Is there nothing to do in Jacksonville? (Springfield, Mayo: house, high school)

[Nia1519]

[SIZE=3]I just moved back to Jacksonville, gone for about 7 years straight from High School. My last home was Atlanta which had plenty of options. Based on my research I saw that Jacksonville has made major changes and seem to have more opportunities for a young professional like me. All of my friends told me not to move back and to stay in Atlanta, but my heart is to be in a city that evolving and to be apart of it. My background is in non-profits and charity associations so I'm interested in associations and charities that promote city involvement. I currently have a house in Springfield so I definite would love any information about news and efforts to keep the clean up going. Mostly since I'm in my late 20's w/o kids I like to keep myself in tune with all the latest happenings in the city. I can't seem to find any networking type of gatherings or at least a club or bar with a more upscale type of scene. I appreciate any type of information you can provide and I hope to see you in J-ville.[/SIZE]

[BlueWillowPlate]

Pick up a Folio Weekly.
Looks like there is plenty going on.

[mawipafl]

I'm a "few" years past my 20s, but I've seen many in that age group spilling out of Chew and the Twisted Martini as well as other places. Chew has a MySpace profile at:
MySpace.com - Chew Restaurant - 28 - Female - JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - www.myspace.com/chewrestaurant

Another resource besides Folio Weekly (which is great by the way), is Jacksonville Magazine. I find it's more of a who's-doing-what society thing, but I've found that within the pages are loads of charities and their events. The magazine also has a calendar of events.
Jacksonville Magazine Online

My cousin lives in Springfield in an absolutely charming house on a very pretty street. I can ask her what she knows about the ongoing clean-up and the best places for singles.

[MsJax313Atl]

I have the same issue with Jacksonville. I've found the social (professional) scene to be non-existent. I've never heard of any gathering where a young professional could meet others that are like-minded. I've asked other young professionals what they do to meet others; they kind of just look at me funny! Jax doesn't compare to other cities its size in this area. On the other hand I do see lots of opportunities for community involvement. Also check out the newspapers of surrounding counties - lots to volunteer with if you don't mind the drive.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by Nia1519

[SIZE=3]My background is in non-profits and charity associations so I'm interested in associations and charities that promote city involvement. I currently have a house in Springfield so I definite would love any information about news and efforts to keep the clean up going. Mostly since I'm in my late 20's w/o kids I like to keep myself in tune with all the latest happenings in the city. I can't seem to find any networking type of gatherings or at least a club or bar with a more upscale type of scene. I appreciate any type of information you can provide and I hope to see you in J-ville.[/SIZE]

I second the resources named above: Folio Weekly and Jacksonville Magazine, Arbus magazine can be a good resource too. Also look at Folio's online blog http://www.folioweekly.com/folioblog/ and http://www.metrojacksonville.com/

Springfield seems to be plugging along, I haven't heard anything major out of there in a long time. With the upcoming city budget cutbacks for 2008, I don't expect the city to start ramping up revitalization anywhere (and the Mayor has basically said so). If you haven't yet come across it, check out this site for Springfield info: http://www.urbanjacksonville.info/

Wine bars and Hookah bars have popped up in a few areas in the last couple of years here, so you might want to keep an eye out for those. San Marco has some nice, upscale nightspots and the Saint Johns Town Center has a nice wine bar (The Grape) and plenty of restaurants, some with bars (lots more opening in just a few more weeks too). Downtown has some nightlife now, so that's a change from when you last lived here.

You'll be fine, plenty to keep you busy .