[z0zzy111]

We are very new to this post. Considering moving to The Atlantic side also we love Disney area. We have spent time in both areas but only on vacation 14 days the longest . We realize that being on vacation and daily life are two separate experiences. There are a lot of negative posts about Orlando #1 crime. #2 schools. #3 water shortage. #4 employment. I am an independent house painter interior and exterior my wife is a hairstylist, where in your opinion is the best city for these ocupations?( we have read posts about winter park, windemeer,docter phillips people say they are ok but in the future they may start to have issues like Orlando) Thoughts?
Considering our concerns would you advise us on the atlantic coast cities or Orlando. We have two son's 11 and 8.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Bob in VERY cold MN

[jhlcomp]

Think very carefully which I am sure you know. Florida is ground zero vis a vis the housing market and given current economics, many peoplein your profession are having a difficult time. Your wife may do better. As a woman I am always amazed how many women will not miss their weekly or regular hair appointments no matter how hard times are.

Raising children in Florida is something I will let someone else answer as I do not have children. If I did, I would not raise them here or be inordinately selective in their education and where I live.

Good luck.

[**NoodLes**]

Winter Park, Windermere, and Dr. Phillips are really, really expensive. Sure they are nice. If you do move down here you should try more reasonable neighborhoods with a better price range. In Orlando you hear OMG its really expensive! or OMG its the ghetto! Look into more normal areas, probably East Orlando would be good if you move to Cent. FL. or South Orlando, even Kissimmee has some nice affordable areas.

[Lilybeans]

I know a few painters, and they are really struggling right now.

[Petertherock]

One thing I wouldn't worry about is the water shortage. That is a problem pretty much in the entire southeast right now. One good hurricane or 2-3 hurricanes or tropical storms and you will be hearing about how there is too much water. It goes in cycles like anything else. Right now the northeast is getting all the moisture but I am sure in time the southeast will get it's share.

In fact I would be more concerned about living in a flood prone area (or not living in one) than of the water shortage.

All the other issues you mentioned (crime, schools, housing, etc.) are a real concern though. Schools wouldn't be an issue with me as I don't have any kids and I don't plan on having any kids.

[HockeyMom72]

Originally Posted by Petertherock

One thing I wouldn't worry about is the water shortage. That is a problem pretty much in the entire southeast right now. One good hurricane or 2-3 hurricanes or tropical storms and you will be hearing about how there is too much water. It goes in cycles like anything else. Right now the northeast is getting all the moisture but I am sure in time the southeast will get it's share.

In fact I would be more concerned about living in a flood prone area (or not living in one) than of the water shortage.

All the other issues you mentioned (crime, schools, housing, etc.) are a real concern though. Schools wouldn't be an issue with me as I don't have any kids and I don't plan on having any kids.

As I said on another post, my lake is now about 5 feet from its banks. There are still many months to go before the summer rainy season starts. We are at Phase 3 water shortage. I don't know what Phase 4 is, but we can only water once a week now.

The far more serious concerns are the wild fires. Just the other day there was a brush fire on one of the main roads. Last Fall there were constant fires from the lack of rainfall. So many times, the choaking smell of smoke and the sounds of sirens permeated the airs. I wonder what it will be like in the next fews months with no rains?

Looks like there will be aneed for a major event to solve this. I will not say what that event is. Read between the lines.

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by z0zzy111

We are very new to this post. Considering moving to The Atlantic side also we love Disney area. We have spent time in both areas but only on vacation 14 days the longest . We realize that being on vacation and daily life are two separate experiences. There are a lot of negative posts about Orlando #1 crime. #2 schools. #3 water shortage. #4 employment. I am an independent house painter interior and exterior my wife is a hairstylist, where in your opinion is the best city for these ocupations?( we have read posts about winter park, windemeer,docter phillips people say they are ok but in the future they may start to have issues like Orlando) Thoughts?
Considering our concerns would you advise us on the atlantic coast cities or Orlando. We have two son's 11 and 8.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Bob in VERY cold MN

Have you been to the Gulf Coast? I had often read that Midwesterners are drawn to that area and after being there, I believe it. It's still not a good time to buy IMHO, but rent is dropping.

[z0zzy111]

Thanks to all for the advise
We would like to hear from anyone with kids too.
Is anyone having their house painted inside or out because of the heat?
Leanne

[kshe95girl]

I am an interior designer about an hour north of Orlando. All my painters are letting their crews go, because of the dire housing market. Also, everyone else I know in the building trades are in economic trouble...... I really would not recommend moving to this area.

[MrTudo]

Fla is excellent. Just cmon down and enjoy yourselves.