Oakleaf Plantation (Orange Park: rentals, house, established neighborhood)
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Ok, in preparation for a battle with my sister. Could I get your all's opinions on Oakleaf?
To set the stage, my sister has lived in Oakleaf Plantation for about 2 or 3 years, and just absolutely LOVES where she is living. I don't think she sees any issues about where she lives. Which is fine, however, whenever I mention that we are looking at other areas, also, she starts picking at those areas.
Now that being said, I like her area. The 'Plantation' seems to be very well done, lots of little Kid parks, Great Pool and other types of play areas. Just about everything you could ever want food or shopping-wise seem to be near by. The lower Grade Schools (Elem, and Middle) seem to be 'A' rated, which is great as we have a 2yr old and a 3 week old. The homes, currently, seem to be a bit cheaper Price per Square foot.
However.... The High School is 'C' rated and seems to have been there for years (we also have a 13 yr old), they are building a new one, but... It won't be done until he is a Senior. The area is really building up fast as far as shopping, last time I was there they were putting in a Super Duper Target or something like that. From what I have read the traffic is bad (not sure how it compares to Maryland traffic though), and they don't seem to be moving super fast to fix it. I also just get the feeling from what I have read here that it isn't as desirable as other places.
What do you all think about that area? Good? Bad? Indifferent?
My concern is... I'd like to pick a place for atleast the next 4 years (although I'd prefer it to be the place we live, atleast until ALL the kids are gone), so that my Eldest doesn't have to switch schools (beyond ALL the kids he knows moving to a new one). Does that make sense? LOL
Ok, in preparation for a battle with my sister. Could I get your all's opinions on Oakleaf?
To set the stage, my sister has lived in Oakleaf Plantation for about 2 or 3 years, and just absolutely LOVES where she is living. I don't think she sees any issues about where she lives. Which is fine, however, whenever I mention that we are looking at other areas, also, she starts picking at those areas.
Now that being said, I like her area. The 'Plantation' seems to be very well done, lots of little Kid parks, Great Pool and other types of play areas. Just about everything you could ever want food or shopping-wise seem to be near by. The lower Grade Schools (Elem, and Middle) seem to be 'A' rated, which is great as we have a 2yr old and a 3 week old. The homes, currently, seem to be a bit cheaper Price per Square foot.
However.... The High School is 'C' rated and seems to have been there for years (we also have a 13 yr old), they are building a new one, but... It won't be done until he is a Senior. The area is really building up fast as far as shopping, last time I was there they were putting in a Super Duper Target or something like that. From what I have read the traffic is bad (not sure how it compares to Maryland traffic though), and they don't seem to be moving super fast to fix it. I also just get the feeling from what I have read here that it isn't as desirable as other places.
What do you all think about that area? Good? Bad? Indifferent?
My concern is... I'd like to pick a place for atleast the next 4 years (although I'd prefer it to be the place we live, atleast until ALL the kids are gone), so that my Eldest doesn't have to switch schools (beyond ALL the kids he knows moving to a new one). Does that make sense? LOL
Thank you for any help and/or advice.
before picking a place to live you should secure a job and then pick a place that offers an easy commute. Tell your sister thanks for her help but you'll be living in a place where you'll have an easy commute.
Doing it this way solves many issues for you.
I hope this does not sound "off", but... Schools, and a good place to raise me children, are my number one concerns.
I already deal with a 1/2 hour - hour commute, so if I have to keep doing that... not such a big concern. Especially when I consider that if I want a Single Family home up here (again in a nice neighborhood), I may possibly looking at a longer drive to a good job.
Not to mention, I may start doing contract work once I am down there, so picking a place that is near that job may be worthless 3 - 6 months later if I end up working somewhere across town.
I am not a big fan of Oakleaf I don't think your going to see the increase in value in that neighborhood as you will in others.
The big indicator is so many folks wanting out. They are staying the "required" 2 years then moving. I would highly consider the Julington creek area or certian parts of the Southside
If you want to be on that side of the river go to Flemming Island or even Eagle Harbor there is also Habersham Harbor a little older neighborhood but large lots and a nice established neighborhood
karla
Oh... and why are you not a big fan about it? Why are people wanting out?
Right now we are leaning towards Fleming Island or Eagle Harbor. We were considering Julington, but:
1) Dont know the area real well
2) The rental listings our agent sent us, did not have anything that appealed to us. Maybe some new ones will come up by next weekend.
Mroth, I agree with Myfask...I'd look into Southside or Julington Creek before considering Oakleaf and dealing with Orange Park. I was over there today meeting my husband for lunch, and the area depresses me (sorry if I've offended anyone). If you head to Julington Creek, you shouldn't have to worry about "C" high schools...I think you'd be fine with Bartram High and other schools around here. There is an overcrowding issue, but they plan to build another area high school....might already be in the works. If you move to Southside, you'd be closer to the beach and good shopping. It was basically over our price range to buy a house in that area, though, plus I feel good about the St. Johns School District down here where we live in Julington Creek. Best wishes to you and your family!
Ok, in preparation for a battle with my sister. Could I get your all's opinions on Oakleaf?
