Columbia, SC vs Jacksonville, FL

[Jonathan Perez]

So I currently live in Columbia, SC, and I’ve been here since 2012. I bought my first duplex that I’m currently house hacking January 2017. My mother is currently living in Jacksonville FL. I have visited a few times and I am loving it there....

I really want to move there because it seems to be a bit faster paced and more diverse than Columbia SC which is what I want/need in my life.....My happiness will definitely increase by a lot considering that I’m a bit lonely here in Columbia and tend to get depressed a lot being alone in this state......However, I feel like i have to do what makes sense investing-wise and I will make all the sacrifices I need to.

I’ve gotten familiar enough with Columbia and I feel like I should stick to where I already am at since I have some understanding of it i.e sides of town, good/bad areas, schools, price ranges of properties, rents, etc. At least till I reach financial freedom...

If I move to Jacksonville, FL I feel I’d be a lot happier but I’d also feel like I would be delaying my goals and would have to learn and familiarize myself with the market there before I could continue to build my portfolio, but I know that it does not necessarily have to be like that if I have a plan and do my homework... I just don’t want to leave a good market for a crappy one is what boils down to...so what are your thoughts?

Jacksonville, FL vs Columbia, SC. What are some pros and cons of each?