[Maggiemae129]

Hello All,
I am currently renting in the Hunters Creek area (recently moved from Massachusetts). I am looking at a house in St Cloud (off Holopaw rd, near Harmony High). The area seems a little abandoned, but I love the large land lot and the privacy.
I have a few concerns, though. The house has a well and septic. I've never dealt with those before and would like any advice on purchasing a home with them.
Also, I'm trying to find out a little about the community. I liked the old-town feel of it and, although it appears a little bit run-down, it seems homey. I am a white single woman with a 14 year-old daughter. I grew up in Boston, but have lived in the suburbs while raising my children, so I've had some issues with feeling safe in some of these noisy, crowded areas here. We are also a VERY liberal family. We don't spew our thoughts or beliefs on everyone, but would rather not be somewhere intolerant of race, religion, sexuality, etc.
I work from home and homeschool my daughter, so I do not have concerns about getting to work or dealing with school systems. We join up with groups all over Florida for companionship and entertainment. I just want a home in a safe area with a little space and privacy.
Thanks for any info or suggestions,
Maggie

[HarryWho?]

Holopaw suburban estates 2012 - YouTube

[DAP101]

Originally Posted by Maggiemae129

Hello All,
I am currently renting in the Hunters Creek area (recently moved from Massachusetts). I am looking at a house in St Cloud (off Holopaw rd, near Harmony High). The area seems a little abandoned, but I love the large land lot and the privacy.
I have a few concerns, though. The house has a well and septic. I've never dealt with those before and would like any advice on purchasing a home with them.
Also, I'm trying to find out a little about the community. I liked the old-town feel of it and, although it appears a little bit run-down, it seems homey. I am a white single woman with a 14 year-old daughter. I grew up in Boston, but have lived in the suburbs while raising my children, so I've had some issues with feeling safe in some of these noisy, crowded areas here. We are also a VERY liberal family. We don't spew our thoughts or beliefs on everyone, but would rather not be somewhere intolerant of race, religion, sexuality, etc.
I work from home and homeschool my daughter, so I do not have concerns about getting to work or dealing with school systems. We join up with groups all over Florida for companionship and entertainment. I just want a home in a safe area with a little space and privacy.
Thanks for any info or suggestions,
Maggie

Hi Maggie,

I'm also thinking about relocating to St. Cloud & have a similar background. I agree with you about what I've seen & read so far; St. Cloud does seem like a homey place to live not far from the Kissimmee area with shopping, restaurants, etc. I'd like to know if you've found any information or if you've moved there how you like it so far.

Thanks!

[GHOSTRIDER AZ]

Originally Posted by HarryWho?

Holopaw suburban estates 2012 - YouTube

Its very emotional to me!:crying :

Bet you do not see too many Tourist!
Mud, Big Trucks and Rednecks, A Florida Paradise!

Good video!

[GHOSTRIDER AZ]

Originally Posted by Maggiemae129

Hello All,
I am currently renting in the Hunters Creek area (recently moved from Massachusetts). I am looking at a house in St Cloud (off Holopaw rd, near Harmony High). The area seems a little abandoned, but I love the large land lot and the privacy.
I have a few concerns, though. The house has a well and septic. I've never dealt with those before and would like any advice on purchasing a home with them.
Also, I'm trying to find out a little about the community. I liked the old-town feel of it and, although it appears a little bit run-down, it seems homey. I am a white single woman with a 14 year-old daughter. I grew up in Boston, but have lived in the suburbs while raising my children, so I've had some issues with feeling safe in some of these noisy, crowded areas here. We are also a VERY liberal family. We don't spew our thoughts or beliefs on everyone, but would rather not be somewhere intolerant of race, religion, sexuality, etc.
I work from home and homeschool my daughter, so I do not have concerns about getting to work or dealing with school systems. We join up with groups all over Florida for companionship and entertainment. I just want a home in a safe area with a little space and privacy.
Thanks for any info or suggestions,
Maggie

Some very good places off Neptune Road. Plenty of Home and land. St. cloud is actually a very nice. Its not Orlando , but the Florida Turn Pike is near for that speedy trip to O-Town

[LordHomunculus]

Originally Posted by HarryWho?

Holopaw suburban estates 2012 - YouTube

That is actually pretty cool.

[CouchTater]

We have been looking at a few homes in the Holopaw area ourselves but also have no experience with septic tanks or wells but like the lot sizes and the semi privacy. I notice the area is fairly close to what looks to be a nice new looking fire station but do not see any fire hydrants since there is no water or sewer in the area. Just curious if anyone has any knowledge of the area, how much it costs to insure a manufactured home in that area, trash pick up, mail delivery, crime statistics etc. Any info greatly appreciated.

[Maggiemae129]

Hi all,
I thought I would update since I have received so much wonderful advice on these forums.
I have been in Holopaw for a little over 1 1/2 years and I do have to admit that it's a redneck's paradise. I am delighted with what I paid for my home and land (although the value has increased quite a bit already), as opposed to the Orlando area and I am happy here for the most part.
It is definitely more of a white, conservative, religious area and quite old fashioned in many ways so I don't fit in especially well with my liberal views. However, the people are very friendly and the few that I have gotten to know (maybe 5 because I'm in the middle of nowhere) have been kind country folk.
Most of the area is wooded and it is quite a bit more damp than the rest of the central Florida area, so I have had some trouble adjusting to the bugs. This has probably been the hardest part, but I've invested in some zappers and it's getting much better.
There is very little crime here and the few events that do occur tend to be minor issues (domestic disputes, bar room brawls, theft of items left outside, etc.). I feel quite safe here.
I am about an hour away from most of the popular attractions, so it's not too bad, given my privacy and space here, although I would have liked to be a little closer to civilization.
I intended to make this my own little paradise and stay here forever, but I may end up a little closer to the beach or a little further south, now that I'm learning more about Florida.

So, here's my list of pros and cons for those considering this area:
Pros- home and land prices, quiet, safe, lots of nature, great high school (Harmony, although I homeschool), NO HOA or CONDO FEES (big problem in most of Florida, lots of rules and fees)!!!!!

Cons- distance to almost anywhere (you absolutely need reliable transportation, there are no buses or other options), somewhat swampy, critters.

I did not categorize rednecks, religion or political beliefs, because they would belong in either category, depending on what you're looking for.

I hope this is helpful for newbies. This move was terribly difficult for me and I don't know if I could have done it without the help of strangers.