Clermont vs Winter Garden (Orlando, Ocoee: mortgage, homes, neighborhoods)

[antha407]

Good morning,

My partner and I (and our new baby) are looking to purchase our first home. We have worked with a mortgage consultant and realtor and essentially know the price range we can work with (not much at this point, but in this market it's not looking unattainable). We're considering Clermont, and really love the area, but I am hearing mixed messages from people regarding property taxes and commute times to Orlando. Any advice from anyone who lives in Clermont or Winter Garden as to which would be a better choice for a first home? Any thoughts on schools in either place?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[annerk]

Winter Garden is a mixed bag. About 70% of the addresses in Winter Garden I wouldn't want to live in.

The north end of Clermont is generally considered desirable, and you can buy a new modest home for under $150K.

Schools in both are hit or miss.

The Clermont commute to downtown can be a bit longer than from Winter Garden, but it really depends on where you live. There is now an express bus from the park and ride in Clermont to downtown--something to look into.

I compared my tax bill with that of a friend in Winter Garden and the millage rates were very similar. A bit more for one thing, a bit less for others, but overall within a few percent of the other.

[AliceT]

If I were going to choose, I would choose Winter Garden because it seems a little closer knit and more city-ish than Clermont which is really spread out. The east-west expressway is closer at hand in WG but you can always catch the turnpike just outside Groveland if you are in Clermont.

I don't think the taxes vary all that much and I think the schools rate about the same. It is really more a matter of what you are looking for and how far you have to commute every day.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by AliceT

If I were going to choose, I would choose Winter Garden because it seems a little closer knit and more city-ish than Clermont which is really spread out. The east-west expressway is closer at hand in WG but you can always catch the turnpike just outside Groveland if you are in Clermont.

I don't think the taxes vary all that much and I think the schools rate about the same. It is really more a matter of what you are looking for and how far you have to commute every day.

The turnpike entrance is no where near Groveland. It's at least ten miles from Groveland! It's actually located just over the county line in Oakland, between Clermont and Winter Garden. There is another turnpike entrance in Winter Garden near the Ocoee line.

Both Winter Garden and Clermont have a downtown area, and Clermont has a wonderful small town feel.

I have a feeling you've never even visited Clermont. I live in Clermont and worked in Winter Garden for three years, so I've got a clue what I'm talking about.

[AliceT]

Originally Posted by annerk

The turnpike entrance is no where near Groveland.

I have a feeling you've never even visited Clermont.

Our opinions differ.

I lived in central FL for 29 years and still own my property in Groveland. Whenever I traveled, I returned via the turnpike and got off just north of Groveland. I wasn't aware that I was giving explicit directions to any one place, just voicing an opinion which is exactly what the OP requested.

My opinion stands. I would choose Winter Garden over Clermont.

[annerk]

You're talking about exit 285, 13 miles further up the turnpike away from downtown Orlando. Nobody commuting to downtown from Clermont would use that exit. Exit 272 is the Clermont exit coming from the south or downtown. It's marked Clermont/Winter Garden.

[tworent]

Not a big fan of winter Garden there are some nice areas south of 50 with the ghetto north of 50. With the new mall I believe the ghetto will move south to the 429. The homes just north of the mall have already went downhill fast and with the west oaks mall in bankruptcy that crowd will need a place to go shop. When you see the stores changing its two late the good news it is an open mall with no movie theater.

[Granny Sue]

At this point there's something to be said about both areas

Winter Garden JUST like Clermont has both old and new sections.

Both have historical area.

Both have ample shopping.

Both are hanging on to their small-town sense of community.

Be careful of people who make sweeping stayment that include an entire area.

In Winter Garden, yes there are some run down areas north of HWY 50 but you also have some very nice neighborhoods near the downtown area.
And pssst...there's run down areas south of 50 also. Opps, I guess the same could be said about Clermont.

I think it's really going to boil down to how long of a commute to Orlando you want.

[tworent]

Originally Posted by Granny Sue

At this point there's something to be said about both areas

Winter Garden JUST like Clermont has both old and new sections.

Both have historical area.

Both have ample shopping.

Both are hanging on to their small-town sense of community.

Be careful of people who make sweeping stayment that include an entire area.

In Winter Garden, yes there are some run down areas north of HWY 50 but you also have some very nice neighborhoods near the downtown area.
And pssst...there's run down areas south of 50 also. Opps, I guess the same could be said about Clermont.

I think it's really going to boil down to how long of a commute to Orlando you want.

True I am just not a big fan of the area around 50 but down town is ok

[indyres06]

Antha407,

Have you looked into Gotha? Some areas of Gotha (not all) are very desirable and might be in your price range.

Its important to find an GOOD agent who will work for you tirelessly. To make your dream of owning an affordable home come true.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty has a good reputation around here.

Just my honest opinion....