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Melanie Gonzalez living

What I wish I knew before living in Jacksonville

Anyone else feel this way? My partner and I are Homes are going for about $155,300 on average. Poverty rate is 13.7%, which is around average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Would love some local perspective. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
20 upvotes

4 Replies

Jameson Green
+1
30 upvotes
Anna S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Greenfield for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are excellent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Logan M.
bump
25 upvotes
Carter Diaz
following this thread
17 upvotes
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