Single mom moving to Orlando (Oviedo, Winter Park: rentals, homes, safe neighborhood) - Florida (FL) - City-Data Forum

makeebac · 03-06-2011, 01:21 PM

Since everyone's situation is a little different I decided to post a thread. My job is relocating to Orlando, I am a single mom of 4 ages range from 5months to 15. I would love to be in a family oriented, safe neighborhood, close to my job in the VA. which is also moving to Lake Nona in Aug of 2012. However I do not want to keep switching schools so is there a decent place centrally located between Lake Nona & Winter Park? Looking to rent for the first year, hopefully 3br less than $1200. Also, what does a monthly budget look like in Orlando for a family of 5? Any help will be greatly appreciated as we will not know anyone or the area at all.

BrittanyMilstead · 03-07-2011, 08:26 AM

Hello there! I don't have children, so I can't attest to the true quality of any of the schools in the area - many of other helpful members here can though! The areas that fall between Lake Nona & Winter Park are the Conway area and Belle Isle (closer to downtown Orlando), the Lee Vista area (closer to Lake Nona), and then out East places like Avalon Park and Waterford Lakes (not really "close" to either location, but similar driving distances to each). Since you know that your job will be located to Lake Nona eventually, you could just go ahead and start out down there - areas like Hunter's Creek or Southchase. You pose a tough question to be honest because either way, you're going to have either a long commute for some period of time, or a medium commute permanently... but nothing beats choosing an area that you love so I would recommend coming down, driving the streets of the areas, and basing your purchase on the areas that you love with schools that you love, and then add the commute in as a final puzzle piece. Hopefully others here have some recommendations as well! Good luck!

NikoTroi · 03-08-2011, 12:40 PM

Check out www.schooldigger.com to get school ratings. They aren't posted by the state so they aren't biased.

Lake Nona is a nice area to live in, if you can find something you can afford. You may be able to find a private owner looking to rent w/o an agency, so the fees may not be that high. As for budget, sorry I can't help you.

kyle19125 · 03-09-2011, 06:44 AM

I'd recommend checking out Oviedo. All of it's schools are "A-rated" from Pre-K/Elementary through High School. Oviedo is conveniently located off of the 417 Toll which is relatively uncrowded, moves quickly (65 mph speed limit) and offers a direct 18 mile commute to Lake Nona. Winter Park is less than 10 miles away.

Crane's Rooster · 03-09-2011, 08:19 AM

I would second the Conway/Belle Isle area if you're looking for an area in the middle where you won't have to relocate once the VA does. You should be able to find something in your price range. It's tough to estimate COL for family of 5 but I would assume $250 for electric, $100 for cable and $400 for groceries.

NikoTroi · 03-09-2011, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I'd recommend checking out Oviedo. All of it's schools are "A-rated" from Pre-K/Elementary through High School. Oviedo is conveniently located off of the 417 Toll which is relatively uncrowded, moves quickly (65 mph speed limit) and offers a direct 18 mile commute to Lake Nona. Winter Park is less than 10 miles away.

Oviedo is nice but you also have to figure in the now rising price of gas and the tolls on 417

If gas keeps going up, then it may be more than rent at one point

makeebac · 03-10-2011, 07:07 AM

Thanks for all the responses you have helped out a bit.

kyle19125 · 03-10-2011, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikoTroi

Oviedo is nice but you also have to figure in the now rising price of gas and the tolls on 417

If gas keeps going up, then it may be more than rent at one point

True...or one can sit in traffic jams and/or drive from red light to red light burning the same quantity of gas.

UMC Musicman · 03-10-2011, 12:46 PM

There is a group of developments that might be perfect for you - were all part of the Tivoli Woods development. Look for properties in the Oak Crest, Bella Vista and Sanctuary subdivisions. All were built about the same time (5-7 years ago) - there are some rentals available, but if you want to purchase a home, prices are now rock bottom. Builders were Lennar, Cambridge, US Homes, Mercedes. Home sizes range from 1500-4000 sq ft (approx).

These communities have LOTS of families and are about 1 mile north of Lee Vista - easy access to the 417 (north-south), the 408 (east-west....accessing downtown Orlando), and the 528 (east-west...taking you to Orl Int Airport, the attractions, and Cocoa beach).

You would be located 10-15 minutes from the VA.

qdogfball · 03-10-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

I would second the Conway/Belle Isle area if you're looking for an area in the middle where you won't have to relocate once the VA does. You should be able to find something in your price range. It's tough to estimate COL for family of 5 but I would assume $250 for electric, $100 for cable and $400 for groceries.

400 for groceries ?

If she has any teenagers, and works with little time to prepare all her meals, the cost will be around $600+ a month. (not including any meals out of the house)