This town is rubbish (Jacksonville, Gainesville: house, job market, university)

[TorontoExpat]

Jacksonville is garbage. That is all. I know I'm going to get several posts about my level of immaturity and yaps about this being previously posted, but I don't care. I'll admit it's half decent for working class families or rich retirees, but for the young professional it's an abomination!

[TorontoExpat]

I better add more substance to this thread before the mods delete it as that would remove the purpose of me posting in the first place.

Dilemma

I have strong family ties to Jacksonville. It's a good place to raise a family. But it's 3:51 am and this town is shut down!!! In Chicago I would be dancing the night away till 5am. I love big, active cities and this place is not compatible with me.

An hour of a half away there you have Gainesville. It's a small college town, but it has a better, more active downtown than Jacksonville. (By better I'm of course talking about bars, restaraunts, unique shops and other neat elements which make a vibrant city.)

So the dilemma is this: stay in a town I hate because it's affordable and close to family or goto Gainesville.

You would think this would be an easy choice for me, but it's not. For one the job market in Jacksonville is superior to Gainesville. Plus I would much rather want to own a house in a major city like Jacksonville than a small college town like Gainesville.

[bobsim]

Sounds like someone didn't get lucky last night.
Jacksonville has a lot of strong points, some you just pointed out- strong job market and good place to raise a family. I doubt you'll find everything you want in one city. How about moving to Vegas 'till you get tired of partying at 4:00 am then move here to raise your family?

[TorontoExpat]

You say that jokingly, but I've actually considered Reno. University of Nevada, Reno has a grad program I am interested in pursuing.

[KerryB]

You sound really young, so if you're looking for a party, then no. You're not gonna find it here. Downtown Gainesville would be more up your alley. But then again, there's not much else to do there & it would probably get old, even if you are young.

I think you're setting the bar a bit high with the Chicago comparison too, as Jax shuts down WAY sooner than 5am (or even earlier than that). Try like 10pm unless you wanna go out to a singles bar.

Thats really my biggest gripe is that the things that ARE open past 10pm arent family friendly at all. And I'm saying it has to be all Mickey Mouse kid friendly, just not a bar basically. Not everyone wants to get loaded when night comes.

[Tru Fan]

I dont think Gainesville will do much either as a young professional. You may want to try nearby bigger cities throughout the Southeast, including Atlanta or Charlotte.

[TorontoExpat]

Atlanta has too much traffic. I have considered North Carolina though.

[Mrs. P]

Originally Posted by TorontoExpat

Atlanta has too much traffic. I have considered North Carolina though.

Charlotte would be way too conservative for what you're looking for. It is dead smack in the bible belt remember.
Nothing is open past 1 or 2 in the morning.

[Jimrob1]

I think it takes a certain type of person to live in Jax. Your not the type evidently. Since your young why spend you time there if it doesn't meet your needs.

You need employment though so its not wise to leave until you secure a job elsewhere.

Since you have family there I guess you need to consider how far from them you can live, and then take it from there.

Im not sure Charlotte would really fit your needs either, and as you said Atlanta and its traffic. I have to agree Atlanta can be much to much.

Maybe some cities in Texas such as Houston or Dallas would be more vibrant for you, and still within reach of Florida. It would probably be easier to find employment there also.

It all depends on how far away you want and can live, and what your criteria is for a locale.

I don't think from reading your thread, that moving to Gainesville will fix this problem for you. Good Luck.

[projectmaximus]

Originally Posted by TorontoExpat

Jacksonville is garbage. That is all. I know I'm going to get several posts about my level of immaturity and yaps about this being previously posted, but I don't care. I'll admit it's half decent for working class families or rich retirees, but for the young professional it's an abomination!

Originally Posted by TorontoExpat

I better add more substance to this thread before the mods delete it as that would remove the purpose of me posting in the first place.

Dilemma

I have strong family ties to Jacksonville. It's a good place to raise a family. But it's 3:51 am and this town is shut down!!! In Chicago I would be dancing the night away till 5am. I love big, active cities and this place is not compatible with me.

An hour of a half away there you have Gainesville. It's a small college town, but it has a better, more active downtown than Jacksonville. (By better I'm of course talking about bars, restaraunts, unique shops and other neat elements which make a vibrant city.)

So the dilemma is this: stay in a town I hate because it's affordable and close to family or goto Gainesville.

You would think this would be an easy choice for me, but it's not. For one the job market in Jacksonville is superior to Gainesville. Plus I would much rather want to own a house in a major city like Jacksonville than a small college town like Gainesville.

Your subject line was pretty harsh, but after reading your posts I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head. Jacksonville is nothing like Chicago, nor a college town. (Gainesville's bars close at 2, btw)

I think you should move. You can always come back to be with family, but while you're at this stage of your life don't miss out if you can find opportunities elsewhere. Do your research thoroughly, though. I would hate for you to move somewhere better, but still not good enough and leaves you unsatisfied again.