My thoughts on my recent Visit to Orlando.....

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by BornInFL

and me personally feeling like a minority isnt exactly stuff that people in Raleigh NC or a place like that have to worry about when spending $250k and up for a house.

I find it funny that you say that when Raleigh, NC is 29% black and Orlando is 27% black unless you mean the latino population which is 17% in Orlando and only 9% in Raleigh...

esp since at last census...

Orlando..

Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2000: $103,200

Raleigh..

Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2000: $156,000

[DaveG99]

that stuff happens everywhere. There is no where on earth where crime doesnt happen. The 32828 area is about as nice a place your going to find for a house under $500K.

[foxlore]

If your husband will be working in Winter Park I defnitely would look at other options and skip Waterford Lakes, Avalon etc. First of all, DH works in Baldwin Park (basically WP) and has quite a few co-workers commuting from Waterford area... It's a nightmare of traffic. His boss drives in two counties away using mostly 417 to Aloma and it doesn't take him any longer - 40-45 minutes. We live off Aloma, between Dean Rd and Chapman Rd. in Oviedo (it's borderline Oviedo Winter Park) and it takes DH 15 minutes in traffic door to door. Winter Springs would also be a good area for commuting as well as a good area to live. Altamonte area gets rather congested and seems like pockets of communities - the ones I like are $$$$$$. Longwood has some nice areas and some nice ammenities and would also be a decent commute, but not as quick or easy as the Aloma area or Winter Springs. I would steer clear of central Oviedo as well - just limited on getting in and out and if you're SE Oviedo you're at UCF - which isn't my cup of tea.

Our son is in private school - so proximity to that was important as well. However, good public schools are also a must. Oviedo's rate the highest. Seminole County in general beats out Orange. Taxes are a tad lower as well. I personally will stick with Seminole. Having lived in Heathrow the first month we were here I highly doubt those crime stats - certainly not in Heathrow proper. It's a gate guarded community and they are actively guarding it. No one in or out without proper id. People only on the list for 2 days. Guards driving the area 24/7/365. If they see your garage door open they'll call you to ensure it's okay. If it weren't so far from work and school we would go back there in a millisecond.

Another area you might consider would be Legacy Park in Casselberry - it's a new community - seems to be an up and coming area - so I'd only look at it long term since who knows how long those changes will take in this economy. Avery Park is another new community similar to BP or Avalon in style, but nicer than Avalon IMHO. It's in Winter Springs off Tuscawilla and 434. So easy getting about everywhere.

If you'll let us know what other kinds of activities you enjoy maybe we could help you further. I know for me there are certain places I like to shop. I like to take deep water aerobics at the Y (only two options there for me). We like to bike - so like proximity to trails (although I've been out of commission the past few months). So, we're renting this first year - to be sure of the area before we dive in. Aloma Woods meets most of our needs - it's easy to bike the neighborhood and we can hook onto the trail right off Aloma. It's quick to Costco, semi-quick to grocery, about 10 minutes to Interlachen Y (would like to improve that), 5 minutes to Oviedo Y which I rarely use. 10 minutes to the library - again that's not working so well - I'm not fond of downtown Oviedo. Anyway, my point with this is that virtually everything I'm doing is in Winter Park. So, it would make sense to live there... Only thing is the houses I like are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in WP. I'm talking 7 figures and that is out of my budget. I could move to BP, but it feels a bit claustrophobic and you know I just don't want to spend $700K on a house and then add $15-20K in taxes and other fees - no thanks. I like where I'm at just fine comparatively.

Tuscawilla CC is a nice community. Mostly older homes, but nice. Some areas are nicer than others - those have HOAs. There are a couple newer developments and of course more expensive, but nice ammenities like a bike trail running through the property... I have been told not all WS schools are good, but I do know Rainbow Elementary is supposed to be a good school.

