About to relocate (Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, Macclenny: renting, condos, crime)

[Eric Hawkins]

I am about to relocate to Jacksonville because of a job I am taking and I am trying to find a area to live in. I am looking to buy a house around 100,000 for a starter home. I have found one I like close to the Woodstock Park, what is this area like?

Thanks

[mawipafl]

Sorry to say that I personally don't know much about the Woodstock Park area other than it's off Beaver St on the west side. Perhaps others on this forum who are "in-the-know" can offer more info.

Did you choose that location because of your job's commute?

[Lawstudent]

If mawipafl is correct about the location of woodstock park then I would suggest you come on down and look before you leap. I do not want to dissuade you from moving here but would also mention that there is not much to be had in the price range you are shooting for. Some people have a high tolerance for crime and are not affected by the presence of it. Crime is pretty prevalent in the areas of town that you could buy a house in that price range. There are townhomes in that range you could find, many that are 2 bed 2 bath in much safer areas. The good news is the market is crashing, crashed, going to crash, whichever you prefer and there is a glutton of homes on the market. Good Luck

[Eric Hawkins]

Originally Posted by Lawstudent

If mawipafl is correct about the location of woodstock park then I would suggest you come on down and look before you leap. I do not want to dissuade you from moving here but would also mention that there is not much to be had in the price range you are shooting for. Some people have a high tolerance for crime and are not affected by the presence of it. Crime is pretty prevalent in the areas of town that you could buy a house in that price range. There are townhomes in that range you could find, many that are 2 bed 2 bath in much safer areas. The good news is the market is crashing, crashed, going to crash, whichever you prefer and there is a glutton of homes on the market. Good Luck

Thanks for the input. I would not be oposed to living alittle further out if I could get a good deal on a house. I am really just wanting a nice place for a starter home that is somwhat close to work.

[riveree]

There are some cute houses there. It's sort-of in the Riverside area. Riverside gets carved up a bit by 17 and I10 and Woodstock Park is one of those carved-up parts if I'm picturing it right.

I agree with everything the posters above said about the area (your tolerance for crime would be a deciding factor, etc.).

[Keith-n-Jax]

Eric I live near that area,I would suggest you not move in that area,I plan to move as soon as I can and possibly out of Jax,if you need a guide I will be happy to show you around.For that price you are looking it will be difficult to find a decent house and in a nice area,as mention by other depends on your tolerance for crime,noise,etc.There are some nice areas near woodstock,but not in that price range.I would suggest a condo to start.The colony at San Jose I believe you can get one under 100k.Just let us know when you will be comming.That area has alot of old homes,some are run down and then you have some that are well kept but not enough to make a difference.Its very close to downtown,but no decent places to eat or shop,there are places close by though,if you do buy a home in that area,make sure you get an alarm system with sign posted in the yard.Hope that helps some,,,,

[imansgodmom]

Lots of drug "corners" out there. Personally, I wouldn't live there. I live in the East Arlington area - much safer area! For the money you're wanting to spend, try the Beach Boulevard area, in between Beach & Atlantic or between Beach & JTB. But, for that money, you're going to end up in drug-infested areas of town. You'd be better off renting a place until you figure things out better. Or spending more money on your house.

Where is your new job? Perhaps you could find something more on the outskirts of town, depending on the commute and how much you want to be in a populated area -- try the Dunn Avenue-Lem Turner area, or Macclenny, or Callahan, or Fernandina Beach??? Don't know about the overabundance of crime (like Jax has) but I would think the homes would be cheaper.

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by Eric Hawkins

Thanks for the input. I would not be oposed to living alittle further out if I could get a good deal on a house. I am really just wanting a nice place for a starter home that is somwhat close to work.

If you don't need a single family home...try looking in Oakleaf. Moderator cut: edit. There are also other condos in there for the low 100's. Moderator cut: edit. There is good shopping nearby, and is more "friendly" than the area you mentioned.

I don't think you'll find anything in a "desireable" area for 100K. Especially a single family home. Jacksonville has risen in price.

Good luck to you!