Looking for affordable rent in NW Orlando Area (Gainesville, Pine Hills: apartments, to rent)

[MrGrocer]

I just accepted an offer for a job in NW Orlando, which is located in the notorious Pine Hills area. After reading on here and elsewhere, this area seems like it should be avoided for housing. Moving from Gainesville, I have become accustomed to affordable rent and short commutes. Can I get a close approximation in the NW Orlando area?

The area where I have been focusing my search is College Park. While this neighborhood looks to tick most of the boxes, selections appear to be pretty slim.
Here are some of my constraints that I would prefer to have:
- Rent (apartment, Studio/1BR) < $750
- NW quadrant of Orlando (can also be rural to the west or north of Pine Hills, but ideally within 10 miles of the Pine Hills Google Map marker)
- Walkable at night
- My girlfriend should feel safe here

Also, any specific complex recommendations are appreciated

[brinkofsunshine]

Not sure what rent prices are like, but Altamonte Springs and Maitland aren't too far from where you'll be working.

[Crane's Rooster]

Look in Apopka, Altamonte Springs, Forest City (North of Maitland Blvd), Winter Park and parts of Winter Garden. You should be able to find something nice and safe in your price range easily. The commute from any of these areas is also very reasonable. If you consider gettting a roommate you could live in very nice place for your price point.

[FloridaNative35]

College Park is nice. Safe, walkable if you are near the strip of shops/restaurants there, and your commute should be easy. I'm not sure you'll find many options in your price range, though.

How far into Pine Hills will you be working? If it's fairly near downtown, you can look at the apartments located near 50 and Orange (Camden and Steel House). Both are located at the edge of downtown/close to Lymmo, so they are walkable. Camden has studios for about $800 (last I knew). Not sure about Steel House, but you can call and ask.

There's some smaller/older buildings up in the Ivanhoe and Florida Hospital area, but you'll need to drive around and look. The whole area is safe and mostly walkable. You may also find a house to rent in that area that falls in your price range.

If you don't mind commuting a little more, I agree with the recommendation for Altamonte and Maitland. I don't think you'll find anything in your price range in Winter Park in a semi-decent area (that isn't far), and I wouldn't suggest Apopka. Of course, depending on where you live in the suburbs, there may be zero walkability.

[MrGrocer]

Thank you for the help, everyone.

FloridaNative, the new employer is near the split of 438 and 416.

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by MrGrocer

Thank you for the help, everyone.

FloridaNative, the new employer is near the split of 438 and 416.

It that's your location I would also consider Metro West area. It went through a rough phase but has gotten much better lately. College Park would definitely be the best though for commute, it's virtually down the street. Try looking on the other side of I4 along lake Ivanhoe, prices are better there. There are also some places on Lee Rd that are ok, they are older but they are safe.

[FloridaNative35]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

It that's your location I would also consider Metro West area. It went through a rough phase but has gotten much better lately. College Park would definitely be the best though for commute, it's virtually down the street. Try looking on the other side of I4 along lake Ivanhoe, prices are better there. There are also some places on Lee Rd that are ok, they are older but they are safe.

Yes.

And also Maitland. Maitland is still a good commute.

1. College Park
2. Maitland
3. Ivanhoe area

[MrGrocer]

Well, I found a really well-tended duplex below my budget cap in Pine Castle, just outside of Belle Isle. Thanks for the help, everyone!

[America097]

Originally Posted by MrGrocer

Well, I found a really well-tended duplex below my budget cap in Pine Castle, just outside of Belle Isle. Thanks for the help, everyone!

How do you like it there?