Living in downtown Orlando and work at UCF (Waverly, Baldwin: renting, condos)

[nbrian86]

I will start working at UCF in few months and need to find a place to live for me and my family (wife and two small kids, age 3 and 1). I currently work and live in downtown Seattle and we love living here. As we move to UCF, Oveido was first suggested to us and we will be looking into a few housing/renting options there when we visit Orlando next month, however, we still would like to investigate places in the downtown area (perhaps near Lake Eola) so that we could continue our life style in the city.

My first question is, is commuting from Lake Eola to UCF's main campus manageable (near 30 min)?

Second question is, I found a number of forums about the condos in the Lake Eola area but many of them were out-dated so I would like to ask the current view on these condos. I found Vue, Star Tower, 101 Eola, Paramount, and Aspire so far. Our budget is under $2500/month, preferably closer to $2000/month for 2 bedroom. The other possibility is buying a condo, rather than renting one if commuting is manageable.

Thanks in advance!

[Arcenal813]

Why don't you check out some of the condos in SoDo? Lots of new, very nice units.

[Crane's Rooster]

The commute would be fine as you would be going against traffic. You'll probably be taking the 408 about half hour to get to the main campus. I think you'll be fine. Have you also considered Baldwin Park. New Urban community only a few miles from UCF. All new modern buildings.

[nbrian86]

Thanks for the reply. I think half hour is quite manageable. I am flying in to Orlando for house hunting in few weeks and I will put SoDo (I am assuming it means South Downtown?) and Baldwin park in my check list. Any thoughts on traffic around the entrance of 480 near UCF at 6pm-ish time?

[Orlando2015]

Around rush hour traffic near UCF can be congested, several companies are located near the campus and there's only one way to get to 408.

[WellShoneMoon]

Keep in mind that the 408 is a toll road. I don't know if that affects your decision or not.

And maybe someone with greater knowledge than I have about downtown condos can answer this question: Are the downtown condos suitable for families with children and retirees (like myself), or are they like big fraternity houses?

To the OP: I know Baldwin Park is very family oriented, but it doesn't have that urban vibe of downtown.

[Fl1150]

College Park and Delaney Park are locations to check out as well but the only problems with those areas are that since they are established mature neighborhoods the inventory of homes is low.

[Crane's Rooster]

The condos just depend on the buildings. I've heard 55W, the View, the Aspire, Solaire and Waverly can be pretty rowdy on the weekends. However the condos located in Thornton are much calmer and more suited to family life than the others. Me personally I would prefer a single family home or townhouse downtown just for the extra space.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by nbrian86

Thanks for the reply. I think half hour is quite manageable. I am flying in to Orlando for house hunting in few weeks and I will put SoDo (I am assuming it means South Downtown?) and Baldwin park in my check list. Any thoughts on traffic around the entrance of 480 near UCF at 6pm-ish time?

Yes.
One of my favorite areas is off of Michigan St. in Copley Square.
You can find these (or similar) condos there:
552 Copley Ln, Orlando, FL 32806 is Off Market | Zillow

[nbrian86]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Yes.
One of my favorite areas is off of Michigan St. in Copley Square.
You can find these (or similar) condos there:
552 Copley Ln, Orlando, FL 32806 is Off Market | Zillow

I will probably check this area when I am looking for house to buy in a year or so.

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

The condos just depend on the buildings. I've heard 55W, the View, the Aspire, Solaire and Waverly can be pretty rowdy on the weekends. However the condos located in Thornton are much calmer and more suited to family life than the others. Me personally I would prefer a single family home or townhouse downtown just for the extra space.

I am definitely leaning toward renting a condo in Eola and Thornton area, since 30-min commute doesn't sound too bad. I will have a chance to simulate the commute myself before I make my decision.

What about Paramount? I like the fact that it has an attached grocery store. My wife doesn't like driving, especially in big cities, so this is a big plus for us.