Where in Jax is safest, with best schools to move to for a young family with young children? (apartments, rentals)

[amomma85]

I am a 23 year old Mom of a 2 year old and a 4 year old. I am moving to Jax from Savannah this summer in August, and I have no idea where exactly to move. I have only been there once, and only to visit a college, so I am very unfamiliar with everything. I would need to live within an hour or so from UNF, and in an area that has everything I would need (restaraunts, stores, entertainment nearby, etc), not in a crazy downtown area though.... it needs to be safe and have the best schools available in Jax. I am looking to rent a house or possibly an apartment. Budget is MAX 1100-1200 a month. What are your suggestions? Specific school names would probably help too if you have any, thanks so much!

[Tiffany_PartyOf6]

Are your 2 and 4 year olds the same sex? $1200 a month could get you a 2 bedroom or maybe a really small 3 bedroom. Schools.. ehhh.. stick to St. Johns or maybe Clay. Duval schools leave much to be desired.

[riveree]

There's no need to be an hour away from UNF, there are plenty of nice neighborhoods with good schools right there.

For $1200 you should be able to rent a nice, newer home in the immediate area of UNF. Have a realtor show you some rentals in your price range in the Sutton Lakes neighborhood (and other comparable neighborhoods). This is zip 32246 and the elementary and middle schools are both A-rated. You'll be less than 10 minutes from UNF, less than 10 minutes to the Saint Johns Town Center, and less than 15 minutes to the beach .

[amomma85]

Originally Posted by riveree

There's no need to be an hour away from UNF, there are plenty of nice neighborhoods with good schools right there.

For $1200 you should be able to rent a nice, newer home in the immediate area of UNF. Have a realtor show you some rentals in your price range in the Sutton Lakes neighborhood (and other comparable neighborhoods). This is zip 32246 and the elementary and middle schools are both A-rated. You'll be less than 10 minutes from UNF, less than 10 minutes to the Saint Johns Town Center, and less than 15 minutes to the beach .

Thank you! I will look into this, it sounds perfect for us!! Is there a "name" for that area of Jax?

[riveree]

Originally Posted by amomma85

Thank you! I will look into this, it sounds perfect for us!! Is there a "name" for that area of Jax?

It's the Southside, specifically Intracoastal West.

[amomma85]

Originally Posted by riveree

It's the Southside, specifically Intracoastal West.

Thank you!

[JagFan27]

Originally Posted by Tiffany_PartyOf6

Are your 2 and 4 year olds the same sex? $1200 a month could get you a 2 bedroom or maybe a really small 3 bedroom. Schools.. ehhh.. stick to St. Johns or maybe Clay. Duval schools leave much to be desired.

I disagree. Both of my children were educated in the DCPS system, and I believe they got a very good education. Did you encounter a particular problem when your children were in a Duval County school?

[Tiffany_PartyOf6]

Originally Posted by JagFan27

I disagree. Both of my children were educated in the DCPS system, and I believe they got a very good education. Did you encounter a particular problem when your children were in a Duval County school?

Other than overcrowded and teaching specifically FOR the FCAT, we dealt with a lot of misbehaved children and little guidance. The children spend the majority of the day standing in lines going to and from places. His teacher was out every single Monday of the first month! The subs didn't have anything to do. They watched a few movies a week.

What year did your child go to a Duval public school? I mean, they have changed big time! I attended Fort Caroline BEFORE it became a ghetto-ish school. It's well on it's way to looking like Justina Elem. I went to Fort Caroline Middle also. Now I wouldn't even think twice - my kids would NOT be attending there.

[ihatekillville]

First I must offer you my condolences on having to move to Jax. This is a horrible place to live and I can vouch for it since I have been here over 16 years. I myself am trying to claw my way out of this disgusting town if I ever sell my place but for the area you are looking at my suggestions would be to avoid anything on Beach Blvd. They all seem to have crime and not safe for children but I think there might be better alternatives around the corner from UNF. I had a friend that lived at Silver Springs Apartments on the same street that UNF is located on and had some decent luck but that was years ago. My advice would be to go to apartmentratings.com and check things out. I was looking to move back into the old apt complex I lived in 3 years ago that was awesome and found now that it is crime-ridden and only rated a 10% out of 100%. Please do some good research because I truly can tell you this town is terrible and you need to be prepared. I'm not trying to sound cynical, just trying to help.

[Keith-n-Jax]

Originally Posted by ihatekillville

First I must offer you my condolences on having to move to Jax. This is a horrible place to live and I can vouch for it since I have been here over 16 years. I myself am trying to claw my way out of this disgusting town if I ever sell my place but for the area you are looking at my suggestions would be to avoid anything on Beach Blvd. They all seem to have crime and not safe for children but I think there might be better alternatives around the corner from UNF. I had a friend that lived at Silver Springs Apartments on the same street that UNF is located on and had some decent luck but that was years ago. My advice would be to go to apartmentratings.com and check things out. I was looking to move back into the old apt complex I lived in 3 years ago that was awesome and found now that it is crime-ridden and only rated a 10% out of 100%. Please do some good research because I truly can tell you this town is terrible and you need to be prepared. I'm not trying to sound cynical, just trying to help.

Been here most of my life which is longer than 16 yrs, I guess you are just an unlucky person. I hope TN is the place for you. I guess they dont allow drugs and crime there, must be nice.