Nice family suburb outside of Orlando? (Sanford, Winter Springs: best city, home, neighborhoods)

[camom2]

Hi All,

Hubby has a job possibility in Orlando, sorry I don't know which part of Orlando just yet, cuz it will be a new office but.........

Don't know if I should be looking North of Orlando, South, East or West ??? Price range is up to 300K

If I can get some names of cities that are safe, family friendly and have great schools, it will get me started : )

Thank You in advance, sure appreciate it : )

[JustinsMama]

Okay, I don't actually live there (yet) but always hear great things about Winter Springs, Oviedo and Lake Mary (Seminole County) and Clermont.

Good luck!

[GLS2010]

Look into Oviedo (north east sububrb about 20 mins from downtown orlando)

[annerk]

You really need to find out where the office will be first--it could make a huge difference in his commute.

[camom2]

Annerk, im with ya on that, but no can do for now. he would be starting the office so being in CA, i just need a good starting point and so far all the responses have helped me tremendously.

Thanks everyone!!!

[camom2]

I am noticing that seminole county seems to be a nice location outside of Orlando, but noticed that schools in Sanford seem to be not as highly rated as Lake Mary.

But you seem to get more bang for your buck in Sanford, must keep looking : P

[Broker Dave]

In no certain order
1) Lake Mary, established, good schools and family life (last year it was picked as the 4th best city out of 10 in the U.S.)
2)Winter Springs, established, good schools and family life.
3)Lake Nona, new, large section zoned as Innovation Way (high tech corridor)
4)Horizon West, mixed new and established area between Windermere and Winter Garden (back side of Disney) Winter Garden Village open air shopping, good schools.
5)Wekiva Springs, established, good schools and family life.

[brinkofsunshine]

The southwest area is really nice- Dr. Phillips and Windermere, specifically. Great schools, nice quiet neighborhoods and it's just a beautifully kept area. Lots of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment (it's nestled between Universal Studios and Disney). Plus it's very safe.

[camom2]

Hmmmm, I will check out those areas brink... Thanks : P

[aneftp]

Originally Posted by camom2

I am noticing that seminole county seems to be a nice location outside of Orlando, but noticed that schools in Sanford seem to be not as highly rated as Lake Mary.

But you seem to get more bang for your buck in Sanford, must keep looking : P

Be very careful of how the schools are zoned. Seriously you could have someone in the same zip code, less than 1/4 of a miles away going to a different school than your kids.

While I understand that Florida wants to "socially integrate" their public schools (ie they want to avoid letting some schools be labeled as "free lunch school", while another school has less than 2 percent getting free lunch., you may end up paying $$$ for a home in a very good neighborhood but Florida but will forced to send your kids to the public school with over 20-30% of kids getting free lunch.