Family Wanting to Move from Jacksonville to Kissimmee/Orlando Area

[Prichard]

First, let me say that crime in the Orlando area is a little overstated. True, we have some areas prone to crime, but they are easy to stay away from.

I've lived in Orlando all of my life, since 1964 (except when I lived in Gainseville and St. Petersberg for a while). Traffic isn't all that great, but there are several major road projects going on right now that, when finished, will help the situation. Part of the problem is simply trying to get through the construction. But, if anyone recalls Atlanta's traffic problem when it was widening I-75 through Downtown Atlanta, you will know that the really bad problems are just temporary. Like I've said, we are Atlanta 20 years ago.

Unless you work in the downtown Orlando area, you can easily find a decent place to live near your work. The Kissimmee area really has some advantages. First, Kissimmee has a nice little downtown area. Olde Town has some fun things to do, like the classic hot-rod gatherings. Personally, I try to stay off of 192 and away from Disney, etc., but if that's your thing, it's close enough. The thing I like about Kissimmee is that there are some pretty rural areas to the south and to the east of there.

I live in the Northeast end of town, and we rarely go down to Kissimmee; Kissimmee people rarely come up here. The only reason is really do to driving logistics. Also, I have everything I need north of Orlando; and people from Kissimmee have everything they need south of Orlando.

Here is some general advice for anyone looking to live in the Orlando Area. Orlando is like a smaller version of LA, from a standpoint that it is a conglomeration of about 30 towns centered around Orlando, that covers about 4.5 fairly large counties. Each town is a little different in character from each other and many of them have their own unique downtowns. Many areas are in the unincorporated areas of the various counties. The Orlando Area now has about a 60 mile diameter North to South and a 40 mile diameter East to West. So, "Orlando" to one person can be a completely different place than to another person, depending on where you live. I allways tell people who are thinking of moving to this area to rent in a fairly central location first, and then take a year to figure out about where you want to live. In Orlando, you can feel like you live in a large city, or feel like you are part of a close knit small town, depending on where you live.

[watsont3]

Originally Posted by rcnkat

hi watsont3
not sure of where Whispering Pines is can you give me an address?

Thanks for the concern. We have discussed the hurricane threat. It is one of the reasons why we are leaning toward the central Fla. area.
Where did your parents live?

Originally Posted by Prichard

First, let me say that crime in the Orlando area is a little overstated. True, we have some areas prone to crime, but they are easy to stay away from.

Thanks for the information. We do intend to rent for at least a year so that we can check the numerous areas we are considering. It's tough to do that from up here in Pa. We have even discussed the possibility of renting from now on.

[rcnkat]

hi watsont3
we still all live in Kissimmee which is south of Orlando....
and is considered Central Florida....
Kat

[watsont3]

Originally Posted by rcnkat

hi watsont3
we still all live in Kissimmee which is south of Orlando....
and is considered Central Florida....
Kat

I have some friends back on Long Island who snowbird to Kissimmee every year but I haven't seen them to talk to since we made our decision to move. Hopefully, I will see them when we go back to the Island next week for a wedding.

[rcnkat]

Hi watsont3
sorry, I had to watch Survivor last night...now I'm back.
I will try and find out where Whispereing Pines is--
we do have quite a bit of snowbirds that come to Kissimmee....and
find out how your friends feel....depending on the strengths
of the hurricane they usually make people in mobile/manufactured
homes evacuate and if they are in low lying areas....just some
food for thought....okay...

[watsont3]

Originally Posted by rcnkat

Hi watsont3
sorry, I had to watch Survivor last night...now I'm back.
I will try and find out where Whispereing Pines is--
we do have quite a bit of snowbirds that come to Kissimmee....and
find out how your friends feel....depending on the strengths
of the hurricane they usually make people in mobile/manufactured
homes evacuate and if they are in low lying areas....just some
food for thought....okay...

Whispering Pines is apparently in the 1700 block of Douglas Avenue.

[rcnkat]

hey watsont3
I called Whispering Pines....they are only about 10 miles away
from where I live......I am not positive on this..... but, they may have had
a problem with flooding when hurricane Charlie and then of course
Hurricane Jeanne and then Francis came thru only 2weeks apart from
one another...... they are in a pretty low lying area.....
as soon as the man told me where the street was....I knew right where it
was at......I have lived in Kissimmee my whole life.....
please research first okay?
bye for now.
Kat

[watsont3]

Originally Posted by rcnkat

hey watsont3
I called Whispering Pines....they are only about 10 miles away
from where I live......I am not positive on this..... but, they may have had
a problem with flooding when hurricane Charlie and then of course
Hurricane Jeanne and then Francis came thru only 2weeks apart from
one another...... they are in a pretty low lying area.....
as soon as the man told me where the street was....I knew right where it
was at......I have lived in Kissimmee my whole life.....
please research first okay?
bye for now.
Kat

Thanks for the tip. Ocala is looking better every day.