Sweetwater Club - Nice area?

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by FloridaNative35

Multiple galleries and City Arts Factory, farmers markets, art walks, lit readings, dining, parks, Bok Tower, Leu Gardens, Science Center, Shakespeare Theater, Repertory Theater, Orlando Museum of Art, Mennello Museum, History Center, other small museums (plus a bunch in Winter Park), Mad Cow, Theater Downtown, etc. etc. There really is not much you CAN'T do in Orlando. In fact, there's so much to do that it makes it impossible to create a decent list of things you can do. There's some great local shopping, especially if you're into unusual items or antiques (Ivanhoe), and Orlando is known for its mall shopping (I'm personally not a fan). For adults, there's enough clubs and bars to make you sick, and some nice wine bars in several different areas. Lots of local music, too. Plus all the family stuff... outdoor movies, regular theaters, mini golf, bowling, blah blah blah).

Melbourne has arts, culture, shopping, farmers markets, restaurants, bars and "family stuff" also. The point was Orlando isn't in and of itself so unique that choosing Melbourne is going to be that much different.

[annerk]

OP--Are you looking to rent the condo out short term when you aren't using it? If not, I'd suggest looking in places that don't offer short-term rentals. As you age you'll most likely prefer a stable, owner occupied neighborhood where you know your neighbors. Even now, if you have different neighbors every week, no one is going to notify you if there's a problem. But if your neighbors are owners, you can leave your contact info so they can call if there's a problem.

I'm also going to suggest that even though you might think you'll want to go to the theme parks all the time, once you live here you'll find that you don't go very often at all.

I'd look someplace close enough to be a reasonable drive but far enough away that you aren't in the middle of the tourist corridor.

Do you qualify for a 55 and older community at this point? That will also make a difference.

Have you looked in Winter Garden or the north side of Clermont? Check out Independence or Magnolia Point. Hunters Creek would be another good area to look, although I think you'll run into more non-owner occupied (although not short term) over there.