Moving to JAX

[coastiewifern]

So we just found out we are moving to Jacksonville. Budget girls fill me in on budget tips for JAX and FL in general. Obviously I am going to purchase an AP (so excited about that). I will be able to shop at the commissary for groceries. I have heard Publix is also good????? Is there an ALDI's around? I've heard FL does not double grocery coupons? Is there a Costco nearby?

 

[VirataMama4]

I don't have any advice for you, but would love to hear the suggestions from others and how it all works for you. We are hoping to be able to the JAX as our next duty station in June 2012! I can't wait to be just a few hours from Disney and to be able to go almost anytime we want!!!

 

[mhsjax]

Hi , I am 48 years old and have lived in Jax since I was 6. Ok. I see that you are military, is your DH going to be working at NAS?

Also, do you have kids? THis is HUGE. We actually live in an area called St Johns. Closer to St Augustine, but don't let that scare you. most people here work in Jacksonville. It was listed as Jacksonville, but we got so big we got our own name. Anyway, the schools down here are much much much better. You can get good schools in Duval county (which is Jax) but you will never get all good elementary, MS and HS together. Alos down here is its own little world. We call it the bubble, everyone loves it. There are tons of sports, churches, whatever yo are interested in. It would be a little bit of a drive to NAS, but really you just don't want to live out that way. My BFF's DH was retired military and she went to the base to shop, it toke a little time, but worth it.

I shop at publix, LOVE IT. No we don't have an Aldi's. No to double coupons. Yes to Costco, about 30 minutes away. It is in something called the Town center, and beware that is a fun place to be. Tons of up scales shopping, plus a Target and lets of restaurants.

PM me if you want more details.

PS, Down here in St Johns, you are even closer to WDW, to takes us only 2.5 hours to get there. IF the moon and the stars align, it takes only 2 hours.

 

[coastiewifern]

Hi , I am 48 years old and have lived in Jax since I was 6. Ok. I see that you are military, is your DH going to be working at NAS?

Also, do you have kids? THis is HUGE. We actually live in an area called St Johns. Closer to St Augustine, but don't let that scare you. most people here work in Jacksonville. It was listed as Jacksonville, but we got so big we got our own name. Anyway, the schools down here are much much much better. You can get good schools in Duval county (which is Jax) but you will never get all good elementary, MS and HS together. Alos down here is its own little world. We call it the bubble, everyone loves it. There are tons of sports, churches, whatever yo are interested in. It would be a little bit of a drive to NAS, but really you just don't want to live out that way. My BFF's DH was retired military and she went to the base to shop, it toke a little time, but worth it.

I shop at publix, LOVE IT. No we don't have an Aldi's. No to double coupons. Yes to Costco, about 30 minutes away. It is in something called the Town center, and beware that is a fun place to be. Tons of up scales shopping, plus a Target and lets of restaurants.

PM me if you want more details.

PS, Down here in St Johns, you are even closer to WDW, to takes us only 2.5 hours to get there. IF the moon and the stars align, it takes only 2 hours.

I am aware of the excellent reputation St John's county schools have. My husband is in the Coast Guard and will work at Cecil Field. We will only be there 1-2 years so we are definately going to rent. I am willing to look at Julington Creek but haven't found many rentals there. I am focusing on Fleming Island as the schools are really good there as well and the commute is better. I will have an entering 4th and 6th grader. I am avoiding Duvall county.

 

[Golf4food]

So we just found out we are moving to Jacksonville. Budget girls fill me in on budget tips for JAX and FL in general. Obviously I am going to purchase an AP (so excited about that). I will be able to shop at the commissary for groceries. I have heard Publix is also good????? Is there an ALDI's around? I've heard FL does not double grocery coupons? Is there a Costco nearby?

I'm not a budget girl, but if you'll accept budget guy, then...

If you are going to be at Cecil then I'd look for something around Brannafeild/Oakleaf Plantation/Eagle Landing if they are in your price range. Driving across from the Flemming Island area wouldn't be bad, but wouldn't be great either. I certainly wouldn't want to drive from St. Johns county. I've done the hour each way commute from outside Jax into Jax in the past and am glad to be rid of it. Middleburg would be another, closer option than St. Johns county. Also note that going from St. Johns county will require crossing one of two bridges across the St. Johns that are south of downtown Jax and one of those is all the way down at Green Cove Springs, so you really only have one direct option and traffic can be nasty around Mandarin/Orange Park.

As for the schools, most are what you make of them, not what they make of you. If you are a dedicated parent and your kids are dedicated students then they will be fine in most schools in the area.

Not sure about Costcos on the westside but you can find their locations on their website I'm sure.

Publix is great. No Aldis. Winn-Dixie is the other major supermarket chain here (based in Jax, actually) but they are a step down in quality and cleanliness to us.

 

[mhsjax]

I am aware of the excellent reputation St John's county schools have. My husband is in the Coast Guard and will work at Cecil Field. We will only be there 1-2 years so we are definately going to rent. I am willing to look at Julington Creek but haven't found many rentals there. I am focusing on Fleming Island as the schools are really good there as well and the commute is better. I will have an entering 4th and 6th grader. I am avoiding Duvall county.

