Relocating to Lake Mary (Orlando, Sanford: HOA fees, condo, homes)

[mlamb123]

Hi, My family is considering moving to the Orlando area. Most likely Lake Mary area. We have 3 children ages 1,3, and 6. I have been doing a little research on Lake Mary and I have fallen in love with it.

We are looking to purchase a home between 200-300k... because we have not yet visited the area I would just like to know what neighborhoods would be good to raise a family in. Schools are very important to us so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks
Mlamb

[Broker Dave]

Most focus on The Crossings area (we have many family and friends throughout The Crossings) made up of different communities, others are Sheffield, Eagles Crossing, Manderley, Woodbridge Lakes, Hills of Lake Mary, Heathrow naming a few.

Some of these have higher HOA fee's than others, the question is what are you looking for a a monthly payment? $140 annual to $1872 annual (paid monthly or quarterly)

[mlamb123]

Thanks for the info. I guess I hadn't really thought about the HOA fees... I'm guessing no more than $500 annually. Is that reasonable? Anyway, we are relocating from Minnesota so Florida will be a big change but we are looking forward to it.

I have spent my whole life vacationing in Ft. Myers. My parents own a condo there so I'm a little familiar with Florida!! We are just looking to make our transition as easy as possible!!

Thanks again for the information,

Mlamb

[beckycat]

If I can make a suggestion, I'd like to give my opinion. I moved here from PA 9yrs ago. As the OP said, most ppl focus on the Crossings as we did. We lived there 4 years and it was decent. The only thing we didn't like about was the fact that alot of the homes are on 0 lot line. You can literally reach out you your window and touch your neighbors house. The backyard is the size of a box. Therefore, we chose to move to neighboring Longwood which borders Lake Mary. The kids still go to Lake Mary High, but we have a 1/2 acre now. Anyhow, bottom line, I'd move down first and possibly research the neighborhoods. I like these better even though they are more expensive: Manderley, Woodbridge Lakes, and Hills of Lake Mary. You've made a good choice in chosing Lake Mary. Just be careful that whatever home that you pick, you're zoned for Lake Mary High. Good luck!

[Broker Dave]

My wife Patty lived in Ft Myers for 5 years, we live in Lake Mary now and the kids attended Heathrow Elementary, Greenwood Middle and Lake Mary High. Patty’s mom is an original Florida girl and she has a story where back in the '30's her dad would say,


"With all these people moving here Florida is going to break off from the weight".

Ha what a hoot, little did he know!

From one transplant to another, welcome and I hope you have as much success with you new direction in life as I have.

[mlamb123]

Thanks so much Brokerdave and beckycat for your opinions and advice. We are definately looking forward to our move!! If anyone thinks of anything else important that I need to consider please let me know!!

mlamb

[beckycat]

Here's an older post of mine if you visit here. This will give you an idea of the area:
In Lake Mary, travel down Lake Mary Blvd (east) from I4 to Rinehart, turn left on Rinehart (subdivisions on right), pass over 46A to next light, turn left on Town Center Blvd to shopping area, mall, and restaurants. Go straight to 46 in Sanford, turn right on 46. Go to Upsala and turn right. Go to T in road and turn right on Country Club Road. Take Country Club Road through Lake Mary to Lake Mary Blvd. Turn right on Lake Mary Blvd to get back to I4. If you'd like to see some neighborhoods, once you get back on Lake Mary Blvd, turn left on Longwood/Lake Mary Rd. Go past Lake Mary High and turn right on Greenway Blvd. There are neighborhoods all over that street that you can wander through. Once you get back on Greenway, go to T in the road, turn right on Lake Emma to Lake Mary Blvd. There are subdisions on Lake Emma too. Turn left to get back to I4. It may sound confusing but Lake Mary is pretty simple to get around and isn't that big. That will give you a good idea of Lake Mary. Good Luck!

[chuck2lisa]

hi my name is chuck me my wife &5yr old are moving to florida in nov. we are looking at lake mary or winterpark or lady lake can anyone tell me where is the better place we want a small town to live in we are moving from pa near reading if any one knows where that is thanks

[beckycat]

Originally Posted by chuck2lisa

hi my name is chuck me my wife &5yr old are moving to florida in nov. we are looking at lake mary or winterpark or lady lake can anyone tell me where is the better place we want a small town to live in we are moving from pa near reading if any one knows where that is thanks

I'm from PA and I'm familiar with Reading. I can't compare Lake Mary or Winter Park to Reading. It's a totally different place. I don't know about Lady Lake either. That being said, I can give you my opinion on what I know. Lake Mary has grown alot since I've been here. It doesn't give a small to feel to me, it's more the suburbs. We do have a small downtown here that has activities occasionally. Sanford has more. I believe our population is around 30K. Too me a small town would be 10K or less. Anyhow, we have everything you need here and between Sanford which I really enjoy.

Winter Park has different areas, some that are really nice and others that aren't as desirable. They have a small, quaint area for shopping called Winter Park Villiage. They hold art shows there and other activities. Living in that area is pricey. WP is closer to Orlando. They are both nice areas and I guess it's what you can afford or what you like. Also, I would consider where you'd be working.

[GloryB]

I have friends in Lake Mary. It is such a nice clean area with great shopping. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying living in the area.