Columbia, SC vs Jacksonville, FL

[Jonathan Perez]

So I currently live in Columbia, SC, and I’ve been here since 2012. I bought my first duplex that I’m currently house hacking January 2017. My mother is currently living in Jacksonville FL. I have visited a few times and I am loving it there....

I really want to move there because it seems to be a bit faster paced and more diverse than Columbia SC which is what I want/need in my life.....My happiness will definitely increase by a lot considering that I’m a bit lonely here in Columbia and tend to get depressed a lot being alone in this state......However, I feel like i have to do what makes sense investing-wise and I will make all the sacrifices I need to.

I’ve gotten familiar enough with Columbia and I feel like I should stick to where I already am at since I have some understanding of it i.e sides of town, good/bad areas, schools, price ranges of properties, rents, etc. At least till I reach financial freedom...

If I move to Jacksonville, FL I feel I’d be a lot happier but I’d also feel like I would be delaying my goals and would have to learn and familiarize myself with the market there before I could continue to build my portfolio, but I know that it does not necessarily have to be like that if I have a plan and do my homework... I just don’t want to leave a good market for a crappy one is what boils down to...so what are your thoughts?

Jacksonville, FL vs Columbia, SC. What are some pros and cons of each?

[Andrew R. Lucas]

Hey @Jonathan Perez 

Could you build a solid team here in Columbia?  Then move to Jacksonville and continue to invest here?  There is no real reason to only invest in where you live other than comfort.  You can live anywhere and invest where you know.  

However, you may want to consider investing in the areas around Jacksonville.  The suburbs may be affordable and taxes may be more favorable than ours...

Come to our meet up if you want to build a team: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/68...