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We recently purchased a home in Jacksonville and will be moving down very soon. We did live on base there a few years back so I'm slightly familiar with the area.
My questions, Is it true that there is actual gang activity in JV? If so, what areas should be avoided? Is Jacksonville commons middle school as bad as great schools reviews say? We have an 8 and 6 year old so there's a little time to figure out if we need private school for middle.
My questions, Is it true that there is actual gang activity in JV? If so, what areas should be avoided?
There is no evidence of gangs such as you might see in larger cities like Los Angeles or Washington, DC. That is, no grafitti on fences or buildings. I haven't see gang-style tattoos, do-rags, or whatever else they supposedly wear.
I have felt quite safe shopping in Jacksonville. There are a couple of areas of project housing, but there is nothing dangerous looking about it.
I can't comment on the Jacksonville Commons Middle School. I have a friend who teaches in a different Middle School, and she has minor complains about the kids. I suspect the parental comments about JCMS are a bit exaggerated.
If you want to look at private, there is an Episcopal school, St Anne's, nearby, and a few Christian schools.
Last edited by goldenage1; 05-06-2013 at 02:44 PM..
There is no real gang activity in Jacksonville. The crime rate is lower than most cities it's size. As far as middle schools, I have no personal experince, but do know that since it's a county wide school system you can request that your kid go to another school but you will have to provide transportation. New Bridge is the best middle school in the system. Also, note that all of the reviews are pretty old. Even the most recent one was someone making a review based off the previous reviews with no personal experience, add to that the fact you have another 3 years before your oldest hits middle school and it may be a whole different situation at that school by then. I'd say when your oldest is transitioning from 5th to 6th grade look at the middle schools then and make a determination.
Any opinions on the Carolina Plantations subdivision?
It's a nice enough, but cookie-cutter style new development. The neighbors will be mostly Marine families, stationed there for a few years. From what I read, the elementary kids are bused to Carolina Forest. The location is convenient, but far enough away to be safe. The one disadvantage I see is the lack of shade trees because the landscaping is so new. It's going to be hot this summer.
Were you looking at the builders A. Sydes, Caviness&Cates or someone else?
They build in my neighborhood. They are not the greatest builder, and their houses are plainly styled and trimmed. But if it suits your budget, you can't ask for much more. C&C is local, so you may get better response to problems than with a larger builder.
A. Sydes is also local, and they build for the lowest-price tier of the market. They clear-cut the lot next to our development, so I am having problems with their style.
I thought their style and finishes were pretty nice and detailed. I'm more concerned with structure and sturdiness though. Are they known for their homes standing the test of time?
I thought their style and finishes were pretty nice and detailed. I'm more concerned with structure and sturdiness though. Are they known for their homes standing the test of time?
How long do you expect to be in the house?
As I have only been in the area 2 years, I can't comment. I sent you a DM. Perhaps you can get some answers from the builder's site manager.
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