Conway/Gatlin Place (Orlando, Winter Park: relocating, condo, rent)

[djones87]

Im relocating a young family to Orlando and wondering if anyone can tell me about the Conway area. I need to be close to MCO with safe neighborhood and good elementary schools. We run/bike and have horses (not at our house but will board somewhere) and looking for area where you can get outside and enjoy the sun - is this a good area for us?

[alienbaby]

We live in the Conway area, on the "less desirable" end near 436/Semoran and Curry Ford Rd. Once you get to the areas around 436 you will find some undesirable neighborhoods and some crime, mostly auto thefts and burglaries. This area is not known for violent crimes which have increased in other areas throughout Orange county. We feel extremely safe in our neighborhood.

We have been very happy with the condo we rent in West Conway and find it very accessible to downtown, where we lived for 9 years. Most of Conway consists of older middle class neighborhoods and is generally a nice place to live. I have friends that live near Conway and Michigan and they really love their neighborhood. Areas down near Gatlin and Hoffner appear to be nice as well. I think Conway is a great location as it sits between downtown and the airport. It is also accessible to the 408 and 528. A lot of folks will recommend the newer areas near MCO like Lake Nona, but we have always found the older neighborhoods closer to downtown Orlando more charming and closer to many of the restaurants and shopping that we like. Hope this helps.

[Antwain]

In comparison to other locales in Orlando, the Conway area is one of the best and affordable spots in Orlando. I'd definitely look into going there.

[ko1212]

I grew up in the Conway area. Lots of tree's, great schools and large lots (if your considering buying a home). The best part of this area are all the Lakes for skiiing and boating. You're close to the airport and downtown.

[djones87]

What about schools and safety in this area? How does in compare say with Lake Nona or winter park areas? Thank you!

[kjjbuck]

I lived there for 10 years until very recently. The schools are considered good. Winter Park probably has better schools across the board. I've heard negatives about Lake Nona - I expect it probably has good and bad points just like any other place. The great thing about the Conway area is your proximity to downtown, , the airport, shopping and the lakes. I know in my part of Conway (Southern Oaks area) there's a line where one side goes to Conway Middle (good) and the other goes to Memorial (not as good). Be careful about that. Conway Elementary is probably not considered as good as Pershing or Shenandoah, or even pine Castle, but they're getting a new building, so that may help. Boone High doesn't boast the best state scores due to the transient population in some of the areas it draws from, but it's a great school with a lot of money in the neighborhood. If we moved back to Orlando, I'd go straight back to Conway.

[Levita]

Winter Park and Lake Nona (especially Lake Nona since it's newer) are probably a little bit more upscale but I grew up in Conway area, went to school at Boone and liked it. Great Location (as far as getting downtown, to airport etc.) It's a little bit run down in the Curry Ford South Conway Area but not too horrible. I'd move back there if I had to. Good Luck