Introduction
This article highlights the top reasons not to move to Jacksonville FL. Jacksonville is located on the St. Johns River and has a population of about 940,000 people. Jacksonville is considered a Mid-Atlantic city, with a mixture of Southern and Northern influences. The city’s economy is primarily based on services, with significant sectors including healthcare, finance, information technology, and tourism.
Jacksonville is also known for its historic neighborhoods and its important cultural institutions, such as the Kennedy Center. In addition, Jacksonville, FL is known for its beautiful weather and friendly people. However, there are several reasons why someone might not want to move to Jacksonville. Below are top eight reasons not to move to Jacksonville FL.
Reasons not to move to Jacksonville FL
1. Limited Public Transportation
In Jacksonville, Florida there is a limited amount of public transportation. The main transportation services are the JTA buses and the Jacksonville Skyway.
The JTA buses travel all around Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville Skyway is a monorail that travels from Downtown to Northside. There are also several trolley routes that travel through certain areas of town.
The problem with these transportation options is that they are not very reliable. The buses and trolleys can be crowded and sometimes late, and the Skyway has been known to break down frequently.
This lack of reliable public transportation can be a major obstacle for people who rely on it to get around town. It can also make it difficult for people who want to visit Jacksonville but don’t have a car.
2. Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion is a problem that plagues cities all over the world. Cars, buses, and other vehicles clog up streets and highways, making it difficult for people to get where they need to go. In some cases, traffic congestion can even cause gridlock, which can lead to hours-long delays.
The city of Jacksonville, Florida is no exception. Traffic congestion is a major issue in Jacksonville, and it often causes headaches for commuters and business owners alike. The problem is only going to get worse in the years ahead, as the population continues to grow.
3. Limited City Life
For those who love the city life, Jacksonville, Florida may not be the best place to live. limited city life options are available in this northern Florida city. Nightlife and cultural attractions are scarce, and there’s not much of a downtown district to speak of.
However, Jacksonville is located on the banks of the St. Johns River and has miles of beaches and parks that can be enjoyed outdoors. The climate is also mild year-round, which makes it a great place to call home.
4. Rising Crime Rate
Are you considering moving to Jacksonville, Florida? If so, you’ll be happy to know that the crime rate in Jacksonville is much lower than in other major cities. In fact, according to Neighborhood Scout, a website that ranks cities based on their crime rates, Jacksonville is the 41st safest city in the US.
The majority of crimes committed in Jacksonville are property crimes, such as burglary and car theft. Violent crimes, such as murder and rape, are less common but do occur. However, overall, Jacksonville is a safe place to live.
If you’re interested in learning more about the crime rate in Jacksonville or other cities around the US, be sure to check out Neighborhood Scout’s website. You can also find crime statistics for specific neighborhoods in Jacksonville by visiting the city’s website.
5. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Jacksonville Florida is a little above the national average. Housing costs are a bit more expensive than in other parts of the country, but groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively affordable.
In general, it’s possible to get by on a modest salary in Jacksonville, but it might be difficult to save money or live extravagantly.
You may also like // Reasons NOT to move to Nova Scotia
6. Lack of Culture
There’s no doubt that Jacksonville is a great place to live, with its abundance of things to do and its close proximity to the beach. However, one thing that Jacksonville lacks is a strong cultural scene.
There are few museums, theaters, or art galleries, and the ones that do exist are often small and underfunded. This lack of culture can be a bit of a hindrance for people who want to experience more of what life has to offer.
One possible explanation for this lack of culture is the fact that Jacksonville is such a young city. It was founded in 1822, which is actually quite late compared to other American cities. Because it’s so new, Jacksonville hasn’t had time to develop a strong cultural identity. Another factor that may contribute to Jacksonville’s lack of culture is its size.
7. Weather
Jacksonville Florida is no stranger to adverse weather conditions. From hurricanes and flooding to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, the city often experiences dangerous weather conditions. In fact, according to records from the National Weather Service, Jacksonville has been impacted by more than 50 tropical storms and hurricanes since 1871.
Most recently, Jacksonville was hit by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The storm caused extensive damage throughout the city, leaving thousands of residents without power or access to essential services. In addition, Irma resulted in several fatalities and injuries.
While hurricane season typically runs from June through November, Jacksonville can experience severe weather year-round. For example, in January 2018 the city was impacted by a severe cold snap that caused widespread power outages.
8. High Number of Homeless Population
According to the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union, the homeless population in Jacksonville is on the rise. The article cites that the number of people who are homeless has increased by 26 percent in the past two years. In 2016, there were 2,746 homeless people counted in Duval County, and that number has now increased to 3,442. This is a high number for a city of Jacksonville’s size.
There are many reasons why people become homeless. Some people lose their jobs or become unable to work due to illness or injury. For others, substance abuse or mental health issues may be at play. Domestic violence can also lead to homelessness.
And finally, some people simply cannot afford housing costs and end up on the streets.The increase in the number of homeless people is concerning for a variety of reasons.
Also Read: Reasons NOT to move to Montana
Conclusion
While Jacksonville may have some appealing qualities that make it be the best place to move, there are many reasons not to move to Jacksonville FL. The city has a high crime rate, traffic congestion, and is prone to natural disasters.
There are many other great places to live in the United States that offer all the amenities that Jacksonville does, without the drawbacks. If you are considering moving to Jacksonville, please do your research and make sure it is the right decision for you.
Related Article: Reasons NOT to move to Georgia
You may also like: Top 10 Reasons not to move to Texas