Need neighborhood reccomendations (Orlando, Gainesville, Winter Springs: relocating, gated, job)

[cc&lola]

My family is relocating to Central Florida from Gainesville, FL. We love Gainesville but have a job opportunity that we just can't turn down. We plan on renting at first but would like to be in the area where we would like to stay and eventually buy so our kids don't go through multiple changes and can stay in the same schools.

We are looking for an existing, established community with a stable population. While we want to be around other families, we'd like to see a mix of young professionals, familes and retirees. We would like an area with character, tree lined streets, sidewalks and varried architecture that is walkable so that we could walk/bike to shops, resturants and parks. We aren't opposed to New Urbanism planned communties (we have lived in one in the past and enjoyed it) but we are not at all interested in brand new cookie cutter construction where all the trees have been mowed down and you have to get into the car and drive to go anywhere.

We lived in Orlando for a short time a few years back and I am thinking that Winter Park, College Park, Dr. Phillips and Windermere might work but would love some other suggestions to explore!

Also, if anyone could reccomend a great Methodist church and some good private elementary schools I'd appreciate it!

[DailyJournalist]

I would suggest Winter Park (Park Ave. Area) or College Park. These are great walkable communities with excellent reputations.

[KrisCole]

You described Heathrow, Heathrow Woods, & Alaqua perfectly. You might want to explore Winter Springs also. All have great schools. There are several gated communities located in both Lake Mary & Winter Springs.

There are several strings in here discussing each.

[boy3365]

I do not know much about Seminole County communities, but if you are going to stay in Orange, I think College Park and Winter Park will serve your interests well. They are both well-established communities with a walkable shopping district. Winter Park has more shopping and dining options in its shopping district. College Park has options, but is smaller. There should be good private education options in those areas as well.

[tymtrvlr]

I live in Winter Springs and love it. We have bike trails and several city run parks. The Schools are all A+ schools so no fear there. Tuscawilla area here is a little more upscale. My neighborhood Mt. Greenwood is the perfect mix for our family. Good Luck

[Alphaman]

Winter park, college park, Thornton park, eola heights.

The Winter park area has great schools and the Park ave area is urban with shops and restaurants and it is very popular and vibrant.

[Kali's Grandma]

I'll throw a vote in for Winter Park and College Park.

While there is nothing wrong with Heathrow, Tuskawilla, Alaqua..ect....(yes I'm trying for figure out how to put this without upsetting anyone)

Winter Park and College Park would be considered "Old Money" and the others are "New Money".

Now I say that and I mean no disrepect to either group.

[Wilshire81182]

I agree. There are several nice areas of Orange and Seminole County, but Old money is definitely College Park and Winter Park, along with some parts of Colonialtown/Lake Eola Heights, Thornton Park, and Delaney Park. Some parts of Belle Isle could be lumped in there too.

The new money areas are Oviedo/Tuskawilla/Winter Springs, Lake Nona, Lake Mary, Heathrow, Windermere (except the downtown part), and Dr Phillips.

If you are looking for the brick paved streets with charm and small non-chain restaurants and boutiquey stores, along with great schools and private schools and more of a sense of community, the first list will suit you better.
It is all preference and taste though, since all of those areas are nice.

[cc&lola]

Thank you all so much!

[TrishP7]

with all due respect..do a search on your post/question and you will find a million and one responses..good luck!