Possible job offer in Maitland. Where is a good place to live? (Oviedo: homes)

[Delaney1314]

Hi,

We have a potential opportunity to relocate to central FL. The new job would be in Maitland. Here are our specifics -

- 3 school aged kids. (10, 9, and 4) Good schools a must.
- Relatively easy communte to Maitland
- An area with a nice, small town community feel.
- Close to shopping (10-15 minutes)
- Willing to spend up to $350,000 on a home.
- Neighborhoods with sidewalks
- Close to amenities for families (and I don't mean Disney)

Any additional insight you can provide would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[UMC Musicman]

Dommerich Estates. With 350K you should be able to find a very nice home.

[Delaney1314]

From some research I've done, we'd want to live in Seminole County. Any input about Oviedo or Lake Mary?

[UMC Musicman]

Neither of those will be convenient to Maitland.
Lake Mary to Maitland would most likely involve traveling towards town on I-4 in the mornings...that can be slow.
Oviedo access would probably be 417 to Aloma Ave to Howell Branch Rd. I travel that a couple of times a week (but coming from south), and the 417 is ok, but Aloma really backs up in the morning.
Of course, a lot of this depends on where in Maitland you need to go.

[Crane's Rooster]

Wekiwa/Sweetwater area would be good choice if your looking for something closer in Seminole County. If not, I would actually stay in Maitland as UMC suggested. The area east of I4 is very nice and in the Winter Park school district which is generally considered the best in Orange County and just as good as any in Seminole.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by UMC Musicman

Neither of those will be convenient to Maitland. Lake Mary to Maitland would most likely involve traveling towards town on I-4 in the mornings...that can be slow.

I wouldn't call a 14 mile commute inconvenient. It's probably around average for most of the US. The trip takes 30 minutes or less at rush hour as it's nearly all Interstate. The schools and uncongested lifestyle of Lake Mary IMO makes it worth the trip. Check out the Hills of Lake Mary, Timacuan, Heathrow (north end) or Sylvan Lake.

[AONE]

Oviedo and Lake Mary will offer a longer commute than Winter park. What you describe is Winter Park, small town feel, charm, nice neighborhoods to walk in, beautiful setting, close to Maitland, good schools.

The issue will be that Winter Park will only have a few homes for $350,000 or less that are newer meaning not built in the 1950's.

While Oviedo has great schools the drive would not be a pretty one to Maitland. lake Mary is the newer choice that would allow an I-4 commute ( which isn't pretty in the morning)
There is certainly more bang for the buck in Lake Mary but the charm, better schools and easy commute... Has Winter Park written all over it.

Here are some images of the area.
Pictures by apexonerealty - Photobucket

and yes those are 3 of my 6 dogs... Winter Park starts with the 5'th image...

[cme87]

Originally Posted by Delaney1314

From some research I've done, we'd want to live in Seminole County. Any input about Oviedo or Lake Mary?

I would not recommend Oviedo. Lake Mary is a nice area with good schools - Heathrow is a nice community for that price.
IMO, olde Winter Park/Maitland is the best place to live in central FL.

[Alyzza]

I live in Longwood and work in Maitland. It's 2 exits away, easy on easy off. This is a pretty nice area and everything seems conveniently located.