Relocating to Orlando - need guidance! (apartment complexes, rentals, condo)

[amyelst]

My boyfriend and I are getting ready to relocate to Orlando from St. Louis, MO. I will be starting law school at Florida A&M in the fall and he will be working at the Ritz Carlton. We are looking for inexpensive rentals or a cheap condo to buy (dirt cheap!! - I saw a listing for a 1 bed, 1 bath for $69,900 and that would be our price range). We have no kids or pets and don't need much space. Just wanted to know if any locals have advice on where to concentrate our efforts. We will be taking a week off soon to visit the area. I've been looking at the following apartments: Westbrook (32819), Waterbridge (32837), Berkshire Club (32837) and Falcon Trace (32837). We will be on a tight budget, but obviously want to live in a relatively safe area. Any guidance would be appreciated!!

[Nirvana-Guy]

Originally Posted by amyelst

My boyfriend and I are getting ready to relocate to Orlando from St. Louis, MO. I will be starting law school at Florida A&M in the fall and he will be working at the Ritz Carlton. We are looking for inexpensive rentals or a cheap condo to buy (dirt cheap!! - I saw a listing for a 1 bed, 1 bath for $69,900 and that would be our price range). We have no kids or pets and don't need much space. Just wanted to know if any locals have advice on where to concentrate our efforts. We will be taking a week off soon to visit the area. I've been looking at the following apartments: Westbrook (32819), Waterbridge (32837), Berkshire Club (32837) and Falcon Trace (32837). We will be on a tight budget, but obviously want to live in a relatively safe area. Any guidance would be appreciated!!

That $69,000 condo will be in Hell, not in Orlando. The area will be horrible and the building will probably have mold. You life will be a living hell.... slamming doors all hours of the night, gunshots, screaming kids, cars getting vandalized in the parking lot, loud Spanish music at 3am.... all the fun stuff.

There is no such thing as a livable and likable condo in Orlando for less than $130,000. You can believe whatever you want, but once you actually SEE the place and drive around the 'hood and see what the place is all about, there is no way you will be making a good decision.

You'd be better off RENTING than buying into a $69,000 condo neighborhood.

But you can always take your chances and move into that $69,000 condo. After all, we have people in this world who are crazy enough to play Russian Rullette!

[emb2519]

32837 is a good zip to look for apartments to rent. Close to the Ritz. Hunter's Creek is a master planned community and will provide many reasonably priced options for you. Many of the apartment complexes have turned into condo's and many investors are desperate for tenants. They are willing to negotiate on rent. You will not find these online. You need to get out, drive around and look for signs. If you are planning to be in Orlando for a few years you may consider a lease to own option on a condo as well. Many investors will allow you to apply half of your rent payment toward a future downpayment on the condo. Of course you would ultimately be purchasing the condo at a time when the market value will be higher than today, but since you don't have too many options, this is a good place to start. You will never be able to buy anything in Orlando area for under $150,000 that I would consider safe and that you could tolerate living in. Good Luck.

[cmj_fla]

I would rent for 6 months to a year before buying. That way the market will settle and you will know the area well.

I agree with emb2519 - the 32837 area code is pretty good for rentals. I am a secret shopper in my spare time and did a "secret shop" on Berkshire club and it was pretty good for the price. Waterbridge is in the same area and is pretty decent as well. Not sure about Falcon Trace.

Good luck - and hope this helps!