A Tale of Two Cities

During my active duty military service I had the opportunity to live in and visit many different cities. Of all the cities I lived in, I spent most of my military time in Charleston, S.C. and Jacksonville, FL. Charleston and Jacksonville were similar in size, geography and population types, but differed greatly in history, weather, and the overall attitudes of its residents. If I had to choose between the two cities as the place to call my home, it would be without a doubt, Charleston, S.C.

Charleston and Jacksonville were both considered large port cities, each with a portion of their populations consisting of military families. Although Jacksonville was larger in area than Charleston, folks who lived in the Charleston area considered James Island, Johns Island, Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and North Charleston as being part of the greater Charleston area. Including these areas made Charleston feel similar in size to Jacksonville.

Charleston and Jacksonville had a steady flow of cargo and container ships. Ships accessed the port of Charleston by way of the Cooper River, while the port of Jacksonville was accessed from the St. John’s River. Both port cities shipped and received automobiles, food, bulk, and break bulk containers of miscellaneous goods.

Another similarity between these two cities was the existence of military installations, which brought large numbers of military families to these cities. The U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force all had bases in Charleston, while Jacksonville was home to the U.S. Coast Guard, a U.S. Naval Air Station and the Florida Air National Guard.

Despite the similarities between the two cities, there were also many differences. Charleston and Jacksonvill...

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...eling that is common with big city life.

I have to admit, both Charleston and Jacksonville are beautiful cities if taken at face value, but only Charleston had that small town atmosphere that made me feel as though I were at home. If I had to call any other place home, as opposed to where I now live, it would be Charleston, S.C.

Works Cited

"The Greater Charleston Area." Charleston Real Estate - Luxury Guide for Charleston SC. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT). Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .

"Port of Charleston Home." South Carolina Ports. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

"History of Jacksonville, Florida." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .