Are there many Latinos in Jax/northern Fla.? (Miami, Gainesville: moving, areas)

[INeedAChange]

I'm considering these areas but I've been studying Spanish for a couple of years now and the last thing I want to do is move somewhere where I'll have no opportunity to practice the language. (I realize I may be the only white person on this forum who wants to move to a Latino area, but so be it, LOL). Also what about Gainesville and Tallahasee? thanks

[kort677]

Originally Posted by INeedAChange

I'm considering these areas but I've been studying Spanish for a couple of years now and the last thing I want to do is move somewhere where I'll have no opportunity to practice the language. (I realize I may be the only white person on this forum who wants to move to a Latino area, but so be it, LOL). Also what about Gainesville and Tallahasee? thanks

if you want to be in an area with a lot of spanish speakers, you need to go down around miami

[5FLgirls]

Moving from the South Florida area, I've found that Jax doesn't the same spanish population. Yes, there are hispanics here but not the amount you'd find in SFL.

[riveree]

I agree with what's been said above. We have a good-sized Hispanic population here in Jax, but not like Miami.

You'd be able to make use of your Spanish skills here, you just might have to seek it out a bit more. I bet there are volunteer opportunities where you could make regular use of it. It's also a big plus with employers if you speak Spanish and you might be able to make regular use of it in your job (and get paid a bit more for having the skill as well).

[INeedAChange]

I was wondering about the possibility of volunteering -- this might be an option instead of limiting my search (and choices) even further by only considering places like south Florida due to something that is basically a hobby. I do like South Florida but I may have to be flexible for this to work out. I've found that learning a language is sort of like workout out or lifting weights--almost anyone can do it but you have to keep at constantly to get the results.

Originally Posted by riveree

I agree with what's been said above. We have a good-sized Hispanic population here in Jax, but not like Miami.

You'd be able to make use of your Spanish skills here, you just might have to seek it out a bit more. I bet there are volunteer opportunities where you could make regular use of it. It's also a big plus with employers if you speak Spanish and you might be able to make regular use of it in your job (and get paid a bit more for having the skill as well).

[riveree]

I agree, if you keep at it, learning a language is possible for anyone.

I've really been wanting to learn Mandarin and will pursue it once I get a few things out of the way. I'm thinking of using the Rosetta system so I can do it at my own pace.

How did you learn Spanish, INeedAChange?