Thinking about move from Oregon to Orlando area

[Markfd]

It's not so much Orlando itself as is the idea of being close to the theme parks. My son is studying to be an engineer and his dream is to do that type of work for one of the big theme parks....so, we're basically doing this for that reason - for him. Also to escape the snow and cold crappy winters.

Now I am in total agreement that there is crime and traffic and all the other issues brought up on this thread and in other threads and I know it exists in that area. No getting away from it. And I know some people accept that and live with it and its a way of life for them. I know others also can't stand it and want to leave. It's just what you're accustomed to and what you're willing to put up with.

I also understand what you're saying about a 3rd world city, and I completely understand why you and many others make those comments. Although I have been away from it for more then 18 years, I used to live in Los Angeles and completely know what a city like that can have.

Where I live, no such issues exist (there is crime and drugs on a very minor scale compared to a big place like Orlando and traffic - almost non-existent here, except for the occassiional dear that won't move out of the road) and if there were theme parks or opportunities for my son nearby, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.

Again, this whole inquiry is a search mission to see if it is viable. We have jobs and have 7 acres and my biggest fight everyday is the skunk that keeps taking the cat food so believe me the thought of moving to a big city does not thrill me. I do love the theme parks and love the food and restaurant options and shopping options associated with an area like Orlando and that is one big thing we simply cannot get here. We have to drive 4 hours to Portland Oregon or 8 hours to San Francisco to get the food and shopping things we want, no theme parks though.

The bottom line is if I can't get what I'm after, I don't have to leave. I'm not desperate to make a mistake. I am desperate howver to do my homework and make the best decision we can for our future.

It is just a look into the future and where my son wants to end up in his life. I don't want to be on the west coast and have my son on the east coast as we have no more living family left and I don't want to be spread that far apart. While I have a handful of years until this comes to light (his education/job seeking), I need to plan now as property and housing isn't likely to get cheaper as the years go on, nor is the crime going to stop nor is are the drugs going to stop nor are the schools likely to get better.....on and on...

So I really do appreciate the comments and for anyone out there, any ideas on the perfect place? I'm open for suggestions - any suggestions!!! We love theme parks, we love a choice of good restaurants and grocery stores and shopping and love living in the sticks. Like a lot of you, we hate traffic, like speaking english, (not prejudice at all, spent a month in China last summer, have a Chinese daughter - just like to speak my native language in my native country), and I don't want to be a crime victim and don't want to spend every penny I make paying outrages rates for something that is otherwise affordable elsewhere.

Oh yeah, while I'm not a big fan of humidity (I can take it though), I do like it warm to hot most of the year. Where I live for comparison - 100's in the summer for about two months, nice fall, cold and not so nice for the winter, spring can be anything from warm to cold and rainy. Right now it's partly cloudy and 36 degrees so a little warmer would be nice.........

Thanks - more to follow I'm sure. Mark

[michael c]

Originally Posted by Markfd

Neither nihilist or lost a bet - just exporing options. Oregon (at least where we're at) is not for us in the long run - multiple but personal reasons. Thanks everyone else for the input. Again, just doing research to see if the possible move is viable and if it ultimately makes sense for us. In the end, it may or may not work but that's why I'm here, doing the homework.

Sir,
May I make a suggestion. You cannot do this or make this kind of decision over the internet. Do what me and my wife did. Airfare is only 54.00 if you book in advance, go down there and spend 4 or 5 days and look in the areas you are considering with a good realtor to help you. It may take more than one trip but at least you will see for yourself if its for you or not.

[bdpop]

Originally Posted by michael c

Sir,
May I make a suggestion. You cannot do this or make this kind of decision over the internet. Do what me and my wife did. Airfare is only 54.00 if you book in advance, go down there and spend 4 or 5 days and look in the areas you are considering with a good realtor to help you. It may take more than one trip but at least you will see for yourself if its for you or not.

I agree, you should come here first for a few weeks to see what this area is all about. I would also suggest trying to attend a job fair while you are here. The Central Florida Employment Council (Central Florida Employment Council) has a job fair about once a month.

[Alphaman]

There are plenty of nice communities around Orlando that you can look at. So you can still get what your looking for and be away from the problems Orlando has.

[Markfd]

I guess I probably should have mentioned that part and not left the impression I was researching on the internet only. I am not researching on the internet only.

I was in Orlando for 12 days in December but didn't have enough time to go out and do what I needed to nor was I armed with the info I felt was necessary to look around and make any kind of informed decision.

I'm back there for another 10 days in July and have scheduled time to look all over the area for realestate and other things.

Already have one realator giving me info and have been solicited by others. (he he).

Anyways, thanks for the continued input.

And by the way - $54 airfare from where?

[Wilshire81182]

Markfd,

Don't listen to the pessimism. I moved here from Portland, Oregon too! It is a great place to live. I think Lake county is beautiful and what you're looking for. It is filling up fast with almost "exurb" development, but it is nice. Just remember that Florida and the east coast are more populated than the west, so there is more competition for that "space" you are trying to get. Good Luck!

[luvthatmouse]

Imagineering for Disney is based in Glendale, CA so your son would probably want to concentrate on moving around there. There are some Imagineers here in Florida, but they are mostly project based, so when the project is finished they are out of work. Imagineering was cut back by hundreds of people Disney loves contract workers since they do not have to keep them on full time or pay benefits. You really have to be tops in your field to be hired by Disney Imagineering too. Most that are in Imagineering have been with the company for years, did their College Program, etc..

I would imagine Universal has as many people as they need right now as they are building their Harry Potter section and that was planned for a while now.

[OTownHelper12]

The only areas that I can think of that are within 30 mins of Orlando is South Orlando...just south of the airport....there are several homes for sale wit h acreage.
It is not living way out of the way but its pretty close to country feel. But it is most likely quite pricey since acreage in Orlando is a premium find.

Anything waterfront in orlando has been build into a cookie cutter subdivision. When you start to go to the outskirts there is more land but its pricey and yes people who have a single house on multiple acres have probably been there before the housing boom and did not want to leave.

I have a house in Wedgefield and it is on an acre with a large pond. But the best part is there is only one house neighboring and a huge wooded preserve for many acres behind the house. It is state owned and protected so it won't be built on. The house is only a few years old and its pre-foreclosure so probably would get a pretty good deal.

Very secluded area if you ask me....scary to go out there at night for a city boy like me.

[stinafl]

Sorrento, Eustis, MT Plymouth, Mt Dora, All lake and north west orange county. I sell in these areas and there is plenty of acreage left but still close enough to commute to Orlando. They are improving the commute time in the next few years with the wekiva parkway. Right now the commute is a stinker. But living in this area I have to say it is worth it. Check it out and let me know what you think. Lots of lake front too.

[bcfarmlady]

I would suggest you come down and take a look around. Like most people have said, getting any acreage and being 30 -40 minutes from Orlando(downtown) is not going to happen. The traffic into and out of Orlando is horrendous. Plan on spending A LOT of time sitting in your car on the highway. Most rural areas that are being built up do not have the road infrastructure to handle it either.

So come on down... take a look around. I would suggest you start on the west side of town as others have said.. Lake or Polk county has some very nice places. On the east side I would look into Christmas in east Orange county. It's very rural and getting to downtown Orlando is probably a bit more than the 30 -40 minutes ... but not by much. It would be a toll road though, so keep that in mind. It's a price you will have to pay to get the acreage and rural living you crave.

Other possilibities are Kissimmee, St. Cloud to the South.

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