West Sanford Safe? Seminole High School? (Country Club, Lake Mary: cul-de-sac, appointed, condo)

[407Flyer]

Hello all, the family and I just visited Lake Mary and West Sanford for a scouting trip. We are thinking about moving to the area in march of next year. We spent a few days around the north and west sides of Lake Mary near the Lake Mary Target. We also spent lots of time near the Seminole Towne Center area. We loved the area and actually found a house off of HE Thomas JR (on the south side in Lake Mary) that's was extremely reasonable for the area ($220K) compared to $350K for a similar house in Heathrow. The house is a traditional sale, no catches.

I was wondering if anyone from the area that has been there a while could shed some light on something for me. While we felt perfectly safe walking around that area and the people all seemed like the kind of people we could relate to; I have to ask what's the catch with the housing prices in that area? I hate to ask, but I know it's very close to the scene of the Travon Martin incident (pretty much across the street). Media reports during that time talked about home invasions and robberies in the area as a possible reason for Zimmermans actions.

Are or were home invasions in the NW side of Sanford or Lake Mary an issue that anyone knows of? An issue more so than any other area that is? All large areas will have crime, so I'm just wondering if things have gotten worse or something? We love the area and would love some positive feedback; but obviously I'd like just honest opinions whether they are positive or negative.

Lastly, any thoughts on why Seminole high is rated just at 6 compared to better scoring schools also in the area? Our little guy is only 2 years old but we are hoping to settle for the long term when we buy.

Thanks!

[kyle19125]

I know the area very well, as I live a mile from your potential neighborhood right off of HE Thomas JR Pkwy across from Mayfair Country Club in a small community called Mayfair Villas. My parents built the home I currently live in back in 1980 and lived there until they passed away a few years ago. I have lived here since 2010. My parent's home nor neighborhood has not had any significant issues other than a few items stolen from the open garages of neighbors (bikes, tools, etc) and no robberies or home invasions. Other neighborhoods in the area have similar histories. It's a pretty stable, quiet and well sought after area to live in because of home values, school quality and family-friendliness. Media reports about Zimmerman varied widely and while there may have been issues in their community (which is gated by the way and a heavily rental-occupied condo complex) they certainly weren't serious enough to warrant packing heat. In terms of Seminole HS being rated a "6", I would throw out that old information as Seminole HS is one of the best high schools in Florida now with a very well respected International Baccalaureate program and is rated an "A" school which heavily contradicts the numerical score of "6". US News and World Reports ranked SHS #34 in Florida and gave it a national ranking (#585). SHS has a near 70% participation in Advanced Placement courses with a school that has a 55% minority enrollment and 42% identified as economically disadvantaged. SHS until recently was a "magnet school" but has dropped that status due to an increase in population in west Sanford and parts of Lake Mary which fall within it's boundaries.

[mom23skiddles]

Hi,
I also know the area well, and I have a child not much older than yours (mines 3.5 --- but I've also got a 6 and 5 year old). I've lived right off of HE Thomas for about 8 years. I love it here! I grew up in NH, then lived about an hour south of here (poinciana/kissimmee area) for about 10 years. This is LEAGUES above that!!

First and foremost - yup, I feel safe. Home invasions - well, at least I have not heard of them. I love love love my neighborhood; people gather in the cul-de-sac on holidays and it is wonderful (I am not in a high-cost area; neighborhood is Chase Groves). I have not experienced any crime (my husband even tends to forget to close the garage once in a blue moon), but maybe we've just been lucky. My children attend the magnet school right down the street (Goldsboro) and I could not be happier. We initially weren't even going to consider it, but after hearing such wonderful things, decided to take a peek. Keep the name in mind.

Seminole HS - sorry, can't comment. My kids aren't old enough; but based on its location, it is in a more disadvantaged area and therefore may have (super generalization coming) less financially stable families that are zoned here compared against Lake Mary. Our neighbors sent their kids to Crooms (since is is a math/tech magnet). I think that Seminole is Health Sciences magnet?

I love Lake Mary - saturday farmers market, a few parks (but nothing really big & green - unless you go to SYlvan Park and picnic on one of the soccer fields)! I am a Target fan, and there are plenty nearby. And if you don't know Publix, we have plenty of those!

Feel free to ask me, I love it here though...so I am biased. (my husband actually wants to move & I am...somewhat disappointed to put it lightly).

[407Flyer]

Thanks a million guys for the time you took to answer some questions from a stranger. We greatly appreciate the help. I'd appreciate it if anyone else out there has anymore insight into things as well. Thanks!

[OrlFlaUsa]

I'll agree with Kyle and say Seminole High is one of the best. My fiancee interned there before she got a position at another great Seminole Country school, Lake Brantley, so I know first hand how good the magnet program and IB/AP classes are there.

[qdogfball]

Another area to look would be the Wekiva area in Seminole county.

The Wekiva, Teague middle and Lake Brantley HS are the schools that line up in that area and are some of the best in Seminole county.