I hate driving and I hate traffic, but come on most people in just about any other city have to deal with far worse traffic and much longer commutes than anyone in Jax. Just avoid Blanding and don't force yourself to drive 10E in the morning rush hour and you will be fine almost anywhere. Heck I left my place of work here in Atlanta yesterday at 3:30 to beat traffic and it took me AN HOUR to get from Perimeter to Midtown, even using a toll road that most people avoid, and a drive that takes 15 minutes without traffic. Chew on that.
Quote from: RockStar on July 30, 2010, 03:28:56 PM
Quote from: JaxDiablo on July 30, 2010, 02:53:34 PM
Quote from: Ambitious on July 29, 2010, 08:26:09 PM
I should probably live in an apartment. One problem is that I don't have any furniture, I wonder if any of these places are already furnished? I should probably buy my own furniture, but all I know is that I will be there for about 2 years minimum. I could be moving shortly after those 2 years are up or I could be staying for 5-10 years.
On your way up drive through Tampa, rent a Uhaul /w a car tow, spend $1-2k at Ikea and furnish your place fairly well, turn the u-haul in at your local Uhaul rental in Jax, thank me.
He'll spend 3 weeks with an allen wrench if he buys all his stuff at Icrapa...and he won't be thanking you unless you come and help him put his Verhoovershmidt together. LMAO
The kid said 2-3 years, he's a bachelor, and if he supplies the beer I'll happily help.
And the Verhooverschmidt is so last year, it's the Gargelfluggenheimerstein this year.
Honestly though it's good starter stuff, easy to move in due to the flat packing, and it lasts as long as you don't go all WWE on it.
Welcome to Jacksonville!
My wife and I live in a Condo Neighborhood off of Beach Blvd and Hodges (Heron's Landing). I do know of a few units that are for sale (or in foreclosure), so you could get a pretty good deal. They are newer, phase 1 started in 2007 and the final phase wrapped up last year. Lots of good people living in there, mostly younger (like us!)with a few older couples.
We like the place.. Not too far from the beach, only about 10 minutes from your work, and not too too far from Downtown.. My wife is a Real Estate Agent as well. Shoot me a message if you need any help!
You'll have a free ride to the Jaguar Games too!