Winter Park Area for a young College Student? (Jacksonville, Orlando: crime, house) - Florida (FL) - City-Data Forum

Yellowfrizbee · 10-06-2009, 10:07 PM

I am currently living in Orange Park, fl just outside of Jacksonville. Im 18 years old going on 19 and plan to go to college very soon, which brings me to the reason I am here.

I am almost positive I plan to go to Valencia CC-- only problem is I do not know the area very well. I am 102 lb, 5'6" female. Needless to say, I dont feel very secure about how well I can defend myself against any crime risks.

That being said, I want to know how well the Winter Park area is for a young aspiring college student. First and foremost is the area near Valencia's Winter Park campus safe? (I generally mean the city of Winter Park all together)

Thats the most important part. After that question is answered, I of course would love to know how the night life is etc. Any close venues? Entertainment for the youth? Obviously not as important, but if anyone has the experience to tell me then im listening

Wilshire81182 · 10-07-2009, 05:38 AM

Winter Park is a pretty safe area. You can look at crime maps, call the local police precinct, etc to do your fact checking, but the heart of Winter Park where the VCC campus is located is very safe and a solid area. Not to mention the fact that there are a ton of cool cafes, shops, and boutiques in the area. You will notice there are a lot of students in the area as well due to Rollins College. BTW, VCC is a very good community college as well. I had a great experience there so best of luck on your search and academic career!

Wilshire81182 · 10-07-2009, 05:41 AM

P.S. -

There are a lot of posh places and cool hangouts in Winter Park, but the venues for entertainment are closer to downtown Orlando, Universal and downtown Disney. These are more the places you will have live music, well attended bars and clubs, great crowds, etc. Winter Park is a little older in general, but a pretty refined crowd. It almost feels more like a older California town or European town. It has a great deal of charm, where Orlando and areas downtown are more like a typical city and what you would be used to.

mongoslade223 · 10-07-2009, 06:07 AM

Will you have a car? Altamonte Springs is a little farther away but probably cheaper. Casselberry also.

Yellowfrizbee · 10-07-2009, 12:03 PM

Thanks Wilshire, that was very helpful. I did do the crime check but its always nice to hear it first hand from people who actually live there, so thanks again.

I will have a car btw, mongo. The Park Avenue looks like a great place to relax and Ive heard the Altamonte Mall is a nice place as well. I figure when I want to go to concert venues ill just drive the 35 min to Downtown. Winter Park seems solid so far.

brinkofsunshine · 10-07-2009, 06:25 PM

Winter Park is one of the most beautiful, luxurious places in Orlando. A lot of old money, but the Rollins campus right in town means a lot of students around. I'm an 18-year-old girl too and I've always loved the area. And Winter Park's definitely not 35 minutes from downtown! More like 10 on I-4 on a good day

GLS2010 · 10-07-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellowfrizbee

Thanks Wilshire, that was very helpful. I did do the crime check but its always nice to hear it first hand from people who actually live there, so thanks again.

I will have a car btw, mongo. The Park Avenue looks like a great place to relax and Ive heard the Altamonte Mall is a nice place as well. I figure when I want to go to concert venues ill just drive the 35 min to Downtown. Winter Park seems solid so far.

yea, winter park is very close to downtown, like 10 mins using regular streets, and like 5 mins if you use I-4. and the theme parks are about 20 mins away via I-4

Yellowfrizbee · 10-07-2009, 07:32 PM

Wow, that is more than awesome to hear. I know I will be going to the House of Blues very frequently as im sure that will be my get away from stress. I thought 35 min because of google maps.

Thanks again for the helpful replies. All info is welcome. Im thrilled to hear that its safe; high cost is worth it. You go to college yet, brinkofsunshine? Maybe ill see you there, eh?

brinkofsunshine · 10-07-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellowfrizbee

You go to college yet, brinkofsunshine? Maybe ill see you there, eh?

Well unfortunately I go to school in New York City, but I miss Orlando so much. Hopefully I'll be visiting Winter Park again soon. I can almost guarantee you're going to like it there!

Pete C · 10-07-2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellowfrizbee

Wow, that is more than awesome to hear. I know I will be going to the House of Blues very frequently as im sure that will be my get away from stress. I thought 35 min because of google maps.

Thanks again for the helpful replies. All info is welcome. Im thrilled to hear that its safe; high cost is worth it. You go to college yet, brinkofsunshine? Maybe ill see you there, eh?

Oh, then you must be thinking of Downtown Disney and not Downtown Orlando. Winter Park is only 5 min from downtown Orlando, and there are a lot of fun places there to go out on the weekends.