looking into a JAX move, this is kind of a surprise job offer. (Jacksonville: condo, how much)

[ccornewell]

My wife and I have been considering a move to Charleston, SC but I've been recruited through LinkedIn, So Jacksonville is a realistic possibility now. How are the schools? What are the areas to stay away from? Is the housing really as affordable as it looks on Zillow? How much work is it to own a pool? Explain the gator situation...

We loved Charleston for the deeply rooted history and the antebellum style homes but Jacksonville sounds nice at first glance. I spent weeks pouring over info and we even vacationed there to scout out a move.

Does anyone NOT like Jacksonville?

[SaintCabbage]

What's your budget? What size home are you looking for?

[jwolfer]

There are plenty of people who don't like Jacksonville and a ton who absolutely love it here; just like anywhere else. There is quite a bit of history in the Jacksonville area, obviously St Augustine is the oldest city etc. Jacksonville doesn't play up history like Charleston. Coming from Charleston you won't be taken aback by how "Southern" it is. Climate is similar. Big military presence as well. Jacksonville is bigger city overall.

Lots of different areas from upscale beach town to "redneck" acre lots on a dirt road. Just a matter of where you will be working, budget, schools are generally better in the Suburban Counties( St Johns and Clay )

[judeK]

Originally Posted by ccornewell

Explain the gator situation...

There are thousands of Gators here, but probably the only ones you will see are football fans.
I've lived here for about 50 years and have only seen maybe 5 real gators in the wild in all that time.

[ccornewell]

for a home budget we're probably going to stay above 100k and below 170k. we're ok with dated homes and fixer uppers to have a really affordable mortgage. after looking into Charlestons pricing, we cant believe how affordable Jacksonville homes are! our main rule is to be no further than 30 minutes from the ocean.

[SaintCabbage]

Originally Posted by ccornewell

for a home budget we're probably going to stay above 100k and below 170k. we're ok with dated homes and fixer uppers to have a really affordable mortgage. after looking into Charlestons pricing, we cant believe how affordable Jacksonville homes are! our main rule is to be no further than 30 minutes from the ocean.

Wow, well, not sure about that, hope you like dated fixer upper in a so-so area, or maybe a nice 3 bedroom condo or mid range townhouse.

You'll get over the ocean thing very quickly, I wouldn't base buying a home on that. No matter where you end up, you'll be close enough to get there as often as you like.

[projectmaximus]

If we're talking suburban style living, I've seen plenty of nice 3 bed homes (updated, spacious) in East Arlington. That would generally put you just 10 minutes or so from the beaches.

Of course, I'd consider neighborhood based on the other amenities you care about, as well as commute time to work.

[eureka1]

Yes, there are some folks who DON'T like Jacksonville because of the traffic and the sprawl. If you don't mind that, you will probably like it.

[02blackgt]

Pretty much anywhere in the city is within 30 min to the beaches. I would try to live closer to work than the beach since you commute to work 5 days a week and to the beach maybe twice. East Arlington, Riverside, and basically the entire Gate Parkway/Town Center area should give you plenty of options. Riverside is more "'urban" and the other 2 are just your basic everyday suburban areas. All are relatively safe and have a lot to offer.

[mtraininjax]

32224 and 32246 are zip codes that are probably going to appeal to you. Check them out and the areas and how close they are to downtown, Town Center, and the beaches. 170k is the median price of a 3/2 home in Jax. You should have no problem finding a nice house for you and your family.

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