Moving to Orlando/Kissimmee,can you help?? (Ocala, Winter Springs: real estate, apartment complexes)

[JUMBOSLICES]

Hey people!!!
I've been skimming through the threads about people relocating to Orlando and it seems like every case is different so I figured I'd post mine to see if I can get some advise.
Me,my wife,and son plan on relocating to FL by Sept 2011 and I plan on heading down there next month to look at some properties.
We are looking to spend about 200,000 on a single family home and
I have been in touch with a few real estate agents that have sent some nice looking properties located in Apopka,Orlando,and Kissimmee areas.
The problem is that until I get down there I really have no idea as to how the area is.
I was looking for some recommendations of some other areas that I should look at that are family oriented NON-GHETTO areas.
I also wanted to know if living in a gated community is usually preferred ?
When I lived in PA a gated community meant Ghetto (It was like they tried to keep the crime IN the community,LOL),is it anything like this in FL ?
I don't even bother looking at listing for communities that everyone shares the pool rather I would like it if there were no amenities and everyone that wanted a pool had their own within the community.
Any location suggestion and help is GREATLY appreciated,Thanks!!!!!!

[annerk]

Where will you be working?

I wouldn't suggest most of Apopka or Kissimmee and some of Orlando as desirable.

You need to live near where you'll be working or you'll spend half your life in your car.

Gated communities are generally considered desirable around here, the safety level depends on the community. Gated is very different from gated and gaurded.

We really need more info to give advice valid to your situation.

[JUMBOSLICES]

Thanks for the reply!!
Here are a few more facts that will hopefully help with giving some advice/ recommendations.
My wife and I both work from home (have been for the past 6 yrs.) so I really don't need to worry about commuting to work.
I would however like to be in a location that is not too far from local attractions as well as close to shopping centers and schools.
My son is 6 yrs. old, so school is VERY important to me. He currently goes to a pvt. school, but I would be willing to try public school if the school has very good reviews.
We are looking for a min. of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a pool or at least a area that I can put a pool in. We would also like to have a decent sized yard space in addition to the pool area.
Most of the houses that have gotten my interest have been 2 floor single family homes but we would also consider a one floor home as long as it has a open floor plan and nice size rooms.
We would also like a nice master bathroom within the master bed with a walk-in shower and a nice tub.Also a furnished home is not a plus for me,we plan or furnishing the home ourselves.
Besides having a guard, could someone please inform me of the benefits that living in a gated community could offer?
Thank Again!!!

[annerk]

I live in a guarded gated community that also offers a number of social and recreational amenities.

For the most part, any homne being sold furnished is in a short term rental community, you dont' want to live there.

I'd suggest looking in the Lake Nona area or north end of Clermont, Dr. Phillips, or Windermere.

[qdogfball]

The subdivisions in Apopka N W of 441 are nice and wouldn't be too bad of a location. Now the schools aren't the best though.

The N side of Orlando has great schools (Lake Mary, Longwood, Alt Springs, Wekiva)

[JUMBOSLICES]

Originally Posted by qdogfball

The subdivisions in Apopka N W of 441 are nice and wouldn't be too bad of a location. Now the schools aren't the best though.

Words like that ("Wont be too bad")are really not good when deciding on a location,LOL.
I have been flipping through some listings in Oviedo,Ocala,and Winter Springs.Any heads up on location and schools in those areas??

Annerk,Thanks for the recommendations I'll look into those areas!! How are the schools and neighborhoods there??

[annerk]

All have good to great elementary and middle schools, high schools vary but you're so far off from that I wouldn't really factor it in--a lot can change in 10 years.

They are all safe areas with nice communities that are within a 30 minute drive from the majority of the attractions. Winter Springs is also a good choice with good schools, although it's a little further from Disney than the others I've mentioned.

[JUMBOSLICES]

Originally Posted by qdogfball

The N side of Orlando has great schools (Lake Mary, Longwood, Alt Springs, Wekiva)

How is the neighborhood/community in Lake Mary?

[jenny1657]

hi I'm also moving to Orlando area in March 2011 or sooner i'm looking for a 3br apartment in a nice area under 700 a month if any area out there i have found a few close to UCF but not sure the area, pls help

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by jenny1657

hi I'm also moving to Orlando area in March 2011 or sooner i'm looking for a 3br apartment in a nice area under 700 a month if any area out there i have found a few close to UCF but not sure the area, pls help

700 for a 3 bedroom around UCF? Wow, they have really gone down since my son went there. Some of the complexes even rent rooms in apartments separately and get $2500-$3000 a month for them if 3 or 4 roommates. It can be party city on weekends at most of the apartment complexes around UCF because of students living in them. University and Alafaya are super busy roads and tend to back up when students are getting into UCF for classes.

Seems like more rapes, break ins in the student apartments than it used to be so I think areas have gotten a little more risky in the last few years.