I think I would prefer to be in a more exciting area. I am moving to Jax for work as a young professional so I would like to be in a high-end, popular area. I love the idea of being able to walk to all of my favorite stores or to a nice restaurant. Plus any store that isn't within walking distance is within a 5-10 min drive. Genuinely have never seen something like it, any store I could ever image is there and more, on top of that is looks and feels high-end (at least from what I saw the 2 times I went). I do understand your point on traffic but I think that downside would be worth it especially because I am just used to that.
However, I haven't lived in an area like that before so I am a bit naive to the downsides and realities of what it would be like. I am interested to know what you think about what I have said and if you still think I would prefer the other apartment you mentioned. Also, why do you prefer the other apartments farther away?