OH yeah, Flemming Island is good also. I seem to forget about that one. I don't know why.

I am right down the road, literally from Julington Creek.

 

[mhsjax]

I'm not a budget girl, but if you'll accept budget guy, then...

If you are going to be at Cecil then I'd look for something around Brannafeild/Oakleaf Plantation/Eagle Landing if they are in your price range. Driving across from the Flemming Island area wouldn't be bad, but wouldn't be great either. I certainly wouldn't want to drive from St. Johns county. I've done the hour each way commute from outside Jax into Jax in the past and am glad to be rid of it. Middleburg would be another, closer option than St. Johns county. Also note that going from St. Johns county will require crossing one of two bridges across the St. Johns that are south of downtown Jax and one of those is all the way down at Green Cove Springs, so you really only have one direct option and traffic can be nasty around Mandarin/Orange Park.

As for the schools, most are what you make of them, not what they make of you. If you are a dedicated parent and your kids are dedicated students then they will be fine in most schools in the area.

Not sure about Costcos on the westside but you can find their locations on their website I'm sure.

Publix is great. No Aldis. Winn-Dixie is the other major supermarket chain here (based in Jax, actually) but they are a step down in quality and cleanliness to us.

That is the problem with this darn town. Too many bridges. lol.

 

[eeyoremommy]

I've been to the Kohl's in Fleming Isle when I used to live in south GA and would come to JAX to shop. I love JAX. If you get on I-295 which becomes 9A, it isn't that far to St. John's Towne Ctr. where the Costco is. There are lots of back roads too once you get across the water/bridges. You are going to find so many neat opportunities there for your kids culturally, academically, athletically, etc. I think you are going to really like it there. You also are close to the beach. St. Augustine has some outlet shopping. You will get a FL resident discount on cruises. You can get discounts on Kennedy Space Center which is really cool. It is a little bit of a drive but totally worth it. To the north, you are two hours or so from Savannah which is beautiful. You are three hours from Hilton Head and Beaufort, SC. I would recommend visiting both of those as well. Good luck with your move.

 

[Shmily1]

I don't live there but go there and through there often. I worked for Winn Dixie for years. They are somewhat more expensive than many stores but have good stuff too. My uncle was a manager at Publix years ago in Dunedin. Publix has great sales especially if you use coupons! We love the outlet malls in St Augustine and often take day trips to go there. It won't be very far from you but unfortunately it's 2 1/2 hrs for us.

I have to second Kennedy Space Center. I went there because my DS21 loved science stuff. I was sacrificing for him. Tables turned and he sacrificed for me. I loved it so much and he was ready to go, but I was still having a blast and didn't want to leave! Maybe I do like a little bit of science.

There is always something going on in JAX for kids. If you want free stuff to do on Saturdays, check with Lowe's, Home Depot, Michael's crafts, etc. The zoo is fun (we're probably going there again in about 2 weeks) and the MOSH is great. They also have a Dave and Busters and there is always concerts and shows going on. Not to mention those awesome Jacksonville Jaguars!!

As far as park tickets, if you are a FL resident, you can do the pay by the month plan for a WDW pass Also, the other parks, like Busch Gardens, Sea World, all have FL discounts too.

 

[Jitzy]

My husband was stationed at NAS Jax several years ago. He now lives in DC. We decided to stay here because of the housing market and the commute.

Personally, we are very happy over here on this side of the bridge. The roads through Orange Park/Fleming Island seem to be (to us, at least) much worse than San Jose Blvd. Once you get on 295, the traffic usually flows pretty freely and if you lived over here, he would be going against the traffic.

St. Johns County schools are ranked the best in the state. But PLEASE, don't rule out DUVAL if your husband is in the military. I think you said your kids are young, but Duval does have a great magnet school system and it's AUTOMATIC entry if you move into the county while on Active Duty. This is especially important if your kids are in middle/high school. Paxon and Stanton Prep are two of the best in the nation. Even if this doesn't apply to you, pass the word. I think it's important for military families to know the benefits that they have when moving to different duty stations.

As far as shopping goes, you heard right from the PPs. No Aldi's, no double coupons and Costco about 30 mins. away. LOVE the St. Johns Town Center. Hey, and if you are FL residents, no income tax AND you can get the monthly payment plan for your APs!

 

[Jitzy]

ST Johns County schools have middle schools from 6th to 8th.

As far as I know, CLAY middle schools are 7th to 8th.

This made a difference for me when we moved here in between my son's 6th and 7th grade year. He was already in advanced classes in middle school and I didn't want him to have to wait for the new to middle school kids to "get used to" changing classes, using lockers and all the other things that come up in the transition. Our youngest was able to take pre-Algebra in 6th grade which will allow him to take Calculus AB/BC his junior and senior year.

 

[coastiewifern]

ST Johns County schools have middle schools from 6th to 8th.

As far as I know, CLAY middle schools are 7th to 8th.

