Opinions on Oviedo, Winter Springs, and Lake Nona (Orlando, Altamonte Springs: appointed, to buy)

[ldeej]

Relocating soon, moving to Orlando, working in the Maitland area.
Moving with my wife and three kids (14, 7, and 2), and we are looking for a good place to live, not too far from Maitland, safe, and with good schools, and kid friendly communities.

So far we have looked at Oviedo, Winter Springs, and Lake Nona.
Oviedo and Winter Springs are both good candidates, good schools and the areas seem fine. I liked Lake Nona a lot, but the high school being an "F" school would be a deal breaker for us.

Questions:
- Is the Lake Nona High School really that bad?
- What other areas should be look at? (We have heard mixed things of Sanford, Avondale, Windermere and Winter Park seem to far from Maitland, Maitland itself was not recommended to us)

[ldeej]

Anybody?

Help?

[Keeper]

What is your price range? Are you looking to buy or rent..

[Suzanne1945]

Altamonte Springs is next to Maitland and in Seminole County. Generally, schools in Seminole are higher rated than in Orange with the exception of Winter Park High. You won't be disappointed when looking at West Altamonte (west of I-4 area).

[momandmore]

In my opinion, Oviedo/ Winter springs would be a better choice than Lake Nona. I am originally from NY and have lived in the Oviedo/ Winter Springs for the past several years. when I first moved here, within a couple of years I had lived in the following areas: Casselberry, Altamonte, Ocoee, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Downtown Orlando. So, I can tell you that by far hands down, Oviedo/ Winter Springs is the BEST if you have kids. I am a mom of 3 and this area is a big town that operates like a small one. Everyone knows each other, because the kids go to the same schools, extracurriculars, etc. I am part of the local moms club also. There are so many ways for you and your children to connect.

Please fell free to contact me personally if you have any more questions.

[darcie912]

I agree Oviedo....but Winter Park is great too and its right next to Maitland?

[cagman]

lake nona area is building a new HS. I believe it is going to be ready for the fall of 09. It's just south of the 417 on narcoossee. You are right, the current HS they send the lake nona kids to is very bad. I've known a few families that have moved from the lake nona area because they couldn't wait for the new HS.

I'm sure the new HS will make lake nona a far more attractive place for families with teenagers.

[Pynknoyz]

Originally Posted by darcie912

I agree Oviedo....but Winter Park is great too and its right next to Maitland?

I wanted to agree with this. Oviedo is a great place to live, but when my husband commuted from Oviedo to Maitland for close to a year, you have to realize there is no easy, direct way (i.e. highway) there. Traffic is bad and the roads are residential, so crowded and slow-going. Just wanted you to know that.

[bdpop]

If you are going to work in Maitland, I would suggest either living in Maitland or Winter Park. They are both close, have great schools and are nice areas. Oviedo is way too far.

[ldeej]

Thanks all for the replies

Somebody asked for price range, max would be 350K, is that achivable in Winter Park?