My thoughts on my recent Visit to Orlando..... (Jacksonville, Miami: violent crime, houses)

[DaveG99]

I lived in Wateford lakes for about 7 years. Then I moved to Eastwood to a newer house and lived there for about 4 years. I also had a couple apartments in the area for several years. My mom lives in Avalon. The schools in the area are great. I went to University Highschool but that was before Timbercreek was built. I also graduated from UCF and played football there back in the 90's. Being close to UCF doesnt make anything different. If anything it increases the homes value.

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by beckycat

Actually, there are plenty homes in that price range in Sanford, Lake Mary and Longwood. I can't speak for the area in Orlando you're talking about though. Honestly, I'd rent first, just for a short term. It will give you more time to look around. Another thing, I'd live close to where you work. Keep us updated.

I guess my problem is, I need a large home...lol....in that price range.

My mother in law lives with us, so I would like either a master type suite for her (so two of those) or a large second bedroom, or I would like her to have two small bedrooms, one for a sitting room (as she smokes and we don't so, she can have somewhere to partake in that activity), then I have a daugter who is ten, the the hubby has a recording studio, so he need a room also that has a door - so alot of these 'bonus rooms' are large open areas that won't work for that...so really, I would like to get a five BR minimum. I know.....that's alot of house for the price range we have to work with. But I will be looking into Sanford and Longwood....per your previous recommendation!

[ramon81]

Allow me to toss my .02 into the convo. The reason there has been a recent(within the last few years) spike in crime has a lot to do with the economic situation. Many, and I mean MANY people are being laid off, and the jobs that are currently available are not sufficient for a person to support families...for a long time Orlando was a one industry town(tourism.) Recently that has been changing just a bit, but there are just not enough jobs here. Police forces are being cut back, which is worsening the crime situation. Teachers are even being laid off, because the state just can't afford them. Up in the panhandle area, it's not unheard of to see teachers, well qualified, going up to Georgia, or Alabama to find work. I'm not going to be completely negative about Orlando, because it has it's great areas(Longwood is beautiful.) The recent surge in murders has nothing to do with UCF students, and since our police forces are already spread too thin, that trend is only going to continue.

[beckycat]

Originally Posted by Parrotrosie

I guess my problem is, I need a large home...lol....in that price range.

My mother in law lives with us, so I would like either a master type suite for her (so two of those) or a large second bedroom, or I would like her to have two small bedrooms, one for a sitting room (as she smokes and we don't so, she can have somewhere to partake in that activity), then I have a daugter who is ten, the the hubby has a recording studio, so he need a room also that has a door - so alot of these 'bonus rooms' are large open areas that won't work for that...so really, I would like to get a five BR minimum. I know.....that's alot of house for the price range we have to work with. But I will be looking into Sanford and Longwood....per your previous recommendation!

That is a big house. LOL We have screened in porches for smoking. It's decent weather, so you're able to sit outside most of the time. I would suggest the garage for the recording studio for your hubby. PPL down here don't use their garage for their cars. It is usually used for storage or a bonus room. When we moved here, we wanted four bedrooms too, so I understand what your saying. We ended up with three cause the price situation. Well, check it out and see what's available. I'm thinking more 4 bedrooms with that price range but who knows?

[beckycat]

I did a search on realtor.com and there are a couple 5 bedrooms in your price range. So, they are out there.

[foxlore]

Where in Orlando will your husband be working? Check out Aloma Woods - it's a large development off Aloma rather between Winter Park and Oviedo. It's an easy commute to most areas and has quite an array in homes. We live in the Estates at the back of the community - there are homes here that should meet your needs. Most are priced above your cap, but there may be a couple you could work with. There is another gated community in the neighborhood and there are some homes in that section very much within your price range. Their size should be workable for you as well. Another area you might look at is off Red Bug x Mickler. One of the agents will have to tell you the development names - I'm drawing a blank... Kenmure is one - I prefer the other development. I prefer Aloma Woods to both, BUT there are homes available in both that may meet your needs. You also need to look at schools. That's another positive for AW - some of the best schools in Seminole are in this area. My child attends a private school, but quality public schools are an important criteria for me in selecting a neighborhood.

As far as the naysayers go... Just ignore it. I was half panicked before moving down - wondering if we made a mistake choosing Orlando over returning to the DC area... No mistake. Different strokes for different folks... I rarely venture into Orlando - other than Disney trips, Mall Millenia and the outlets... I stick to Winter Park and Lake Mary mostly. My personal preference is Lake Mary and I love Heathrow (we stayed there the first month we were in town). We are renting for the first year - really want to know where we're going to "live" before purchasing and find our preferences over time. I doubt we'll head back to Lake Mary, because of it's proximity to Baldwin Park (DH's office) and our child's school. However, if the school wasn't an issue I can pretty safely say that's where we'd live.

I am going to take a look at Windermere... We passed on it initially after hearing how much safer Seminole was as a rule and how much better the schools were... Now I'm not so sure.

Best of luck and one things for sure - Orlando weather will be better than Philly in Jan!! LOL I'm not a PA fan - inlaws all live there... I'll take the Hershey area and leave the rest... I'm much happier being South... Again, just personal preference. They think Orlando is a nice place to visit - wouldn't want to live here... I - well I can't say I really want to visit PA... LOL

[BornInFL]

"and they are mainly petty auto burlaries, and there are auto thefts...bigger deal. Some home burglaries - how many are of the foreclosed on homes...I hear that is popular?


^^^ that's because the info is only on "property crimes" for the 32828 zipcode.

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by BornInFL

"and they are mainly petty auto burlaries, and there are auto thefts...bigger deal. Some home burglaries - how many are of the foreclosed on homes...I hear that is popular?


^^^ that's because the info is only on "property crimes" for the 32828 zipcode.

Yes...which is the area of discussion.....where I was considering purchasing a home and living. Avalon Park, Stoneybrook, Eastwood area as opposed to Oviedo or Lake Mary areas so the crime in that specific area was my question

I have no intention of heading west of I-4 except to go to Disney. The hubby's job is in Winter Park, for those who have asked.

Thanks for all the info...sorry I was MIA for a few days....I took my Girl Scout troop camping for the weekend...and for your info....its COLD! LOL! I need some time now to go look up all these areas...I have looked some up in Longwood, and some seem really nice....bigger pools..lol...

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by BornInFL

"and they are mainly petty auto burlaries, and there are auto thefts...bigger deal. Some home burglaries - how many are of the foreclosed on homes...I hear that is popular?


^^^ that's because the info is only on "property crimes" for the 32828 zipcode.

Duh....lol...did I mention I just spent a weekend camping with my scouts? and I am really tired? I didn't realize that was ONLY property crimes...I didn't realize that 'strong arm to person' or 'armed to person' were property crimes.

Is there somewhere I can glean similar facts as to other types of crimes? You said...just on the Orange county sherriff's office...website? Thanks for pointing that out to me! lol...I can be so simple sometimes...

[BornInFL]

What does "strong Arm to person" mean anyways? I see it in the 32828 zipcode on the orange co sherrifs office website a few times...