Pedestrian/Cyclist friendly area in Jacksonville, FL (Springfield: how much, home)

[Hexeir]

I am about to make a move to Jacksonville, FL. My fiance is in the Coast Guard, and she will be at Sector Jacksonville... Or Mayport, I suppose?

I am very interested in living in an community that would provide a very short commute via foot or bicycle into a town-like area. Basically, I'd like to be able to hop on my bicycle and under five minutes be in a down-town like atmosphere with local shops, restaurants, bars, etc.

Are there any places like this near Jacksonville? I wouldn't mind having to do a twenty minute or so commute to work... and it doesn't have to be super close to the beach, but I don't mind if it is... keeping in mind we aren't going to have all the money in the world to fork out for high living costs.

Thanks so much!

EDIT:

I also meant to add that I would prefer a warm, local feel. I'm seeing that Jacksonville is overthrown mainstream commerce, much like my home now in West Georgia. Thanks!

[madcapmagishion]

Originally Posted by Hexeir

I am about to make a move to Jacksonville, FL. My fiance is in the Coast Guard, and she will be at Sector Jacksonville... Or Mayport, I suppose?

I am very interested in living in an community that would provide a very short commute via foot or bicycle into a town-like area. Basically, I'd like to be able to hop on my bicycle and under five minutes be in a down-town like atmosphere with local shops, restaurants, bars, etc.

Are there any places like this near Jacksonville? I wouldn't mind having to do a twenty minute or so commute to work... and it doesn't have to be super close to the beach, but I don't mind if it is... keeping in mind we aren't going to have all the money in the world to fork out for high living costs.

Thanks so much!

EDIT:

I also meant to add that I would prefer a warm, local feel. I'm seeing that Jacksonville is overthrown mainstream commerce, much like my home now in West Georgia. Thanks!

Jacksonville is a very bikeable city, as it is so flat here.
OK first off to find a place about 20 minutes from where you work, we would need to know in what area of town you will be working. If however you meant 20 minutes from where your fiancee will be working, we would need to know that also. As far as money just an approximation of how much you would like to spend would help immensely. Also where exactly in West Georgia are you reffering to, as for the life of me I cant think of anywhere in West Georgia thats remotely commercial like Jax. Statesboro? naaa. Columbus? seriously? Americus? no way. Albany, Rome? nay, nay...Jacksonville is overthrown mainstream commerce(???) I am not exactly sure what you meant by this, please elaborate.

[fsu813]

Originally Posted by Hexeir

I am about to make a move to Jacksonville, FL. My fiance is in the Coast Guard, and she will be at Sector Jacksonville... Or Mayport, I suppose?

I am very interested in living in an community that would provide a very short commute via foot or bicycle into a town-like area. Basically, I'd like to be able to hop on my bicycle and under five minutes be in a down-town like atmosphere with local shops, restaurants, bars, etc.

Are there any places like this near Jacksonville? I wouldn't mind having to do a twenty minute or so commute to work... and it doesn't have to be super close to the beach, but I don't mind if it is... keeping in mind we aren't going to have all the money in the world to fork out for high living costs.

Thanks so much!

EDIT:

I also meant to add that I would prefer a warm, local feel. I'm seeing that Jacksonville is overthrown mainstream commerce, much like my home now in West Georgia. Thanks!

This is what you're looking for:

Riverside & Avondale historic district www.riverside-avondale.com
San Marco www.mysanmarco.com
Springfield historic district www.myspringfield.org

They are the most walkable/bikeable in the city with many unique, local shops. They all surrond Downtown Jacksonville and are no more than 5-10 minutes away, depending. Riverside & Avondale historic district has the most to offer, San Marco second, and Springfield historic district third (still gentrifiying). All are great places to live and have received more good press than any other area in Jax in the past year or so. If you'd like maps, photos, or other details just ask.

[fsquid]

The beach area is pretty bikeable, or at least appears that way.