let’s chat about Orlando lakes and ponds (Winter Park, Conway: house, where to buy)

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

I see them I'd say about 50% of the time I hit the water in my area, but I live in a much more "untouched" place than I imagine you do. I also see gators on my evening jogs by the lake, whereas some of my friends who live closer to you have yet to see any gator outside of Gatorland. So yeah, you're right, it's all dependent on which lake/stream and the areas surrounding it.

Yep, exactly. I like to go on the boardwalk hike to Apopka Lake where most times I will see gators and other creatures. I'd never want to step foot in that water or even kayak. However, I have no problem paddle boarding in Lake Killarney. I'd even jump in my lake if someone gave me $1 without even thinking about it (well if I was planning to swim anyways).

[Happychickens]

What about the noise? Any of them “noisy”?

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by Happychickens

What about the noise? Any of them “noisy”?

Define noise. If by wildlife, yes. There are these EXTREMELY loud bugs that love to scream in unison at dusk. Then, of course, owls, frogs, and other random grunts. As far as human noise, not really. I think the loudest I have seen is Lake Harris in Tavares and that’s because they hold boat races and seaplane shows on the regular.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Happychickens

What about the noise? Any of them “noisy”?

Not noisy from me, many lakes don't allow motorized boats, others are too small to make it worth buying a motorized boat. I do hear night crickets, but only if I'm by the shoreline.

[firmbizzle]

Are you swimming or boating on these lakes? As a boater here is my list.

1.) Winter Park (if you can afford it)
2.) Butler chain
3.) Conway chain
4.) John’s chain
5.) Lake Monroe/Jesup

Honorable mention: Lake Toho.

All of them have adult Gators except Butler and Conway because there are homeowners completely around the lake, they’ve been clear for a while. Occasionally a small gator may get in but homeowners call Orange County immediately to have it removed.

[firmbizzle]

Originally Posted by Happychickens

FYI the snakes part for some reason is my least favorite. Does having an enclosed pool help significantly with the snake part or it doesn’t matter cause they sneak in thru anything?

Naw. Not really. I live 200 yards from party central on a major lake and you only hear it if it is quiet in your house.

[Reynex]

The proposition that venomous snakes are "rare" in Florida is false.
In central Florida, beware, especially of moccasins and pygmy rattlers.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Reynex

The proposition that venomous snakes are "rare" in Florida is false.
In central Florida, beware, especially of moccasins and pygmy rattlers.

It depends where... I have yet to see a single venomous snake, it's been over 2 years, I also never saw a poisonous snake when I lived here during high school. To me... that would qualify as rare, definitely not common. However, as mentioned already, I'm sure certain parts of Central Florida it isn't a rare event.

[Happychickens]

Thanks to everyone for commenting, your inputs are very interesting.

What would you say is the difference between Winter Park lakes vs Butler chain? Is the Butler chain bigger? Do they both allow motorized boats? Jet ski’s?

How easy or hard is it to move between the lakes in the Butler chain?

We are interested in both areas, it does seem the Butler chain/Windermere area is more affordable but what from a boating perspective would make you choose one over the other?

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Happychickens

Thanks to everyone for commenting, your inputs are very interesting.

What would you say is the difference between Winter Park lakes vs Butler chain? Is the Butler chain bigger? Do they both allow motorized boats? Jet ski’s?

How easy or hard is it to move between the lakes in the Butler chain?

We are interested in both areas, it does seem the Butler chain/Windermere area is more affordable but what from a boating perspective would make you choose one over the other?

Butler is better for motorized boats imo