I'm not that familiar with Longwood schools, but Longwood SP is supposed to be a very good area - you definitely want that SP area west of I-4. Markham Woods area is also nice and more spacious if that's something you desire. I loved living in that area. There's a Costco right there, a lovely Fresh Market, Altamonte Mall isn't too far away and Seminole Town Center is an easy commute the other way. As I've said before, if I could move back to Heathrow or the Lake Mary area I would in a heartbeat - that is my preference by a long shot. Even the water is better. I don't know what the deal is with the water over here, but even filtered it's not drinkable - we have bottled brought in... So, I'm looking at that issue too. My neighbor has a whole house filter - have to check it out. If that's not good enough to drink either then we definitely won't be staying here. I drink 2-3 gallons a day. Add 3 more people to that and you can imagine our water bill - not to mention storing the things!

I hope this helps - moving to a new area is always tough... How old are your kids? Are you looking at public or private school?

[foxlore]

http://www.city-data.com/forum/orlan...lem-areas.html Also check out this forum on Avalon and WL... It really does a good job of discussing the issues with the area. We looked since the town of Avalon seemed need, but after a drive through, seeing what was going on and hearing even more and then considering that killer commute - no thanks. There are plenty of other better areas to live. Besides, if I'm investing in a house I want to know I can get out of it and frankly I don't think that's the case for Avalon. I think the decisions they're making for the area, coupled with the economic impact, are putting it in a serious down-trend and I want no part of that.

[michaelceriale]

Originally Posted by Parrotrosie

LOL....I am not quite sure how to take this comment...do I detect a hint of sarcasm? I will trade cities with you in a heartbeat!!

It's really not that hard, if you don't like it here then move. I think it is wonderful here and my family loves it the short time we have been here. we live in Oviedo. Sometimes everyone needs a change maybe thats what you need, good luck in Philly!

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by michaelceriale

It's really not that hard, if you don't like it here then move. I think it is wonderful here and my family loves it the short time we have been here. we live in Oviedo. Sometimes everyone needs a change maybe thats what you need, good luck in Philly!

I am in Philly....don't particulary care for it...lol...the thing is...if I don't like it...just move....well...it costs a lot of cash to 'just move'. So we are carefully considering where down there to move to!

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by foxlore

If your husband will be working in Winter Park I defnitely would look at other options and skip Waterford Lakes, Avalon etc. First of all, DH works in Baldwin Park (basically WP) and has quite a few co-workers commuting from Waterford area... It's a nightmare of traffic. His boss drives in two counties away using mostly 417 to Aloma and it doesn't take him any longer - 40-45 minutes. We live off Aloma, between Dean Rd and Chapman Rd. in Oviedo (it's borderline Oviedo Winter Park) and it takes DH 15 minutes in traffic door to door. Winter Springs would also be a good area for commuting as well as a good area to live. Altamonte area gets rather congested and seems like pockets of communities - the ones I like are $$$$$$. Longwood has some nice areas and some nice ammenities and would also be a decent commute, but not as quick or easy as the Aloma area or Winter Springs. I would steer clear of central Oviedo as well - just limited on getting in and out and if you're SE Oviedo you're at UCF - which isn't my cup of tea.

Our son is in private school - so proximity to that was important as well. However, good public schools are also a must. Oviedo's rate the highest. Seminole County in general beats out Orange. Taxes are a tad lower as well. I personally will stick with Seminole. Having lived in Heathrow the first month we were here I highly doubt those crime stats - certainly not in Heathrow proper. It's a gate guarded community and they are actively guarding it. No one in or out without proper id. People only on the list for 2 days. Guards driving the area 24/7/365. If they see your garage door open they'll call you to ensure it's okay. If it weren't so far from work and school we would go back there in a millisecond.

Another area you might consider would be Legacy Park in Casselberry - it's a new community - seems to be an up and coming area - so I'd only look at it long term since who knows how long those changes will take in this economy. Avery Park is another new community similar to BP or Avalon in style, but nicer than Avalon IMHO. It's in Winter Springs off Tuscawilla and 434. So easy getting about everywhere.

