Where to live around Jacksonville (Palm Coast, Edgewater: credit, neighborhoods, magnet school)

[hbondra]

We are looking to relocated to Florida from NC, to be closer to family. We have family in Edgewater and Vero. Work is not an issue right now, so we are focusing on schools for elementary and middle, close to beach and intercostal, smaller town feel, parks and rec, shopping. Jacksonville area catches my eye as does St. Augustine and Palm Coast. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[fsu813]

You have many of options.

Price would be a major factor, what's your range?

[hbondra]

around the 400000 range.

[fsu813]

I'm not great at giving recommendations on the Southside & Beaches parts of town as far as where to live. Most of the areas are very similar and indistinguishable to me.

That being said, there are plenty of subdivisions from Jax down to St. Aug that would fit your needs. Most of the areas near the beaches & intracoastal are going to generally be considered safe & family friendly.

(if you want some info on the Historic neighborhoods near the city, then i can be more help)

[kvittitoe]

If you have children and are concerned about their educations, I would recommend either St. Johns county or Clay county; Duval doesn't have the best reputation and with your budget you should be able to get into Oakleaf, Fleming Island, or Eagle Harbour- exceptional communities. Good luck

[fsu813]

peope that actually fear Duval county schools are mind-boggling to me.

it's ridiculous & unfounded, in my opinion....and most others.

[Melissa1208]

I would recommend Saint Johns county as well. I don't have kids so I don't know about the schools but my parents live in that area and it is a very nice place.

[JagFan27]

Originally Posted by fsu813

peope that actually fear Duval county schools are mind-boggling to me.

it's ridiculous & unfounded, in my opinion....and most others.

Totally agree with your assessment.

[fsquid]

Originally Posted by fsu813

peope that actually fear Duval county schools are mind-boggling to me.

it's ridiculous & unfounded, in my opinion....and most others.

there are no stats to back it up?

[fsu813]

stats? as in....what? letter grades of schools? hmmm.....let me find that.....

Duval County Increases Number of A and B Schools


Jacksonville, FL - Duval County Public Schools has increased the number of schools receiving a school grade of an A or B to 101, which is more than two-thirds of the schools that receive grades compared to 85 last year, according to results released today by the Florida Department of Education. Additionally, the number of schools receiving a D or F has decreased.
This year, 101 schools out of 148 earned good or excellent grades, which represents about two-thirds of the district's schools. Nineteen schools received a D or F, down from 26 in 2008.
"These gains in achievement can be attributed to the hard work of our students, teachers, principals and district support staff," said Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals. "We are especially encouraged by the progress the majority of our elementary and middle turnaround schools have made."
Forty-five schools have improved their grades, 17 of which have increased dramatically by two or more letter grades.
The district credits many of the successes, particularly in the turnaround elementary and middle schools, to an increased focus and support to students and staff. Additional support and professional development opportunities will be provided to the schools with the greatest challenges.
"Community involvement is vital to student success," said School Board Chairman Tommy Hazouri. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of our teachers, community members and collaborative partnerships, the quality of education for Duval County students has greatly improved."
School grades are based on student performance as measured by the Sunshine State Standards section of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). The 2009 FCAT results released in May reported that more Duval County students are performing at or above grade level in reading, math and science compared to previous years.
Duval County's school-level summary reports are available here. Complete state, district, and school-level summary reports are available at: http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org. Duval County Public Schools operates more than 160 schools and serves approximately 125,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world.

so basically if you live in an ok area of town, the schools will be fine. even if you don't, you can always send your kid to a magnet school (assuming they are smart enough.....it's not hard, trust me).</SPAN>