After two years of living it, I have tried to create a comprehensive guide to Jacksonville, Florida. The only problem is that it's over on my blog, and in parts, so I'll try to create a post on this site so that you can find what you might want to know about the River City in one place rather than searching through the entire blog. In general, we like Jacksonville, but there is just so much room for improvement that it's frustrating to watch so much not get done in the right way. If you end up moving to the area, I am hoping you'll be one of the people who work for a change in how things are run, or else you might be running back to wherever it is you're currently trying to escape.
General
JAX comments
I respond to comments about Jacksonville with my own impressions.
Retiring to Jacksonville
A more specific article about people who might want to retire to Duval County.
Unexpected Costs in Jacksonville
Housing can be cheap, but Northeast Florida has some hidden costs to consider.
Our expenses exceed our living wage in Florida = not good.
Quick Guide to Jacksonville
This was written for people fleeing hurricanes elsewhere, but it can work for anyone with a couple of days here.
GIS map gives quick info about Jax, if you understand it. It has a lot of important information in choosing a neighborhood.
You won't see alleys (or many basements) in Jacksonville.
Stealing from unlocked cars is big business here.
Jacksonvillians. That's what we're called.
We don't have the worst drinking water here.
Climate
The weather can be nice in Florida.
Sometimes it might even snow in Jacksonville.
After a hurricane, FEMA will possibly make a house call.
Roads
Tolls are back in Jax, and this might be a way to simplify them for you.
Please use turn signals. It's not a big tradition here, but you can help change that.
Building our way out of congestion. It's probably not possible the way we currently build here.
Part of the reason for navigation problems is roads with changing names.
Here's why you'll see so many pickup trucks.
We don't have the worst drivers here. It does feel that way sometimes.
Crime
My take on local Jacksonville gangs.
Guns and more guns.
Crime isn't the worst in Jacksonville, but it's not great, either.
Recycling
A guide to what can and can't be recycled in Jax.
Christmas Traditions
Some ideas for what you might want to do in the area around Christmastime.
Here's a tradition you might not expect here: luminaries.
Skin Cancer
It's hot and sunny in Jacksonville, but skin cancer is more of a risk in other states. Really.
ADA Sidewalks
Big lawsuit means nice ADA ramps everywhere.
Sinkholes
Are sinkholes a concern in JAX?
Homes
Some people swear that older, larger homes are making a comeback. Almost.
Oversized houses. I never knew.
Housing tax exemptions and why they matter to you.
Recreation
Youth soccer in Jacksonville.
A semi-annotated list of Meetups in the Bold New City of the South.
Ice hockey, if that's your thing.
Specific Neighborhoods
Hidden Hills
Gated neighborhood in East Arlington can cost a little more.
Arlington
The Arlington area is trying to renew itself. This article outlines some challenges.
East Arlington
An analysis of opinions about the East Arlington / Intracoastal West side of Jax.
The naming of the East Arlington area.
The Dunes. It is a place, it used to be a place, and it's also not really the place it used to be.
Income by race. It's different than in other cities.
Monument Road as David Boynton Parkway.
The Woods
Some weird map images of properties in the The Woods.
Magnolia Grove
Small subdivision in East Arlington.
Basic information for homebuyers.
Orange Park
Be careful when moving somewhere with restrictions.
Nocatee
This popular article talks about the fees for Nocatee.
Skyway
You won't ride it, but thre's a skyway in Jacksonville.
St. Johns
People want shopping in the area and also don't want it. Or do want shopping.
Are there jobs in St. Johns?
Reviews
Super Tire
Never, ever, ever get your tires as Super Tire. You've been warned.
Xtreme Wings
I was hoping for a Packer bar. Oh well.
630City
The system for requesting service from Jacksonville. It actually works.
International Airport
Well, not exactly international.
Aquatics Camp in Orange Park (Doctor's Lake) Area
My two-year review of the camp.
Jax Beach Pier
Walk on it for $1 one time.
Cradle Creek Preserve
Go for a walk in nature.
European Street Cafe
ESC gets great reviews, but I just don't see it.
Franz Foreign Car Service
I don't have too many options for my Saab.
Blow Up Party Slides
Think hot sun and burning bottoms before you rent one for a party here.
ABC Fine Wines and Liquors
The Beach Blvd. location got this one all wrong.
Duval County Fair
Is it safe? Maybe, but I probably won't bother to find out.
Jacksonville Public Libraries
Our libraries won an award, but I have some added advice.
Jiffy Lube Atlantic Beach
I wanted to trust Google on this one, but just not a good experience.
Amazing Grace Crop Maze
It's something to do with the family in the fall. We wanted apple picking, but this was OK.
Alternative Radio
Sorry, not in Jax. Too much Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Ft. Caroline
I am not so sure about the history being taught here.