Does anyone like living in Orlando? (Pine Hills, Longwood: real estate, condos, special needs)

[dismom2hann]

It seems like there's a lot of negativity towards Orlando. Is anyone happy in Orlando? Glad they made a move? These posts have me pretty concerned. We're a family in our late 30's with a pre-teen special needs daughter. Looking primarily at Avalon Park. We're frequent Disney visitors but the move wouldn't necessarily have a lot to do with that. Thoughts?

[AJ67]

Avalon Park is "EUTOPIA" not Orlando... I have heard nothing but good things about that area....The Crime mainly sticks to Downtown, Like Paramore, and a little uptown like Pine Hills...Crime However is a reallity anywhere..so i would drive thru Avalon Park, and surrounding areas a different times of the day ( if Possiable) to get a feel of it...

[Nomoresubways]

Avalon Park is definitely a nice area. We checked out a few houses in there. The only reason I ended up not buying in there is because I got an phenomenal deal elsewhere. I hear the schools for Avalon Park are top notch as well. The only downside I know of is that there is limited access in and out of the community, so traffic can be an issue.

[j in florida]

Every city has its problems. Orlando is a great area.

[amax41]

Orlando is great, yes it has it's problems like everywhere else....at least its not LA.

Avalon Park... ok it's an interesting community, we live in Stoneybrook so Avalon is out our back gate..... I'll put it this way - nice place to visit wouldn't want to live there.

We like Waterford Lakes and Stoneybrook...... so far.

[silvio]

I lived out in Waterford for about 4 years when to UCF and I COULDN'T WAIT to get out of that area in Orlando. Traffic was soo bad because of all the housing developments out there. Avalon is beautiful but its a pain in the **** to get in and out of there. You're only artery is 408. Overall, I don't mind living in Orlando. There's always something to do. Tourists can be an annoyance as can the horrendous traffic but I like it. The crime wave is unfortunate.

About downtown being bad in terms of crime, it is a bit shady but as long as you're with a group of people its not bad. I've never been fearful for my safety and I go to alot of the clubs off Orange. The parking garages seem like **** tho at night, or at least it seems that way.

[pianogal]

I love living in Orlando. I also live on the east side - Lake Nona area a little away from the traffic congestion of Waterford Lakes, Stoneybrook and Avalon Park - although they are nice communities.

I like the fact that there is ALWAYS something to do. In fact, much more to do than I ever have time to get around to doing! All the shopping you can imagine and any kind of restaurant plus all the theme parks, natural springs, etc.

[blueoktober]

Actually downtown is one of the nicest and most expensive areas of Orlando now. College Park, Thornton Park, Azelia Park, Audobon Park, Colonialtown - they are all wonderful. However they are now very pricey. I wish I had known how that area was going to expode, I wouldnt have ever moved from it.

[H8Otown]

I have lived here longer than most. I have been in Orlando for 20 years after moving here from NY. I first loved it but in the last 6 years Orlando has gone down hill. Downtown is full of bars nightclubs andcondos. Great if you are in your 20's. Where are the good restaurants, shows nightlife for people that dont want to get drunk at 10 all u can drink places. Outside of Real Estate that everyone does now; pay here is terrible. If you live in the South Side of Town you better speak Spanish because That is all you will hear. From banks to WalMart to any store. Hell on OBT the Billboards are in Spanish. For everyone that lives in Longwood and Lake Mary that say it does not that big of a deal. I want to hear from you 5 years from now and see if you say the same thing when Spanish move in to your area. Before you jump I have many spanish friends where I live and they agree they get flack because of all the spanish. When they are will white or black people they speak english. They will only speak spanish in public if they are with other spanish. I dont want to make a big deal but when I go to Walgreens and the gas station, why do they play spanish music over the PA system. Orlando use to be a friendly place to live, neighbors waved at you when you drove by. They didblock parties and were friendly. Now It is an ALL ABOUT ME attitude.
Lets see how many hate mail I get for my view points. Bet they will be from people that have lived here 6 years or less.
H8Otown

[Pooh]

You'll want to check with the schools and see which school has a strong exceptional ed program. Avalon Park is a great area. You will face a lot of traffic, though. You may also want to check out some other family friendly areas such as Baldwin Park and Stoneybrook.There is a Stoneybrook East and West. Good luck!