Relocating to Orlando in a month (Jacksonville, Altamonte Springs: apartments, rental, how much)

[Loquillo1212]

My husband and I are relocating to Orlando in a month and a half, as I got a job in heathrow. We're flying down in 2 weeks to apartment hunt. Where would you recommend we look at? We have 2 boys, 6 & 15, and a spazzy puppy. School is important to us, as well as safety. I'm ok with a commute, just not a 2 hour commute. My husband will be working in downtown Orlando. We're budgeting no more then $1060 for rent if possible. I've been scouting places online, but then I see all these reviews about bad management, bugs, crime, etc, and I'm getting all freaked out!

[Fl1150]

Longwood, Altamonte Springs , Oviedo, Winter Springs, and Casselberry are all options to look at with good schools and not too far commute.

[casandraq01]

I am relocating for a job in May and I need a good high school for my boys. Based on what I have looked at online it is hard to find a 3 bedroom for under 1200. I am going to try and budget about 1200 a month for a 3 bedroom and hopefully get a good area and good high schools.
I do know that there is a lot of information online and in this forum and many people that are willing to help.
Good luck on your journey.
Some of the pet deposits are pretty expensive too.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Loquillo1212

My husband and I are relocating to Orlando in a month and a half, as I got a job in heathrow. We're flying down in 2 weeks to apartment hunt. Where would you recommend we look at? We have 2 boys, 6 & 15, and a spazzy puppy. School is important to us, as well as safety. I'm ok with a commute, just not a 2 hour commute. My husband will be working in downtown Orlando. We're budgeting no more then $1060 for rent if possible. I've been scouting places online, but then I see all these reviews about bad management, bugs, crime, etc, and I'm getting all freaked out!

As mentioned $1060 is low for the market here but you can find some decent three bedroom apartments. Check out Villa Del Mar and The Promenade in Altamonte Springs which are across from Altamonte Mall and while a somewhat busy area of town fairly safe for that price point versus other similarly priced options. If you can up your budget around $100 you can get a 3/2 at Douglaston Townhomes and Villas in Longwood which is in a safe/desirable neighborhood with decent schools and easy access to I-4. Both areas around fairly equidistant to Heathrow or Downtown Orlando.

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by casandraq01

I am relocating for a job in May and I need a good high school for my boys. Based on what I have looked at online it is hard to find a 3 bedroom for under 1200. I am going to try and budget about 1200 a month for a 3 bedroom and hopefully get a good area and good high schools.
I do know that there is a lot of information online and in this forum and many people that are willing to help.
Good luck on your journey.
Some of the pet deposits are pretty expensive too.

You may be better off looking for a house or townhome. For some reason 3 BR apartments are very pricey yet you can find a decent home in a decent area for the same price. Look in Atlamonte Springs (westside), Casselberry (near the Orange County line), Winter Park and West Sanford/Lake Mary. All are in very good high school districts.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

You may be better off looking for a house or townhome. For some reason 3 BR apartments are very pricey yet you can find a decent home in a decent area for the same price. Look in Atlamonte Springs (westside), Casselberry (near the Orange County line), Winter Park and West Sanford/Lake Mary. All are in very good high school districts.

The only hitch could be the dog-friendliness, as this area isn't especially known for that with private owners.

[Munther Qali]

I'm thinking to move from the Middle East to Orlando in couple of month and the main reason is for my kids to get into good colleges. My concern is how much is the living expenses expected in that area? and what about the expected income tax for a family of 5 and earning about $70,000 / year. will this be enough to live comfortably in a good neighborhood? Appreciate your feedbacks.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Munther Qali

I'm thinking to move from the Middle East to Orlando in couple of month and the main reason is for my kids to get into good colleges. My concern is how much is the living expenses expected in that area? and what about the expected income tax for a family of 5 and earning about $70,000 / year. will this be enough to live comfortably in a good neighborhood? Appreciate your feedbacks.

I would strongly consider searching elsewhere given your salary versus the cost to house/feed a family of five in a good neighborhood here. Orlando has a much higher than normal rental housing cost versus average salaries, and would predict for the type of housing you're looking for that a bit over a third of your take-home salary (after taxes) would go toward rent alone. Furthermore your access to good colleges is somewhat limited as well. Cities like Charlotte NC or Atlanta GA will offer more affordable housing, still offer plenty of good neighborhoods, sizable Middle Eastern communities if that matters to you and good colleges in the area. If you're set on Florida, the Jacksonville area is a good bit less expensive in terms of housing and would have everything on your wish list as well.