Searching for peaceful, diverse life in central florida (Orlando, Winter Springs: attorney, housing)

[chicabaje]

Hi. I am currently living with my husband (a bilingual "spanish-english" criminal defense attorney with a Florida license - hnece my prodding him to move!) and three year old daughter in one of the midwest states. I am originally from a place with warm weather year round and cannot stand the thought of continuing to live in the midwest...four years has been four years too long with the weather sucking for 8 months out of 12...no matter how many other benefits there might be!
I grew up in a hurricane zone and would rather run the risk of a hurricane than be cold for two-thirds of the year
I am looking for a place near to the Orlando area with excellent schools and a laid back, safe, diverse community...I grew up with diversity and want my child (hopefully in the future it'll be children!) to have that same benefit to aid them in achieving open-mindedness and tolerance.
I have researched online some areas like Lake Mary, Winter Springs...great schools, housing prices seem good (so much better than in the southern part of the state)...but didnt learn a whole lot about the diveristy of the residents.
What I like about where I live now is the ability to hope in the car and in 10 minutes have fields and trees on either side of the road with occasional farms popping up along the way...definitely do not want a concrete jungle for my hometown...but also don't want to live in hicksville!
If anyone has any suggestions on a good location to move to in central Florida I'd appreciate it. I am planning a "fact-finding mission" in September and would like to have a clear list of places to visit that would all be within an hour's drive of Orlando.
I know nowhere is perfect but friendly, openminded people can make all the difference.
Many thanks

[DailyJournalist]

I recommend you look at Oviedo, excellent schools and it fits your requirement of a small-town feel.

[rocketman10]

What about Auburndale? Not far from Orlando but far enough to have lots of lakes and country nearby.

[chicabaje]

thanks for the tips re: Oviedo and Auburndale. Will search them online.
I have read many negative things about Florida (including an article in a recent publication of Time magazine) but I still think Florida is fabulous.