Are MetroWest and Hunter's Creek safe neighborhoods? (Orlando, Pine Hills: bank owned, best neighborhoods)

[Wilshire81182]

Like others have mentioned, both neighborhoods are pretty diverse as is Orlando in general, but Metrowest is less safe than Hunters Creek by a long shot. I actually like Hunters Creek a lot and have a few friends who live there with their families and seem to enjoy it as well.

[lauriemsr]

Originally Posted by Wilshire81182

Like others have mentioned, both neighborhoods are pretty diverse as is Orlando in general, but Metrowest is less safe than Hunters Creek by a long shot. I actually like Hunters Creek a lot and have a few friends who live there with their families and seem to enjoy it as well.

Besides Hunter's Creek, what are other nice neighborhoods we could look for? I know people tell us of Lake Mary and Winter Garden but they seem pretty far from UCF and downtown Orlando (where I will be probably be working) Where else seems to be good places to live?.

[compelled to reply]

From UCF??? Oviedo!!!! Not too bad to get downtown either, just get on 417/408. Probably a better commute than MetroWest or Hunters Creek to both places, to be honest.

[Wilshire81182]

Yeah, if you will be working at UCF I would choose Oviedo or Winter Springs. They will provide the easiest and shortest commute for sure. Oviedo is generally considered nicer than Hunters Creek and is much nicer and safer than Metrowest.

[lauriemsr]

Well my boyfriend will be attending UCF, I have yet to know which job I will accept. So right now you are suggesting:
Hunter's Creek, Winter Springs , Oviedo...whatelse?

[annerk]

You need to be careful with Winter Garden. The majority of it isn't anyplace I'd want to live.

[orlando_gal09]

I'd have to echo the sentiment about Metrowest - although it is a shame - it seems like it used to be a very nice place to live. Some of the property is absolutely gorgeous! I do know people who have not had problems living there - they've lived there for years and have really enjoyed it. There are some pockets (from what I understand) that might be nicer than others - like Lake Debra (at least what I've heard). But if you are trying to make decisions about where to live I think you should also think about resale value - which I don't think is so good in Metrowest. Look at the crime data compiled from the Orlando Sentinel too - that should give you good info.

I'm also looking for a house and originally ruled out Metrowest. But, I heard that 32835 was better than 32811, so I thought I'd take a peek. On my way to look at a very cute house, I witnessed the end of a police car chase (5 squad cars after 1 car - 1 of the police cars nearly hit us trying to get to the suspects). Police stopped the car and jumped out with guns pulled. One suspect got out immediately and surrendered; the other one lingered a bit but finally emerged - so there was no shooting - thank God. Needless to say, I was quite rattled. I found out that this is not a rare occurence though it is not common. I've driven down that road at least a dozen times and this is the first time I witnessed anything like this. And this was in the day - on a weekend afternoon - close to the walmart on Raleigh which seems to be the hotspot for crime in this area. Most of the people stopped their cars and gawked - we were stuck in traffic and didn't quite know what to do. But what got me was there were a couple of people who just drove past the police men - the parking lot they cut through was within stray bullet range - and some people were walking as if nothing was occuring - as if this were an ordinary day. That reaction, plus the scene unfolding in front of me caused me to permanently mark Metrowest off of my list of prospects.

So, please be careful, no matter what you do!

[Warren78]

Hunter's Creek is way better. Metro West actually isnt as bad as people say it is. Everyone in metro west knows that the farther you are from Kirkman, the better. Hunters Creek is nicer, but im not sure if you're going to enjoy the HOA rules and fees.

[OrlandoRE_Miracle]

Can I ask what's so bad about Winter Garden? Their downtown and surrounding streets seem charming (with the exception of ugly manufactured homes near Lake Apopka). I admit I don't know that area well at all--it must be really terrible in some parts to the comments that it does on this site.

Originally Posted by annerk

You need to be careful with Winter Garden. The majority of it isn't anyplace I'd want to live.

[salmanalk]

I agree with an earlier post re Dr. Phillips. You can find some great deals on condos along the Dr P. Blvd . Look into zip code 32819.