Planning to move to Jacksonville- Need suggestions (Orlando, St. Augustine: apartments, trip)

[vgarcia]

Hello Everyone-

My family and I are visiting Jacksonville at the end of July. We plan to move there in March of next year. Would any one have any suggestions as to where to stay on are trip so that we can easily commute around the city? We are in search of an apartment in an area with LOW crime rate near well taught schools (Elementary/Colleges), beaches, employment (unfortunately my boyfriend and I don’t have job transfers therefore we will have to start fresh- YIKES) and of course a reasonable cost of living. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

[kort677]

Originally Posted by vgarcia

Hello Everyone-

My family and I are visiting Jacksonville at the end of July. We plan to move there in March of next year. Would any one have any suggestions as to where to stay on are trip so that we can easily commute around the city? We are in search of an apartment in an area with LOW crime rate near well taught schools (Elementary/Colleges), beaches, employment (unfortunately my boyfriend and I don’t have job transfers therefore we will have to start fresh- YIKES) and of course a reasonable cost of living. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

you should nail down employment before moving, you might be shocked by the wages here

[vgarcia]

WOW really- How shocked?

[daisies76]

Yes I can agree with that. The wages paid do not support the housing pricing and the increase of cost of living. The wages will depend on your line of work, of course, but depending on where you are moving from, you may be disappointed. The lower wages and increase in living costs are driving a lot of people out of Florida, so I would look very closely before jumping.

As for apartments, anything on the Southside is good ... 32256 zipcode area has the most apartments. Mandarin is good and centrally located. I personally prefer the Mandarin area over Southside but that's just my opinion, zipcodes include 32257, 32258, 32223, 32259.

Good luck, if you have any specific questions, just ask.

[riveree]

The wages are just north of deplorable. Seriously.

I moved to the First Coast in '98 and I'm still not over the shock (post-traumatic-wage-syndrome).

That being said, it's still a great place to live - the weather, the ocean, the history, smaller surrounding cities of interest (Savannah, St. Augustine, Orlando, Micanopy, etc., etc.,).

Do you know what line of work you'll both be doing?