Relocating Altamonte Springs vs North Orlando (Pine Hills, Sanford: real estate, apartment complex, foreclosure)

[prjerzeygal]

I am a recently divorced 45 year old with adult children ages 21 and 22. We are relocating to be closer to our family and are debating between Altamonte Springs and North Orlando.

We have always lived in an upper middle class residential area and this would be the first time we are considering an apartment complex vs a one family home rental while we settle into the area.

We are a bi-racial multicultural family and ideally would be living in a progressive multicultural open minded community where my children will feel comfortable and where we can blend in with close proximity to shopping and recreational activities.

I keep going back and forth between renting a home vs an apartment and about location. I want to be close to the Florida Hospital or the Altamonte Springs Hospital. Can anyone give me suggestions or leads in regards to good areas vs rough declining areas ?

[DailyJournalist]

Altamonte Springs is a good area. I would choose it over Orlando. Also research Lake Mary and Winter Springs.

[Wilshire81182]

What area is considered North Orlando? I think some parts of Orlando on the Winter Park border are nicer than Altamonte, but it depends where you are talking about when saying "North Orlando".

[Crane's Rooster]

If by North Orlando you are reading listings that state the area as Northwest Orlando or Northwest Orange County than I would be wary as what they really are referring to is Pine Hills or Rosemont which are rougher parts of town. However, if they are referring to Winter Park, Maitland or Casselberry you should be ok. Altamonte is great area, I don't think you will have any problems there. Altamonte is more working class surrounded by, and with some pockets, of very affluent areas (Lake Brantley, Sweetwater, Wekiva and Sabal Palm). I think if you and your kids are all working you could find a home or apartment for rent in about the same general price range. The only real advantage I see to apartment living is if your new to the area you will have more neighbors to ask questions and more opportunities to meet people, of course in the right neighborhood you could do same. Best of luck and hope this helps.

[AONE]

I think the biggest culture shock will be the communal living apartments offer. If you are use to a home I think you will still want one as a rental. there are many in nice areas that are affordable. Altamonte is a Nice place, parts of Winter Springs is a higher level than much of Altamonte, however it does have some great areas as well. Longwood is nice, Sanford(West) may even have some nice areas since schools arent a factor. Lake Mary has some outstanding and upper middle class areas as well as middle of the road.
East Orlando has many nice places as well. You have many great choices. I wuld aks for a list of available properties and see which you like.

[Wilshire81182]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

If by North Orlando you are reading listings that state the area as Northwest Orlando or Northwest Orange County than I would be wary as what they really are referring to is Pine Hills or Rosemont which are rougher parts of town. However, if they are referring to Winter Park, Maitland or Casselberry you should be ok. Altamonte is great area, I don't think you will have any problems there. Altamonte is more working class surrounded by, and with some pockets, of very affluent areas (Lake Brantley, Sweetwater, Wekiva and Sabal Palm). I think if you and your kids are all working you could find a home or apartment for rent in about the same general price range. The only real advantage I see to apartment living is if your new to the area you will have more neighbors to ask questions and more opportunities to meet people, of course in the right neighborhood you could do same. Best of luck and hope this helps.

I agree with your explanation of North Orlando. I do not hear the term North Orlando used a lot like I do South Orlando or East Orlando. Once you get north of downtown there are a few nice neighborhoods then it is Winter Park. Real Estate agents may be putting this positive spin on bad areas like Pine Hills or Lockhart by calling them North Orlando. You should check back with specific streets and/or zip codes. Altamonte is much much nicer than Pine Hills and Lockhart for sure.

[prjerzeygal]

Thank you so much for the information-- mainly my issue is not being personally familiar with the are to "call" it and I don't want to waste my time going to see places I would absolutely not ever consider in drug infested or rough areas as my friend had such a problem, another thing I am worried about is the horror stories I have heard about people renting homes and then becoming homeless due to foreclosure -- the bank doesnt care you are a tenant they lock you out anyway -- so I am so concerned about that but I dont want to invest in a purchase without been sure my kids and I are all comfortable and happy with the move first. I will be Altamonte the second week of March to cruise around and visit properties. Thanks everyone for the information .

[Crane's Rooster]

There are no area in Altamonte that would be considered "drug infested or rough." Wymore road and certain parts of Eastmonte may be less desirable but there are no war zones in Altamonte. While in Altamonte the main roads to check out are 436, 434, Montgomery, Central, Douglas, Maitland Ave and the Bear Lake area. Feel free to pm me with specific questions.