Moving from South Africa to Jax (Jacksonville, Plantation: crime, safe area, schools)

[RDV sa]

Good day

My husband has the possibility of a religious job in 32205. We are interested in schools and gated community areas. Looked at University Christian School and the associated church in 32216. Any feedback on the school, church and area is welcome. We are scaling down significantly. We are both proffessionals with my husband having an MBA degree and I have a Masters in Philosophy. We are looking for a safe neighbourhood, school and church. While diversity would be appreciated we understand that not all areas have this. We currently live in a gated community in Cape Town.
Also what would the commute be like from 32216 to 32205?

I would appreciate any feedback.

Regards

[projectmaximus]

there are plenty of gated communities in Jax, although I can't necessarily think of one in 32216. Honestly though I don't think you need to limit yourself to such a neighborhood as you might where you're from. Gated communities are a bit of a deterrent to crime, but it's not that much of a difference vs a normal safe area.

If it's a standard commute time then you are hitting the bad traffic, but in Jax bad isn't really that bad unless there's an accident or some other unusual circumstance. The commute wouldn't be that far, but there are several spots where it could get backed up.

welcome and good luck!

[RDV sa]

Good day

Thank you so much for response. What would be good suburbs to look at in terms crime and educational levels as well as easy commutes into city?

Also, how long in terms of commute time is bad traffic as per your comment below
"If it's a standard commute time then you are hitting the bad traffic, but in Jax bad isn't really that bad unless there's an accident or some other unusual circumstance..."

[projectmaximus]

You must define suburbs and city, because in Jacksonville, the entire county is the city and it includes many traditional "suburbs." Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the continental US. So if you are talking about suburban-style living, and if the "city" is 32205 zip code, you can find new safe developments on the northside (near the airport) or you could do Clay County/ Orange Park with places like Oakleaf Plantation.

32216 that you mentioned before is a fine area though. Commute to/from 32205 during "rush hour" might be as bad as 45 minutes. With no traffic just 20 minutes.