Orlando in only 3 days (Tampa, Sanford: best neighborhoods, neighborhoods, theater)

[Kiltema]

Salutations City-Daters,
I am moving to Florida and have to decide between the Orlando area or the Tampa Bay area. Having read many (many) threads, I now seek your help in deciding the best area.

I have only 3 days to visit each location, so please list the best that the Orlando area has to offer (excluding the theme parks).

Will be posting over in the Tampa forum also.

Much appreciation for your suggestions.

[brinkofsunshine]

The best neighborhoods in Orlando can be found in downtown (Thornton Park, College Park, Audubon Park, Winter Park), and in the suburbs such as Dr. Phillips, Windermere, and Lake Mary. You'd need to give more information on what you're looking for to be able to give you a good place to really look.

[kyle19125]

For Orlando neighborhoods I would recommend:

Lake Nona*
Hunters Creek
Avalon Park*
College Park
Thornton Park
Dr Phillips


For Orlando Suburbs:

Lake Mary/West Sanford*
Heathrow*
Oviedo*
Longwood/Wekiva Springs*
Winter Park
Windermere

If schools/children are a consideration I would narrow to those marked with an asterisk.

[Kiltema]

Thanks for the replies.

The neighborhoods are just one aspect of my visit, but I'm also looking at other aspects that would help a newcomer decide on a relocation. What are the selling points of the region?
On my list so far are: Downtown Orlando/Lake Eola area, Winter Park (downtown), The Mall at Millenia (not that I a big shopper).

I see these areas mentioned in other threads: Delaney Park, Thornton Park, Windermere, Avalon Park, Lake Nona, and Baldwin Park. Are they worth visiting?

What other scenic areas/(non-theme park) attractions should I visit?

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by Kiltema

Thanks for the replies.

The neighborhoods are just one aspect of my visit, but I'm also looking at other aspects that would help a newcomer decide on a relocation. What are the selling points of the region?
On my list so far are: Downtown Orlando/Lake Eola area, Winter Park (downtown), The Mall at Millenia (not that I a big shopper).

I see these areas mentioned in other threads: Delaney Park, Thornton Park, Windermere, Avalon Park, Lake Nona, and Baldwin Park. Are they worth visiting?

What other scenic areas/(non-theme park) attractions should I visit?

It just so happens I have a map that I made for another thread that highlights all of the main street districts and areas you should drive through to get a feel of the local Orlando flavor. Areas are highlighted in red with the names of the areas to the left.

The Real Orlando - Google Maps

[OrlFlaUsa]

Originally Posted by Pete C

It just so happens I have a map that I made for another thread that highlights all of the main street districts and areas you should drive through to get a feel of the local Orlando flavor. Areas are highlighted in red with the names of the areas to the left.

The Real Orlando - Google Maps

Great map. The real Orlando certainly extends well beyond the red areas, but those are the main drags that will sum up the overall experience.

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by Kiltema

I see these areas mentioned in other threads: Delaney Park, Thornton Park, Windermere, Avalon Park, Lake Nona, and Baldwin Park. Are they worth visiting?

What other scenic areas/(non-theme park) attractions should I visit?

I would visit these areas simply because they are desirable and would be doing yourself a disservice not to at least take a look.

Non Theme park attractions I would recommend are Leu Gardens, Loch Haven Park (which includes Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art and Repertory Theater), Orange County History Center, Bok Tower Gardens, Crane's Roost Park, Wekiva Springs State Park, Blue Springs State Park and Downtown Mt. Dora.

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by OrlFlaUsa

Great map. The real Orlando certainly extends well beyond the red areas, but those are the main drags that will sum up the overall experience.

Yeah, there is definitely a lot more. To me these are the most interesting/unique to Orlando as areas like Restaurant Row or Mall at Millennia are pretty typical in Florida cities.

[Kiltema]

Some excellent suggestions here. Thanks!
Great map Pete.

[beckypooh1972]

I'm moving to the Orlando area for my job and my manager advised me to choose a place close to work because the I-4 traffic in Orlando is so bad. Don't know about Tampa.

My advice would be to live close to your job and the amenities you think you'll use the most - you never know when gas prices could spike again!

If you are retired, then you simply need to consider the amenities of the location you choose. Good luck with your search!