Help with best neighborhood near Universal Studios (Orlando, Winter Garden: rental car, rental)

[Rose233]

Hello Orlando People :

Hubby is being offered a job with Universal with office located inside the park. I will probably be seeking a job there as well after our move. I was wondering what neighborhoods are best for a short commute to the park in so far as being low crime and safe to walk in the evening and night. We plan on renting with a budget of $2,000 a month max and are looking for a nice newer one story ranch style with a two car garage and decent back yard. We’re both in our 40’s. Schools are not a concern since our only son is 18 and will be moving out on his own soon for college.

Is there a really nice neighborhood in our budget say, within a 10 to 20 minute drive to the park?

Any advice sure would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Crane's Rooster]

Dr. Phillips is pretty much right next to Universal. It's safe and newer homes your looking for. Next would be nearby Windermere although it would be at top of your price range. Next closest would be Hunter's Creek and Winter Garden. Most of the other areas would be a longer drive.

[brinkofsunshine]

Definitely Dr. Phillips.

[chopchop0]

Dr Phillips. Not sure if you'll get that with your budget though

[Rose233]

Thanks for the info everyone! We'll concentrate our search in Dr Phillips.
chopchop0 - what budget do you feel we should be aiming for to rent in the Dr Phillips neighborhood?

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by Rose233

Thanks for the info everyone! We'll concentrate our search in Dr Phillips.
chopchop0 - what budget do you feel we should be aiming for to rent in the Dr Phillips neighborhood?

I would try to get in touch with a Realtor to find out for sure

[brinkofsunshine]

I just re-read your post and I missed the part about wanting a newer ranch home.. the thing about Dr. Phillips is that because it is an established community, most of the neighborhoods are older (70-90's). There's a ton of ranch homes in your budget but they are going to be a little older. I looked on Zillow, and there's a ranch home for $2k in Sand Lake Hills that has been renovated, but it was probably built in the late 70's. There's some newer, nice townhomes in your budget as well but those aren't going to have the yard you want.

[Rose233]

Hi Brink!
Thanks for looking for me. Something in the 1980's or younger would be newer for us actually. The home we own now was built in 1929! We thought about townhomes, but disqualified them quickly since we're are getting lazy in our middle age. We've tired of stairs having had to run up and down three stories here every day for over fifteen years.

[Mr Idealism]

Dr. Phillips, Dr. Phillips, Dr. Phillips! If you drive around you more than likely will be able to find a nice home, for under $2000/month in rent. You just need to take some time out and see what's out there. They all won't be listed on websites, and your best deal will be through the owner directly. There are plenty in Sand Lake Hills. I just back from a bike ride, and saw at least 10 homes in different communities for rent. While a lot of the homes might be built in the 80's (we prefer that), ours is completely updated, so it shouldn't be too hard to find something you like. We LOVE living here. You will be NO more than a 10 minute drive to Universal.

[Rose233]

Thank you Mr Idealism! And you gave us a wonderful idea - - dump the rental car and ride around the neighborhood on bikes! Peddle power will definitely give us a closer look and a better feel for the neighborhood (and get our butts in better shape). If all goes well, we'll be down right after Thanksgiving to check out Dr. Phillips.

Are there any disadvantages to renting through an owner directly as opposed through a realtor management company?