Need Advice (Orlando, Pine Hills, Baldwin: rent, mortgage, how much)

[Tlaurino]

My wife and I are planning to relocate to Orlando. I am semi retired work is done from home. We do not drive anymore public transportation and walking. We had a brain storm and thought buying a cheap house in Pine hills or Orlo Vista then living rent and mortgage free. We like to get out for a walk every morning go to stores and things. Since I started checking this area I have found out they are not safe to walk around in.So the question is what area if any can we accomplish this type of life with a lower price house to buy and safe to walk the streets at least in the day. Any info will be helpful thank you.

[Rocky Raccoon]

1. I would not recommend residing in Pine Hills.

2. I like your idea of buying a home outright.

3. However, I think its in your best interest to purchase an affordable and dependable vehicle.

I think the areas that are safer to reside in sort of force you have to a car so you can get around in. The areas less safe are the areas where you sort of can depend on the bus system.

[UMC Musicman]

Good news: Housing prices are really low right now, so you shouldn't have a problem finding an affordable (I know, that's subjective) place in the central FL area.

Bad news: There are not many areas that would offer you the ability to stroll to the local store - if you wanted a large variety of shopping. Orlando (and central FL is general) has really sprawled out - I agree with RR - having a vehicle is almost a necessity.

And yes, Pine Hills is probably not the best choice of locations.

My wife and I really like the area we're in (SE Orlando), but we're 3 miles from the closest grocery store. If you bought in a large subdivision like Waterford Lakes, you might be 3 miles from the entrace to your neighborhood! So, yes, buying the home is great - but it's a good idea to figure on the car/truck/motorcycle, too.

[keithwand]

Depending on how much you want/can pay for a house; we walk/ ride bikes to Publix, CVS, Suntrust, restaurants, haircuts etc.

Last week we had our kids and grandkids visit and we walked to Five Guys for lunch. Next day again we walked to dinner at Bellas Italian, frozen yogurt at Delish and then coffee at Barnies. The next day the "kids" went on a date to Jacks Steakhouse and Wine on the lake at Lagos.

Yesterday more relatives visited and we walked to Paddy Murphys (walked out as no one came to give us a table and service looked pretty slow) so wewalked across the street to Colibri Mexican.

We now drive under 4,000 miles annually on my car and 500 miles on my wifes. We are retired and do have passes to WDW and Seaworld and use them frequently.
Orlando and Winter park are both about 2.5 miles away.

Life is great.

[totsuka]

Across from Baldwin Park, is an older area of homes. You could walk to Publix, which is located in Baldwin Park, CVS, Target would be a 15 - 20 minute walk the other way, movie theater, Sears, is located in that Orlando Fashion Square Mall. The bus runs up and down Colonial Drive. This area would be around Corrine Drive and Bennett Drive. The homes are older, some have been remodeled. I think in the future it will
be "rediscovered" and a lot of remodels/tear downs. Just a thought...