Relocating to Jacksonville Florida

[yuckyyuckyyucky]

Anyone got good advice, tips, clubs, sights?

I'm creative, artistic, love food, have an 11 month old.

Where are you moving from?
Where will you be working?

Hey, I'm moving from the Uk and I won't be working yet but I'm a teacher so hoping to start teaching if I can transfer my qualifications etc.

What type of visa are you going on?

I’m much further south, so not a huge help on specifics, but St. Augustine was worth the trip and fairly close to where you’ll be. Lots of cities have moms groups on Facebook that host meet ups and whatnot, especially for parents of little ones, so that’ll give you much more local knowledge. And it’s hellishly hot in Florida for 8 months out of the year, so be prepared. I’ve heard northern Florida is ever so slightly less hellishly hot than S. Florida though.

First steps first - how are you going to just move to the US? Have you looked in to the type of visa you will need to be able to do this?

I have the visa stuff sorted.

I was really asking about Jacksonville and if anyone knew anything about the place. Anyway I'm here now so I guess I'll find out myself.

Jacksonville is the largest city in the USA. It's because they decided to annex the entire county, so even outside of "the city", it's city. It's a fine place. Lots of colleges. My best friend's daughter graduated and worked her first teaching job there. She loved the city. Beautiful beaches, lots of history nearby (St. Augustine), comfortable driving distance to Cape Canaveral, Disney World. Lots of small towns in northern Florida, antique shopping. Near Daytona for surfing and races. I also live farther south. I am even with Tampa, but as far west as I can get, maybe a half mile from the Gulf of Mexico.

Jacksonville is the largest city in the USA

Say what now?!

OnlyAmy do you mean largest in land mass size ?

Yes. It is the largest in land mass. Not a "big city" like LA or New York. Just an interesting thing, because most people don't expect to hear that it is our largest city.

Yes I had noticed it's a bit strange as it's a city but it's not all city like, it's more like a district. So st Augustine sounds popular maybe I'll try going there this weekend.

Jacksonville is also near the coastal islands of Georgia where I grew up. St. Simons is particularly nice for a weekend.

Ok thanks I'll have a look at that

Um, can't just walk in to the US. They seem to be pretty focused on immigrants lately. Got a visa without a job offer? Seems odd.

Nothing to add but oooh lucky you OP

My family live in Jax. They are very artsy and creative. Check out the Cummer museum www.cummermuseum.org/ and there is an art market close by the museum on a Saturday. That whole area (Riverside and Avondale) is really cute; a bit hippy and alternative. I love it there. Hope you’re settling in!

Thanks Kathy, we went downtown yesterday and there were loads of fantastic murals. We also went to st Augustine for those who suggested, thanks. The old houses are beautiful and I'm so glad I saw them.

Thanks for all the concerns about my visa but like I said, it's sorted. People get visas for different reasons, one of them being a job.

You need to start looking for daycare for your DD ASAP.

Forget sightseeing for the moment. Focus on finding her a spot in a decent, convenient place for a reasonable price.

I'm not working so he won't be in childcare for a while. I have already found a babysitting service for odd days if I need it.

But yes when I go back to working that will be a priority, thanks.

You will need to sort it out well in advance. Many places have long waiting lists.

Ok thanks I'll have a ring round and see what the situation is. Good to know.