Where to live if you work in Hilliard? (Fernandina Beach: rentals, crime)

[DannoCO]

I am considering a job in Hilliard and wondering where to live if you don't want a rural lifestyle. How long of a drive would it be from St. Johns county, which seems to have the best schools from what I can tell (we have school age kids). We can spend up to 600k or so on house if we have to. Any input you have would be appreciated. Thanks

[Joe 4520832257]

What is your ideal type of neighborhood? (Urban, Suburban, Gated, Walkable, Trendy, Beachy, etc). It's hard to say without knowing your larger preferences.

You're probably going to have a huge commute no matter what. St. Johns county would be about 70 minutes away, and that's presuming you wouldn't get into traffic jams on your way to I295. The closest non-rural area is Fernandina Beach, but since there isn't a freeway, your commute would be almost as long despite fewer miles traveled.

Personally, I'd suggest trying to find a $300k-$400k house in Riverside/Avondale or San Marco, which are Jax's nicest core neighborhoods. About a 45 minute commute. Then apply the savings towards private school, which are going to be better than St Johns public schools anyway. But that's just me.

If you are looking for a gated suburban community, I can't really think of anything less than an hour or more away.

[DannoCO]

We don't need to live in a gated community. Our biggest concerns are schools, crime, access to shopping, and resale. If there are any good private schools, especially Christian schools, we could go that route. We may even homeschool if it comes down to it...we've done it before.

Resale is kind of a big issue because I'm not sure how long it will be until the next transfer. I'm guessing 3-5 yrs.

Oops, forgot to add we are looking for more of a suburban situation.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by DannoCO

We don't need to live in a gated community. Our biggest concerns are schools, crime, access to shopping, and resale. If there are any good private schools, especially Christian schools, we could go that route. We may even homeschool if it comes down to it...we've done it before.

Resale is kind of a big issue because I'm not sure how long it will be until the next transfer. I'm guessing 3-5 yrs.

Oops, forgot to add we are looking for more of a suburban situation.

When resale is a big factor, I would go for high desirability and limited quantity which brings you right back to Joe's recommendations: San Marco, Avondale or Riverside. These homes are unique, well-built, and in neighborhoods with a certain prestige and desirability. The locations can't be beat for access, commutes, etc. These are river neighborhoods and some of our best private schools are in the same vicinity.

[parks71]

Hilliard has some of the best schools, lowest crime you can find around here. Why not just stay there and commute when you want to go to jax which I'm sure will be much less then you commuting to work every day. The high school there is mixed with the middle school and its a A school. With the market the way it is right now, I wouldnt buy anything, just rent. Renting houses is very cheap right now since the market is flooded with rentals from all the people that cant sell.

[DannoCO]

Thanks for the info. I am still considering Hilliard itself, but it seemed a bit rural from the discussions on the board. We've only been to Jax a couple times and never had any thought we might actually be considering a job there Of course we will have to come and look around at some point, but I was trying to narrow down the search areas. Jax is big!

The renting thing is something we are strongly considering as well. If we think we might stay long term it would be a shame to miss out on the bottom of the market, if that is indeed the case.