Economy is bad here
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3/8/2011
Driving from South Florida, I took a vacation up to Jacksonville for a week and based on my visit to Jaks this is my opinion about the city. First, I noticed that the city is quiet and the economy is poor. According to this website it is at over 10% unemployment rate, but I think it is more like 20%. In addition, the city is so space out that you have to drive pretty far just trying to get somewhere. The population density level is only 1,113 per square mile which is very low. A city this size should be above 3,000. Since Jaks is so close to Georgia state line, many people work in Georgia but lives in the Jaks area trying to avoid the Georgia's state income which is at 6%. Maybe that is why the unemployment is so high in Jaks?
The city is lacking entertainment like events, bars, nightclubs, and etc. I have been to downtown Jaks. There is really nothing interesting to do here. Downtown area wasn't that big. Then I went to Jaks beach one day and there is only a few little bars there. There is no nightclubs here. I guess I got spoil living in Miami for a long time. Down here we have a lot more entertainment and the economy is more alive.
Now, Jaks is a very good city if you want to start an industry business since the cost of living index is low. The cost of having an industry is very low and plenty of land to decide where you want it. However, it will not be a good city for the commercial sector since the population density is very low. Better go down south like Orlando, Daytona Beach, or South Florida area.
I have noticed the culture here is more low class here. Down in South Florida, it is more classy and multi culture; however, the cost of living is much higher down here too.
If anybody is looking for a low cost of living city like Jaks but has a great economy, I would have them check out Austin or San Antonio, Texas. I have been there before and I love it, the economy, the culture, and the nightlife. Now I know why Texas is number 1 for business and economy. Awesome.
Jason | Lauderhill, FL