Possible relocation to work in DeLand (Orlando, Altamonte Springs: apartment, house, neighborhood)

[mathematron]

Hello All,

I have the possible opportunity to relocate to Florida for a job. The company is located in DeLand. My girlfriend currently lives in Altamonte Springs.

I am 29 years old and looking for a place that has entertainment for 20-somethings or early 30 year olds.

I love the beach, but I am afraid that Daytona is a bit to far from my girlfriend.

Where is a good place to live and commute to DeLand? Is DeLand good itself? I would probably start in an apartment and then find a more permanent place after 6 months or a year.

I own a house here in Ohio, so I would eventually look for a house in Florida.

Any suggestions?

[FloridaNative35]

I grew up in DeLand, so I know it well. It is a great town, nice and active (but smallish) downtown. Some museums, live music, decent bars. If you're looking for clubs or anything like that, though, you need to look elsewhere. If you're into wine with friends, maybe with some live music, and you like art festivals and similar events, DeLand will suit you well.

Commuting from Altamonte to DeLand every day will get old quickly. And you are right that Daytona is far for your GF.

Sanford might be worth a look.

Lake Mary is a good place to live, but you'll be traveling to DeLand, Sanford, or Orlando for things to do. If you don't mind doing that, I'd add LM to your list.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by FloridaNative35

Lake Mary is a good place to live, but you'll be traveling to DeLand, Sanford, or Orlando for things to do. If you don't mind doing that, I'd add LM to your list.

I agree regarding Lake Mary but am puzzled by the suggestion of having to travel to Sanford for anything to do. Lake Mary has a "number of things to do" and if you're alluding to nightlife will point to the Colonial Town Center complex, an outdoor venue that has a dozen different restaurants/bars and is quite popular at night... particularly on weekends. "Travelling to Sanford" otherwise takes about a few minutes since it borders Lake Mary.

[FloridaNative35]

Difference of opinion as to what "nightlife" is, I guess.

[FloridaNative35]

Ya know, I was going to let it go, but it puzzles me that you constantly say there's nothing to do in Orlando, but you think Colonial Town Park (which has about as much as most large strip malls have) is adequate "nightlife" for someone. In two blocks on any street in Orlando (Curry Ford, Michigan, 436, Mills, Colonial, not even talking downtown), there's 3 times as much as what you'll find in that place you mentioned. The only exception being a movie theater... but you'll find a billion of those in Orlando, too.

I have nothing against the place. In fact, I think it's cute and I've been there a couple of time. However, there's MUCH more to do in a 6-block area downtown or in Thornton Park than there is there. In any Orlando neighborhood, actually. But if someone asks about one of those places, you've got nothing nice to say.

Lake Mary is absolutely nothing more than a giant suburb. It has zero walkability, not a single attraction I can think of that isn't in every other suburb in the United States, and it is probably beat only by Altamonte when it comes to having the most (and dullest) chains. All things you love to complain about. And, of all the northern suburbs, Lake Mary has the LEAST character and has less to offer. It's a nice place to live and even work for many, but it is ridiculous to pretend it has "nightlife" or culture or anything real to offer.