Just how Southern is Jacksonville?

[WitchDoctor]

Originally Posted by ara^bess

To me a Southern slower pace is when people are too polite to push you out of the way to get where they want to go. They would rather bite their tongue and wait until you've moved along on your own.

On the other side of the coin, are people aware of their surroundings enough to realize they are holding someone up or do they just amble along, gawking at every thing on the shelf like they've never seen Dorito's?

[ara^bess]

Originally Posted by WitchDoctor

On the other side of the coin, are people aware of their surroundings enough to realize they are holding someone up or do they just amble along, gawking at every thing on the shelf like they've never seen Dorito's?

They 'amble and gawk' more than you can imagine! I certainly don't want to imply it doesn't annoy me from time to time...I just try really hard to smile graciously instead of telling them to get the heck of my way. After moving out of Jax to a more rural town, I can say it's easier to be patient because you don't have the long lines and heavy traffic to face.

[agreatlife]

These comments are so interesting. When I moved here from NJ back in the early 90s the thing that struck me most was how polite everyone was. I didn't see a "slower pace of life" at all. I guess it's all what you like to do with your time. Friends from out of state that come to visit say the same thing - how polite everyone is - and they just love the drive through dry-cleaners and liquor stores.

[cricketfan]

Originally Posted by agreatlife

These comments are so interesting. When I moved here from NJ back in the early 90s the thing that struck me most was how polite everyone was. I didn't see a "slower pace of life" at all. I guess it's all what you like to do with your time. Friends from out of state that come to visit say the same thing - how polite everyone is - and they just love the drive through dry-cleaners and liquor stores.

I don't have a problem with people who are always in a hurry. After all, we all have different agendas. What I don't understand is why some people are so hostile towards other people who are not in the same gear. Reminds me of the guy who blew me out of the way yesterday on 210 doing 90 and yet we both met up at the 95 intersection side by side. He gave me a sheepish look and I "gawked" back.

The other thing ... reading some of the comments, some people seem uncomfortable when they come in contact with people who are polite. Like they feel obligated to be polite in return when it is just not in their nature. One person said that he/she has to "try really hard to smile graciously". Very interesting.

[jenbreaux]

I grew up in Orange Park and haven't lived in Jax; however, my husband and I are moving to live close to my mother, who lives off off 210/95. We are looking into buying but probably at first renting a historic home in Riverside/Avondale/San Marco. After living in Atlanta for almost six years and having an interacial marriage, things are different in JAX. We get looked at a little more. But so what? I've never had anyone say anything to me or my husband. Most of the problems that I see racially are the difference in socioeconomic class, and yes, race is intertwined with that. Jax. is pretty laid back -- def. things going on during the weekend, not as many as a big city, but enough.The most eclectic areas are above, but as another poster said, you should not have any problems in the suburban areas: southside, Mandarin, etc.

[tinaruss]

Jacksonville is a NICE southern town! Very diverse and friendly. Unfortunately, hate is everywhere and Jacksonville is no exception. I would consider moving towards the Southside or Intracoastal area. Probally a little too southern for you on the Northside or Westside. Mandarin may also work for you too. Take a house hunting trip and spend time driving around. Everyone I ever met who relocated here was very happy, esp. folks from up North. It's a much nicer pace here, great weather, and lots to do.

[flaguru]

Just out of curiosity, what exactly is "southern?" I noticed the first forumer here asked about how "Southern" Jacksonville is. Is there anyone on here who can elaborate on that?

[rtt]

Jacksonville is very conservative. I've never lived in a place where people assume you're a registered Republican whether you are or not.

[apanda]

There are more registered Democrats than Republicans in Jacksonville.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by apanda

There are more registered Democrats than Republicans in Jacksonville.

Yeah, isn't that funny?! We're often considered a conservative city, but the stats show something different:

Duval County, Florida - Supervisor of Elections