Just another where to live thread (Orlando, Oak Ridge: apartment, rental, crime)

[needanamethatisnttaken]

I'm a mid twenties male. Work is near Universal, but there is some possibility that I may be working some, if not all, of the time on the east side of town near UCF. Naturally, I would also like to be near places where people my age socialize. I'm thinking of buying a place so I can have a back yard for a dog and a garage for toys. Upper limit of my budget is about $200k. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[brinkofsunshine]

I would say to look at the neighborhoods around downtown (or if you decide on apartment living, downtown itself). I'm not entirely up-to-date on the rental or buyer's market surrounding downtown, so maybe someone else can input that. Look into neighborhoods like Thornton Park, Audubon Park, and College Park. I haven't really delved into it myself yet, but there seems to be a growing art, music and culture scene around downtown that looks promising. Also, living downtown would allow for some flexibility in terms of where you work; living in East Orlando and commuting over to Dr. Phillips (where Universal is) is a schlep.. I do the opposite trip twice a week and it's quite annoying.

If you choose to live near Universal, your choices will be limited by your budget. Dr. Phillips is an affluent neighborhood and the home values reflect that. The cheaper areas near Universal (MetroWest, Millenia and Oak Ridge) have crime issues.

[americandreamdead]

Just rent a house with 16 other UCF or Valencia students in an established neighborhood.

Try Waterford Lakes, Eastwood or Avalon Park for starters.

Have alcohol and drug infused parties all night and be the envy of all the neighbors.

Don't maintain the yard and trash the home - The landlords will never know.

Its the hot trend among 20-somethings now. Do it!

[chopchop0]

Downtown is your best bet if you are trying to manage being between Universal and UCF.

[Broker Dave]

There are options but getting harder with the number of first time buyers in the market with the same basic criteria.

Select a realtor to give you some options, it will help you cut through the fog.

Hope this helps,

[Crane's Rooster]

Colonialtown (North/South), Audobon Park, Conway, College Parks would be areas for your commute, price range and plenty to do for young singles.

[needanamethatisnttaken]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

Colonialtown (North/South), Audobon Park, Conway, College Parks would be areas for your commute, price range and plenty to do for young singles.

This is pretty much the answer I expected. How's Conway in terms of stuff to do? Seems like the best thing it has going for it is being relatively central and relatively close to downtown. But the other areas you mentioned seem to do a better job of both of those things if I can manage to find a place that isn't a 2/1 from 1935.

Thanks for all the suggestions thusfar, keep them coming.

[jhlcomp]

Originally Posted by needanamethatisnttaken

I'm a mid twenties male. Work is near Universal, but there is some possibility that I may be working some, if not all, of the time on the east side of town near UCF. Naturally, I would also like to be near places where people my age socialize. I'm thinking of buying a place so I can have a back yard for a dog and a garage for toys. Upper limit of my budget is about $200k. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

As a long time resident of Florida the best advice anyone can give you is to rent first. Figure out a mid way point to all things that are important to you and throw out your anchor. That s what i did when i first moved here and after 1 year i knew exactly where i wanted to live, bought a house and no regrets.