Nice places to live in Orlando area (Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs: to rent, hotels)

[lee]

Hi guys,

I know this is a well reserched topic but we will be moving to Florida from England within the next 6 months (once the green card is processed) and I was wondering if anyone could give us any advice on nice areas within commuting distance of Orlando.
Initially we were going to relocate to Naples but due to the current economic situation I think Orlando is the better prospect.
We are looking to spend up to 250k on a property and dont mind if its a fixer up, we seem to be drawn to the Clermont, Davenport areas what do you think?
We are both in our late 40s with no children at home so would these be good areas?
Many thanks for any advice
Lee

[annerk]

I think you should figure out where your employment will be first. It makes no sense to put the cart before the horse, as the greater Orlando area is very spread out, and during rush hour it can easily take 90 minutes to get from the south end of Clermont to a job in Lake Mary.

[lee]

Thanks Annerk,

We intend to rent for at least 6 months initially because as you say you need to be relitively close to your work.
Basically we know Naples very well but all we know of Orlando is the theme park areas so it would be nice to have some residential areas recommended by the people who know it best.

Thanks again

Lee

[GregTraub]

Definitely will have to see where your employment ends up as there are MANY area's in the Orlando "Metro area" and like annerk has said one end ot the other can take well over an hour in rush hour.
In what feild will you be seeking employment?

Since you have 6 months just to start doing your research on particular area's, here are just a few other than those you've mentioned so far. To the North there is Lake Mary/Heathrow, Altamonte Springs, and Longwood. North East is Winter Springs, Oviedo, Chuluota. East would be Waterford Lakes, Avalon Park, Stoneybrook East and Eastwood. To the SE, Lake Nona. To the South, Hunter's Creek, Parts of Kissimmee. To the SW, Celebration, Dr. Philips/BayHill area, Windermere. To the West, Winter Garden, Oakland, and Ocoee. Central Orlando there is Downtown, College park, Winter Park, Baldwin Park and Maitland.

Clermont is beautiful as well but a bit far from "Orlando" so it will depend on what kind of job and where you get it. Each area also has it's own feel and amenities, so be sure to check them all out in person...have your agent give you a tour of each of the area's. 250K will purchase a nice home in all of those area's. Wish I could help you narrow things down but my personal favorites are Winter Springs, Lake Mary/Heathrow, Winter Park, Windermere, Dr. Phillips and Lake Mary all for different reasons but every area has it's own charm.

[applesoranges]

Windermere, along 535, is an excellent area and only 5 to 8 miles from Disney. Beautiful homes, in your price range and a new outdoor shopping mall. Check out 429 exit, off the Florida turnpike. It has it's own Publix too!

[Robineli]

Originally Posted by annerk

I think you should figure out where your employment will be first. It makes no sense to put the cart before the horse, as the greater Orlando area is very spread out, and during rush hour it can easily take 90 minutes to get from the south end of Clermont to a job in Lake Mary.

I second that.

Rent first. Every neighborhood has it's own feeling. You might like the "historic" homes, brick streets, block parties, and wandering peacocks in Thornton Park and Lake Eola Heights. Or you may prefer newer homes with tighter neighborhood standards and a spacious setting. Then again, Lake Mary might appeal to you. Why lock into a house before you decide?

[lee]

Thank for the info guys this is what we needed.

In England I run my own decorating company where we carry out decorating contracts as diverse as historic listed buildings to industrial painting.

I have been in touch with a few of the large hotel chains and they seemed interested in what I have to offer but until I get my green card we cant go any further.

Thanks again

Lee

[annerk]

FYI--Decorating is a VERY tough field in this area, there are already a lot of well established firms and with the slump in economy, many businesses (including hotels) have put projects such as rehabs on hold.

[Practice]

Windermere, Winter Park, and College Park are some of the best places to live in the Orlando metro area.

[lee]

Hi Guys,

I'm not looking to move my business to Orlando annerk, I will be looking for a job in the maintenance field as we are intending this move to be more a step into semi retirement, although I will be looking for a full time job initially.

Thanks again guys.

Lee