Driving down soon to check out houses and rentals (Orlando: apartments, safe neighborhoods)

[TK488]

Hi, all. We are looking to relocate, and Orlando is on our list. As of now, my work is all done online, but my husband will be looking for employment. We have 3 kids in elementary and middle school, so we need good schools and safe neighborhoods. We could buy something for under 200,000 or rent up to 1200 for a 3-bedroom. Is this possible? Far-out suburbs are fine, since we will not be commuting in the beginning, but need to be decently close so my husband can drive to job interviews.

Any ideas? TIA

[DoctorWheels]

We just came back from doing the same thing. We were primarily looking North of Orlando because one of us will most likely be working in Sanford. We found that getting to Orlando from up North isn't that bad. Being from NY originally, the traffic did not bother us.

From what we saw and having talked to numerous locals, we found that we're gonna start looking in Lake Mary, Oviedo, and Winter Springs. Most of the area between 4 and 417 North of Orlando looked pretty decent.

We don't have kids, so we weren't really paying attention to schools, so I would check that. So far, I have found that Zillow is a very good tool for quickly navigating neighborhoods from a far...

Hope that helps..

[Fl1150]

Seminole County communities of Lake Mary, Oviedo, Longwood, Altamonte Springs are good areas to look as was stated. Also look at Windermere, Horizon Village, Audubon Park, Delaney Park, College Park, Winter Park, Winter Garden, and Dr.Phillips.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by TK488

Hi, all. We are looking to relocate, and Orlando is on our list. As of now, my work is all done online, but my husband will be looking for employment. We have 3 kids in elementary and middle school, so we need good schools and safe neighborhoods. We could buy something for under 200,000 or rent up to 1200 for a 3-bedroom. Is this possible? Far-out suburbs are fine, since we will not be commuting in the beginning, but need to be decently close so my husband can drive to job interviews.

Any ideas? TIA

Under 200K and 1200 or less per month for a three bedroom is a tough bracket in most areas you would likely find as desirable (and with good schools and a safe environment). The north end of the metro area in Lake Mary will be your best bet in my opinion. Check out Pebble Creek apartments where three bedroom-two bath apartments rent right around the $1200 mark. It's in a great area close to shops, restaurants, things to do and provides a few options getting to/from varying areas of the Orlando metro with I-4, 417 Expressway and US17-92. The icing on the cake is the schools which are considered among the best in Florida. I'm fairly certain you would be in a cluster zone area at Pebble Creek which allows for school choice. Crystal Lake Elementary would be your closest option and one of the very best.

Pebble Creek Lake Mary
Crystal Lake Elementary School > Home

[annerk]

What does your husband do for a living? That will make a difference in where you want to look.

$1200 month rental is not going to be easy in a good, safe neighborhood with good schools.

[Crane's Rooster]

Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary and Winter Springs would be your best bets.

[TK488]

Thanks for the replies. My husband has an MBA and is looking for recent graduate/entry-level type business jobs.

[TK488]

Also, we could go up to $1400/month if that's the difference between good schools and bad schools. Would that be enough, you think?

[Crane's Rooster]

That would increase your options substantially.

[tinytrump]

cheaper to buy than to rent- so look in that direction of you have the funds-