How about Apopka? (Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Forest City: foreclosure, house, neighborhoods)

[RetiredandHappy]

Could anyone tell me anything about Apopka? I would like to know the good and bad areas. I am looking to buy a house there so i need to know the areas to avoid. I have three children. Two of them will be entering high school and the youngest will be entering middle school. I'm leaning towards Apopka because of the diversity of the neighborhood and schools. Jobs are not a concern because i'm retired. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[kyle19125]

I would recommend looking a bit further to the east into Altamonte Springs/Forest City. The area is as diverse as Apopka in my opinion and the Lake Brantley school district is one of the best in the area.

[Crane's Rooster]

I agree with Kyle on this one, however if your heart is set on being in Apopka than the best areas are Errol Estates and the Welch Rd. neighborhoods. I would avoid anything in South Apopka. There are also some nice neighborhoods along 441 west of the 429. Keep in mind, parts of Seminole county are also referred to as Apopka. Those areas are in the Lake Brantley School district.

[RetiredandHappy]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I would recommend looking a bit further to the east into Altamonte Springs/Forest City. The area is as diverse as Apopka in my opinion and the Lake Brantley school district is one of the best in the area.

Wow, i did notice that the population in Apopka has doubled in size since the 2000 census whereas in Altamonte Springs it has slightly increased. Any idea why the increase in population in Apopka? The Apopka schools are probably bursting at the seams.

[RetiredandHappy]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

I agree with Kyle on this one, however if your heart is set on being in Apopka than the best areas are Errol Estates and the Welch Rd. neighborhoods. I would avoid anything in South Apopka. There are also some nice neighborhoods along 441 west of the 429. Keep in mind, parts of Seminole county are also referred to as Apopka. Those areas are in the Lake Brantley School district.

I'm really undecided now especially after doing some research and discovering that Apopka's population has doubled in size since the 2000 census.

[Crane's Rooster]

Apopka doubled in size because it once was a rural exurb of Orlando, a farming community with some suburban development. Over the past decade with the widening of 441, new developments sprouted up all over APK. My family moved out there for that exact reason. Since than the housing bubble has burst, some developments have faired well, others have a good proportion of empty foreclosure homes. It's essential to visit any neighborhood in person in APK before making a decision.

Altamonte did not grow because it was fully developed by the late 80's. It's a true suburb and now pretty much an extension of urban development area of Orlando. By the early 90's there was little to no land left to develop in Altamonte. Unless they tear down and redevelop already built parcels into more dense development the population of Altamonte will not change much. I do not see that happening as most of the neighborhoods in Altamonte are well planned and well established.

[clarkkent4802]

Does anyone know if the Lake Doe community in western Apopka is a good neighborhood or not? I beleive it is on Orange Blossom Trail.

[kyle19125]

It's okay, but if schools are part of the equation for you then I'd say not so much. Apopka's schools aren't very good, ranking on average a 6 out of 10 from GreatSchools. Even if schools aren't a factor it's worth considering for resale value.

[TedTLPN]

There is a section of Apopka that is in Seminole county and has access to Teague and Lake Brantley.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by TedTLPN

There is a section of Apopka that is in Seminole county and has access to Teague and Lake Brantley.

That's right, the extreme eastern edge close to the Wekiva Springs area. The OP was looking on the opposite far west side.