Young professional, UCF grad, looking to move out of the college area (Orlando: apartment, lease) - Florida (FL) - City-Data Forum

DoctaC · 03-17-2009, 03:38 PM

I'm new to the forums... hello all. Anyway, I graduated August 2007, and have been working in the research park area right by UCF ever since. I live very close to the campus (on McCullough) and my lease is up in August. I don't exactly hate the area, but it's time to move on. I don't want to move too far away from work, but far enough for a change. Preferably I'd like to stay along 408, as it spits right out into Research Park.

I originally intended to buy a place... but have decided I want to save another year or two, and find an apartment or rent something else out. Does anyone have any suggestions for a bachelor?? I'm almost 25. I've been looking everywhere from the Waterford Area, around Lake Underhill (the actual lake, and the road), Baldwin Park (a little too pricey but nice), and condos downtown. I'd like to spend no more then $800 on rent... but if I'm really impressed with the place I'm willing to flex.

I'm a big fan of the downtown scene, so the closer to that the better, but keep in mind I work everyday by UCF. I appreciate any tips, and look forward to taking the next step in Otown!

DailyJournalist · 03-17-2009, 04:23 PM

Colonial Town may be in your price range and gives you easy access to the 408 and downtown.

http://www.colonialtown.org/

Wilshire81182 · 03-18-2009, 06:37 AM

The commute away from downtown in the morning and downtown in the afternoon is easy. I know because I make this same commute from Conway and usually the 408 has some traffic but is not bad and the surface streets are also not too congested. I would never recommend the same for the opposite commute though.
I think you would like the Downtown or Colonial town areas. The problem with the east side is that other than where you are in Waterford/UCF area, there are a lot of crappy areas between Alafaya and Semoran, so the areas you mentioned are the only ones I would suggest unless you want to go north a ways to Winter Park/Maitland (the commute would be worse though) or South to Lake Nona/Conway (not a young population, but solid and safe place to live).

DoctaC · 03-18-2009, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the tips.. I will check out the areas mentioned.

GregTraub · 03-18-2009, 02:03 PM

I think downtown in Either Park North, Uptown, or maybe the metropolitan would work for you renting. Traffic wouldn't be bad to UCF because you'd be going the opposite ways during each rush hour.

I did just want to mention however, since you mentioned the possibility of purchasing home in the near future but wanted to save more for a down payment.....Have you heard of the $8,000 tax credit being offered to First Time Homebuyers such as yourself? Basically the government giving you money to purchase your home....but it expires Dec 31 2009. Not sure how much you wanted to save up in the next year, but 8K is a pretty good down payment.

DoctaC · 03-18-2009, 02:42 PM

I did hear about that.... but I wouldn't receive that credit til filing next year right?

GregTraub · 03-18-2009, 02:50 PM

Nope, you can file it on your 08 taxes, even if you've already filed you can do an amendment.

DoctaC · 03-19-2009, 10:00 AM

Good to know, thanks for the tip.

ucfgrad09 · 08-01-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilshire81182

The commute away from downtown in the morning and downtown in the afternoon is easy. I know because I make this same commute from Conway and usually the 408 has some traffic but is not bad and the surface streets are also not too congested. I would never recommend the same for the opposite commute though.
I think you would like the Downtown or Colonial town areas. The problem with the east side is that other than where you are in Waterford/UCF area, there are a lot of crappy areas between Alafaya and Semoran, so the areas you mentioned are the only ones I would suggest unless you want to go north a ways to Winter Park/Maitland (the commute would be worse though) or South to Lake Nona/Conway (not a young population, but solid and safe place to live).

I am looking for advice as well. I plan on attending UCF for grad school this fall and can't seem to find the right place to live. I don't know a lot about Orlando and am not sure where the nicer/safer areas are. I don't mind a 10 or 15 minute drive but am not sure in which direction to look in. I looked at the Villages of Baldwin park and like them, but wonder if they are too far from the school. I heard about Avalon park but I also heard that avalon is not safe. I looked at Ashton at waterford but felt like it might be full of undergrads...

I am looking for a nice updated pet friendly apartment in a good part of town.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Radnor · 08-02-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ucfgrad09

I heard about Avalon park but I also heard that avalon is not safe.

Not sure where you heard that, but I lived in Avalon Park for almost 6 years and it was pretty much the epitome of "safe". Both of my neighbors were UCF students, and my wife commuted to UCF for 3 years. It's about a 20-30 minute drive with traffic though.

The town is super convenient though with its own Publix, Wal-Mart Marketplace, gas station, fenced-in dog park, banks, restaurants, chinese takeout, and even a tijuana flats.