Commute between lake mary areas and tavares?? (Sanford, Seminole: movie theater, schools)

[reddogmom1]

Hello all! What kind of commute can I expect if I live in Lake Mary (exact location yet unknown) and work at Florida Hospital Waterman in
Tavares? Would you suggest particular areas of Lake Mary over others with this commute in mind? What would the best commute route be? Thank you, in advance!

[Crane's Rooster]

Take I-4 east to SR 46 until it hits 441. Take 441 to waterman. This may be slight longer in mileage but it is more direct, much less congested and more scenic.

[beckycat]

IMHO, I think it's kind of far. I think it will be at least 40 minutes. Although Lake Mary is a great area, why are you chosing it? Is it b/c of schools? If you'd like to stay in Seminole County, the west area of Sanford off 46 has some very nice areas. I think that would cut your commute down some. Also, Sorrento, right over the bridge, in Lake County is very nice. Let me know if I could help anymore.

[reddogmom1]

Thank you both, Beckycat and Crane's Rooster. As far as why I chose Lake Mary, I believe it would be a good fit for housing choices, community structure, convenience to shopping, dining, etc. I am looking for a more upscale area, with a Starbucks and Bed Bath and Beyond nearby! What I am really saying is that's the level of amenities/shopping I want. I am moving from the Northeast and am somewhat spoiled in terms of what is available to me now. I like the idea of being able to chat with neighbors who also have similar expectations. I'm being honest by saying I don't mind the planned/gated community concept. Maybe I'm missing other areas to consider but it's not always easy to access a place without having visited or getting the "inside scoop" from those already living the life! I will be visiting in a few weeks but will only have a limited number of days with a realtor. BTW, Crane's Rooster, how long do you estimate the trip would take using your directions??

[annerk]

I agree, that's a hell of a commute every day.

[reddogmom1]

Even from the western areas of Lake Mary like Heathrow

[reddogmom1]

So OK, Mt Dora also sounds beautiful but I am somewhat unsure if I would feel too "out of the loop" when it came to shopping, dining, etc. This is the most obvious choice of locations when considering the commute to Tavares, but I'm wondering if it's too small for my preferences. Where I live now is a great combo of small town feel with lots of shopping and such within 5-10 minutes. Is this a community that is accepting of transplanted people? The friendly transplanted types? Thanks for any opinions!

[annerk]

Have you looked at Clermont and Minneola? I work just down the road from Waterman and live in Clermont, and it's a very, very easy drive with a handful of traffic lights, minimal traffic, and it takes me 25-30 minutes. It would be 35-40 to Waterman from here. You could cut 10 minutes off if you found a place in Minneola. Shopping is 5-10 minutes away. We've got JC Penney, Belk, TJ Maxx, Target, Wal-Mart, a movie theater, restaurants, etc. It's not the sleepy little area it used to be, but it still has a friendly small-town feel.

[reddogmom1]

Thanks, Annerk. Will investigate both towns. But it sounds like the same (ish) 40 minute commute as it would be from parts of Lake Mary??? Would it be an any better commute if I was on the west side of Lake Mary, like Heathrow seems to be?

[annerk]

If you are on the northern end of Minneola it should be no more than 30 minutes door to door. There are some really nice communities there, and it's still really convenient to shoopping, etc.