Jacksonville Florida

[Guest JustANametoPlay]

After a couple of months of unemployment, I have a strong job prospect in this area.

 

Any thought in general on living in the area, over and above the gay scene (although I would be interested in that as well!). Good city to live in? Fun things to do?

 

Any insight is appreciated!

[Guest bigjake80]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-27-01 AT 11:14PM (EST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Mar-27-01 AT 11:13 PM (EST)

 

Hi, I was not only raised in JAX but I spent a year there around 7 years ago. I still visit my family there 3-4 times a year. I guess the first thing to say about it is that its a beautiful new city. The St Johns River is the focus and you should definetly consider living in Riverside. THere are 2 gay 'hoods. "Riverside/Avondale", which is an older neighborhood that has been in renovation for awhile. Its close to downtown and is one of my fave neighborhoods in America. The streets are lined with Oak Trees with spanish moss. It feels a little like Savannah. There is a cool little strip in the Riverside area called 5 points. Its where all the cool kids and artists hang. They just opened this ENORMOUS coffee house that we here in NEw York would even be jealous of.

 

The other neighborhood is San Marco. Its considerably more upscale and gay chic. Little shops and beatiful lawns. A good place to find brunch, but I like Riverside a whole lot more.

 

 

The gay scene is small as far as clubs are concerned. Its a Navy town, and a huge part of the gay scene is discharged sailors and enlisted men, which makes it a little transient. Youll find after a few months of going to the Metro (the big club) youll know everybody. However, gay pride day will surprise you. ITs hosted by AT&T and youll see so many people that you never see at the clubs. JAX is not a dance and get laid kind of city, its more of a get married and goto dinner parties kind of town.

 

The JAG's (football team) and the new economy have brought a new prosperity to the town. Sit on the bank of the St Johns on a sunny day and youll see it sparkle. However its still a VERY inexpensive city to live in. If you can bring a big city income with you, then you will be set.

 

There is homophobia, but youll learn where and when its cool. Porn is illegal, as well as topless bars. Finding a decent working boy might be hard, but Orlando (my new home in a week) is only 3 hours away. There is a great bath house called CLUB JAX (full of horny sailors). Its in San Marco.

 

If you want a good gym, the best Ive found is the YMCA in Riverside. Its cheap and huge with a great view of the St John's.

I hope this helps. Ive lived in New York City for 12 years. JAX is my second home. I miss it when Im away and enjoy it when Im there. The people are real nice. I say go for it!

 

Jake

[Guest made4fun]

This is a gem thank you Jake. There is a lot of info about big cities like LA SF NY Chi where it is easy to find out on the spot anyway by going to the gay getto and picking up the local mag but its very hard in small cities where there isnt so much and it is hiden away where you cant find it by yourself. I have been in some small cities and I wanted to find something fun to do but didnt know where to start and Jax is one of them. It would be good if some other guys who know about other not so well known places would write in and give a little guide like this so visitors could know where to go to have a good time.