Looking to move to Orlando Area: Help with Cost of Living etc. (Altamonte Springs: crime)

[siceman]

I live near Chicago. My wife and Mom lost their jobs recently. Property Taxes here are nearing $9000. Along with other utilities it's getting out of hand here. I would like to pay for a house in FL in cash. Looking around $225000. My Mom is on Social S. now. My wife does not need anything more that Min. wage job, and I trade stocks.
So a nice quiet area within driving distance of things naturally, is main priority. Was wondering if anyone could tell me what taxes, and basic utilities are and suggestions on areas I could look. I've seen cheap homes in Davenport Haines City and Clermont. Are these good towns, or do I need to upgrade my house price and area search? Thanks for any help you can give.

[beckycat]

Originally Posted by siceman

I live near Chicago. My wife and Mom lost their jobs recently. Property Taxes here are nearing $9000. Along with other utilities it's getting out of hand here. I would like to pay for a house in FL in cash. Looking around $225000. My Mom is on Social S. now. My wife does not need anything more that Min. wage job, and I trade stocks.
So a nice quiet area within driving distance of things naturally, is main priority. Was wondering if anyone could tell me what taxes, and basic utilities are and suggestions on areas I could look. I've seen cheap homes in Davenport Haines City and Clermont. Are these good towns, or do I need to upgrade my house price and area search? Thanks for any help you can give.

Those areas are not that desirable from what I understand from recent posts. I think there is much more to choose from in your price range. I would definately broaden your area that you are searching. Give us a better idea of what you're looking for house wise: Square footage, land or not, close to the beach, springs, shopping, etc. IMHO, Lake Mary, Longwood, areas of Sanford are nice. You area about 40 minutes from the beach, 30 minutes from the springs. We have bike trails and parks. It's very safe here. The crime is a 2 out of 10, I believe on Sperlings. I own a 1600 sq ft house and my taxes are about $1800 and electric bill averages $120-$225. The highest being in the summer. How soon are you planning on moving? Do you have to sell first? Good luck!

[siceman]

Thanks BeckyCat for your reply. Not familiar with those places. Would like 4 Bed, 2 Bath for family that visits, and naturally a heated i ground pool. Would be awesome to have pond-conservation area in back, but just a good fenced in yard would be fine. Lot size, is not main priority. Sq. Ft. would like to be around 2000. Hope that is more specific.

[Broker Dave]

Winter Garden area around the back of Disney, a new home is going to be more energy efficient, double pane windows, high seer AC system and better insulated.

[qdogfball]

The north side of Orlando has generally good schools and nice houses.

check out Longwood, Altamonte Springs, etc.

On Truila...

147 Holderness Drive, Longwood FL - Trulia

A good house for the price, can find cheaper though.

[annerk]

You could find a nice newer home in northern Clermont (which is very desirable!) in your price range.

[Johnny Davis]

Originally Posted by annerk

You could find a nice newer home in northern Clermont (which is very desirable!) in your price range.

You are right. I just did a quick search in my MLS for homes in Clermont, Minneola and Montverde. I used the the criteria of a single family home, at least 2000 sq. ft and built no older than 2004. My search showed me 80 homes in that criteria $225,000 and under.


Not sure of your exact criteria, but this should at least show you that there are some really nice homes available in your price range.

[MovedfromFL]

You will get more bang for your buck in Clermont. (newer homes with more square footage) I would start there for sure. For your target price, you will be able to get something over 2,000 sf and very modern with a pool.