Orlando Crime (job, visit, safe)

[dst828]

Compelled: THANKS! You have been very helpful, and have put my mind at ease

Also thanks for suggesting FLL, that will be one of my picks

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by dst828

Compelled: THANKS! You have been very helpful, and have put my mind at ease

Also thanks for suggesting FLL, that will be one of my picks

Nobody wants to live in a high crime neighborhood, but what are some others things you are looking for? What do you want in a location, and what don't you want? That can help us decide which one of the three would be best for you. A ballpark price range (I hope you are renting) would also help out.

[Wilshire81182]

Look at my longer response above for more of an explanation on the different areas. I have lived here since 2005, since the crime started to rise actually. I feel safe and have fun and have found my move to be rewarding and fun. I also like Tampa and South Florida too and could live there if the right job or opportunity arose. Seminole County is generally safer and has better schools, but the nice parts of Orange County (Windermere and Winter Park) are nicer than the nice parts of Seminole County IMO. There is a larger middle class in Seminole County and a much more suburban environment overall.

[miakelly]

To the original poster, I just moved here from New Hampshire. The NH crime index for the last year I could find (2006) was 2,012.8 per 100,000 people. (Much higher than I would have guessed). We left our doors unlocked ALL the time. I never witnessed any crime while living there. I felt so safe all the time.

Anyway......I came from a place with statistically much less crime. I too was REALLY scared to move here, after reading lots of the posts about crime.

I truly expected to be afraid to leave the house, or else be carjacked, mugged, and when I was home, I expected to be home invaded!

I have found the exact opposite to be true. I have not had one incident where I felt even remotely afraid/threatened (well except that one time I MISTAKENLY went into the Walmart on Kirkman-Won't be going in there EVER again LOL). Thank GOD there's a great super Target just down the road.

I don't see the negativity that people talk about. I am sure that if you go to certain parts of the city (like any larger-sized city) there is crime. There are areas that people have mentioned to stay away from, and I am sure to never go to those areas (Pine Hills, Paramore, Tangelo Park......I don't even know where those areas are, but I certainly have no reason to ever find out).

Most of the areas I have seen are beautiful and I don't see this massive crime problem, but again, I don't venture into those notorious areas.

Good luck to you! We LOVE it here and are so happy we came.

[dst828]

Compelled:

I am really a low key, hang out at the house kind of person. I like to walk so some place that had some trails or a lake would be nice, love sports so close enough to see a baseball game or football would be good as well. I enjoy the community feel, walking for a latte' or the paper in the morning is always nice. I have a Golden retriever so she definitely likes water

I am not into the bar scene, hate shopping (I know not normal) so I don't need to be near a huge mall or anything.

Suggestions.........

MiaKelly: Thanks for the response, my sister lived in Derry, NH prior to moving to Orlando. They have no regrets either.

Wilshire: Thanks for the long post, that helps to narrow things down a bit. I think we posted at the same time and did not see the other post until after I had already asked the question

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by dst828

Compelled:

I am really a low key, hang out at the house kind of person. I like to walk so some place that had some trails or a lake would be nice, love sports so close enough to see a baseball game or football would be good as well. I enjoy the community feel, walking for a latte' or the paper in the morning is always nice. I have a Golden retriever so she definitely likes water

I am not into the bar scene, hate shopping (I know not normal) so I don't need to be near a huge mall or anything.

It's a good thing you hate shopping, because the shopping in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale sucks (IMO)! Orlando isn't bad. Tampa has the Rays/Bucs (who seem to have few fans), Miami has Marlins (who seem to have few fans) and Dolphins (who have a viral fanbase).

You sound either South Tampa, Winter Park, or Victoria Park in Ft. Lauderdale or maybe Hollywood Lakes area of Hollywood (south of Ft. Lauderdale), so you should find your place in all three, assuming you have around 900/month for a 1 bedroom. However, the bar scene is pretty prevalent throughout Florida...

[dst828]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

It's a good thing you hate shopping, because the shopping in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale sucks (IMO)! Orlando isn't bad. Tampa has the Rays/Bucs (who seem to have few fans), Miami has Marlins (who seem to have few fans) and Dolphins (who have a viral fanbase).

