Apopka? (Ocoee, Winter Garden, Seminole: home, best schools, live)

[djones87]

Im in Michigan and looking at home in Apopka to relocate my young family into. Can anyone tell me about schools and the area for a young active family? Also - how is commute to MCO? Thank you.

[Wilshire81182]

The areas N, NW and east of Apopka (Wekiva area) are all pretty nice, and the Bear Lake area. I would avoid most of the downtown Apopka area and South Apopka unless it is pretty far south like Paradise Heights and the North end of Ocoee Clarcona. That commute to the airport makes me cringe, I would definitely not suggest that part of town if you will have to make that commute daily. If you do, I would advise taking 429 to 408 to 436 or 417 to the airport, but avoid I-4 at all costs. You will be in stop and go traffic pretty much from Altamonte to downtown unless you leave before 7.
There are many other areas similar to Apopka like Vista Lakes and Lake Nona that are much closer to the airport. Some of the best schools are in Seminole county but there are several good districts in Orange. I am just not sure about Apopka or Lake Nona as far as schools.

[morningstarr]

I agree wilshire81182 I lived in Apopka a year ago, down by errol estate, its o.k there.. the downtown area djones87 do not go, crack city all the way, about 4 or 6 months ago Apopka had another crack crack down, did you see it on the news, the dog even had a crack pipe in its month, YES, it was on tv, the dog too.

[Granny Sue]

I always tell people that Apopka is the reason the saying "from the wrong side of the tracks" was coined.
If you stay north of the train tracks as a general rule you'll be fine.
As Wilshire said, your best route to MCO is the 429 to the Beachline. Be sure you get a SunPass. This will make your trip much better because of the tolls.
I personally like Apopka, they are striving to revive their downtown and trying to keep the small town atmosphere alive.

[cfIfan]

If you are looking at Apopka as it is to the west, i would recommend Windemere/Winter Garden. We have some great schools and having an 8 yr old in one of them i can tell you we are very happy. In terms of commute to the airport it isnt too bad. When i need the airport it takes me approx 30-35 min (all highway) and when we need to go to port canaveral for the cruise terminal it takes approx an hour. Downtown isnt too far either as we use the turnpike to the 408, but deffinatly dont advise using I4.

Good luck