Moving to Jacksonville (Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Noma: for rent, crime, daycare)

[steve147]

I am moving from Atlanta to Jacksonville this coming spring. I have a job lined up, but my wife will be looking. I wanted to get some opinions on things.

I have a rising 9th grader and finding a good high school is important. Any ideas on which schools have a good combination of education and sports, particularly baseball?

What is the economy and job market like in Jax these days? I know I can find some stats and data in other places, but I'd like to get real people with real opinions or experiences to elaborate a little if possible.

Again, I'm sure I can find stats and neighborhood data if I looked, but I'd like some real opinions. What are some good neighborhoods? I'll be probably looking at houses in the 200k range and don't want to live much more than 30-40 minutes away.

Anyone who has moved to Jax from Atlanta or vice versa, I'd especially like your opinions.

Thanks in advance

[cricketfan]

I'll defer to people who moved to Jax from Atl, but hold on a sec for 1-note Nomad, he'll be right with you.

[steve147]

Thank you cricket.

[Nomad58]

Steve,

You didn't mention what part of town you'd be working in, but you may want to take a look at Fletcher High, in Jax Beach. I would think you can get to most areas that you might be working, in 30-40 minutes, from that school district.

Here's the school web site. They say that they are the #133 rated high school in the USA, so that's not too bad.

Fletcher High School

As things go in Duval County, their academics are far better than average, and they have an excellent all around sports program. Baseball has been hot and cold lately.

The Fletcher school district takes in Atlantic beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach. I just did a real quick search on realtor.com, and it looks like there are quite a few available homes in that district, that would be in your price range.

Crime isn't too bad, and you've got the beach right there.

That might be your best all around bet in Duval County. You could look in St. Johns or Clay county too, but you'll probably be looking at a longer commute than you want if you when that route.

Sidebar to Gomer, I must really be in your head. You're answering posts when you don't even have anything to say, just so you can be closer to me. Isn't that sweet. I didn't know you were that kind of boy.

[parks71]

If you want good schools with out worrying about the magnet crap you need to live in St Johns County or Nassau county OR live in Mandrin. The beaches is an option but out of your price range depending on how much room you need. Its not hard to find good elementary schools but gets much harder when you get to middle and high school so make sure you look at all three.

Out in the eagle harbor area would be good too for schools and I think that is clay county. My point is, stay out of Duval county unless your in mandrin or the beachs. Good luck on your move!

[Nomad58]

I agree with Parks.

When it comes to Duval County public high schools, it's Mandarin, Fletcher, or cross your fingers and hope to win the magnet lottery.

I'm a beach guy myself, so I guess I'm partial to Fletcher, as long as the commute works for you.

St. Johns and Clay could be good options depending on where you'll be working, and how far the drive.

[steve147]

I'll be working off of the Arlington Expressway, near N. Arlington Road. I'll be needing 4 bedrooms. I will most likely rent at first, then buy around a year later. What might I expect to pay for rents in the area.

[Nomad58]

If you need four bedrooms, that pretty much crosses the Beaches area off the list of possibiities. Not if you want to stay in the 200k range. That's too bad. The communte to Arlington from the beaches is pretty easy. Straight down Atlantic Blvd.

Because of the housing market situation, finding a house to rent just about anywhere in town won't be a problem.

Your challenge is going to be finding good academics, good sports, acceptable commute time, and good family area, all in your price range. The part of town you'll be in is a haul from Clay or St. Johns County, especially during traditional rush hour. (still no where near as bad as I-75 though)

But, I could be wrong. Now that our 9A/295 beltway has been completed, it is much easier to get from one part of town to another. I don't make that type of commute, so I really don't know. Hopefully, someone that is currently doing a similar commute can weigh in.

[steve147]

I'm not really obsessed with being right on the beaches. I've done some research and it appears that I can find some homes (according to realtor.com) in my price range in the creekside and possibly mandarin areas. Fletcher seems a bit pricey though. I haven't heard anyone mention Creekside High School... any thoughts there. There seems to be several houses along the Burnett Park Road area as well.

What should I expect to shell out at a good daycare for a 2 and 4 year old also? Here in Atlanta if you get away with less than 150 or so per kid its usually not a great daycare.

[cricketfan]

Steve, I was first hoping that people who actually relocated from Atl would chime in so you could learn from their own experiences. As far as the schools you have been given some fairly good information already except that I wouldn't want you to get the impression that Fletcher is the only school that you should be considering. For example, you asked about Creekside HS, an "A" rated school. You can click on this link and check out their academic and athletic offerings yourself.

Creekside High School - Welcome

You mentioned your wife will be job hunting in the spring and hopefully the job market will be a little brighter then but I can tell you that as of 8/09 the unemployment rates for Jax and Atl were 10.5 and 10.4 respectively, a virtual deadheat. Still the prospects will depend on her field. Keep in mind that while the cost of living index for either city is the same the fact that there is no income tax here may have something to do with that.

As far as geographic location, Jacksonville is amenable to most people from Atl, we are closer to the ocean, a day's drive to leisure spots in the south of Fl, and a mere 6 hours from Atlanta.

Good luck.

[To Nomad, I notice your comments now are more tempered, not as exaggerated as before. Although I cannot be sure, somehow I believe my scoldings were responsible. Keep it up!]