Advice about Nocatee (Jacksonville: violent crime, homes, buy)

[jmcgregor]

I'm a single, retired military, African American female who loves to be active and enjoy all outdoor activities. I'm in the process of relocating to Florida and have chosen Nocatee as my retirement community because of the adventure it offers. During my research, I've learned that certain communities are apart of Duval County while others are apart of St John county. I don't have school age kids but I plan to choose a community that's apart of St. John county. As I continue to research Nocatee and the surrounding area, I notice that I don't see many African Americans in the area. Can someone tell me if this community is a diverse community?

[Ivan Putski]

I'll be honest, Nocatee and surrounding areas (ie. PVB) wouldn't exactly be considered a poster child for diversity. If you look at figure 9 in the link below, you'll see that African Americans make up 0.9% of the population with 93.5 white and 4.3% Asian. Not trying to discourage you but if it's diversity you're looking for, Nocatee exactly wouldn't check the box off in that regard (FWIW, I'm Asian).

https://www.towncharts.com/Florida/D...hics-data.html

[jmcgregor]

Originally Posted by Ivan Putski

I'll be honest, Nocatee and surrounding areas (ie. PVB) wouldn't exactly be considered a poster child for diversity. If you look at figure 9 in the link below, you'll see that African Americans make up 0.9% of the population with 93.5 white and 4.3% Asian. Not trying to discourage you but if it's diversity you're looking for, Nocatee exactly wouldn't check the box off in that regard (FWIW, I'm Asian).

https://www.towncharts.com/Florida/D...hics-data.html

Thank you for your response. SMH

[logybogy]

Jacksonville has a long history of poor race relations, drugs, and violent crime like many large cities. A lot of people go to St. John's county to escape the problems. The gated communities and good school districts make them feel safer.

The lack of diversity has more to do with the lack of a large upwardly mobile African American middle class in Jacksonville like Atlanta or DC. They want safe homes and good schools just like everyone else buy can't afford the home prices and probably don't feel comfortable in a mostly white area.

[Thundarr457]

First, thank you for your service to our country. When we started looking in St Johns County we considered Nocatee but eventually chose Ponte Vedra Beach because the lots were larger. Nocatee is a nice family oriented community, it has lots of amenities and more every day. Diversity is not something that comes to mind when I think of Nocatee and that is a decision you will have to make for yourself. I wish you all the best.

[jmcgregor]

Originally Posted by logybogy

Jacksonville has a long history of poor race relations, drugs, and violent crime like many large cities. A lot of people go to St. John's county to escape the problems. The gated communities and good school districts make them feel safer.

The lack of diversity has more to do with the lack of a large upwardly mobile African American middle class in Jacksonville like Atlanta or DC. They want safe homes and good schools just like everyone else buy can't afford the home prices and probably don't feel comfortable in a mostly white area.

I can relate to that. Thank you for your opinion.

[jmcgregor]

Originally Posted by Thundarr457

First, thank you for your service to our country. When we started looking in St Johns County we considered Nocatee but eventually chose Ponte Vedra Beach because the lots were larger. Nocatee is a nice family oriented community, it has lots of amenities and more every day. Diversity is not something that comes to mind when I think of Nocatee and that is a decision you will have to make for yourself. I wish you all the best.

Thank you

[atl90]

We are black family and have lived in Nocatee for almost 3 years. Just like previous posters stated-it is far from diverse but we knew that before moving here. Yes, there are people who move to certain areas of a Jacksonville metro to get away from crime (which is everywhere- just less rampant in some parts) and/or people of other races but I believe most of the people who live in Nocatee, Durbin Crossing, Bartram, Aberdeen, Rivertown, Palancia , or any community (if they have a choice) do so because they want to live in an environment with others who share similar values, has great schools, and is safe- for the most part. However, there are a lot of people who live here that have 1st world problems that I find hilarious! Especially since I grew up in a community up north that was not so great. Our interactions with our neighbors and others in the community have been positive.

Since you are active, you should enjoy the miles of trails, bike friendly roads, multiple large swimming pools including Splash Park, parks, and the soon to open Nocatee Landing.

We like living here and I believe you will enjoy Nocatee if you decide to move here! Good Luck!

[jmcgregor]

Thank you so much for your response. I just signed my contract with the community of E-town this pass Sunday. E-town is a new master plan community that is also develop by PARC group located on the Southside. I'm glad to hear that you enjoy living there, it was a hard decision to make since Nocatee had everything I wanted. My contract is contingent because the community is doing Pre-Sales and haven't established an HOA/Covenants. So, if things don't work out, Nocatee will be back on my list.

[Thundarr457]

Originally Posted by jmcgregor

Thank you so much for your response. I just signed my contract with the community of E-town this pass Sunday. E-town is a new master plan community that is also develop by PARC group located on the Southside. I'm glad to hear that you enjoy living there, it was a hard decision to make since Nocatee had everything I wanted. My contract is contingent because the community is doing Pre-Sales and haven't established an HOA/Covenants. So, if things don't work out, Nocatee will be back on my list.

Good luck. If you have the chance, I would get as far away from I-295 as you can. Marconi and Edison appear to be the farthest away. Since you are one of the first you should have your pick of the lots. Again best of luck.