Canadians Moving to Orlando (Winter Springs, Winter Park: house, neighbourhood, private school)

[simplylaura]

Our family is big on the boating factor. Our boys ages 12 & 15 love to wakeboard. We are tired of the snow and rain, cold weather, clouds, fog, etc. Plus you can actually get a nice house on a lake for a decent price in Orlando!

We were concerned about the crocodile/alligator factor. Is that a worry? Do you have alligators in the lakes in the Orlando area?

Schools... one son is really into Lacrosse. Would definitely want a school that has a Lacrosse team.

This is what we want:

House on the lake 500-700K range
Good safe neighbourhood with friendly people, we know no one!
Good schools, possibly a private school (please name a few that are well known)

What are the known posh areas?
Thanks.

[Granny Sue]

Start with Heathrow.
I'm a fan.
Alaqua
Matter of fact look up on your on-line map for Markam Woods Road. You can't go wrong in this area.

I know there a couple of nice ones over in Winter Springs but my mind is a blank right now. Hopefully one of the other regulars will help you out.

[annerk]

If there's more than a couple of inches of water anywhere in this state, be it a puddle or a lake, you have to consider that a gator (or snake) could be in the water.

[Guntersville Boomer]

As far as Alligators go, yes they are a problem in every lake, even retention ponds on golf courses have problems. From about N.E. Georgia/Alabama heading south, anywhere that does not get real cold in the winter, there are alligators. We have had boats and ski'ed in Florida lakes, just try to stay out toward the middle/deep water and you are usually fine. Most alligator attacks are on land around the banks of lakes. You should have quite a few areas to consider with that budget.

[MovedfromFL]

I grew up in the Central FL area. I'm not sure about current home prices, but Winter Park has a nice chain of lakes. ($700k may not be enough to get on the lake but maybe close by?) Schools are very good also. Bishop Moore is a private Catholic school that is well known. Winter Park High is a good public school. Check out Great Schools.net for info.

Alligators are much more of a worry on smaller canals/ rivers. They like still waters, not the open lake waters. Water skiiers and boaters usually don't have to worry about them. Just don't hang out on the shores of small ponds/ canals and don't let your dogs splash at the water's edge. (gator bait)

Up by Lake Mary/ Alaqua, you have the Wekiva River which is nice for canoe/ kayak trips, but the nearby lakes are not so great. (Lake Monroe)

You should also consider the Windermere area. Upscale with a nice chain of lakes there also.

[simplylaura]

Thank you very much! Good info

[salmanalk]

Check out Lake Sheen Reserve. You would be able to get a home at your price range it may not be lake front but the community is on the Butler chain of lakes is gated and has lake access. Other developments on the Butler Chain of Lakes also offer the same. Zip codes? try 32836 and 34786.

[poker_rick]

I am from montreal and also plan to move to Orlando, did you already moved? Do youy like it?