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Relocating to JAX
Hi everyone!
My husband and I are relocating to Jacksonville in January and wanted to get some input from anyone who is currently living there. We currently reside in Miami, but we are looking for a more family-oriented place to live with a lower cost of living (everything down here is just ridiculously expensive).
My biggest concern about the relocation is moving to a place where I don't know anyone! Especially since we have an 18-month-old who has never been in day care. My husband and I are unemployed and have been actively looking for work here in Miami for 3 months--nothing solid has been offered! We have sent a few resumes over in JAX and we already have interviews lined up. One particular opportunity would be great for my career and I would need to JUMP on it if it's offered.
Although the positive things about the move (i.e., lower cost of living, better education, more career opportunities, better quality of life, less stress, etc.) definitely outweigh the negatives (i.e., moving to a strange place, being alone, etc.) - I can't help to have the fear of feeling lonely and leaving my family behind. I've never left Miami so I guess the "fear of the unknown" is present.
Can any current JAX residents give me some peace of mind? Has anyone out there had the courage to move to an entirely new place with small children?
I know this is best for my son, husband and myself - I'm just a little scared...
Re: Relocating to JAX
I'm not in Jax, I'm in Tally, but I moved here from Miami and it's been great so far. Sometimes I struggle with the lack of friends/family but I always have my husband and I love the idea of living in a small town for at least part of my life. That being said Jax is actually pretty big so you'll have the best of both worlds. Also, there are a ton of Jax girls on this board and they're all really nice. Best wishes with whatever you decide!
Hey, just wanted to say that Jax is a great place to raise a family. My husband and I moved here three years ago from Cali, so while we didn't have our son yet, I can appreciate moving to a different place for a better opportunity and leaving family/friends behind.
It's tough at first, but the girls on here are great people and very friendly. Being a mom, you'll also be able to make friends through daycare, gymboree type places and mommy and me groups.
Good luck with the move and on your interviews.
We just moved to Jacksonville back in March, with an 18 month old and 7 months preggo! So yeah, I know what you're feeling! I have extended family here, but nobody that I'm really close to (and mostly people I wouldn't socialize with if they weren't family), so that's not really much help.
The hardest part for me was initially because I was so pregnant! It really wasn't until the July/August time frame that I started really trying to meet people because of having the baby in June. But the girls on this board were awesome with telling me where things were, suggestions on where to look for houses, etc.
I have learned in the last few months that I just have to be intentional about meeting people (totally not in my comfort zone!). If I see someone in Publix that has kids my kids' age, I try to strike up a conversation. I've gone to the kids play area at the mall and chatted with some moms. The library too.And there's another SAHM that lives near us that I talk to occasionally.
You'll probably be able to at least be friendly with some coworkers and neighbors and branch out from there. It's difficult, but you'll get through it. I'm a much stronger person for it, and am learning to be ore outgoing because of it.
"My 101 List - Updating asap, I swear!
Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond!
In my heart, I know this is the best thing to do for our family - I just have a tendency to "over-think" things. My husband keeps telling me that I'm being silly because I'm like a "social butterfly" and I'll make friends right away. I guess I just have to follow all of your recommendations and "reach out."
I'm new to The Nest and look forward to keeping in touch with all of you!
H and I moved her about 8 months ago from Maryland. We left behind all of our family and friends. I will say it has been hard to meet people since we don't have kids. We are at that stage where we are out of school, don't have kids, so it's harder to meet people. These ladies have been great and we do GTG's often. That has been really nice! I will say, I do get lonely for girl time sometimes, missing my large network of friends in MD. H and I are still adjusting, but so far we like it.
Good luck with the job interviews!
I can't give you any relocation peace of mind because I've always lived in Jacksonville, but I do want to wish you luck with your interviews and your decision!
My little one is almost 16 months old, so we could have a playdate
How is it that my BABY is going to be 3?
BFP-2/25/11; 8 Wk U/S-3/25/11-No HB, measured 6.5 wks; D&C
Aww thanks! I look forward to having a playdate!
We are actually going up this weekend since both my husband and I have interviews. I broke the news to my parents this week and they were surprisingly supportive and enthusiastic! That was taken a load off my shoulders! Their support means a lot!!!
Crossing my fingers for the interviews! This could be a pretty big break for our family!
