Moving in February, need some opinions (Orlando, Lakeside: apartments, to rent, HOA fees)

[atomicmatt]

I have read through a lot of posts here, and would like to get some places narrowed down as well as opinions.

Both my wife and I (age 37) currently work For DavitaRX in Dallas, and have recently been offered the opportunity to relocate to a newly built DavitaRX in Orlando. The office is right near the intersection of Florida Turnpike and the Beachline Expressway. We currently live about 20 min. (no traffic) to 40 min (with traffic) from work now. We have 2 small dogs, no children, 2 cars and plan on renting between 6 months - 1 year, before finding a permanent home. Heard great things about Windermere, Dr. Phillips. The Supervisor of operations (who wants us to work in Orlando) currently lives in Hunter's Creek area and he said it is great.

We have looked at Post Lakeside, Citra, Residents at Veranda Park (apartments). We have a small concern about 1 of our dogs, as she likes to bark when she hears loud noises, so we may have to look for homes to rent.

We would appreciate any advise as to which you would recommend:
Budget: Around $1200 - $1700
Amenities:Pet Friendly,Pool (not necessary, but would be nice)
Distance: Within 15-25 minutes from 2616 Commerce Park
Please Avoid: Airports (plane flyovers), Theme Parks (loud park noises), Loud College Drunk Kids

Asking Advise on:
- Apartment or House Rental
- Neighborhoods (school district doesn't matter)
- Amenities offered
- Commute time to 2616 Commerce Park
- Average cost, including HOA fees, etc.

I tried to give as much information as possible, and at the same time make it easy to gather information for some opinions.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your recommendations.

[brinkofsunshine]

Post Lakeside or Citra would probably be my choice, just because Windermere is, in general, safer than MetroWest (where Veranda Park is). However Veranda Park looks pretty nice and is probably worth considering. It's going to be closer to I-4 and other major roads. The two Windermere apartments are off the beaten path a bit, but there's a shopping center literally right next door you could walk to. You will probably hear the nightly fireworks from Magic Kingdom there, not sure of that is a big deal or not.

You could find a SFH or townhome in Dr. Phillips or Windermere for that budget, though.

[VTGal]

I don't know that area very well but you've got a decent budget, how about renting a house. Relieves you of the stress of your fellow apartment dwellers complaining about your barking dog.

Definitely check apartmentratings.com. It can become clear very quickly which places to avoid and which to consider

I use Apartment hunters to find my apartment

[dichuy]

What did you think of Citra?

[Crane's Rooster]

I would consider renting a home in Hunter's Creek, Belle Isle, Williamsburg, Conway, or Pine Castle.