Any one have any thoughts on Windermere? (Orlando, Apopka: rentals, HOA fees)

[TeresaNJ]

Specifically "old" Windermere, and the areas around the lakes. We may be transferring back down to the Orlando area within the next few months due to a job relocation, and knowing I probably wouldn't do well with a restrictive HOA, I've been looking to more rural areas. I'm not interested in living in communities such as Lakes of Windermere or Summerport. I'm talking older homes, more land, etc. What is it like living near a lake? More bugs? Noisy from the boaters, skiers, etc? More risk of flooding? Too secluded? Creepy? I'd appreciate any and all thoughts.

[salmanalk]

One thing that bothers me about "old" windermere is the traffic! especially the one lane getting into/out of E 6th st and main street...always busy, not just in rush hour. Otherwise, its a great place!

[AONE]

Of course bugs and lakes go hand in hand. I havent found the noise from water recreation to be excessive on the main lakes. it really depends on usage, lake size and courtesy of the crowd. I think the older areas of Windermere have a wonderful charm. mind you Windermere is not the place to escape HOA fees, but you can get them pretty low in some communities. I know a few areas that are fantastic retreats, with tree lined roads where the moss on the oak trees will stir images of the deep south. The sounds of the birds on the water will make you think you are miles from civilization.

Sounds nicer than the big manicured areas. but thats just a taste.

[JSnFla]

windermere=isleworth=tiger woods

i think if orlando's wealthiest, most famous resident could find a better spot in town he would....though he is moving to jupiter island by the end of the year.

[annerk]

Not all of Windermere is Isleworth. There is a quaint old Florida section of Windermere that has no HOA.

[TeresaNJ]

To be more specific, we would be renting for at least a year, and I have found a few "older" homes in the olde Windermere area that look good online and the price is right. My husband actually is flying into Orlando tomorrow for a job interview, so it all depends on that. He has some down time, so he is going to ride by the houses I have picked out, just to see what the neighborhoods are like, and see what the houses look like from the road. I don't want to give up my house here in NJ until I'm sure things will work out.

Initially I thought Celebration was the way to go since there are tons of rentals available, it's close to Disney and I love Disney, I hate driving on highways and Celebration is walkable, it seems pretty safe, etc, BUT, I hate being told what I can do in my own home. Plus, we have a golden retriever, and she needs some room, and the majority of the homes in Celebration have dinky yards.

I've always loved the look of olde Windermere, and I wouldn't mind driving 535 into Disney, etc. I think what freaked me out before when we lived there is that I had to drive Pleasant Hill Rd and Poinciana Blvd from Bellalago, to get anywhere, and I hated every second of it. I thought drivers in NJ were crazy, but I do believe Florida has them beat, LOL.

I also found a rental in Dr Phillips that seems to meet my needs, so that is also a possibility, but again, this may all be for naught if the job doesn't come through.

[salmanalk]

Dr Phillips is a great area, very close to Disney, has a lot of great restaurants, Publix, and a whole foods...worth asking your husband to check out.

[debbie8592]

Just keep in mind that Windermere is mostly dirt roads when you get off the two main streets. Dr. Phillips is great, we're moving there from outside Windermere. Turnburry (on Apopka-Vineland between Wallace and Conroy) is an older community with large lots and (I believe) less restrictive HOA.

[Dumblonde8891]

My boyfriend and I are looking to buy a home in Windermere so we have been looking at it extensively. Haven't lived there yet so I don't know about the traffic but we love the area. According to the Orlando Sentinel crime blog, it's very safe and shows no crime - another plus! Good luck!