What do you know about Clermont?? (Orlando: sale, HOA fees, how much)

[Disneylady]

Hi! I'm new to the board. My husband and I will be buying our 1st home late this year or early next year. We both have lived in Orlando our whole lives and we have had enough. We like the way Clermont looks and from what I hear it sounds like it's a nice place to live.

I was wondering what everyone thought of Clermont??? We are young (I'm 23 hubby is 26) we have a 5 month old son, so schools are a big deal to me. (I have not heard much about the schools there) I have heard that the traffic can be bad but I'm a stay at home mom and my husband works from home so the traffic is not that big of deal.

I would love to hear what everyone has to say about Clermont good or bad.

Thanks

[annerk]

Traffic is only bad during the peak rush hours, and as they've widened 50 and 27 it's definitely been easing some.

Some of the schools are better than others, and all of them are improving.

Where you'll end up depends on how much you have to spend. Clermont homes range from $150K to millions.

[Disneylady]

We are looking to spend between 200K- 250k.

[annerk]

You'll have plenty of options in that price range. The north end of Clermont is generally considered more desirable because there are no communities zoned for short term rental. (Maybe Vacation Village, but that's different altogether.)

There must be at least 20 communities with homes in your range. Some are gated, some aren't. Some offer a ton of ammenities while others might only have some green space as common areas.

It jsut depends on what you're looking for, but you'll find it here. Clermont still ahs that small town feel, but it's become very suburban with everything you need in town these days.

[Disneylady]

That's what I'm looking for is a "small town feel". Wow I would LOVE to live in a gated community.

[MovedfromFL]

Make sure you check into any homeowner's association fees. (HOA) Those can run more than $50 a month for some communities. (some neighborhoods offer lake access, a playground, pool, etc)

Also, check into the property taxes. You can research the current taxes (as well as recent sale price for any home) at the Lake County Property Appraiser's website. (yahoo search)

I used to live in Clermont (we moved away in 2006). From what I hear, there are many new restaurants and shopping centers now. (even a movie theater) You should be able to get a nice home for that price range, and even a pool if you want.

[annerk]

This is true, some of the communities have higher HOA dues. The one I live is is close to $200 a month, but for that you get a lot, including a heated pool and spa, health club, playground, tennis courts, basketball court, clubhouse, lots of activities, guard, and more.

[Disneylady]

Ideally we don't want to spend anymore than $215k. We like to keep our bills easily manageable, also I don't want to have to pay more than $100.00 a month in HOA fees.