No clue how to start my seach of JAX (Jacksonville: 2010, house)

[fsquid]

Being relocated by my company to the Jax area. Office is near I-95 and J Turner Butler Blvd. Priorities are:

1. Good public schools
2. Family neighborhoods

The rest is frankly gravy. I need at least 1800 sq feet for under 300k if that is even possible. Any ideas on how to start? I must say the size of your city is a tad overwhelming. Suburbs are cool too.

[projectmaximus]

I'll leave the specific advise up to people who know the area well and are up-to-date.

I just thought I'd chime in first to say that you'll have no problem with #2 right there where you work. Tons of nice neighborhoods all over that region...and extending east/west/south of that vicinity. I'd also assume (though I haven't actually looked myself) that you can definitely find that kind of square footage for that price, in a nice area.

#1 might pose more of a dilemma. If you can, be specific with what level of schooling cause the public schools here are spotty, and a middle school in one neighborhood might be good while the high school isn't.

[Karla with a K]

fsquid

JTB is the direct east west highway right to the beach, if you head east on JTB from 95 the exits 9A head to the right, then Kernan, Hodges and San Pablo exit and head to the left

All of these streets have neighborhoods depending on the neighborhood you should be able to find anywhere from 1800 to 2000 sq ft. ( because of the housing adjustment the last 12 to 18 months) in your price range.
What are you looking for grade wise for schools?
If you are focusing on elementary & middle I would at the 9A area both the elementary & middle are both "A" schools and there is a new high school projected to open in 2010
you can do a search for house in the 32256 zip and some of the neighborhoods to look for are
East Hampton
Reedy Branch
Hampton Park
South Chase

this area would also be a straight shot from 9A to JTB & 95 in about 15 mins (less if it is non traffic time)

There are also neighborhoods down off of Kernan and Hodges but I am not familiar with the schools
The drive would be a bit longer because getting from the neighborhoods to JTB can be longer because you have lights as well as a 35 mph speed limit. So it could take 15 mins to get to JTB especially if you get behind a school bus.
If you are able to spend some time just drive around especially during the time you will be going to and coming from work to gauge the traffic & drive times.
Thats what we did when we were looking for neighborhood when we built this house
lol that how I found out about following the buses

[fsquid]

Looking for elementary schools right now. Thanks for the tips.

[Karla with a K]

then I would look in the 9A baymeadows area Twin Lakes elementary & middle are great schools both"A" I have done some volunteering there and was really impressed with the atmosphere

[Joe 4520832257]

Originally Posted by fsquid

Office is near I-95 and J Turner Butler Blvd. Priorities are:

1. Good public schools
2. Family neighborhoods

The rest is frankly gravy.

When I read this criteria, what really I hear is: "I want a new construction tract home in the middle of suburbia." Consequently, Jacksonville has plenty to offer - particularly on the Southside. If your needs are really that general, I'm sure you will find plenty of great options once you talk with your realtor.

[mkgolfer]

fsquid,
Glad to soon have you as a new Jacksonville resident. There are some great neighborhoods in the Southside/Baymeadows area that you are talking about. Go to www.greatschools.net and check out the rating on the schools in the 32256,32257,32258 zip codes.
I have another client that has been looking for the same type of home. YOu can get a really nice 2,000-2,400 sqft home under $300,000, and possibly with a pool too. Mandarin is another great area. Most the neighborhoods are Deed restricted with community pools, so they are all kept up nicely.
Moderator cut: comment

[fsquid]

Originally Posted by Joe 4520832257

When I read this criteria, what really I hear is: "I want a new construction tract home in the middle of suburbia." Consequently, Jacksonville has plenty to offer - particularly on the Southside. If your needs are really that general, I'm sure you will find plenty of great options once you talk with your realtor.

Actually I've never lived in a construction tract home in my life. Just no clue about the area.

[Joe 4520832257]

^ Based on what you mentioned in your first post, that's where a realtor will probably direct you. That's all I meant. No value judgement implied

[riveree]

Originally Posted by fsquid

Being relocated by my company to the Jax area. Office is near I-95 and J Turner Butler Blvd. Priorities are:

1. Good public schools
2. Family neighborhoods

The rest is frankly gravy. I need at least 1800 sq feet for under 300k if that is even possible. Any ideas on how to start? I must say the size of your city is a tad overwhelming. Suburbs are cool too.

Your requirements are very reasonable. Finding 1800 sq ft for under $300k should be pretty easy in our current market. Family neighborhoods are the norm in Jax, this is a very family-friendly city. Good public schools are easier to find on an elementary school level than a high school level, so knowing what grade level you're seeking would be helpful for us to know.

If you like older, established neighborhoods, you could live very close to work and the river in neighborhoods like Beauclerc, Goodby's Creek, San Jose (check out zips 32257 and 32217).

If you prefer a newer neighborhood, maybe something built in the late 1990's, take a look at Deerwood and some of the other neighborhoods Karla mentioned above.