Best neighberhood (Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Springfield: apartments, neighborhoods, movies)

[NickoNYC]

Im in my early 30's and heading down to Jacksonville this summer to scope out some neighberhoods and apts. I've been doing some research and so far Baymeadows and Mandarin look good. I'm looking for a neighberhood close to the city and a short trip to Jax Beach.

[Ryde41]

Are you single? If you're coming from NY and going to be living in the Baymeadows area or Mandarin area u might find those areas too sedate. You might want to look into something in Riverside closer to downtown where you can walk to pizza, Downtown Library, cafes, and Starbucks. There are also some apartments on Gate Parkway around the corner from St. Johns Town Shopping Center that are close to movies, restaurants, 20 minutes to the beach. Or if the beach is more important there are some places out off Kernan Boulevard or Hodges Boulevard. Just a thought.

[pwizard]

Remember that Jax is the largest city in america, as far as square miles. Near Jax beach might mean a 30 minute drive. And as Ryde41 refered to, it depends on how you want to live. Are you most interested in living at the beach, close to your work, close to activities, close to bars?? Jacksonville is really big, spread out, and almost everything is available. You just have to decide. Let us know so we can assist further.......

[mawipafl]

I agree with Ryde41 - to that list I'd also add San Marco as a place to take a look-see.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by NickoNYC

Im in my early 30's and heading down to Jacksonville this summer to scope out some neighberhoods and apts. I've been doing some research and so far Baymeadows and Mandarin look good. I'm looking for a neighberhood close to the city and a short trip to Jax Beach.

As Mawipawfl said above, the San Marco area (zip 32207), will keep you within minutes of downtown (5-10 minutes, generally). The beach would be a 25 minute drive. If you'll be working downtown and hanging out at the beach, this might work out really well. This is my favorite area of Jacksonville, hands down .

Just to the south of San Marco is the San Jose area, zip 32217. This area is also very convenient, safe, interesting older neighborhoods and architecture, etc. You'd still be close to downtown (15 minutes or so).

The next area down the line is the Beauclerc area, zip 32257 and this also covers the general Goodby's Creek and part of Baymeadows (the river end of Baymeadows). It's getting more suburban in feel and less urban at this point, but it's still very quiet and family-friendly (as are the areas above).

Further south again you get into the Mandarin area which is suburban and even a touch of rural in feeling. Mandarin blends right into Northern St. John's county (St. Augustine) in feel.

I'd recommend taking a bit of time to check out each of these areas as they are all very different from each other despite their close proximity.

[fsu813]

If San Macro is close enough to the beach, then any of the historic neighborhoods are.....Riverside, Avondale, Springfield, Murray Hill. Riverside, San Marco, & Avondale are generally considered great spots for young professionals.

[fsquid]

I haven't heard of San Jose. Family friendly area?

[EricBoyd]

Originally Posted by NickoNYC

I've been doing some research and so far Baymeadows and Mandarin look good.

Congrats on your upcoming move to Jacksonville! What made these two areas attractive to you? What are your other criteria for a neighborhood? You said "close to the city", but do you mean "downtown", or just close to shopping and entertainment?

[riveree]

Originally Posted by fsquid

I haven't heard of San Jose. Family friendly area?

Absolutely . It's a big area with smaller neighborhoods/subdivisions. It's known for having quiet streets with big lots and it's a quick commute to downtown. Feel free to start a separate thread if you have Q's about the area.

[fsquid]

schools any good or do you have to go private?