JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A U.S. Census study shows the Jacksonville area leads the state in employment numbers for college-educated workers.
Ashley Holt operates J. Ashley, an upscale boutique located in the heart of Avondale. As a young professional, Holt says the area is perfect for work and play.
"There's great places to eat, great places to shop, and art galleries," said Holt.
A lot of folks agree with Holt. U.S. Census figures show the 32205 ZIP code in Jacksonville is the best place in Florida for workers with a college degree. Action News has learned, the area's unemployment rate for those with a bachelor's degree is 1.3%.
But it's not all good news for the River City. A zip code across town tells a very different story. The zip code of 32209 in Northwest Jacksonville is the worst place in Florida for young people looking for jobs. Action News went straight to the Congresswoman who represents the area for answers.
U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown said the focus needs to be on training and education.
"We need a job center for people over 23 years old that's dropped out of school because basically the company that's coming in needs a certain skill set," said Rep. Brown.
Back in the affluent Avondale, Holt says the area attracts the best and brightest because of its small-town feel within the big city of Jacksonville.
"I go on a walk with my kids or go on a bike ride, see people and you stop and talk, so it's got that neighborhood feel. People are drawn to that," said Holt.
According to the U.S. Census statistics, the best place for younger workers to find jobs in Florida is in the Tallahassee-area zip code of 32312.
The best place for black workers was the Miami zip code of 33018 where the unemployment rate for African Americans last year was just 0.4%. The worst place was the 34667 zip code north of Tampa.
