Comparing Oviedo, Lake Mary, Winter Springs (Winter Garden, Seminole: broker, office, commute to)

[Cigarboo]

I grew up in Seattle. I'm not sure which part of Washington state you're from, but anything right outside of the Seattle + surrounding area, I would consider more Oviedo-ish. To me, Lake Mary would be more of the Eastside/Bellevue area. Winter Springs more like the north end or Magnolia area.

This is all an over generalization though. The homes in the Orlando area are less expensive and school quality is relative. If you're used to the quality of Bellevue/Sammamish schools, then you might be a bit disappointed even though Seminole schools are suppose to be good.

If schools are important then you really have to look at which school you want your kids at and then look into that particular area. If non of the public schools seem acceptable, then you have to look at which private school you're interested in and maybe find a home that is cummutable to that school. From what I hear the premeir private schools seem to be Master's Academy and Trinity Prep. Both are more convenient from Winter Springs and Oviedo. My kids will be going to public school, so I hope I find them to be good enough.

Although Lake Mary is a bit higher end, I found the public school zoning to be quirky. Most of Lake Mary is not zoned for Lake Mary HS. Some areas have cluster school choices(in elementary) which means you can have 4 kids in the same neighborhood going to 4 different schools. They tend to ship the kids all around town and into Sanford. Winter Springs and Oviedo is more middle class. The zoning is slightly more neighborhood friendly and predictable.

The Seminole county trail goes all around, so if you enjoy biking, you may want to look into an area close to the trail. From my new home, I'm just a stones throw to the trail and I can(I'm too out of shape at this point) take a 5 mile bike ride into Oviedo for breakfast. If you're really into canoeing, you may want to check out the area by Wekiva/Longwood. For swimming, I would avoid the lakes. Pool home should do the trick. No matter where you choose, you won't be far from Golf.

Since you've already seen Lake Mary, take a look at Winter Springs around Tuskawilla and the Town Center; Oviedo in The Sanctuary & Live Oak(huge developments though). HOA seems almost unavoidable. There are some nice areas close to Tuskawilla and Redbug with slightly older homes, but larger lots. If you're looking for acreage, definitely look at Oviedo. If you have time, you may also want to check out Sweetwater/Wekiva Springs area for Lake Brantley HS.

[Wilshire81182]

I grew up in Vancouver WA, but I have been all over the state, have relatives all over the state, and I lived in Spokane about a year. I think you were asking the OP, but I know all the areas that you are talking about. What is funny is I like Bellevue the most of the areas you listed, but Winter Springs the most in actuality.

[ang08]

Thanks Cigarboo. We live in Camas - right next to Vancouver, WA. So actually we feel more like part of Portland than Seattle! Our schools in Camas are supposed to be very good - so far we've been pleased but don't really have any point of comparison.

[ang08]

Wilshire - how do you like living in FL compared to the NW? I grew up in Vancouver but did live in FL briefly 10 years ago. I am a total wimp about the cold - despite being a native Washingtonian - and love the heat/humidity. I know I will miss the mountains but I'm looking forward to actually getting out and enjoying the outdoors more than 3 months a year.

[Cigarboo]

What is funny is I like Bellevue the most of the areas you listed, but Winter Springs the most in actuality.

Yes, I agree. I also like Bellevue the most, but ended up in Winter Springs. I was just giving a very loose, sort of a forced analogy. Realistically, Lake Mary can't really be compared to Bellevue as Orlando can't really compare with Seattle. I was just looking at it from one perspective, seeing the more upscaleness of Lake Mary and that it actually is a city in itself with companies/bigger businesses. Where as I see Winter Springs still a bit of a suburb of Orlando. More of a bedroom community where most of the folks go outside of Winter Springs to work. However, I did over simplify it, so I hope my post wasn't too misleading. It's all a mute point seeing OP is not from that area anyways. I love Washington State, so I always get excited when I hear of people from there.

[Wilshire81182]

Originally Posted by ang08

Wilshire - how do you like living in FL compared to the NW? I grew up in Vancouver but did live in FL briefly 10 years ago. I am a total wimp about the cold - despite being a native Washingtonian - and love the heat/humidity. I know I will miss the mountains but I'm looking forward to actually getting out and enjoying the outdoors more than 3 months a year.

I am a lot happier here in Florida. I do not see myself going back. I think Washington is bland where Florida has a lot more to offer IMO.

I like the weather, open skies, lakes, beaches, wildlife, landscaping, smooth roads, great dining options, retail, theme parks, proximity to other large cities like Miami and Tampa, opportunity, diversity. I find it very clean here and always new things opening and improving. It's a cool place.

I would warn you about the difference in scenery if you are extremely into mountains, hills, hiking, etc. and the crime is higher and schools not as great. I live in a safe area (Conway) and know there are several other nice and safe areas in town as well. Congratulations on your move!

Again for me there is no comparison. In fact I am flying to Washington at the end of the week for an emergency funeral, but I am not looking forward to staying more than a day or two. I have definitely made my home here!

[reddogmom1]

My husband and I are investigating the possibility of living in Lake Mary. However, he would be working in Tavares (commuting very early in the morning with an unknown return time.) Is this a commute that's in anyway reasonable?? I don't want to ask him to get into a horrible commute situation but I really really like Lake Mary!

[annerk]

In my opinion that is so not a reasonable commute. Why are you stuck on Lake Mary? It's nice but not worth that type of commute for. There are plenty of nice communities in Lake County or even western Orange County that would be a lot closer.

[BoKnowsTexas]

That looks like a very bad commute. Have you looked into Mt Dora? I seem to recall people mentioning it here in my searches.

[reddogmom1]

Thank you for your very fast and very definite responses! Annerk, what community names can you throw out for consideration?? Thanks, again.