Living in Murray Hill

As a serial renter, I have resided in most of Jacksonville’s urban neighborhoods. I have lived in Murray Hill for more than three years now, and it is by far the most welcoming neighborhood I’ve inhabited. The business owners remember you and what you like, and the people out and about say “hello” to you on your walk. It is only becoming easier to be a good neighbor, as the local organizations develop a presence online, and we residents are able to come together digitally, as well as personally.

In the realm of personal interaction, I went to a Murray Hill Preservation Association (MHPA) and Friends of the Murray Hill Library, (FMHL) “Pop-up” dinner recently. It was a ticketed, potluck dinner, to benefit the organizations, in which two hours before the event everyone was told where to show up. The location began as a mown, empty lot somewhere in the ‘hood; within an hour it was transformed.

The theme of the evening was “Alice in Wonderland.” Strands of twinkle lights were strung between the trees. A vocalist softly sang and played guitar–it was, indeed, quite magical. There was friendly competition over costumes and table décor, and a silent auction. The participants had been in contact the previous week with the table captain (who brought and decorated the table), as to what everyone seated at that table would bring. Once everyone had gathered and mingled, everyone returned to their table to enjoy the dishes, relax (BYOB), and chat. There was a feeling that this is a community genuinely looking to connect with its residents.

When I left the gathering, I considered the conversations I had that evening. I was not sure how to frame this article, because I know my voice is not the voice of every resident.

Murray Hill is in transition as a neighborhood. It is experiencing a renewal of a kind, with lots of new residents, new commerce and unfortunately, old problems.

Murray Hill has taken the reins as the best place to get a bang for your residential buck in the metro area. Most of the people I harassed for this story said they moved here because the “tightening of the belt” brought them. I also spoke to a few who had been here long before the Murray Hill market was “hot,” and they largely said the same. The houses here were not too old, not too new. Prices were right, and a spare lot could be had. Even in the rental market, Murray Hill shines. The same cannot be said for some of the other urban neighborhoods.

However, everything has a price, and for Murray Hill the price of a deal is walking closely with danger. For the great majority of the area, one would not think twice about an evening stroll that goes a little long and into dusk, or about a visit to the corner mart after dark. However, a few streets over, your stroll would become a jog as the light faded, and there are corner stores that are hostile environments once the sun goes down. A lot of residents feel that these safety issues are not addressed in a way that is meaningful to the neighborhood. Most feel that increased bike officer presence throughout the neighborhood, and developing a personable, hands-on approach to safety, might make a ne’er-do-well think twice. However, if the past is an indication, such actions are a long way from becoming more than words.

I see things like the lack of sidewalks on main thoroughfares, (especially on Edgewood from College St to Lenox, and Rosselle St where it passes under Highway 17), poor upkeep of landscaping, and general lack of financial incentive for development, to be a serious injustice to the neighborhood, a neighborhood that has managed to keep its proverbial head above water, as the city’s attentions have been diverted to flashier areas.

Infrastructure and safety aside, Murray Hill has done a great job staying upright through the decades of city neglect. A lot of the metro areas did not do as well–and this is entirely due to the tenacity of the people and families that stay, and care about it. Then, as now, they patronize the local businesses as well as bringing in people from outside the neighborhood. The enthusiasm of the residents for bringing in new faces has made all the difference. You will meet your neighbors, if you go to any one of the restaurants on a Friday night.

As the times they are a’changin,’ the MHPA and other neighborhood organizations are using the internet and social media to connect the neighborhood in new and exciting ways.

If you would like to be connected to Murray Hill, you can; “like” the Murray Hill Preservation Association page on Facebook or visit their official website, www.murrayhilljax.com. You can join our news partner www.metrojacksonville.com and become active on their discussion forum, of which there is a section dedicated to Murray Hill. There is also www.murrayhilljacksonville.nextdoor.com, which is our own little neighborhood discussion board. All of these ways to connect, and the people who go out of their way to provide those opportunities to the residents, preserve Murray Hill as one of the most authentic of Jacksonville neighborhoods.

Take this as your invitation to venture on Edgewood Ave, or meander through our quiet, tree-lined streets. However, be warned, you might want to stay and fight our good fight.