Seminole county (Orlando, Sanford, Country Club: HOA fees, houses, landscaping)

[tjohnson78]

My husband and I have booked a flight down to the Orlando area in March to scout out Seminole County. I've done some research (and posted a few questions here) and it seems this is the best area within driving distance to Orlando for growing families. Specifically (and correct me if I'm wrong) Oviedo (Live Oaks Reserve area), Lake Mary and maybe Winter Springs.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression...so I was hoping to get some very specific advice on areas to drive through. I'm sure we'll come upon many nice developments on our own...but what are the "hot spots" I should hit? Are there specific parks, shopping centers, lakes, reserves or anything else we should see to get the feel for the county? Are these areas filled with six lane highway and businesses (like Orlando) or is it mostly residential?

Thanks for any assistance.

[DailyJournalist]

Take a look at Carillon in Oviedo. Its located on Lockwood Blvd.

[beckycat]

In Lake Mary, travel down Lake Mary Blvd (east) from I4 to Rinehart, turn left on Rinehart (subdivisions on right), pass over 46A to next light, turn left on Town Center Blvd to shopping area, mall, and restaurants. Go straight to 46 in Sanford, turn right on 46. Go to Upsala and turn right. Go to T in road and turn right on Country Club Road. Take Country Club Road through Lake Mary to Lake Mary Blvd. Turn right on Lake Mary Blvd to get back to I4. If you'd like to see some neighborhoods, once you get back on Lake Mary Blvd, turn left on Longwood/Lake Mary Rd. Go past Lake Mary High and turn right on Greenway Blvd. There are neighborhoods all over that street that you can wander through. Once you get back on Greenway, go to T in the road, turn right on Lake Emma to Lake Mary Blvd. Turn left to get back to I4. It may sound confusing but Lake Mary is pretty simple to get around and isn't that big. That will give you a good idea of Lake Mary. Good Luck! What price range are you in?

[michaelceriale]

Originally Posted by tjohnson78

My husband and I have booked a flight down to the Orlando area in March to scout out Seminole County. I've done some research (and posted a few questions here) and it seems this is the best area within driving distance to Orlando for growing families. Specifically (and correct me if I'm wrong) Oviedo (Live Oaks Reserve area), Lake Mary and maybe Winter Springs.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression...so I was hoping to get some very specific advice on areas to drive through. I'm sure we'll come upon many nice developments on our own...but what are the "hot spots" I should hit? Are there specific parks, shopping centers, lakes, reserves or anything else we should see to get the feel for the county? Are these areas filled with six lane highway and businesses (like Orlando) or is it mostly residential?

Thanks for any assistance.

Check out Summerfield off of Snowhill Rd, near Live Oaks and the Sanctuary. Solid custom builder who does a great job, HOA fees low and the landscaping is great especially on the lake, great schools. The 417 can get you anywhere quick. We love it here since moving from the North, Good Luck!

[GregTraub]

Follow Beckycat's advice on Lake Mary, To check out Oviedo and Winter Springs, Drive down the 434 and check out the Winter Springs towncenter, Head down Tuskawilla and check out all the neighborhoods off that road going as far down as Aloma, and be sure to drive through the Tuskawilla country club area down Winter Springs BLVD (just off Tuskawilla Rd) There are a TON of little neighborhoods through out there all with different types of houses and price ranges. Live Oak is down Chuluota Rd and the snow hill rd area mentioned also has some good options for a rural feel (though technically in Chuluota not Oviedo)

[Mom2M&J]

I used to live in Live Oak and loved it.