Thinking about moving to FL, from IL (Jacksonville, Pensacola: apartment, rentals)

[bluespider]

I am a new massage therapist and am thinking about moving to Florida. I was wondering if anyone could give me any information about where is safe... and what a good city would be for my profession and any other information you can give me, or advice would be great.
Thank you.

[Lawstudent]

Hello Blue,
We just relocated here from Illinois a month ago now. I am guessing you are female and would like a safe place not to far from work. Everyone will tell you the Southside of Jax is the nicer area, more safe, clean etc. We chose this side of town so I can only tell you about it. First no poor people get massages so you will want to be where the money is and that is also on the Southside of town. The more mature crowd whom have the time and resources for your particular service are concentrated in this area and even more present in Ponte Verde. If you can find a place in the area you would be close to the beach and close to work. Let us know if we can help. I am also looking for a place to get a good massage so let me know where you end up. What part of Il. are you coming from?

D&S

[bluespider]

I live out in the western subs of chicago in Aurora. Ty very much for the advice. If you would like to give me some info about southern Jackson - price wise or whatever.. that would be great. I am going down to florida in Sept to visit my brother and thinking about checking out the city while I am down that way.

[riveree]

Does your brother live in Jacksonville, Blue Spider?

I'm sure you can get plenty of feedback regarding the Southside of Jacksonville here in this forum. We'd need some details from you of course:

Renting or Owning?

What price range?

What type of housing you'd like?

The more specifics, the better .

[Lawstudent]

Aurora = home of Wayne's World excellent, party time. Ok I watched alot of them but I lived in libertyville for 2 years so I am somewhat familiar with where you are coming from. I think Riveree is right with her questions the more info about what you want the more we can direct you.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by Lawstudent

Aurora = home of Wayne's World excellent, party time.

Party On, Lawstudent .

[bluespider]

Renting.... not sure about the whole owning.

Price range.... cheap as it can get with out cockroaches or nastyness, or ghetto lol.

It doesn't matter if its a studio... or regular apartment. I would prefer a apartment that isn't the size of shoe box... but... ya gotta do what ya gotta do until you start making money.

[bluespider]

O and no... my brother doesn't live in Jacksonville, he lives over in Fort Walton Beach.

[Lawstudent]

I think cheap here comes with the cockroaches for free (called palmetto bugs here). Here as in many areas the cost of rent seems to directly correlate with safety and quality of neighbors. If cost is of a high priority there are a few colleges and Universities in Jax. So there should be a decent market for finding a roomate. This would reduce cost and probably get you into an area you find acceptable. Standard rents in the area hover around the $1000 mark for a 2/2 apartment or condo in a nice area and not much less in undesireable areas. Maybe someone knows more than I about a studio apartment situation available. You will find that the cost of living here is on par with suburbia Chicago. We have found that there may be some things cheaper here but there are other things more expensive so they level out. I am also very familiar with the panhandle where your brother lives. I am a native of Pensacola beach. There is no comparing the two areas, completely different, it all boils down to what is important to you. Hope this helps I am sure someone else will share their thoughts.

[bugnbyke]

Moved here over 4 yrs ago and found that the Baymeadows area had alot of rentals varying in price from 800.00 monthly for a 1/1 with fireplace to 1100.00 for a 2/2. All in relatively nice, convenient areas.