San Marco, Riverside, 5 Points... best area to live? (Five Points: apartment complexes, for rent)

[angelmar99]

I would like to move to the San Marco/5 Points/Riverside/Avondale/Ortega area but it seems that when researching places to live they can either be very expensive or fairly reasonable, and you can also have sketchy neighbors or be in a nice neighborhood. Is there a secret to finding the best location so you are not stuck in a dangerous area? Are there certain streets/areas I should avoid? I noticed some places available on Murray Hill... what is that?[/SIZE]
I really appreciate any feedback on the matter from residents or past residents. Thanks!

[fsu813]

1) Five Points is a commerical district inside Riverside

2) All of those areas are great. Ortega will be somewhat different in that there are very, very few apartments, mostly just single family houses and very few for rent.

3) Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco make up 3 out of the 4 unique, electic, historic areas surronding Downtown, and are very popular with young couples, families, young professionals, and anyone interested in more walkable, bikeable, progressive, artistic, fun, neighborhoods. There are quiet a few retired people in these areas too, so it's really all encompassing.

4) Murray Hill lays next to Avondale, but is very different. It's a mix of rednecky/trashy and quiet & quaint. At one time it was the next up & coming neighborhood, but it's lost almost all momentum in the recent years and will "as-is" for sometime.

5) There are zero "dangerous" areas in those neighborhoods. Some are more established and nicer than others, but none will be "dangerous". A good general rule of thumb is that the boundaries will be not as nice and more "sketchy" than the heart of the neighborhood.

If you are intersted in Riverside or Avondale, contact RAP at www.riverside-avondale.com
If you are interested in San marco, contact SMPS at www.smpsjax.org
If you are intersted in Murray Hill contact MHN at www.murrayhillneighbors.com

Or, simply participate in the forum at www.metrojacksonville.com, as thier readers are very educated about these areas.


If you'd like any specific information, I probably have it. Feel free to ask.

Or use the Search function on City-Data and type in: " riverside avondale san marco " and a lot of good information should come up with in the first few pages.

[abvavgjoe]

Are you looking to rent or buy? What's your budget?

[angelmar99]

Thanks so much for the replies! Very helpful... I plan to rent.

[angelmar99]

Oh, budget is $800 max. Thanks!

[buddy5]

You might want to look at Murray Hill. Ruth N. Upson had an 'A' grade
last year for elementary schools too. Ten minustes away from your other
locations, lower rent on houses.

[fsu813]

These reality companies specialize in the areas you're interested, which should help with renting:

www.traditionsjax.com

www.atkinsonrealtygroup.com

Prudential Network Realty - Prudential Network Realty Avondale Office

And this will have a great description of each area: Neighborhoods | dwellings

Or, since there will be few large apartment complexes in these areas, craigslist is also a good tool.