You sound either South Tampa, Winter Park, or Victoria Park in Ft. Lauderdale or maybe Hollywood Lakes area of Hollywood (south of Ft. Lauderdale), so you should find your place in all three, assuming you have around 900/month for a 1 bedroom. However, the bar scene is pretty prevalent throughout Florida...

Compelled: You are so helpful I think those are the areas I will concentrate on. I have been to Winter Park (loved it), Hollywood my grandparents had a winter condo there (love it), Victoria Park (I'll have to check out) South Tampa (first on the list to check out!

900.00 a month is reasonable, and worth being in a nice neighborhood and sunshine!

Again thanks so much for all your help. I woke up today second guessing myself and you made a difficult day much easier.......I owe ya!

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by dst828

Compelled:

I am really a low key, hang out at the house kind of person. I like to walk so some place that had some trails or a lake would be nice, love sports so close enough to see a baseball game or football would be good as well. I enjoy the community feel, walking for a latte' or the paper in the morning is always nice. I have a Golden retriever so she definitely likes water

I am not into the bar scene, hate shopping (I know not normal) so I don't need to be near a huge mall or anything.

Suggestions.........

MiaKelly: Thanks for the response, my sister lived in Derry, NH prior to moving to Orlando. They have no regrets either.

Wilshire: Thanks for the long post, that helps to narrow things down a bit. I think we posted at the same time and did not see the other post until after I had already asked the question

Based on this description you really sound like more of Lake or Seminole County person. Mt. Dora in particular sounds like it would be a good fit for you. Other areas you would want to consider are Altamonte/Wekiwa/Longwood area. The thing about Lake county is that it is quite a drive from S. Orlando (about 35-45 minutes) but if you're considering FLL or Tampa I guess that shouldn't be a deal breaker. These areas are further from Orlando but crime really isn't a consideration in either place. Seminole county is surburban and Lake county is even more small town, little to no crime out there from what I understand. I would strongly suggest you look into Mt. Dora, Clermont, Tavares, Altamonte, Lake Mary and Debary.

But if I'm wrong and you're more of a city person, go for Winter Park, Baldwin Park, Dr. Phillips/Sand Lake or Thornton Park. In S. Fla, I would suggest Coral Springs, Miramar, Davie and Pembroke Pines. Don't know anything about Tampa but heard Hyde Park and South Tampa is nice. I personally like Clearwater.

[dst828]

Crane: Thanks I am not a city person; I like to have it close enough for a visit but thats about it. I will research those areas you mentioned. I have been to Altamonte (years ago) so I would have to check it out again. I have also read nice things about Lake Mary on the boards.

I have also looked at the Clearwater area and Dunedin - both of those I will check out as well.

Seems my first few weeks there will be looking around at neighborhoods

Thanks

[pianogal]

Originally Posted by miakelly

To the original poster, I just moved here from New Hampshire.
I truly expected to be afraid to leave the house, or else be carjacked, mugged, and when I was home, I expected to be home invaded!

I have found the exact opposite to be true.
Most of the areas I have seen are beautiful and I don't see this massive crime problem, but again, I don't venture into those notorious areas.

Good luck to you! We LOVE it here and are so happy we came.

Miakelly, I remember when you were researching moving. I'm so glad it has worked out well for you. Your experience is exactly like mine and everyone else I know. I know there is crime here - but I don't frequent the west side of Orlando or the area around Semoran (although I drive through all the time). I've never felt threatened or unsafe.

Everyone talks about how safe Winter Park is....and it is. However, I lived in Winter Park for 20 years. I remember when they found a dead body in a car in the Publix parking lot.....that was years ago. Sometimes random things like that happen - even in great areas. That doesn't mean it's riddled with crime.

To the original poster, look for and find an area that has the amenities you want, the proximity to your job and ask about the safety issue. Narrow it down and you will get more specific responses. I've lived in Tampa, Orlando (downtown and southeast), Casselberry and Winter Park. The area is so large
it's hard to give specific advice unless it is narrowed down somewhat.