Relocating to JAX

ajones737

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are relocating to Jacksonville in January and wanted to get some input from anyone who is currently living there.  We currently reside in Miami, but we are looking for a more family-oriented place to live with a lower cost of living (everything down here is just ridiculously expensive).

My biggest concern about the relocation is moving to a place where I don't know anyone! Especially since we have an 18-month-old who has never been in day care.  My husband and I are unemployed and have been actively looking for work here in Miami for 3 months--nothing solid has been offered!  We have sent a few resumes over in JAX and we already have interviews lined up.  One particular opportunity would be great for my career and I would need to JUMP on it if it's offered.

Although the positive things about the move (i.e., lower cost of living, better education, more career opportunities, better quality of life, less stress, etc.) definitely outweigh the negatives (i.e., moving to a strange place, being alone, etc.) - I can't help to have the fear of feeling lonely and leaving my family behind.  I've never left Miami so I guess the "fear of the unknown" is present.

Can any current JAX residents give me some peace of mind?  Has anyone out there had the courage to move to an entirely new place with small children?

I know this is best for my son, husband and myself - I'm just a little scared...

rosanna1121

I moved here from NYC in 2007 and LOVE IT!!! a wonderful place to raise children.  I live south Jaxs area near Julington Creek - We are in Durbin Crossing and you can get a huge house for real cheap right now ( we wish we were buying NOW) .  I have 3 sons - 2 are in the elementary school here and one the other is in VPK.  I am having baby #4 on Wed.  THE education is St John's county in Phenomenal you will not regret it - Good Luck 

MrsSarahG

I haven't made a big move but I just wanted to say that the area is very nice.  Do you know what area you are moving too?  I am also in the Julington Creek area and I love it. It is extremely  family oriented and the schools are great!  I am sure that it will be a little different than Miami but I wish you the best of luck.

ajones737

Hey girls! Thank you so much for your responses! I am actually super excited because we are going up this weekend-- and both my husband and I have interviews!

We were thinking about the Orange Park area, but we are pretty much open to any area, just as long as its nice, safe and somewhat central.  We have some friends that live in NE Jacksonville, closer to Mayport, but I am not sure if I want to live in that area since my husband wants to get a job in NAS.

I have already broken it to my parents and they were surprisingly enthusiastic and supportive - it helps to know they are responding well to our big move!  

 

MomBe

 

BLee51383

For a growing family, I would have to agree with the previous posts- Julington Creek is a great area to raise a family. There is nothing wrong with Orange Park, but Julington Creek really caters to family life and excellent schooling. I'm not as familiar with Orange Park. Jacksonville is HUGE and offers a wide variety of lifestyle accommodations- artsy, family, rural, urban, beach, suburban, etc. You'll love it here- especially coming from Miami- people here drive a little better too! hahaha...

Kristin&Adam

I'm late but wanted to say welcome to the area I live in Fleming Island (just south of Orange Park) and we love it - it is VERY family oriented!

tpatch

Welcome!  If you're looking for OP we live in oakleaf/orange park and love it (great schools).  Fleming Island is so nice too.  Saint Augustine (south of Jax is a great area as well)

Manalyzer

Welcome to the area! 

whitney11709

Hey I moved from MI to Jax when my husband got stationed here and while we would much rather be up north Jax is a great area to have kids. We live right on the water and its a great place! Schools are great and we have met some great people here. We love Saint Augastine as well and are down there a ton!

wonderwoman627

I live in the Orange Park area and have for the last 30 years.  I think you will like it here.

beautiflaw

I moved here in 2008 when I married my husband. He's active duty Navy and he's stationed here. We live in an apartment on Fleming Island, which is close to JAX. Orange Park and Fleming Island in my opinion is safer than JAX and I've read that they have better schools. I know Fleming Island High School is supposed to be really good. Some parts of Orange Park are safer than others. Closer to the bars and the dog track it gets shady. I'm hearing about robberies and shootings all the time over that way and in downtown JAX. Unfortunately I don't know much about the daycares here. I'm interested in finding out about them myself.