Atlanta or Jacksonville, FL (live, better, places, population)

[sungrl01]

I currently live in North Florida but am relocating for job opportunities. I got offers in Atlanta and Jacksonville. Which area is better overall? I'm in my 30s, married with two small children which area is better for raising family? Better schools? The area I am currently in definitely too small town and no job opportunities. Im not familiar with the areas as far as living goes.

[FirebirdCamaro1220]

I would choose Atlanta, despite Jacksonville having warmer winters and palm trees, so it would be a tough choice, but Atlanta is leagues above Jacksonville as a city and metro when it comes to pretty much everything, except you also have the beach in Jacksonville, where in Atlanta it's like a 4 hr drive to Savannah/Hilton Head

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by sungrl01

I currently live in North Florida but am relocating for job opportunities. I got offers in Atlanta and Jacksonville. Which area is better overall? I'm in my 30s, married with two small children which area is better for raising family? Better schools? The area I am currently in definitely too small town and no job opportunities. Im not familiar with the areas as far as living goes.

Wouldn't Jacksonville be the easier move for you at this point, since you're already in Florida? Worst case you could commute to work until you find something in Jacksonville to rent/purchase.

Atlanta is a league above Jacksonville, overall, particularly if you're looking for something cosmopolitan or you want the diversity of that city. Atlanta Metro is also more urban, greater population density over Jacksonville. But Jacksonville may be less of a transition if you're already in a small town. It really depends on what you want in a city.

[sungrl01]

Can't commute to Jacksonville it's over four hour drive one way.

[sungrl01]

But I chose both those places because they are both relatively close to where we are so move won't be too hard.

[gt87]

For me Jacksonville is a no brainier. Jville is much cheaper and more family friendly in my opinion. Plus Jville has way less people and traffic, a plus in my opinion. If I were to ever move back south Jville would be near the top of my list. Plus you have the ocean, seals the deal. Good luck!

[fieldm]

Depends on what you are interested in

[Georgiafrog]

I like Jacksonville, but it really depends upon where you will be working in Atlanta and what you can afford. If I had to commute from a suburb, I might choose Jacksonville. If I could afford to live in the city, Atlanta without hesitation.

[projectmaximus]

This is too open-ended for me to decide. They both can be very good for families. Depends on many other factors. But yes, Atlanta is far ahead in terms of vibrancy, density, diversity and cosmopolitan-feel. Jacksonville is cheaper, traffic is much better, and there is the beach.

[Shakeesha]

Atlanta appears to be better even as a smaller city. The types of things going on in Atlanta and its metro area are unmatched by Jacksonville. I like both cities, but Atlanta is better. It is more diverse, offers more jobs, and more amenities.