Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $155,300 on average. With a population of 29,285, Jacksonville is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thanks!
22 upvotes
15 Replies
Sebastian H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Lydia Miller
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The public transit is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Peyton E.
I work in healthcare here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is better than expected. Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Isla Sanchez
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Eli Rogers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Scarlett C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Houston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Arthur J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Xavier
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 1 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Sadie Hernandez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Minneapolis it's pretty good.
15 upvotes
Luke
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Ezra Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Alexander Morales
this is the way
4 upvotes
Grace K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 7 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Michael
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
3 upvotes
Jacob Ruiz
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's average.
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