Reply #9: Jacksonville is actually a nice city (or at least parts and aspects of it)

[Tommy_Carcetti]

The major drawback is there are a large number of conservatives living there, as Jacksonville--as the most "southern" of Florida cities--might tend to attract that crowd. On the other hand, the city came close to voting for Obama last election, so perhaps things are changing for the better. Plus there are certain neighborhoods that tend more liberal than others (5 Points for example, and some areas along the river.)

Hurricanes aren't as big a threat as they are to other Florida cities. The last time Jacksonville got hit head on by a hurricane was back in the 1960s (as opposed to us in South Florida, when we got whacked by Wilma in 2005, and two hurricanes in 2004). The reason? It's further west inland.

But as a city itself, I love Jacksonville. It's probably my favorite of all the Florida cities, and as you know, I love all things Florida (with the noted exception of Disney Hell). Beautiful beaches, beautiful scenery along the St. Johns, the bridges downtown, etc. Cost of living in Jax should be pretty good. The zoo there is pretty nice, the airport is attractive easy to get in and out of (albiet a little limited on non-stops, but there are some non-stops available). A lot of nice places within a short drive of Jacksonville--Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, the Ocala Forest, Florida's springs, I can go on and on.

Jacksonville sometimes gets a bad rap for its image of a couple of decades ago--institutional racism (as was tragically the norm back then for many places in this country) and industrial pollution from the paper mills. I'm glad to say the paper mill stench is gone, and things have progressed socially as well (albiet maybe not to the extent we as liberals might want, but they have gotten a lot better).

One thing I like about Jacksonville--it's the little city that can. I think it is always thinking of ways to continuing to better itself and improve itself. They rallied to get a NFL team against the odds. They rallied to get a Super Bowl against the odds. They've built a new city library, new baseball stadium, new arena. They actually have a world class sympthony orchestra and performing arts center, and several nice museums. All in all, I wouldn't talk you out of moving there.

I have no idea as to Dayton so I can't say yea or nay. But because I love Florida I'd encourage Jax.