Young Gay Couple Moving to Jacksonville (Orlando, Atlantic Beach: apartment, rental, lofts)

[ynggaycplmovigtojax]

Hi everyone,

My partner and I will both be relocating to the Jacksonville area from Orlando in March due to our work. We are both in our mid twenties enjoy a variety of activities, new restaurants, going out occasionally, the arts etc. I am really wanting to know what to expect from Jacksonville in general. What are the "best areas" of town and what are some recommended places to move? For those familiar with Orlando, we live in the College park area (older homes, tree lined, sidewalks, etc. etc. ) and would like to find something similiar in Jacksonville, if that is even available etc. ANy and all info would be great! Thanks so much.

[projectmaximus]

Hmm, what kind of housing costs are you looking to spend? From your very brief description, I'd say what you are looking for is exactly what San Marco, Five Points, Riverside, Avondale neighborhoods can offer. The problem is that these neighborhoods (all located in very close proximity to one another) do not really offer a large range of price options. I haven't really done much research though, so I might be wrong. Do a quick search in this forum on the neighborhoods I mentioned, and you should find plenty of information.

Also, the Riverside/Five Points district is specifically considered a gay-friendly area. Here's some pics and info: Metro Jacksonville - Historic Five Points: Jacksonville's Bohemian District

Some of the neighborhoods out in Jax and Atlantic Beach might interest you too.

[projectmaximus]

Oh, I just wanted to add that the link I posted is over 2 years old. Five Points has changed a bit since then...I think it's a little nicer.

[ynggaycplmovigtojax]

Thanks for the tips, we are looking anywhere from the 950-1250 range for a place, really don't want to go over that for rent. Other people have also said that we should concentrate in the riverside or five points area as well.... thanks for the tips

[rtt]

You might also look at Atlantic Beach.

[crash330]

Originally Posted by ynggaycplmovigtojax

Thanks for the tips, we are looking anywhere from the 950-1250 range for a place, really don't want to go over that for rent. Other people have also said that we should concentrate in the riverside or five points area as well.... thanks for the tips

You should be able to find a rental in Riverside/Five Points/Avondale or San Marco in that price range. Definitely a friendly community. Good luck and welcome to Jax!

[Metro Lofts]

Congrats on your move to Jacksonville. I have lived here since 1990, and although it's about the last place I expected to end up, I absolutely love it here.

Riverside sounds a lot like the neighborhood you describe. It's one of my favorite places here and has a funky urban vibe. Some parts of Riverside are better than others, though. Basically, the closer to the river you are, the nicer (and more expensive) it gets.

Avondale is often lumped in with Riverside, since they are right next to each other, but has a totally different vibe. We'll call it "upscale" while Riverside is more down with the people

San Marco (accross the river) is more "upscale" as well. Usually people greatly prefer one over the other. Kinda like how one might love Tupac or Biggie, but never both.

Right in the middle of it all is Downtown - and that's where we come in. We are an urban loft apartment community located in a reclaimed 1950's industrial building. A lot of people new to Jacksonville like it here because we have a concierge service that can answer all your questions about what to do and where to go in the city.

We are EXTREMELY gay-friendly and have some very nice lofts in your price range. It's definitely different from your usual apartment building. It's called The Metropolitan Lofts and you can check out our web site at Jaxlofts.com. If you're interested in having a look,

Moderator cut: no private nams or phone numbers here please. DM instead.

and I will be happy to anwser your questions about Jacksonville and the historic districts.

Again, welcome to Jax. This is a great place to live!

[Joe 4520832257]

I agree, the Metropolitan lofts have really cool looking interiors. It's a very unique property in the Jax market.

I'm not sure it fits the thread starters wish list though, since they want old homes and tree lined streets, whereas the Metropolitan Lofts are in a decidedly industrial looking block of downtown. But they are certainly an awesome option for people looking for that particular vibe.

[ynggaycplmovigtojax]

Thanks everyone for the posts so far! I do believe we will be sticking to the avondale, riverside area, it seemed great when we drove up there for a walk through of a few places. Metro lofts looks great, but with dogs, it would priobaly be impractical we need something with front porches, sidewalks, all of that jazz....

[titaniummd]

Originally Posted by ynggaycplmovigtojax

Hi everyone,

My partner and I will both be relocating to the Jacksonville area from Orlando in March due to our work. We are both in our mid twenties enjoy a variety of activities, new restaurants, going out occasionally, the arts etc. I am really wanting to know what to expect from Jacksonville in general. What are the "best areas" of town and what are some recommended places to move? For those familiar with Orlando, we live in the College park area (older homes, tree lined, sidewalks, etc. etc. ) and would like to find something similiar in Jacksonville, if that is even available etc. ANy and all info would be great! Thanks so much.

You really want to live closer to Downtown, like Riverside, San Marco, Avondale, if you want to be close to restaurants and theater. Both of you working should give you enough for a decent budget.

However, the part of town you work will affect your commute.