This made a difference for me when we moved here in between my son's 6th and 7th grade year. He was already in advanced classes in middle school and I didn't want him to have to wait for the new to middle school kids to "get used to" changing classes, using lockers and all the other things that come up in the transition. Our youngest was able to take pre-Algebra in 6th grade which will allow him to take Calculus AB/BC his junior and senior year.

Thanks for all the info. So much to take in. If my son were even close to high school I would definately consider the magnet schools in Duval. But we will be in and out long before all that. Can't really seem to find many rentals in Julington creek area. Most seem to be in Oakleaf Plantation or St Augustine.
As for Kennedy space center that is on our list. We love to visit space center Houston, it is really cool

 

[JB2K]

I'm not a budget girl, but if you'll accept budget guy, then...

Thanks, Golf4food -- there seems to be a thing around the BB of late where the fellas aren't included...

 

[VirataMama4]

My husband was stationed at NAS Jax several years ago. He now lives in DC. We decided to stay here because of the housing market and the commute.

Personally, we are very happy over here on this side of the bridge. The roads through Orange Park/Fleming Island seem to be (to us, at least) much worse than San Jose Blvd. Once you get on 295, the traffic usually flows pretty freely and if you lived over here, he would be going against the traffic.

St. Johns County schools are ranked the best in the state. But PLEASE, don't rule out DUVAL if your husband is in the military. I think you said your kids are young, but Duval does have a great magnet school system and it's AUTOMATIC entry if you move into the county while on Active Duty. This is especially important if your kids are in middle/high school. Paxon and Stanton Prep are two of the best in the nation. Even if this doesn't apply to you, pass the word. I think it's important for military families to know the benefits that they have when moving to different duty stations.

As far as shopping goes, you heard right from the PPs. No Aldi's, no double coupons and Costco about 30 mins. away. LOVE the St. Johns Town Center. Hey, and if you are FL residents, no income tax AND you can get the monthly payment plan for your APs!

I'm not the OP, but thank you for this info! We are hoping to get JAX in June '12 and my oldest DD will be a freshman. She is a 7th grader now and is in all AP classes including Algebra 1, so it would be great if she could get into the program! Thank you again!

 

[coastiewifern]

Thanks, Golf4food -- there seems to be a thing around the BB of late where the fellas aren't included...

My bad

 

[HLAuburn]

So we just found out we are moving to Jacksonville. Budget girls fill me in on budget tips for JAX and FL in general. Obviously I am going to purchase an AP (so excited about that). I will be able to shop at the commissary for groceries. I have heard Publix is also good????? Is there an ALDI's around? I've heard FL does not double grocery coupons? Is there a Costco nearby?

We just moved to Jacksonville (Ponte Vedra, techinically) last Summer and we love it here! Publix is really nice and they have a lot of BOGO free deals, but other than their sale items, I find them a little expensive. Super convenient though (seems like there is one on every corner!) and a really nice place to shop.

We decided to get the Seasonal APs the first year to see how that worked out. There are black out dates (usually peak times) but we decided we probably wouldn't want to go when it's crazy crowded (or really hot ) anyway. We've found that going to the parks is different now since we don't feel like we have to do everything there is to do since we go so often.

Anyway, good luck with the move!

 

[Shelby5514]

One word of warning, no state tax means just means they will get it from you somewhere else. Be ready for sticker shock when you go to the BMV to get your DL and Plates. For DH and I to switch to FL DL and title/plate two vehicles it cost just a bit over $1,000!

 

[coastiewifern]

One word of warning, no state tax means just means they will get it from you somewhere else. Be ready for sticker shock when you go to the BMV to get your DL and Plates. For DH and I to switch to FL DL and title/plate two vehicles it cost just a bit over $1,000!

Holy smokes are you kidding me?

 

[coastiewifern]

We just moved to Jacksonville (Ponte Vedra, techinically) last Summer and we love it here! Publix is really nice and they have a lot of BOGO free deals, but other than their sale items, I find them a little expensive. Super convenient though (seems like there is one on every corner!) and a really nice place to shop.

We decided to get the Seasonal APs the first year to see how that worked out. There are black out dates (usually peak times) but we decided we probably wouldn't want to go when it's crazy crowded (or really hot ) anyway. We've found that going to the parks is different now since we don't feel like we have to do everything there is to do since we go so often.

Anyway, good luck with the move!

I've heard Ponte Vedra is very nice. A bit too far for DH to commute (I checked it out). I was planning to buy the regular AP because I figure we may need peak times since my kids are both school aged. I'd also like to check out the water parks. We have never been to those at WDW believe it or not

 

[mhsjax]

I've heard Ponte Vedra is very nice. A bit too far for DH to commute (I checked it out). I was planning to buy the regular AP because I figure we may need peak times since my kids are both school aged. I'd also like to check out the water parks. We have never been to those at WDW believe it or not

We adore the water parks at WDW. The AP's for the water parks are pretty cheap. I think if you use it more that 2 times it has paid for itself. Don't quote me on that, it has been a while since we had them. We are planning on getting them again this year.