Oviedo... what exactly is so great about it? (Orlando, Altamonte Springs: amusement parks, good schools)

[volk2k]

I've heard the schools are awesome.... but why else do people want to live there?

I drove through the area on the way to meet a friend last week, but may have missed some "hot spots" so I've been underwhelmed.

Can someone point out a couple of areas or addresses that make living there worthy of the hype?

Oviedo is "way out" there to me, and I have never had a real reason to be on that side of town, so I'm pretty clueless.

[brinkofsunshine]

I guess it's the good schools, reasonable housing prices and quiet, suburban living.

I'm in the same boat as you... I don't see the appeal.

[IAm_FloridaBorn]

Originally Posted by volk2k

I've heard the schools are awesome.... but why else do people want to live there?

I drove through the area on the way to meet a friend last week, but may have missed some "hot spots" so I've been underwhelmed.

Can someone point out a couple of areas or addresses that make living there worthy of the hype?

Oviedo is "way out" there to me, and I have never had a real reason to be on that side of town, so I'm pretty clueless.

Nothing is good about it.

[OrlFlaUsa]

UCF Oviedo is not really way out there (if you're point of reference is UCF of course). But in all reality, it's deep suburbia with many parts being downright exurban in feel, that's it.

[annerk]

"Way out there" is relevant to where you work. If you work in the UCF or Maitland area, then Oviedo is quite convenient and offers a lot.

Many people think that Clermont (where I live) is "way out there" but the reality is that if you are working in Southwest Orange County or South Lake County, the commute is generally 30 minutes or less. There is plenty of shopping and entertainment within 15 minutes of my home.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by annerk

"Way out there" is relevant to where you work. If you work in the UCF or Maitland area, then Oviedo is quite convenient and offers a lot.

Exactly, as many in Seminole County consider Orlando/Orange County "way out there" also. We have jobs, services and everything else needed pretty much (except amusement parks and outlet malls) to keep us occupied.

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by volk2k

I've heard the schools are awesome.... but why else do people want to live there?

I drove through the area on the way to meet a friend last week, but may have missed some "hot spots" so I've been underwhelmed.

Can someone point out a couple of areas or addresses that make living there worthy of the hype?

Oviedo is "way out" there to me, and I have never had a real reason to be on that side of town, so I'm pretty clueless.

I think you've inadvertently answered your own question. Most people who love Oviedo is because it's out there and somewhat rural. It's really the closest semi "country" setting to the other populations and business centers in CFL. I personally would choose other areas as it is a little isolated and slow for my pace as well.

If you didn't like the rural/isolated nature of Oviedo but want the same qualities in a more developed/connected community I would highly recommend the Lake Brantley/Wekiva/Sweetwater area. Great schools as well but more developed as it borders Altamonte Springs. Easy access to I4, quiet beautiful natural settings but 5 mins from anything you might need or want. Take a trip out there down Sandlake Rd., Hunt Club Blvd, and Wekiva Springs Rd. On your way there or back take a drive around Altamonte to get a feel for how close it is to all the amenities you'll have in Altamonte.

[EricInOrlando]

I think it mostly comes down to whether you prefer suburban or urban living.

[AONE]

To me it is a decent suburban lifestyle with an almost rural feel. It is convenient to the UCF/ technology Park area and has decent schools.

Personally I like Winter Park better, more central location, more things to do, prettier setting, better schools... but can also be more expensive..... Oviedo does have bang for your buck.

[Downtown Steve]

It's not for me for many reasons, but I generally encourage friends of mine, even if they have no desire for "city life" to do their homework before moving into an area like Oviedo (or Clermont) - especially if they think they are escaping traffic. There's a tremendous amount of growth yet to come for our area and moving "further away" could be a real mistake if that growth happens and we aren't prepared infrastructure-wise or having alternatives for rising fuel prices.

I like rural areas as well, and enjoy making the trek to visit friends who live in the country - but make no mistake about it - most of the areas people are moving to on the fringe are not rural or won't be soon. There's too much political will against slowing down growth no matter how poorly planned it is. "Citrus Tower" is now affectionally called "Shingle Tower" in Lake County and what used to be a quick drive from UCF to the Oviedo Marketplace when I attended UCF is no longer a short trip without a toll road and for that matter the Oviedo Marketplace isn't even an appealing destination.

I usually recommend moving north and south of Orlando along I-4. Beltways are for the birds.