Jacksonville, I can really use your advice. (Plantation, Homestead: HOA, low crime)

[Betsey Lane]

Hi Jacksonville and surrounding:

I am an African-American professional nurse, mother of three, (4yr-old twins & a nine year old). I am considering re-locating to Jack. preferably on the outskirts. I would like to live in a community of people that actually likes each other, be it black, white, red, yellow, etc. Here's what's important to me: Best schools, clean, safe, drug-free, on about 1/2 to 1 acre of land, no HOA. That's the short list. My budget would be around, max $625,000. I would really appreciate any input. I now live in Homestead, Fl. about an hour from Key West. Just barely dodging "Faye". So ready to get away! Please Help.


Thanks in advance everyone.

[jaxman123]

Just an FYI, we were hit pretty hard by Fay here. Lots of flooding and power outages. For what you're looking for as far as land and good schools, St Johns County is probably your best bet. There are some larger sized communities usually labeled as equestrian communities down in between County Rd 210 and the World Golf Village area. Not sure on prices, but I'm guessing they would be in your range. No kids here so can't speak specifics on schools, but hopefully that helps.

[Betsey Lane]

Originally Posted by jaxman123

Just an FYI, we were hit pretty hard by Fay here. Lots of flooding and power outages. For what you're looking for as far as land and good schools, St Johns County is probably your best bet. There are some larger sized communities usually labeled as equestrian communities down in between County Rd 210 and the World Golf Village area. Not sure on prices, but I'm guessing they would be in your range. No kids here so can't speak specifics on schools, but hopefully that helps.

Sorry to hear that you guys were hit pretty hard by Faye. Please keep abreast of the news. I heard Gus is following the similar path Faye took. Thank you for your help. I"ll keep you all in my prayers.

[dudeman135]

I sure hope not, Gustav may be a category 4. The path is taking it into the Gulf and heading somewhere in TX/LA area as of right now, subject to change drastically over time.

Hurricane GUSTAV

[riveree]

For clarification, when you say you want to be on the outskirts of Jax, what do you mean by that?

The city of Jacksonville and Duval county are one in the same - the city limits encompass the entire county. So if you're in Duval county, you're in Jacksonville and vice-versa.

To be fully outside of Jacksonville/Duval county, you'd be looking at living in a neighboring county: St. John's, Clay or Nassau.

You can find a non-HOA neighborhood with the kind of land, etc. you describe inside of the city limits of Jacksonville. Our city limits encompass urban, suburban and rural areas. Even well inside of our suburban areas, you can find nice homes on an acre of land (the zoning is unusual here).

[Betsey Lane]

Originally Posted by riveree

For clarification, when you say you want to be on the outskirts of Jax, what do you mean by that?

The city of Jacksonville and Duval county are one in the same - the city limits encompass the entire county. So if you're in Duval county, you're in Jacksonville and vice-versa.

To be fully outside of Jacksonville/Duval county, you'd be looking at living in a neighboring county: St. John's, Clay or Nassau.

You can find a non-HOA neighborhood with the kind of land, etc. you describe inside of the city limits of Jacksonville. Our city limits encompass urban, suburban and rural areas. Even well inside of our suburban areas, you can find nice homes on an acre of land (the zoning is unusual here).

I am interested in the Clay county area, heard the school system was great. Do you know of any specific areas that I can start looking up via the web? Planning on visiting the areas of interest as soon as the kids are out for Christmas vacation. I truly appreciate it.

[joninclay]

Originally Posted by Betsey Lane

I am interested in the Clay county area, heard the school system was great. Do you know of any specific areas that I can start looking up via the web? Planning on visiting the areas of interest as soon as the kids are out for Christmas vacation. I truly appreciate it.

I live in Clay County, and my main factor for choosing Clay was the school system. I am more than pleased with the results!

If you're looking for good neighborhoods in Clay with low crime and no HOA, I'd check the Old Fleming Island area (zip code 32003). Much of 32003 consists of houses that do have an HOA. Eagle Harbor and Fleming Island Plantation homes have HOA's.

Middleburg and Green Cove Springs are more rural cities in Clay, so there are more subdivisions there that do not have HOAs.

If I may ask, what is your biggest objection to an HOA? I used to detest them, but the one I have now is reasonable: about $60 a month in dues, the covenants are not overly restrictive, violations are given a couple of warnings to correct before any fines are levied, etc.

Feel free to DM me if you want any more details offline. Whether you choose Clay, St. Johns, or Duval...welcome to the area!

[Betsey Lane]

The kids dad drives OTR. (53 footer). On any given day he might come into town with out stopping at the truck yard and would like adequate space for him to park the truck. Where we live now we have that type of space. The neighbor's are pretty cool and don't complain. The houses here are pretty much set apart from each other. I don't know about your area, but down here, they are not building house like that anymore.

[jbm32206]

Springfield has some wonderful homes, and I'm sure several would be within your financial means....it's also very family oriented...you should check out the SPAR council forum (http://www.sparcouncil.org/forums/ - broken link) and learn more.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by Betsey Lane

The kids dad drives OTR. (53 footer). On any given day he might come into town with out stopping at the truck yard and would like adequate space for him to park the truck. Where we live now we have that type of space. The neighbor's are pretty cool and don't complain. The houses here are pretty much set apart from each other. I don't know about your area, but down here, they are not building house like that anymore.

Is your husband already down here working? I'm thinking maybe there are some people at work he can ask for neighborhood referrals?

You'll also want to be sure you can legally park that truck in whatever neighborhood you consider. I think you can forget HOA neighborhoods - you won't be able to park that truck in an HOA neighborhood at all. Even in a non-HOA neighborhood, some neighbors might object to the noise, fumes and sight of a truck that size. If it's against the law in Clay to park it in the neighborhood, you can get a ticket pretty quickly if a neighbor makes a call to the local substation (that's what happens in Duval).

Maybe you can find a more rural neighborhood in Clay where you have a big lot and you can park the truck out of sight of the neighbors.