Considering relo to Jacksonville (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach: high crime, houses, safe area)

[vikingcat3]

My husband and I are considering relo to Jacksonville from Marietta, GA. Need some info re safe areas to consider for housing. I've read other posts that indicate the NW area of Jax is less safe/high crime etc. We're leaving Friday 9/29 to look around Jax for 4-5 days. Which parts of the NW area are considered less desirable? It's just the 2 of us, no need to consider kids. My mom bought a house on Amelia Island last year, she works from home and has no need to go into Jax and therefore not familiar enough to make recommendations. Hoping to stay closer to Ameilia, how's Jax Beach, Neptune Beach or Atlantic Beach? Will be working in either downtown or in Baymeadows area. Anyone make the commute from Amelia to Jax and if so, how long is the commute? Would like to stay as near to the beach, or water as possible. Also our Cobra rates would double moving from GA to FL. Anyone know how to keep GA Cobra coverage if living in FL? Could I keep my house in GA, stay with mom in Fernandina Bch as temp residence and then move to permanent location once new FL health coverage is provided by my new FL employer? I realize I have numerous questions and I would greatly appreciate all feedback! BTW, I attended FSU but haven't lived permanently in FL in 20 years (Ormond Bch). My husband on the other hand has lived here in metro ATL his entire life.

Thanks in advance!

[Karla with a K]

vikingcat3
lol want to switch houses
we are moving from jax to atlanta
depending on where you will be working will affect where you live
the beaches are probably 25 to 30 mins to downtown as long as you are on the road before 7am there are only 3 roads out of the beach.
Southside is 20 mins to downtown. Southside is only 13 miles to the beach
but then again from what I have been reading on the Georgia boards the traffice is so "challenging" there that Jax traffic will be a breeze
depending on your price range you can alos check out Ponte Vedra I loved living there.
You are doing the right thing by coming down to check things out.
I am doing that with Atlanta I figure 10 days should give me enough time to find an area.
Make sure to check out the new St Johns Towne center lots of shops and good places to eat.
have a safe trip down
Karla