South Florida vs Central Florida for Raising a Family! (Jacksonville: schools, maintenance)

[StreetSmarts]

There are good and bad in both areas. For a family, I'd suggest Central FL. Lake Mary, Oviedo, Winter Springs are all great areas, in my opinion.

[Stray_Dude]

I just moved from S. FL to Orlando, because I hate S. FL (Plantation and Wellington). It's way too crowded, and people are rude. Over the past 4 years I've been coming to Orlando quite a bit and trying to see it as a resident rather than a tourist and I think it's much nicer. IMO S. FL is way too crowded and therefore expensive IMO. The quality of most restaurants and other services has gone down. Drivers are rude, and even cops rush in to block me from moving into their lane when they see my turn signal come on. So far, I don't think Orlando has the most competent drivers, but they're certainly not as rude. Orlando has its good and bad parts, and you can avoid the riff-raff. In S. FL, even people I know who live in million-dollar homes still have to deal with it when they go to the grocery etc. I'm still single, so cannot comment on family lifestyle issues, but I mentor high-school kids and have gotten to know some of them quite well. They tell me things that they won't tell their parents and I can say with certainty that I won't raise kids in S. FL. The only people I know who like their kids' schools are all paying for private school. I'll let others comment on how Orlando compares.

[DavieJ89]

Great "family oriented areas"

-Hunter's Creek (where I currently live)
-Waterford Lakes/Avalon Park
-Dr Phillips/Bay Hill (if you can afford it)
-Winter Park
-Maitland
-Oviedo
-Longwood
-Winter Springs
-Lake Mary
-Lake Nona (if you prefer a more sub-rural lifestyle)
-College Park

I think that about nails it down

[alfbroker]

Originally Posted by FrankieDNY

Hello Everyone,

I would like opinions of those who may have lived in South Florida at some point in time and moved to Central Florida. Do you like it better? Do you think it's a better place to raise your family? Do you feel less stressed out? I currently live in South Florida and feel it is not the right place to raise my family.

Any feedback is appreciated!

Then you must be on the wrong coast. Forbes Magazine just Named Miami as the most miserable city in the US, West Palm #3. I don't disagree. Moving to Orlando won't improve things much (it's a great place to visit). Look at South West Florida, Naples (must have $$$) north to Sarasota. If you like small friendly places look at Englewood or Venice. Want more art, culture, upscale see Sarasota.

[HarryWho?]

If you're raising kids and want to be near Orlando, I'd look at Harmony.

[HarryWho?]

To the guy who wanted to move from Orlando to South Florida, Jupiter is not really South Florida.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by HarryWho?

If you're raising kids and want to be near Orlando, I'd look at Harmony.

middle of nowhere subdivision

[HarryWho?]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

middle of nowhere subdivision

Ever toured the place? Great concept for kids. Not so far from Orlando.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by HarryWho?

Ever toured the place? Great concept for kids. Not so far from Orlando.

35 mins if you're speeding. Possibly much farther than that to downtown.

I've driven on US192 multiple times. They finally built a gas station nearby, but for basic things like a fitness club/gym or even Publix, you're trekking to St Cloud

[DavieJ89]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

35 mins if you're speeding. Possibly much farther than that to downtown.

I've driven on US192 multiple times. They finally built a gas station nearby, but for basic things like a fitness club/gym or even Publix, you're trekking to St Cloud

45 minutes to Downtown Orlando 38 miles one way according to google maps, thats if you follow 192 to the turnpike, then pick up I-4

I looked at Harmony and it is MUCH further out than I thought. I dont know who decided to build a community way out there. Harmony truly is an exurb of Orlando, its a 15 mile ride just to Saint Cloud