Jacksonville vs. St. Augustine---commute?! (University: real estate, for rent, condos)

[kcrat21]

Hi all! I am new to the forum and was wondering if I could please get some advice...

I am applying to the physical therapy program at University of St. Augustine and my family and I will most likely be moving so that I can go there in December of this year. It's me and my husband and our 2 year-old daughter. My husband is an auto mechanic (currently working for Honda). I was looking around on craigslist to see if St. Augustine ever really has any postings for auto mechanic jobs and they don't, but Jacksonville has a ton. Since he's a mechanic, we need to be where there is the most work since most mechanics only get paid per job...

So, my question is....if he works in Jacksonville and I go to school in St. Augustine....where is the best area to live based on the commute, and the area in general (especially since we have a 2 year old who will be starting preschool soon). I've heard good things about St. John's County? But I really don't know anything at all.

We are going to rent and we can probably afford about $1200-1300 a month (3 bedroom) -- of course, depending on what type of job he can get. We are relocating from Northern Virginia which is crazy expensive, so I wonder if his hourly-wage will drop at all by moving to FL -- He makes $19 per hour, flat rate, before taxes, working for Honda.

I really appreciate any advice anyone may have for us!

Thanks!

[ssclulow]

I am very familiar with the University of St. Augustine (referred to locally as USA) and the corrider between St. Augustine and Jacksonville. I would suggest that you look at condos for rent in the front area of Palencia. Speculators bought them by the bucket fulls back in the real estate boom and are now renting them to pay their mortgages. This would be 1/2 way between Jacksonville and St. Augustine ( 30 - 45 min for each of your commutes, and in excellent schools of St. Johns County.

[Peter the Brit]

100% agree with ssculow

[blessed50x]

Does your husband work on Mercedes Benz on the side?

[beer234]

I 3rd the recommendation. There is a Honda dealer in St Augustine as well Coggin. So maybe your husband can look north and south.