Looking for small communities close to Jax (Jacksonville, Mayo: relocating, work)

[Cathy D.]

Hi. We will be relocating to Jax in the next several months. I have been researching the area and think I have found several nice subdivisions near Mayo Clinic (where we will be working). We are moving from a town of under 100,000 people and we are most comfortable in towns this size. We are feeling a bit overwhelmed with the size and population of Jax. My question is this -- are there any small, close-knit communities in or around Jacksonville where we may feel more comfortable? Does Ponte Vedra have a small town feel? Other suggestions? Thanks so much.

Cathy

[MaryG601]

The first time I went down the Jax to visit was in Ponte Vedra, and yes I got the small town feel. It wasn't like a was in a huge city. Everything was right there. Food, Beaches, Clubs, Stores. I love it. Its expensive there though. I'm looking more on the southside.

[riveree]

There are a lot of nice communities near Mayo and this is a great part of town to live as well - convenient to everything, including the beach .

I agree, Jax is going to be change from a small 100,000 population city/town. I think you'd probably adjust quite easily as the population is fairly spread out. Remember, all those people are spread out over 840 square miles . The Mayo area is one of the denser areas, but it's dense suburban (and nice dense suburban).

Finding a community with the elusive small town feel is getting tougher and tougher across the nation it would seem. So much so that developers are now building their new mega communities with the "small town veneer" and gearing their ad campaigns in a similar fashion........sign of the times .

[ocean/sunlvr]

Are there any real small towns around the St marys,Ga area or the fernandina area that doesent cost an arm and a leg !
This may be a little presumptious of me,but I am stranded in Nebraska inthe winter,and just want to get back to ocean !
Even if I have to live in a trailer ! I am 58 single and retired. But only take home around
$1600 a month.

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by Cathy D.

Hi. We will be relocating to Jax in the next several months. I have been researching the area and think I have found several nice subdivisions near Mayo Clinic (where we will be working). We are moving from a town of under 100,000 people and we are most comfortable in towns this size. We are feeling a bit overwhelmed with the size and population of Jax. My question is this -- are there any small, close-knit communities in or around Jacksonville where we may feel more comfortable? Does Ponte Vedra have a small town feel? Other suggestions? Thanks so much.

Cathy

A small town feel near Mayo can be tough...it's close to the beach areas, and thus will always have an influx of population. The one thing about Jax, is no matter what part you live in...taking the highway to most places is required.

For a very small town feel, I would suggest San Marco (quaint), Avondale is great too, but not too close to Mayo. Ponte Vedra Beach is quaint, but Ponte Vedra really isn't (unless you have loads of $$, and can live in one of the intercoastal areas)...the rest of Ponte Vedra runs up and down US 1 which is very busy in spots.
Jacksonville will be more of the subdivision you live in. Mandarin has great quaint areas (mature trees, large lots etc.). If you live in a large, but close-knit subdivision it can give you the appeal of a smaller town. Good luck!

[Cleclan]

The area around Mayo is a nice area. I like the community Pablo Bay next door. Don't get overwhelmed by the sie of Jacksonville. Jacksonville is one of the largest city's in the world based on land mass. While the population may appear high it is very spread out. Each area has their own close knit community feel. If you are going to work in the Mayo area then it is a good place to live. If you are commuting into town the traffic can be bad on the the major connector roads during high commuting times.

[Mandy D]

Living near Mayo is a great idea if you will be working there, because traffic in jax can be a nightmare, If you live in jax beach area people there are close its like another little town. Don't be scared of jax it is large but each little area has everything you need, there are schools,stores,shopping all over! Mayo is a wonderful area!! Im Jealous!

[rolenrock2]

Want really small, rural community with a feel of yesterday's life? Try Saint George, Georgia.