Moving to JAX soon and I have a few questions (Jacksonville: high crime, buying a house)

[nipsirc]

I'm buying a house in Jacksonville Heights south/chimney lakes area and I was wondering how the are is? I've only been in that area once and it seemed decent. I've looked at the stats but stats only tell one story. I'd like to hear from the people.

I was also wondering about the school system. My children will be in 1st grade and K soon.

I'm also wondering about security systems... I've seen a lot of signs on houses out there and I've always been of the mindset that alarms are overkill. All you really need are a couple of good dogs. I'm just curious if anyone feels that this area almost requires an alarm? (I'd be worried if it did...)

Any info would be great. Thanks.

[fsu813]

Chimney Lakes, if i'm not mistaken, is a subdivison in the Argyle neighborhood of Orange Park, a suburb of Jacksonville.

No, an alarm system is not a must. Dogs usually just fine. That is not a particularly high crime area either. It's a working class suburb, mostly families. You won't find much wealth, culture, or going-ons there, but I suppose it is a low key, comfortable environment for those looking for Suburban Life 101. Schools are good.

There's church in the area, Kirkwood Pres, that has a pretty cool set up/direction. Family atmosphere and they don't take themselves too seriously, which is a good thing in my book.

[luvingme23]

the further away from downtown you are the majority of the crimes seem to be property theft and vandelism. i'm not sure that this includes actually breaking into a house or not. so i would agree with fsu813 for the most part

[riveree]

Criminals know most people don't arm their systems so they're not much of a deterrent.

A large dog is a much better option in my opinion and it's always worked for me. Just a couple of good muscular mutts, 50-100lbs or so. There's no lack of them here either. There are untold amounts of good dogs looking for homes right now:

Pets Online

[nipsirc]

Thanks for the info. I have 2 dogs that are in the 50 - 60 pound range so I'm set. May not be scary big but they bark with the best of them when they need to.