Question about Orlando suburbs

[Michigander2007]

Hello everyone, I original grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and now live in Michigan for the last 14 years. I'm considering moving to Orlando for a lifetime job opportunity with Siemens, however, I'm reading (even in Detroit papers) horror stories of soaring crime rates and uncontrollable gangs (the movie police academy comes to mind), tell me it isn't so. I have a 2 year old and I'm concerned for him. I'm coming down soon to take a look for my self to see if the Orlando area is a dysfunctional as people describe? Are CCW's allowed in Florida? Is there a local news paper that issues a crime map? Is traffic really that bad? And if so, how many years has the FDOT ignored that? Thanks

[jemelb]

Originally Posted by jercie

I have full blown "sticker shock" don't I? On second thought, I'm not ready to give up so fast. I may be crazy but I have always had a determination about me that has gotten me through some hard times. Maybe if I dig down deep enough, I can get that courage and determination back again. Being married 20 years may have taken its toll on me as an independent woman. I may need to find that again. I still want to live in Florida. So, I may just give it a try and hope and pray for the best! I think I can still hold down one and a half to two jobs!!

jercie,

On your next trip down to Orlando contact a Realtor. Have him or her drive you around, then come to this board and ask about the areas you visited.

BeenAroundTheBlock, has it right. I don't know of anything that rents for $400.

[Magnulus]

Siemens is near Oviedo... it is a nice place to live for a suburb. Houses are around 300,000-400,000 for a relatively large house. Better to rent than to buy. There is not much crime in Oviedo, but that may change. The area is getting much more racially diverse, more people with kids, and crime has increased slightly. Down by the university and the research park (and Siemens) it is actually in Orange County and there is more crime near the university.

[jercie]

That's an excellent idea to drive around with a realtor then come back to this thread. I will do that. Thanks everyone for your help.