Lake Mary ,Baldwin Park, or winter park ???? (Orlando, Altamonte Springs: budget, rental)

[ramblinwrek]

Hi folks. Just got a job offer over in Altamonte Springs. The job is located right off 436 and I-4 in Crane's Roost. I am thinking of renting either in Baldwin Park, Winter Park or Lake Mary. Lake Mary is a lot closer and I lived there about 7 years ago during a previous stint so I know that it's a really nice area given the above average crime rate in Orlando proper.

However, I am really intrigued by Baldwin Park. I did an internship over at the Orlando VA in 2006 and I am sorta familiar with the neighborhood as I had to drive through Baldwin Park every morning. I really liked the intown feel of the area and access to all the Asian restos around the Mills and Colonial corridor.

Maybe Winter Park would be a happy medium between Baldwin Park and Altamonte?

I guess my big concern would be traffic and the commute. Rent is not an issue as I have budgeted $1000 a month for rent and I want to treat myself after busting my butt in a fellowship out in California the last year.

TIA, any advice would greatly be appreciated.

[DailyJournalist]

I would suggest Lake Mary, better commute to Altamonte and great area.

[Wilshire81182]

I agree with you too that Winter Park could offer a good medium between the two. The traffic on 436 and 17-92 in the mornings is heavy but not that bad. Just looking at it though I would recommend Lake Mary, but Winter Park is doable. I would not suggest anywhere south of Winter Park because of how long your comute would start to become.

[Crane's Rooster]

If you really like Baldwin Park go for it. Oddly enough the commute from Winter Park and Baldwin Park may end up being shorter than Lake Mary even though it's further because you would be going against traffic and have the option of using 17-92 to Maitland Ave. Coming from Lake Mary you would be stuck on I-4 with everyone else heading towards downtown and that Lake Mary to Maitland Blvd stretch is one of the worst. I would say stay in Baldwin or Winter Park.

[bsmiles35]

lake mary

[AONE]

There is only one place I saw under $1000 in Baldwin Park generally it falls between 1700-2500/month. Winter Park has a few places under $1000 maybe about 25%. From pure affordability Lake Mary is the winner. with over 1/2 of the rentals under $1000. It would be a good area if kids are involved. If schools aren't a factor you might find from Winter Park to Altamonte may have some decent places. Maitland also falls in that area.