Lake Mary or Oviedo (Orlando, Altamonte Springs: rental, daycare, houses)

[StreetSmarts]

This may be a little premature, but I thought I'd ask around...

For schools and daycare, which one provides better in terms of quality and education (I guess what I'm asking is which one overall has better schooling options)? This can include pre-school, kindergarten and on up to elementary, middle and high school. Do you feel that one is a better place for a family over the other? I personally feel that these two cities are the best places to live in the area. Thanks.

Side note: It also seems like rental houses are more expensive in Oviedo than Lake Mary, and having lived in the area before, it kind of surprises me a bit.

[beckycat]

Originally Posted by ComSense

This may be a little premature, but I thought I'd ask around...

For schools and daycare, which one provides better in terms of quality and education (I guess what I'm asking is which one overall has better schooling options)? This can include pre-school, kindergarten and on up to elementary, middle and high school. Do you feel that one is a better place for a family over the other? I personally feel that these two cities are the best places to live in the area. Thanks.

Side note: It also seems like rental houses are more expensive in Oviedo than Lake Mary, and having lived in the area before, it kind of surprises me a bit.

I'd say either one. They are both good. Are you moving back?

[StreetSmarts]

Working on it... But in the end, wife has to agree. Got a couple of offers (or possible offers) in FL.

[kyle19125]

I'd recommend Lake Mary. It has more of a small town feel to me versus Oviedo which I find more rural and kind of spread out. Lake Mary seems more convenient to most of the metro area thanks to it's proximity to both I-4 and the 417. Education wise they're pretty much dead even in terms of rankings/scores/school grades.

[StreetSmarts]

The only thing I dont like (personally) about LM is how I-4 is such a large part of your travels.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by ComSense

The only thing I dont like (personally) about LM is how I-4 is such a large part of your travels.

It is (and isn't) depending upon where you're going. If going to Altamonte Springs, Maitland or downtown Orlando yes....otherwise the 417 or other secondary roads are better options. Arguably 17-92 is as quick (or quicker) as I-4 to the east side of Altamonte if one is headed that direction.

[beckycat]

I prefer Lake Mary as well. I barely ever use I4. We have everything we need here between Longwood, Lake Mary and Sanford. That's why I like it here so much. I take all back roads to get to any of those places.

[rastacode]

Lake Mary is way nicer!

[theoldnorthstate]

well good luck for you on your job offers. hope it goes great!

I live in Oviedo and am happy with that. Lived in Tuskawilla when my children were middle/high school and I believe Oviedo was better for them.

Don't know Lake Mary too well, so can't comment on that

[sergiodurante]

I'd say Lake Mary, more convenient to all sorts of dining and retail options, better integrated to the rest of Orlando and also has more options if you choose to live in more upscale neighborhoods. I4 travel is optional for some, but I find it to be extremely convenient even at peak rush hour. Oviedo is another great place, if you're searching for a more quiet, even rural feel, it might be a better choice. The many friends I have who live in Oviedo seem to like it very much, as mentioned earlier, a lack of retail/restaurants is a minor complaint. A lot of them go to Waterford Lakes rather than Oviedo Mall ( is it still open?). Last time I went to Waterford Lakes, there were two brawls near the movie theatre, that place is a little sketchy on weekend nights.