[Wilshire81182]

I think people are just saying avoid it because it is rundown or dumpy. I think most crime occurs the Pine Hills/South OBT/Oak Ridge areas. Those are areas I would not live in, period. Bad parts of Casselberry or Kissimmee are areas most people will just suggest you don't look at or move to if you do not have to. Winter Springs is really nice. I like the Tuskawilla area and the area behind the Oviedo mall along Winter Springs Blvd.

[MP23]

Oh ok, as long as is is not life threatening. There is crime all over, I just got a little nervous. Run down is not a problem. I thought you were talking about drive by shoothigs or something like that.(Don't make me nervous, hahaha) I live in lower Westchester, Yonkers. It's ok but it's time to go. We have been thinking about this move for a few years. Now back to the places to avoid , are they safe places? (for the most part). No where is completely safe. I am looking for a community where you have neighbors that you can actually talk to. Where the kids can make friends and be ok.

[Wilshire81182]

People seem to talk about crime a lot on this forum and the local news likes to perpetuate this sense of crime... I live in the Conway area (32812) and have never felt unsafe. I have friends in a lot of areas throughout town that do not unsafe either. I can imagine drive bys really don't even occur much in the worst parts of town, but I do not want to be there to find out. =) If They did, I would assume they would happen there first... Parramore, Pine Hills, South OBT, Oak Ridge, Silver Star, etc.

[GregTraub]

I'd personally choose Winter Springs over most parts of Casselberry, but both area's are safe and nice places to live and raise a family. Winter Springs has more newer neighborhoods and a towncentre built with convenient shopping and is closer to main transportation highways (417) with less traffic than I-4.

The Tuskawilla Country Club area is one of the more popular area's, and you may also want to consider further east for homes in Oviedo as well.

[bdpop]

Yes Oviedo is nice too, so are some parts of Longwood.

[MP23]

Thank you for your advice. I do feel a lot better about my decision to relocate. I don't know much about crime anywhere other than New York. New York is New York, thats all I can say about that. I'm use to it. Now we are looking for a change. I was kidding about the drive by thing, hope you didn't get offended. When someone tells you to avoid an area in New York it's usually because it's dangerous.

[Wilshire81182]

No offense taken. I don't live in an unsafe area and I feel there is a gross exaggeration or crime in the Orlando area.

[bdpop]

I agree with Wilshire. The Orlanod area is no East LA or South Bronx.

[MP23]

How is the hurricane season in Winter Springs? Is there anything major to worry about with hurricanes? Also are there alligators in the lakes? (probably yes) I've read about the schools there (all good) how do you feel they are?

[Wilshire81182]

In fact, I even venture to say it is quiet and peaceful.
There are areas I do not go to at night and I am very mindful to look my doors and not leave valuable items in my car in sight. I have motion detection lights on my house for security, but not because anything has happened or I felt I need them. I fill my gas tank at night, go to Walgreens if I need to. Most areas are well lit and well attended and pretty harmless. My biggest admonishments would be that crime is random, Orlando is a very spread out area, individual neighborhoods can change quickly as people move in and out, be cautious and aware as you are in the city, and don't go looking for trouble =)