Atlantic Beach (Jacksonville, Melbourne, Neptune Beach: apartments, rental, job market)

[Bill19]

Hey all...I am thinking of moving to Jacksonville this winter and have a question. I'm coming down from Ohio, so I am extremely naive about living anywhere else...especially a coastal community. That being said, I would think it would be nice to live as close to the beach as I can find. I'm looking to rent (about $600-$700/month for a one bedroom apt.) and have found several places in Atlantic Beach and thereabout in that price range. Here's where my naivity sets in....First off, is Atlantic Beach a nice area to be in? And secondly, why aren't these apartments outrageously priced? What are the drawbacks of living around there? Up here, anything near the stupid river is priced for doctors and execs only. While we're at it...I was turned off to Melbourne because it doesn't look like there's any work there unless you're an astronaut or can build rockets (somewhat kidding!)...so I'm looking at Jax now because it seems to have a great job market. I have no college degree, but 12 years of office experience, so I would think it wouldn't be as tough to find a job here. Any insight would be appreciated!

[riveree]

Atlantic Beach is nice, but there are some parts on the edges where it's not as nice.

The average rental price in Jacksonville is $739, so you could use that as a guide. $600 is a low rental price for Jacksonville, so I'd be leery of something that inexpensive at the beach.

[agreatlife]

I really wouldn't recommend anyone moving unless they have 6 months savings or a secure job offer. Jax may have a good job market, but you are going to be more limited without having a college degree. There are generally hundreds of applicants for office jobs, at least according to some employers I've spoken to.

Best of luck to you, whatever your decision is.

[cellson]

The rental price will vary due to the location...usually the rule is, the closer to water the higher the price...on anything! Best of luck!

[mulroy5045]

Also look at Neptune Beach, just south of Atlantic Beach. My daughter works for an Apt. Mgmt. Co. there, and the rent starts around $590 for an efficiency, (she lives there also). Their one bedrooms are not much more. It's within walking distance to schools and parks, and of course, the OCEAN!!
My grandkids love it there. Surf everyday! It's like "small town living". They say when you're a "Beachie", you don't want to cross the Intercoastal...where the "Townies" are.