Moving to Jacksonville from Australia (Orlando, Melbourne: YMCA, good schools, college)

[Goldyrocks1980]

G'day people,
I have just been offered a job in Ponte Vedra, Florida. I currently live in Perth, Western Australia...So basically i cant move any further away from home. I am married with a 3 year old son and a 3 month old daughter. Prior to me accepting the job, and this being such a HUGE move for such a young family to a place we know noone....I just want to get a feel for the place. I will be looking at moving to the St Johns County. Is this area good for such a young family? we will be looking at gettign my son into sports and school etc (not sure when kids start school there) aswell as joining some social clubs so we can get to know people. Especially groups that include Mum's (mOm's in your language haha) and kids. IF i can get some feedback on this, that would be greatly appreciated. I also like to know about the Health system etc etc over there.

I also read a thread before about the Jaguars possibly relocating...I hope that doesnt happen...I am a huge Aussie Rules Football fan and I am leaving that behind....So i am banking on becoming entrenched into American football and the Jaguars, although i need to learn the sport haha.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Your Future Neighbour with the funny accent.

[projectmaximus]

St Johns is generally a nice, wealthy, suburban county. Nice place to raise a family, close to the beaches, removed from the rest of the city (which has its pros and cons)

Jaguars wont relocate in the near future, but maybe further down the line if things dont change. I'm optimistic so I think the fanbase will grow greatly in the next decade, and if one or two games are moved to Orlando, that will help even more. Meanwhile, there is a rugby team called the Jacksonville Axemen. On their site you'll also see that the US and Jamaican national teams are playing in Jax in a few weeks. Your fellow aussie russell crowe was here a few years ago to promote the sport and a game that featured south sydney. Jaxaxe Home

[Poddy]

G'day! My husband and I moved from Melbourne to Jacksonville last year. It's been a HUGE culture shock for us to be honest. It's far more conservative than what we're used to, and you have to drive everywhere. In fact in one year we've put more kms on the car than we did in 5 years in Melb.... The locals are very friendly though. Feel free to PM me if you have specific aussie-US questions.

[fsu813]

You don't have to drive everywhere if live in one of the Historc Districts that surrond Downtown.....

[rtt]

St John's county is great for young families. The school's are as good as you'll find anywhere in NOrtheast Florida. Start your son off at Christ Church Pre-K if you're so inclined....lots of nice young families for your wife to meet. (you don't have to be a church member)...Public kindergarten starts at age 5. There are tons of sports to start your son off at Davis Park and the YMCA is terrific, too. Good luck to you!

[Joe 4520832257]

Yeah, this is going to be a pretty big culture shock from Perth.

Despite Jax being a blue-collar city, Ponte Vedra is probably the wealthiest area in the metro. So it's going to be perfectly safe, with good schools, and luxurious amenities. As others have mentioned, the downside is that you will have to drive EVERYWHERE in Jax.

If you can afford it, I'd suggest living in Ponte Vedra or one of the other beach communities. The subdivisions in NW St Johns county do have good schools, but they're very isolated even by American standards. You'd probably feel more connected to a community (and hate your commute to work less) the closer you live to the beach.

Also on the plus side, Jax has great weather and great outdoor activities. So you won't have the same downgrade in climate as if you'd moved further North.

[flowerlady03]

You will have to get used to living in Jacksonville. I've been here 10 years and the first thing you will have to do is get used to the southern accent. My first introduction was on the airplane here from Philly. School starts early here in August as opposed to September in Philly. And get used to driving everywhere. If you want to exercise though, the weather is great for walking or jogging. If you need any more information, e-mail me.

[Goldyrocks1980]

Thanks for your help people. I do appreciate it. I think it will come in handy knowing you Poddy, I will PM when I get my Visa details...I will ahve 101 questions then, especially with the health system, entitlements etc.

[Goldyrocks1980]

I forgot to say...i turned the TV on this morning when i woke up...and a US College football game was on Live, all the way down here in Aussie...Florida v Gerogia at Jacksonville.....I think its a sign!!! haha

[projectmaximus]

A sign that the gators are on their way to two consecutive titles, I hope! :P