Moving fr Md. To Orlando, Need some help (Winter Springs, University: relocate, hoa fees)

[michael c]

We are looking in the following areas, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Oviedo, Winter Springs. Need a good high school along with UCF.Was wondering what areas the locals felt was the nicest and safest.Price range 300 to 400 thousand. We have seen townhomes in Dr. Phillips for 350. We are coming to spend several days to look in all the areas described above to narrow it down. We will not only look at that area but what surrounds it. We have been to Fl. many times,parents in Boca, relatives in Naples and Cocoa. Can anyone give some insight on this. We know there are good schools in WS and Dr. P and Oviedo. What else can you tell us. I have read the horror stories on the recent crime. Lived in Baltimore city for many years before moving to the Burbs so we know what big city life is like. How is the shopping and restuarants in the different areas?

[ucfjtm]

Your 300-400k won't go at all as far in Windermere or Dr. Phillips compared to Winter Springs and Oviedo. Windermere and especially Dr. Phillips are very close to tourist-ville, but are closer to downtown (good and bad). Winter Springs and Oviedo are in Seminole county instead of Orange county, and $400k lands a nice house in either. Also might want to take a look at Lake Mary - another great small community for that price range.

[Crane's Rooster]

Anyone of those areas is nice and you could find something quality in that price range. Of course as previously mentioned you'd get more bang for the buck in Winter Springs and Oviedo. When it comes to food and shopping I think Windermere/Dr Phillips wins hands down (closer to Sand Lake, Millenia, Outlet malls, downtown) but Winter Springs and Oviedo are not lacking far behind. You may also want to consider Wekiwa/Longwood/Altamonte/Lake Mary area (I know that sounds like alot but basically the Lake Brantley or Lake Mary school districts). You may be able to find something very nice for under $400k in Lake Brantley/Lake Mary area but a more suburban lifestyle. You may also want to look in Winter Park.

[nickindependence]

Hi Michael. Well i dont kno wif you have considered it but i would take a serious look at Winter Garden. It is a nice are, schools are pretty good (can only speak to Elementary level as i have first hand experience of that with my daughter), and your money will go alot further. I have a number of communities where the amount you want to spend would get you very nice single family homes. Its pretty quiet, i can attest to that as i live in this area myself and there are lots to do and your pretty close to everything as the 429 and turnpike give fantastic access.

I would definatly look into the area as there are a couple of nice golf courses if your into that, Disney is on your doorstep (but note your not in the hustle and bustle of the tourist area) and if you were looking at windermere your literally 10 min if that from there but you get alot more for you money.

As someone who used to live in Celebration and is originally from the UK but relocated here when i met my now wife whilst i was here i can definatly recommend Winter Garden.

Hope this helps

[rich renter]

u say u have found a townhoome in dr philips for 360k? i think u would be better off looking elsewhere and buy a single family home, because u need to remember that alot of those townhome communities have hoa fees 10 times what the single family home hoas are

[michael c]

Was hoping to get much more feedback and help on this. Can we please get some more input. Thanks for your help.

[Pynknoyz]

Maybe I can give you some additional info. I live in the Oviedo Winter Springs area. If you want to be near UCF, these are much closer and more convenient to UCF than your other choices. Traffic in and out of UCF can be a nighmare, so being closer can help. Also, I can't speak for the other neighbohoods you mentioned, but I personally feel that Oviedo and Winter Springs are safe areas overall (I have 2 young children). As far as shopping, resturants, etc. from this side of town ... (keeping in mind that Orlando is mostly chain restaurants) - you have University Blvd. right in front of UCF that has Logans's, Bennigans, Applebees, Ruby Tuesdays, Don Pablos, Houllihan's, etc. as well as fast food places. There are some other restuarants in Oviedo that are less-chain-like Victorio's, Toucan Willies (both resturant / bar / oyster bar places). You have the Oviedo Marketplace which is a small indoor mall. They have Sears, Dilliards, Elbow Room (restaurant, sports bar, kind of place) Oviedo Marketplace Also, about 4 miles south of UCF on Alafaya Trail is Waterford Lakes Town Center. It is an outdoor type mall (it's HUGE) but they have every store you could need and many additional restaurants ... Simon Malls | More Choices — Waterford Lakes Town Center Information, Waterford Lakes Town Center Gift Cards Super Target, Old Navy, Pier 1, Kohls, Home Depot, and on and on it goes.

In Winter Springs, you have the Tuskawilla area which is upper-end housing communities. They have grocery stores nearby (like Publix) with the attached shopping centers that have banks, Starbucks, Panera Bread, Radio Shack type places (the one I'm specifically speaking of is at the intersection of Tuskawilla Road and Red Bug Lake Road). Hope that helps a little more. If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.