I work remote and chose Jacksonville specifically for the lifestyle. I don't understand why more people don't talk about Murray Hill.
I'm paying /mo for a 1-bed in Murray Hill and honestly is getting ridiculous. Home prices averaging is {home_feel}.
What I like:
- Active community events
- Easy to meet people
- Low commute times
- Good internet
What I don't:
- Sprawl is real
- Not very walkable
- Property taxes
The school system in Murray Hill is actually pretty good. I feel like Jacksonville is becoming more expensive without getting better.
Roast me or validate me, I can take it.
43 upvotes
12 Replies
Paisley T.
Interesting take.
46 upvotes
serenity_chef
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Jacksonville guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Neptune Beach: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Southside: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Ponte Vedra: best value in the city
- San Marco: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: great compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Jacksonville is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value community over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Columbus.
DM me if you want more details.
42 upvotes
Grayson M.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single mom in Riverside. Been here since 2019. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
Neighborhood-wise, Riverside has really grown in the past few years. St. Johns Town Center area is the up-and-coming spot right now. Nocatee is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for finance: great. For construction: affordable.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
42 upvotes
Anna Smith
Atlantic Beach local here. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
25 upvotes
John Reyes
As someone who lives in Avondale, People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. That said, parking can be a real pain.
24 upvotes
Asher Perez
Just to add another data point - we moved from Miami about 7 years ago. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. No regrets so far.
21 upvotes
Owen Scott
I'd highly recommend checking out Murray Hill. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Plus the food options around there are underrated.
20 upvotes
Scarlett Davis
Pretty much.
17 upvotes
Abigail Morris
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Jacksonville.
Background: 45, young professional, moved from Atlanta 1 years ago for work. Currently in Springfield.
**Housing:**
The market is pretty good right now. We went with Springfield because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Southside - it's growing and the value is better.
**Work:**
retail jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Atlanta but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 13 months were tough. Then I found my people through a church group. Now I have a solid group. Jacksonville people are warm once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. For retirees, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
16 upvotes
Lori S.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Jacksonville.
Background: 50, remote worker, moved from Austin 6 years ago for quality of life. Currently in Springfield.
**Housing:**
The market is hit or miss right now. We went with Springfield because it was walkable. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Avondale - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
legal jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Austin but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a kickball league. Now I have a solid group. Jacksonville people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. For families, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
12 upvotes
Jameson C.
Word.
7 upvotes
Nevaeh Reed
Homeowner in Ponte Vedra since 2023. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Property values have been flat which is surprising honestly.
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