Moving to Orlando (Kissimmee, Winter Park, Winter Garden: to rent, condos, high crime)

[My2Yorkies]

My husband and i are relocating to the Orlando area in June. He is retiring and I am transferring with my job. My office will be located on Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando.

After reading all of the posts, I am tossing this out there to see if I can get some good recommendations on where to live. We have done our research on high crime areas and place to definenetly avoid etc. What we are mainly looking at is price - $300 - $400k and commute. I currently spend over 3 hours a day commuting back and forth to Washington, DC.This is a major thing to me and I don't want a long commute sitting in traffic.

Looking for single family home - no condos. Any suggestion on where I should start? I have seen some nice houses in Lake Mary?

Thanks everyone!

[GregTraub]

300-400K will get you a nice place in just about any area in Orlando. Lake Mary there are excellent choices but you will be fighting traffic each way on I-4 going to downtown and back....nothing like 3 hours your used to now, but it can take from 20 minutes with no traffic to an hour if it's heavy.

I'd suggest looking in College Park, Thornton Park, and Baldwin Park for your best commute times and in great area's. Your commute from these area's is going to be 10-20 minutes no highways. You should also be able to find a nice place in Winter Park.

For a ~30 minute commute time to downtown, Dr. Phillips may be an option, as well as Northern Windermere (Belmere neighborhood area). I suggest West Orlando because rush hour traffic usually isn't an issue on the west side.

Depending on size, age, and amenities you'd like nearby will help narrow down specific neighborhoods.

[My2Yorkies]

Is Windemere in West Orlando?

[brinkofsunshine]

Originally Posted by My2Yorkies

Is Windemere in West Orlando?

It's considered a little more Southwest Orlando.

[Starfishlover]

I agree with Gregtraub. Winter Park is adorable. (has a few areas that are not so great-but overall considered very nice-great shops and places to eat on Park Avenue) College Park is cute. I would think the crime is going to be higher in Thorton Park (although it is a cute area but that is basically downtown) I think Baldwin Park is adorable-a little longer commute though. Maitland is a bit farther (next to Winter Park) but has some cute/safe spots.

[benice66]

I would pick Windermere/Winter Garden along 535. This is 7 miles north of DW. Beautiful neighborhoods. You get on 408 and go right downtown. No need to get on 4 at all.

[GLS2010]

Originally Posted by benice66

I would pick Windermere/Winter Garden along 535. This is 7 miles north of DW. Beautiful neighborhoods. You get on 408 and go right downtown. No need to get on 4 at all.

thats what I love about living east of the 417. I never need to use I-4.

[grace_orlando]

I am also moving to Orlando due to job a new job in 32837 zipcode. I believe it's between Orlando and Kissimmee. What are the good placed to rent in the south of Orlando? Thanks.

[GLS2010]

Originally Posted by grace_orlando

I am also moving to Orlando due to job a new job in 32837 zipcode. I believe it's between Orlando and Kissimmee. What are the good placed to rent in the south of Orlando? Thanks.

hunters creek, and south downtown Orlando.

[blueoktober]

Check out Delaney Park and Lake Davis. Historic, less than a mile to the business district and access to both 408 and I4 within seconds. 400k will get you a 3/2 older home with about 1800 sq ft but it's worth it if you want anything remotely "urban".

Thornton Park is a great place and people always tout it, but it's literally like 5 blocks big and I just don't get the appeal of living in the middle of trendy bars and restaurants. It is nice though in parts.