Considering The Orlando Area

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by garek007

Winter Park is definitely the nicest, like BMW said, but you'll get less house for the money. I also think that since WP is already up there in pricing, it may not appreciate as fast as an area like Lake Nona. (I know that makes no sense, but let me finish). I keep hearing Lake Nona this, Lake Nona that, like it's the next big thing. So if it does indeed flourish, like people think it will, housing will never surpass WP, but I think you could buy for less, and see more appreciation in percentage-wise over the next 10-20 years. We drove through Lake Nona, but it wasn't for us. This is because we don't anticipate being in Orlando for more than a few years. If you are moving in and plan to stay put for 10-20 years, I think once it's built out, it will be very nice. But we didn't have time to wait for it to be built out, so we chose an area that was already more established. I actually like that it's near the airport, would be nice an easy to take trips.

Being close to the airport is a nice feature, especially once bright line connects Orlando to Miami, which will be from MCO. Where do you plan to move in a few years? If you are undecided, you might like Atlanta. One of my friends here told me the food in Atlanta is amazing, so we did a weekend trip there and were so surprised by how nice Atlanta was... reminded me of a clean and newer San Francisco.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by brinkofsunshine

Have you looked at Dr. Phillips? I’m not sure if it’s as quiet as you want (although less busy than Winter Park, I’d say), but it’s a beautiful and safe area with great schools and lots of entertainment/dining options. Plus it’s relatively close to the airport.

OP, I live in Dr. Phillips and I really like it here. It's an easy commute to MCO and IMO it's no less congested than Lake Nona, except you have lots of restaurants, shops, etc nearby.

[stablegenius]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

Being close to the airport is a nice feature, especially once bright line connects Orlando to Miami, which will be from MCO. Where do you plan to move in a few years? If you are undecided, you might like Atlanta. One of my friends here told me the food in Atlanta is amazing, so we did a weekend trip there and were so surprised by how nice Atlanta was... reminded me of a clean and newer San Francisco.

Not sure where we'll move just yet. I plan to explore the East Coast for the next few years and figure that out I will check out Atlanta. Thanks for the tip

[tjord]

So thanks garet007 all for the data folks! I'm definitely looking at all angles and home appreciation is a key amongst other criteria. BMer is also spot on. Part of my screening criterion is proximity (30mins or less) to a international airport, medical center, a newer development, well educated area, low crime, good entertainment, sports, medical etc. I am also looking for new development as I desire to be in a area that I can get a decent return on my investment and sell if Orlando is not my taste. I am an early retirement guy (56) and am looking again for that "honey hole" in the area. I currently live in NoVA (Leesburg) and love the area but am leaving due to the taxation as I get hammered as a single without kiddos. Thus FL seems the logical first stop. I drove southern Lake Nona (Laurette Park/Medical City) and actually saw the area as a vision of the future with the pending/proposed economic infrastructure. This being stated, I'm a bit concerned about the urban sprawl over the next 10 yrs as if not properly planed will be a nightmare. When I looked into WG, I noted that it's very nice and it seems peaceful but perhaps a tad bit too sleepy for my taste but it's a fine area for resale. It's also one of the few natural gas communities in the area. Cooking is a major hobby. Per brinkofsunshine, I also drove Dr. Phillips and liked the area but it seems very commercial in terms of proximity to tourist attractions and congestion. That being stated, it is a very nice area but I am seeking a more laid-back feel with close proximity to great infrastructure/amenities which I desire. Thanks again all for your input!

[connor35]

If natural gas is a necessity, you can always install a propane tank. We did that here in Lake Nona so we could have a gas range. My wife bakes all the time yet will only fill the tank every 2 years or so.

[tjord]

Thanks again all. I appreciate the input. So garek007 I completely understand the value of appreciation and thus it is a key factor in my decision. Brinkofsunshine, I did look at Dr. Phillips. Nice area with lots of things to do. In addition, I met some great people there who echoed the same. I can't wait to get back to the area next month for another look.

[stablegenius]

@tjord keep in mind I have no training on that stuff at all, it's just how I see it.

[W Morris]

Make Sure Windermere is on your list . Always VERY popular