Bartram Springs & Commute to UNF (houses, neighborhood, high schools)

[VNSCORB]

Yep, another inquiry about moving to JAX! Lived in JAX from 1986 - 1992, east Arlington.

Looking at Bartram Springs area. According to map quest, it's 15 miles or about 24 minute commute from this area to UNF. Anyone out here driving this? How's traffic? Seem's straight-forward via Phillips Highway & 9A.

Thanks in advance!

[SmileDoc]

What you have map quested sounds about right. But even better for that area is Bartram Park Blvd. will connect w/ Race track in about 2 months and you can take that to 95. I think that will be faster for you since Bartram has no lights. Hope that helps!

[VNSCORB]

Thank you! Do you live in the area? Thoughts about the locale?

[riveree]

We have a lot of recent threads you could search on Bartram Springs.

It's a pretty development, like most of the new master-planned ones are. The houses are the same as anywhere (same builders, same floorplans). There were a ton of resales (investors/speculators having to sell) available last time we were in there. The home prices have dropped dramatically and may drop further still, so you'd want to be sure you could ride it out.

If you're going to be commuting to UNF, Highland Glen is right around the corner and they are still building. The same builder - ICI - is going to be opening Temaya shortly (across the way from Highland Glen).

There's also Waterleaf (they opened some new land and are building again) and Wynnfield Lakes if you want brand new, and these are located just north of UNF.

[VNSCORB]

Thanks Riveree! I'll check. One concern is schools around the UNF area. I'm not impressed with Sandalwood..... Have a new 4th grader and a new 7th grader to consider....

[riveree]

Originally Posted by VNSCORB

Thanks Riveree! I'll check. One concern is schools around the UNF area. I'm not impressed with Sandalwood..... Have a new 4th grader and a new 7th grader to consider....

For the 7th grader it should be Kernan Middle which is actually quite good. It is A-rated and I know some neighborhood kids who go there and the feedback from the kids and parents is positive.

Some of those same kids will not be attending Sandalwood though - they'll go private for the high school years. Sandalwood High has really gone down hill (it was once a National Model School ). The new high school should be open by the time your 7th grader is in high school, but there's no way to know for sure which high school you'd be slated for (the boundaries are going to be redrawn - kids will be pulled from Sandalwood and other high schools).

The 4th grader should be fine as well. Kernan Middle would be a likely elementary for the UNF area and it too is A-rated.

But it's a personal choice and I understand some families are choosing to move to St. John's county instead.