My Fiance joined the navy.?

Question

Okay my fiance is new to the navy. He is going to be stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. We also have a son who is a year old. I was wondering if anyone could tell me where there are some safe and non-expensive apartments in or near that area. Any ideas would be appreciated, thank you.

Answer 1

The best thing to do is have your fiancee get info from his sponser or contact the housing office on the base.  You don't mention if you will be married before you move.  Since he is new to the service, he will not be eligable to live off base unless he is married..even with a child and the fact you are engaged.  That means no housing allowance, so all the costs would have to come from his base pay (which will be in the range of $600 every two weeks) and any income you  may generate.  Additionally, you won't be eligable for health care or base access (although the baby should be).  While I don't suggest using the move as a reason to get married any sooner than you feel is comfortable, know that if you do move there he will not be able to live with you, at least not officially or easily.

Answer 2

Hey,

Welcome to Jax!  Is your fiance going to be stationed at Mayport or NAS Jax?  For Mayport, There are a lot of apartments off of Atlantic Blvd or in that general area that are pretty good.  I'm not sure of the prices (I live farther south), but try the Enclave (Atlantic between San Pablo & Hodges) and the other apartment complexes in that area.  Neptune/Atlantic Beach also has some good areas.  It's cheaper closer to base (on McCormick/Wonderwood or Mayport Road), but you have to be careful what area you end up in, as parts of the area right outside base (like most bases) can get a little bit rough.

For NAS Jax, the Southside area is good but can get pricey, depending on the complex. There are some cheaper places in there though, so you just have to look around a little bit.  There are a lot of places off of Southside Blvd and more off of Baymeadows Rd.

I would also recommend your fiance talks to his sponsor (someone from his new command who will help him with the transition), because that person will be able to help him with housing and good areas of town and can give you specific guidance once you find some possible apartments.

Answer 3

Well until you're married he's not going to be able to receive BAH (housing allowance) so he probably wouldn't be able to find anything until then. Then it depends on whether he's stationed at Mayport or NAS Jax bc Jax is a very spread out city and it takes about an hour to get from one base to the other when traffic's good. If he's at Mayport there's some apartment a couple of blocks away on the right as you're leaving that aren't bad. I was stationed at Mayport and lived in the Colonnade at Regency on monument rd and those were moderately priced but really good apts. You can go to the Fleet and Family Support Center on baseonce you get there and they usually have good apt. guides etc. to help you out. Good luck!