If you'll let us know what other kinds of activities you enjoy maybe we could help you further. I know for me there are certain places I like to shop. I like to take deep water aerobics at the Y (only two options there for me). We like to bike - so like proximity to trails (although I've been out of commission the past few months). So, we're renting this first year - to be sure of the area before we dive in. Aloma Woods meets most of our needs - it's easy to bike the neighborhood and we can hook onto the trail right off Aloma. It's quick to Costco, semi-quick to grocery, about 10 minutes to Interlachen Y (would like to improve that), 5 minutes to Oviedo Y which I rarely use. 10 minutes to the library - again that's not working so well - I'm not fond of downtown Oviedo. Anyway, my point with this is that virtually everything I'm doing is in Winter Park. So, it would make sense to live there... Only thing is the houses I like are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in WP. I'm talking 7 figures and that is out of my budget. I could move to BP, but it feels a bit claustrophobic and you know I just don't want to spend $700K on a house and then add $15-20K in taxes and other fees - no thanks. I like where I'm at just fine comparatively.

Tuscawilla CC is a nice community. Mostly older homes, but nice. Some areas are nicer than others - those have HOAs. There are a couple newer developments and of course more expensive, but nice ammenities like a bike trail running through the property... I have been told not all WS schools are good, but I do know Rainbow Elementary is supposed to be a good school.

I'm not that familiar with Longwood schools, but Longwood SP is supposed to be a very good area - you definitely want that SP area west of I-4. Markham Woods area is also nice and more spacious if that's something you desire. I loved living in that area. There's a Costco right there, a lovely Fresh Market, Altamonte Mall isn't too far away and Seminole Town Center is an easy commute the other way. As I've said before, if I could move back to Heathrow or the Lake Mary area I would in a heartbeat - that is my preference by a long shot. Even the water is better. I don't know what the deal is with the water over here, but even filtered it's not drinkable - we have bottled brought in... So, I'm looking at that issue too. My neighbor has a whole house filter - have to check it out. If that's not good enough to drink either then we definitely won't be staying here. I drink 2-3 gallons a day. Add 3 more people to that and you can imagine our water bill - not to mention storing the things!

I hope this helps - moving to a new area is always tough... How old are your kids? Are you looking at public or private school?

WOW! Thanks! This has got to be one of the most comprehensive replies I have gotten so far! Hubby is in Winter Park, University Blvd, so Eastern part. Thanks for the commute info, that is something the maps don't tell you but are very important to the overall decision. We had left that section of Orange county on the back burner , but that info will likely put it out of the running completely. I think a 30-40 minute commute is probably the higher end of what he would like to drive.

Thanks for the info on the other towns also, I had come across Aloma woods, but not some of the others. I will check those out. We are also checkingout Osprey Lake in Chuluota (don't mind being in the country...we both like nature photography) - although I am hearing that their water issues are currently unacceptable as well, and I would need to find that out in detail myself. But I agree with you. I drink lots of water and a home needs potable water from the tap.

We have one ten year old daughter , and we would like to stay with a public school , if we find that acceptable. (she is almost 11) So, lets see, our activities would include....ummmmm...Disney, the beach, Disney, and ...let's see...oh yea. Disney....lol! She can't wait! Good thing I love Disney, eh? My activities include volunteering for all her activities at the moment, school, girl scouts, and church, etc.

Again...thanks for your help here!!!!

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

I think there is nothing left to discuss. Congratulations Parrotrosie on finding your new city to live in, I hope you are happy for years to come. I am moving the opposite way and close to your old stomping grounds.

I just want to add this link from another posting here, because there obviously was more to discuss, it just was not brought up here.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/orlan...lem-areas.html

This is the sort of thing that rings true and hits home. Statistics don't tell the story as much as the folks living in an area can. Since we had the back and forth discussion I wanted to keep this in my post, as this greatly influenced my decision to stay in Seminole county, moreso than any statistcal data can. As any stats person can tell you (or politician for that matter) Liars figure and figures lie...but, section 8 housing...well...that is a different story altogether....click the link for the details!