Considering Moving to Jacksonvill, Fl or San Diego, CA

[ArnieZ]

Here's the deal... The beach's in the Jax area are not crowded and very nice for jogging walking and looking for shells that kind of thing. Yes the water is murky and not caribbean like by no means but it is "WARM" and that is a huge bonus to me, it actually gets too marm in the summer it feels like a bathtub. the sand is good on the beaches and overall is very beautiful. Sounds to me like you are a little low key so I probably wouldn't waste the money on SD unless you can make a great career there.

[ENVME921]

I am a very low key person I don't require much at all. I have relized that I would need about $2,000-$3,000 more to even move to SD. I'm going to really think this trough before I decide. Thanks for your opinion it really helped.

[ENVME921]

Originally Posted by green acres

I am from Jax FL and have lived in Escondido CA for 10 years.
Seeing that you are from Arkansas leads me to believe you would feel more comfortable in the South. I do miss the Southern hospitality!!
There is a growth explosion in Jax (and St John's county directly south of Jax) but it is nearing the end. If you have to be on the beach then FL is great. I lived in Jax beach for a number of years and loved the area. There are some seedier spots but usu the locals are down to earth and friendly. I visit frequently so I think I am still current on things in the area. I am actually more well versed in Jax than in Ca.
If you love traffic, esp SUV's, then by all means, come to CA. The weather here can't be beat and I think that is the only thing you are paying for with the exception of a nosy, liberal gov't. If you ever have asperations to own your own plot of land, leave them behind in AR. Actually, Arkansas is on my list of places to check out to move to!! Maybe we can share info.
I just started reading your thread so if I can contribute more, I will.

You should definitely check out Arkansas. I love it here the only reason why I'm moving is because there are no beaches and that is my hearts desire. If you are interested in buying land this is the best place to buy. Towns and cities in this state are growing so fast that if you are willing to live just a little further out in the town you choose trust me when you buy it, the land will be cheap but give it about a year or 2 and the worth of your land will shock you. If you have any questions about Arkansas just let me know. What are some safe places in Jax where I could live. I'm looking at 3 different apartments one is The Oaks At Millscreek, WoodHollow Apts, and Soleil at Ponte Vedra (which look very expensive). Just need to know the safest neighborhoods.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by ArnieZ

Sounds to me like you should check out the Amelia Island area. The beach is really, really good and low key. There is not a big party seen at all, and I believe it would be much less expensive than San Diego. From time to time I actually hear this comment from people it goes like this. "Man I can't believe how expensive Amelia is then someone says, whatever if you think this is expensive try San Diego". Sometimes they don't say San Diego specifically but I do hear the comment with San Diego as the comparison. I literally hear that same comment from time to time. So it's kind of ironic to me that you are one of the people actually torn between the 2 places I guess that's where the comment originated from.

Hmmmmm......I was just in Fernandina Beach and I saw no comparison to San Diego, whatsoever. Just my observation.

[ArnieZ]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

Hmmmmm......I was just in Fernandina Beach and I saw no comparison to San Diego, whatsoever. Just my observation.

I believe that I was basically saying that it doesn't compare to San Diego and that it is much less expensive and much more low key which it seems is what this person is looking for.

[ArnieZ]

Also, Of course Fernandina Beach doesn't compare to San Diego. It would compare to San Diego about as much as Jacksonville would compare to NY City but that's not the point that I was ever trying to make. I'm just trying to say that the Fernandina/Amelia area is nice if your low key and a heck of a lot less expensive. Not to mention the Southern Hospitality which is under reated always in my opinion.

[san phlegmatico]

I have spent much time in Jacksonville, Fla., due to both family ties and work-related matters when I was previously living in the Southeast.

JAX is not the Greatest City on Earth by any stretch of the imagination, but the people are much warmer, much friendlier, much more "tuned-in" than you're going to find in San Diego. (Yes, rednecks included! -- there are many more Dumbazz Duuudes and Jeff Spicolis in Diego than rednecks in North Florida.) This point alone should be enough to suade you.

I am electing not to open fire on SD yet again, as I have already compiled a nice little oeuvre on that subject which should speak for itself. It is all there for your reading pleasure. Moving along...

Nor am I going to hype J'ville to the nth degree because frankly, it is not what I would consider to be a premiere destination for someone who doesn't have roots there and/ or a compelling reason to relocate there. But since your choice is between JAX and SD, I shall strongly advise you to choose the former and leave no reservations in doing so. Allow me to offer this general nugget: as far as major beach cities go, I would give the nod to JAX over San Diego in just about every category you can dream up.

Lastly, I will tell you that JAX indeed offers a world-class experience in the following: golf, Old South architecture, fresh seafood dining, St. John's riverfront views, swamping/boating/fishing galore, spectacular resorts (Fernandina/ Amelia Island/ Ponte Vedra, et. al.), historic sights and landmarks (St. Augustine, et. al.), and excellent weather! -- not the moderate/ cool climes of SD, but generally sunny year-round and refreshingly-so in the non-summer months.