Questions about the area (Jacksonville: apartment, insurance, mortgages)

[nic529]

Hi everyone. I have a couple of questions. My husband and I just decided to start our research to see if moving from NJ to Florida (Jacksonville area) would be a reasonable decision for us. My parents moved a couple of years ago and love it, but they don't have to think about jobs and schools like we do.

We have 2 children, one is graduating HS this year so we don't need to worry about her as much, and my youngest is in 3rd grade. Can you give me some information to start with on the public schools there? I've heard mixed information...some love the schools, and others say don't use public schools at all even going as far as to say they are horrible.

I know the unemployment rate is high, and that worries me. My husband has been working for Chevrolet Dealerships in Parts for years, but recently became EPA certified in HVAC. HVAC is what he's looking for. Can you tell me what the starting rate might be for someone right out of school, and if it will be difficult to get a job?

I'm an Office Manager - and would be willing take an Administrative Assistant position. Can you tell me what the pay rates might be and if this is also something I will be able to find a job in?

We keep hearing that the cost of living is so much cheaper down there, but it seems like it all evens out to me. While taxes and mortgages might be higher here, we get paid more, and our food seems to be slightly less as well. Now, having said that, that is limited information I have found, which is why I'm asking. I really want to get out of NJ because its so expensive here, but at the same time I don't want to shoot myself in the foot and be in the same position down there that I am here.

I really appreciate any answers you might be able to help with. Thanks!

[ssclulow]

1) You and your husband will both have a tough time finding a job in the fields you are in. Unemployment here is 12% which is the 3rd worst in the U.S. right now. These last 2 bad northeast U.S. winters have brought many more people to FL without jobs than the FL economy can absorb. 2) Pay rates in FL have always been much lower than much of the U.S. due to cost of living being less, but an oversupply of experienced people looking for work and low demand from employers willing to hire, has driven pay rates down even further. When lawyers, dentists and doctors are laying off staff and closing their offices one day a week, you know it is bad. 3) The best schools in the Jacksonville area are St. Johns County Public Schools whose students are always at the top in state testing. 4) Wish I had better news for you.

[joninclay]

I would think HVAC is a great career in FL. Anytime I've ever had A/C problems or heating problems, it's always taken at least three days to get someone out to my house. They seem to have as much business as they can handle, so I would think getting good HVAC workers would be a top priority.

Having said that, the unemployment rate here in Jax is, overall, right around 12%. Mind you, I'm not saying that you can't get a job, since I don't know how your qualifications match up with the local talent pool. Just putting it out there for your consumption.

Overall, the cost of living here in north FL is indeed lower than NJ, especially taxes and insurance. No state income tax is a great bonus, too, as we let the tourists pay our taxes!

[nic529]

Thank you both. I appreciate your input.

[joninclay]

One more thing:

In general (and I stress that because the folks who live in Duval County know more about specific schools than I do), Clay County and St. Johns County schools are worlds better than Duval County schools. There are exceptions, and again, the folks in Jax can tell you what those exceptions are. But by and large, Clay and SJ are better schools. I can personally attest to Clay County.

[nic529]

I will make sure I remember that, Jon, thank you.

[QueenLucy114]

I think it does kinda even out but it all depends on your priorities. I moved from NJ to Jax in October and I love it! We moved with a job offer already, so that made a difference. I've noticed that food can cost a little more but with smart shopping it doesn't make a difference. For us the quality of living we've experienced here far outweighs the imbalance. We moved from an upscale neighborhood in northern NJ to an apartment on the southside and we are very happy. There are things that surprised me, like how expensive it is to register your car here, but like I said, these inconveniences don't bother us when we consider how much happier we are here. NJ is expensive, crowded, and too reliant on government services. I think you'll really like it here, but I recommend coming with a job already secured. Good luck!!

[nic529]

Thank you for the info QueenLucy. I definately would not make a move with having employment - at least for my husband. I'm glad your loving it down there!

[Jocelynrea]

Goodness I say if your job isnt moving, now is not the time. I just posted a new thread about relocating because I have to, before seeing yours. The winter here stinks right now, but I'm almost
being forced to move by circumstance, but I wouldnt go if I didnt have to. Perhaps when the economy is more stable, or at the VERY LEAST one of you has to get a job you can live on.
Hey, how about you move to Florida, and I'll take your Office Manager job and stay here. Deal?

[nic529]

LOL Jocelyn...I don't think I'd be considering it if I hadn't lost my job. I was very sick over the summer and wasn't able to work for almost 6 months. I exhausted FMLA and they even extended my time, but they just couldn't wait.

I see there are a lot more HVAC jobs down there for DH, but it still seems like it would be hard for him to find a job since he just became certified...most postings I see want some experience.

Good luck Jocelyn!