Realtor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2013 · 227 posts · 35 votes
I’m looking to move from Columbia SC to Jacksonville FL soon and would like to know what are the good areas and what are the bad ones?
I’ll be looking for a duplex or triplex to house hack with my grandfather. I’ve been watching videos on how to research a new market. I’m trying to get a relationship going with some banks and property managers as well. But just curious to see what BP family has to say about the Jax especially those who live there already,
Flipper/Rehabber · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2018 · 56 posts · 38 votes
6y
There are plenty of duplexes sprinkled throughout Jacksonville...mainly north and northwest of the river. I would avoid Moncrief- have done a lot of work in and around there and it can be pretty ugly- area with more crime than the rest of Jax. There are good pockets though in North Jax youjust have to drive the streets and check the neighborhoods to see if it's something you could work with.
East of the river and below i-10 (west side) is more expensive and has less crime/rundown sections in my opinion and that's where I like to look. Much more to do too, more commercial areas.
there are a lot of posts about our city- you can scroll the Jackonsville forum to see a lot- same with google just typing "Biggerpockets Jacksonville" and then whatever your question is.
Investor · Washington, DC · Member since 2020 · 15 posts · 24 votes
6y
If you're looking for a multi-family, good luck. They are certainly not the norm in the area and many have been scooped up by investors. Also, many are in "historic" districts and have different permitting requirements and you are limited to how you can adjust the exterior.
As for good vs. bad areas, that is subjective. I own in Orange Park on the Oakleaf side that used to be my primary residence. If you're in Columbia, it may be beneficial to spend a weekend just driving around. Jacksonville is the largest city in America in terms of land mass, so two people could live in "Jacksonville" but live 90 minutes away from each other.
Jax Beach is popular and out by St. Johns Town Center is getting built up like crazy. Out west, where I am more familiar with, are lots of families and the further west you go, the more country it gets. Also, around 103rd and Normandy (two separate streets, not necessarily an intersection), you might have a rough area or two but I don't think it's a war zone.
It all depends on what you are very specifically looking for. Also, it has become a seller's market in recent years so be aware of that. My 3/2.5 townhome in OP went from $137k when I bought it in 2016 to $180k today through no action of my own.
Flipper/Rehabber · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2018 · 56 posts · 38 votes
6y
There are plenty of duplexes sprinkled throughout Jacksonville...mainly north and northwest of the river. I would avoid Moncrief- have done a lot of work in and around there and it can be pretty ugly- area with more crime than the rest of Jax. There are good pockets though in North Jax youjust have to drive the streets and check the neighborhoods to see if it's something you could work with.
East of the river and below i-10 (west side) is more expensive and has less crime/rundown sections in my opinion and that's where I like to look. Much more to do too, more commercial areas.
there are a lot of posts about our city- you can scroll the Jackonsville forum to see a lot- same with google just typing "Biggerpockets Jacksonville" and then whatever your question is.
Contractor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
6y
@Jonathan Perez
I would probably recommend the riverside or Murray Hill area, avondale, san marco.
If I was going to house hack with a small multi family these would be the only areas that I would consider... Anything else and you are going to be in a war zone or a "soon to be" war zone
Rental Property Investor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2008 · 784 posts · 528 votes
6y
@Jonathan Perez I second what @Mark Fries says, those are great places to start, they are 32204, 32205, 32207, maybe also branch out into 32210 and 32244. It depends on how far away from downtown you wish to go. You will get a better deal in an older part of town with older homes, I would also look at 32216 and 32217. Look at Zillow for what has sold in MFH in areas, so you can get an idea of what stuff sold for and when. Best of luck to you!