Clermont area any areas/subdivisions to avoid (short sales, foreclosures)

[annerk]

You are correct that the majority of employers in this area won't even consider non-local applicants. There are plenty of people who already live here who are out of work, and by hiring local they can get faster start times and don't have to deal with being asked for help with relocation expenses. Additionally there are too many people who go through the entire process and then decide for whatever reason (lower wages, higher than expected COL, reality hits that it's not all about Mickey Mouse) not to accept the job because they don't want to move.

I would definitely find a job prior to finding a place to live--for example from Groveland to MCO (should you work for the TSA) would be over an hour each way in non-high traffic volume periods.

[bbills03]

omg; thats an eye opener. we have family in st pete and orlando so we are over the mickey thing but would love to see the fireworks from our backyard
We haven't decided on the agencies yet but possibly I will be with the VA in Orlando and from Minneola or Clermont what would your estimate be for commuting? Thank you for your help!!

[annerk]

The VA Center in Baldwin Park would be well over an hour each way commute time from northern Clermont or southern Minneola.

My guess is that unless you are a direct Health Care provider (ie RN, LPN, RT, etc. that you're not going to get "snatched up" as quick as you think. It's an extremely competitive job market around here right now--there are jobs, but you've got to be a perfect fit to even be interviewed--and because you arean't local, you probably won't even get an interview.

It's a catch 22, you can't buy a home (unless you can qualify it as a second home) unless you have a job, and you can't get a job unless you are local. Even when I had a second home here already, when a prospective employer would call to set up an interview, as soon as they found out that I wasn't already here full time, they generally wanted nothing to do with me--even though I explained that I could start with two weeks notice to my current job and didn't need moving expenses. That was five years ago when employers were hiring left and right and you barely needed to fog a mirror to get an interview. It's a lot tighter now. FYI, I finally bit the bullet, quit my job up north and moved down to this area without a job lined up. It took me about 5 weeks to land a f/t permanent job--again this is when there was a lot of hiring going on.

I'm not trying to discourage you from following your dream, just giving you the realities of it. In my last job I was responsible for placing help wanted ads and vetting incoming resumes, and anyone who wasn't local didn't even get looked at, regardless of the qualifications. I never found less than five highly qualified local applicants for any given job, so there was no reason to go through the hassle of dealing with an out of the area applicant.

[theclynes]

Hi, Do you live in Clermont? My husband and I are really considering moving there, along with our two year old. Any areas to avoid? Thank you

[annerk]

Originally Posted by theclynes

Hi, Do you live in Clermont? My husband and I are really considering moving there, along with our two year old. Any areas to avoid? Thank you

I do live in Clermont. The southern part of town has some low-income apartment complexes that have been dealing with some crime, as well as some short-term rental communities. The northern end has no short term rentals (not allowed within the city limits) and is generally considered the more desirable part of town.

One nice thing about Clermont is that there is something for almost everyone. Unless you want to live in a really urban setting that is.

You do need to consider where you'll be working, because it can be a very long commute to many of the job centers in the greater Orlando area.

[lovemygirls0_2]

I wouldn't go too close to 192 on 27 because it is mostly short-term rentals...at least it was last I was there, two years ago. You won't know who is coming and going and will have next to no permanent neighbors. We too are lookingto move from MI to Clermont area. I have vacationed there for years and the area has really grown inthe past 8 years.

[william matthew]

whats you opinion of the woodbridge subdivision near 27 and the lowes home improvement store? There is an apartment complex near by that is a concern to me. The home is beautiful and affordable(shortsale).

[annerk]

Originally Posted by william matthew

whats you opinion of the woodbridge subdivision near 27 and the lowes home improvement store? There is an apartment complex near by that is a concern to me. The home is beautiful and affordable(shortsale).

That apartment Sarah's Place (aka Sol Caliente) complex should be a concern, it's low income and a disprortionate amount of drug/violent crime committed in Clermont happens there. The apartments across 27 (Cagan Crossings) are no cause for worry.

I think Woodridge is mostly short-term rentals, so you'll never really get to know the neighbors and there will no sense of commuinty if that's something you want in a neighborhood. Also you'll be in the heart of tourist country and have to deal with lost people driving 25 mph in the left lane on 27, people who will stop in the middle of the road becaue they think they've missed their turn, etc. That end of Clermont isn't my cup of tea.

[Florida Bound from Texas]

Hi, we are finally moving to Florida. We were going to move to Ocala since it's kind of central, but are now looking at a surrounding areas of Orlando. Thinking about Clermont, Groveland, Minneola. We will rent for 1 yr. then decide where to buy. Really want a place with good schools and a family oriented neighborhood. Any ideas?? Thanks so much for any input.

[cfIfan]

There are a number of great areas here in Central florida, many close to Disney but on the other side so you get the upside of seeing the fireworks without actually having to experience the neon experience of 192 or 27 which are the touristy areas.

Dont let people mislead you that the reason there are so many foreclosures in these areas are just because realtors promised 90% occupency. This is ridiculous and misleading. There are high foreclosure rates in non short term rental markets. The reasons are simply people were buying beyond their means. Are realtors to blame for this? partially but we work for clients who tell us what they can afford. The bulk of the blame squarely lies with the banks and lending institutions. Also keep in mind at its peak property prices were extremly high, that isnt realtors fault of buyers or sellers fault. Its simply the laws of supply and demand.

There are areas of Clermont which are nice, but because it is out to the West the commute will be a little higher as opposed to other more centrally located areas.

Your best plan of action is to get a general idea of areas you may gain federal jobs, work out a budget you can realistically afford and set an area around that based on how far you are prepared to commute. From there, you can then select neighbourhoods based on schools or other search parameters which are important to you. Keep in mind an area that works for one person wont neccessarily work for you, your lifestyle or offer a realistic commute.

Good luck

Nick