To set the stage, my sister has lived in Oakleaf Plantation for about 2 or 3 years, and just absolutely LOVES where she is living. I don't think she sees any issues about where she lives. Which is fine, however, whenever I mention that we are looking at other areas, also, she starts picking at those areas.
Now that being said, I like her area. The 'Plantation' seems to be very well done, lots of little Kid parks, Great Pool and other types of play areas. Just about everything you could ever want food or shopping-wise seem to be near by. The lower Grade Schools (Elem, and Middle) seem to be 'A' rated, which is great as we have a 2yr old and a 3 week old. The homes, currently, seem to be a bit cheaper Price per Square foot.
However.... The High School is 'C' rated and seems to have been there for years (we also have a 13 yr old), they are building a new one, but... It won't be done until he is a Senior. The area is really building up fast as far as shopping, last time I was there they were putting in a Super Duper Target or something like that. From what I have read the traffic is bad (not sure how it compares to Maryland traffic though), and they don't seem to be moving super fast to fix it. I also just get the feeling from what I have read here that it isn't as desirable as other places.
What do you all think about that area? Good? Bad? Indifferent?
My concern is... I'd like to pick a place for atleast the next 4 years (although I'd prefer it to be the place we live, atleast until ALL the kids are gone), so that my Eldest doesn't have to switch schools (beyond ALL the kids he knows moving to a new one). Does that make sense? LOL
Thank you for any help and/or advice.
If you get the job at Ted's...will you work at the location out near Oakleaf or the location at the St. Johns Town Center?
That is likely to play a role in your decision.
As for Oakleaf.....
So you like the neighborhood amenities...but that's easy to like. Who wouldn't like a pool that someone else maintains . You can find those same neighborhood amenities all over Clay/Duval/St.Johns, so I never find amenities to be a compelling reason for location....location should be chosen first, neighborhood second, IMHO.
Once you drive out the gates of Oakleaf, do you like the area? Can you imagine yourself living there? Will you have everything you need within a distance you are comfortable with? It's pretty far out there - is that a plus or a minus for you?
It sounds like you have more than just a little hesitation, so I would definitely check out some other areas and listen to your gut.
If I was in your position and considering Julington Creek Plantation or Fleming Island/Eagle Harbor/Oakleaf - if those were my 4 choices - it would be Julington Creek, no question about it.
Maybe renting in Julington Creek Plantation for a year will give you the amenities you want, and the time to further explore the area.
I agree with the others. I am not a fan of Oakleaf. We live in Julington Creek also and would recommend that more than any of the others. The traffic coming in and out of oakleaf and the whole Argyle area makes me sick. You cant ever "just run out real quick" Im just not fond of Orange park in general, and i would agree about home values not increasing as much as in other areas. There are a lot of rentals in there, and I have 2 friends in there that are not all that impressed with the schools, especially the high school.
Ok, in preparation for a battle with my sister. Could I get your all's opinions on Oakleaf?
To set the stage, my sister has lived in Oakleaf Plantation for about 2 or 3 years, and just absolutely LOVES where she is living. I don't think she sees any issues about where she lives. Which is fine, however, whenever I mention that we are looking at other areas, also, she starts picking at those areas.
Now that being said, I like her area. The 'Plantation' seems to be very well done, lots of little Kid parks, Great Pool and other types of play areas. Just about everything you could ever want food or shopping-wise seem to be near by. The lower Grade Schools (Elem, and Middle) seem to be 'A' rated, which is great as we have a 2yr old and a 3 week old. The homes, currently, seem to be a bit cheaper Price per Square foot.
However.... The High School is 'C' rated and seems to have been there for years (we also have a 13 yr old), they are building a new one, but... It won't be done until he is a Senior. The area is really building up fast as far as shopping, last time I was there they were putting in a Super Duper Target or something like that. From what I have read the traffic is bad (not sure how it compares to Maryland traffic though), and they don't seem to be moving super fast to fix it. I also just get the feeling from what I have read here that it isn't as desirable as other places.
What do you all think about that area? Good? Bad? Indifferent?
My concern is... I'd like to pick a place for atleast the next 4 years (although I'd prefer it to be the place we live, atleast until ALL the kids are gone), so that my Eldest doesn't have to switch schools (beyond ALL the kids he knows moving to a new one). Does that make sense? LOL
Thank you for any help and/or advice.
I know Oakleaf is way in the back, but i lived in Argyle for 24 years (since age 2). We had to get out because they built a hud house off of youngerman and added a bus route that follows all the way around youngerman (and i believe Argyle Forest Blvd.) When they did this, our cars got broken into twice in 4 months, someone attempted to shoot out our porch light leaving 3 bullet holes, and we had consent "suspicious" people roaming the neighborhood. Even though they added 2 more lanes to the main and only road that leads to it, the traffic is horrible, not to mention Blanding has the worse traffic 24/7 between Collins Rd. & Wells Rd. Even though i lived 2 miles from Argyle entrence, some days it would take me between 30 to 45 minutes to get to my house. Now Oakleaf is about 5 miles from Argyle but to me,that's too close from this mess.
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Could I get your all's opinions on Oakleaf?
. You can find those same neighborhood amenities all over Clay/Duval/St.Johns, so I never find amenities to be a compelling reason for location....location should be chosen first, neighborhood second, IMHO.
