Green Cove Springs (Orlando, The Villages, Golf: townhome, theatre, live in)

[simplyrobin]

I am not from the UP. We live in Oscoda which is 3 hours N of Detroit. Both my husband and I grew up in the city and moved north for the slower pace and surroundings.

[Karla with a K]

my husbands family is from the UP I love hearing about quiet and beautiful northern MI is. Not to mention the "pasties"
I think there are many area around here you would like
karla

[simplyrobin]

Please give me the names of the areas that I don't want to pass up. Would be much appreciated. If you are familiar with Michigan, a business person from Flordia stated that Jacksonville is like Detroit and outlying areas would be what Dearborn is. Is this accurate? Pasties are great. My husband's family is from the UP so I have learned to make them.

[Karla with a K]

robin I will ask my hubby when he gets home he would know, I haven't been up there yet.
The last time his mom was up there(oct) she brought him 4 just made pasties lol she said everyone on the plane wanted them
How long will you be down here ?
Have a safe flight tomorrow
I will PM you my number in case you have time we can meet up for pizza
karla

[riveree]

Originally Posted by simplyrobin

Please give me the names of the areas that I don't want to pass up. Would be much appreciated. If you are familiar with Michigan, a business person from Flordia stated that Jacksonville is like Detroit and outlying areas would be what Dearborn is. Is this accurate? Pasties are great. My husband's family is from the UP so I have learned to make them.

Wow - I wish we had more time (I know you're flying in tomorrow).

Unfortunately, Jacksonville has had a hard time shaking it's old reputation as an industrial city. This idea that there might be nowhere nice to live inside the city and therefore you must live in the outlying bedroom communites in the surrounding counties is completely untrue.

$300k for a four bedroom home near some nice restaurants, etc., opens up entire sectors of Jacksonville...a lot to choose from.

I would suggest looking at:

Southside
Intracoastal West
San Jose
Fort Caroline

These are all really nice spots - lots of great, well-kept neighborhoods that are safe and convenient.

In Southside and Intracoastal West, you're likely to find a newer 4 bedroom for sale at $300k...maybe a 5-10 year old house. TONS of shopping and restaurants in these areas. Check out the "Saint Johns Town Center" - still only in Phase I, it's a real hot spot for shopping and dining. Excellent beach access from Intracoastal West.

The housing in San Jose is likely to be a bit older, but it's a really convenient spot with some very pretty established neighborhoods.

Fort Caroline is a bit further out than the others...quieter. Great beach access. Nice, established leafy neighborhoods.

Schools in Jacksonville can be a mixed bag, our high schools tend to be troubled (low scores), while you'll find many A-rated elementary and middle schools in these areas listed above.

Before anyone says it - I'm not even touching on San Marco because $300k won't buy enough square footage for most people.

Is renting for a year an option? This is a big area with lots of options for you.

Best of luck in your hunt !

[asjnbbsft]

Hi there...given that your desires include "Just a good family friendly area, schools decent and some good restaurants and shopping fairly close. Don't go shopping that often and don't mind a little drive. From what I have seen on jobs, I may have to drive for work......Want a pool home in a sub with sidewalks and don't want to spend more than 275,000." I would suggest that you look in St. Johns county (it is about 30 minutes south of midtown Jacksonville). Julington Creek, CR210 corridor, South Hampton,Rivertown are some neighborhoods all within zipcode 32259. St. Johns county offers great schools (elementary, middle and high schools), great athletic programs for kids, and isn't too crowded. We've lived here for 5 years and have loved it. Good luck!

[cyrece]

It's funny because I had to get an xray last week and the lady had moved to Green Cove and hated it...she says it takes 1 hour to get to and from work. What about Oakleaf area??

[NatalieG]

I have been by and through a beautiful area called The Villages. It is a little north of Orlando, but it is really nice! Check it out if you get a chance.

[thessarabian]

Is your husband in sales and covering a region? The reason I ask is because Sanford/Lake Mary is about 30 minutes north of Orlando and in Seminole County, which is one of the best school districts in the state and has lots of sidewalk type subs. But it will push the upper edge of your budget. As far as up near Jax, I would pick Green Cove over Middleburg. Middleburg is way more country than GCS, and at least GCS is on SR 17, which is a straight shot to Orlando if you need it- Middleburg would require a lot more driving on back roads.

[Blue717]

SAme as you I'm looking for a home in Green Cove. I just spent a week there and didnt find it to be all that remote. There are several very large planned communities there. One is Silver Creek. There is also Heritage Oaks. Several others that I cannot remember the names of. NO there is not much around, but everywhere you look, they are breaking groud for new stores and other buildings. Orange Park is only about 20-25 minutes away and they have a large mall and everything else! The schools seem pretty good. Most of them are A schools, if that really means anything! It is not very interracial either if that means anything to you. I am looking at several 4-5 bedroom homes with pools and the highest is priced at $285.000. If I can help at all let me know