Hey you Orlando locals... (Winter Park, Longwood: hoa, gated, houses)

[Demmigoddess]

Moving to Orlando in a few months, starting to look at houses.

Now if I were to want the following:

*Non "cookie cutter" style houses (you know, that all look the same. Lot of the older houses have more charm/personality)
*Good neighborhood (good school, low crime, etc. You know what I mean)
*No "strict HOA" stuff (I know a lot of the subdivisions, especially newer gated ones are like that. By strict I mean telling me what holiday decorations I can put up, etc.)
*Not too far from civilization (i.e. 20 minutes to get anywhere)

and wanted to get a 4/2 house for around 300k-ish, which areas would you suggest I stay away from, and which would you suggest I focus more on?

Thanks in advance.

[bdpop]

You may want to look in the Winter Park/Maitland areas. They are older, but nice homes, many without HOAs.

[aesoprocks!]

but i dont know if you could get a 4/2 in winter park for 300k, could you?

[luvmyemma]

Originally Posted by aesoprocks!

but i dont know if you could get a 4/2 in winter park for 300k, could you?

That's what I was thinking... Maybe Maitland?

[luvthatmouse]

Winter Park is the only place around Orlando like that but you will be paying more than $300k for the good area.

[beckycat]

I live in Longwood/ Lake Mary (rated #1 in the south) in an established old neighborhood. No cookie-cutters, no HOA, and nice neighbors. Most lots are 1/4-1/2 acre with mature trees. 5-10 minutes from everything imaginable from restaurants, movies, shopping, doctor's offices, YMCA and more. Schools are A rated, very low crime. My house is a 3 2.5, 2 car garage and large shed on 1/2 acre and was built 4 years ago, although most of the houses are older. Houses like mine sell for about $250,000. I have extra land, so if I wanted to build on I could. When we built the house we kept that in mind. What sq footage are you looking for? Moderator cut: ..

[ZIPFL]

Winter Park, College Park, Thornton Park, all have nice city feel, safe, convenient and no cookie cutter homes. Most of the homes are older historic homes but many have been updated. Lake Mary is nice but you will have HOA there. I live in Thornton Park and love it because you can walk to restaurants, the YMCA, drycleaners, even a new grocery store is opening. Very nice!

Regards,
Christine