Best area for our family (Orlando, Winter Springs: crime, hotels, neighborhood)

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

If you look at median housing values, DP, winter park, Windermere, and lately, lake Nona, will be much higher than Oviedo I am guessing. Iincome doesn't correlate I guess

There is no question, communities like Winter Park and Dr. Phillips are on a higher level than places like Oviedo and Avalon Park in terms of desirability. The rent and house prices reflect that.

There is nothing wrong with places like Oviedo, it's very safe and has A schools. However, it doesn't have much else to increase desirability from lack of restaurants, shopping, proximity to attractions, uniqueness, etc and that is why your money goes a lot further there.

[totsuka]

Zip Code 32814, draw a circle around it. This is Baldwin Park, expensive, but great location and close to the airport. I like Maitland but they seem to always have flooding and loss of power during hurricanes. There are some really nice homes there but older which not a big deal if you look closely. There is a new massive home project coming up on Howell Branch Road. 700 homes. Lots of homes to pick and choose here in Orlando. Renting for a while is a great idea and gives you a chance to check out different areas.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

There is no question, communities like Winter Park and Dr. Phillips are on a higher level than places like Oviedo and Avalon Park in terms of desirability.

Interestingly enough there is a sliding scale for "desirability" and factors you deem as crucial may not be for others. So in the end, yes there is a question..

[kyle19125]

[quote=totsuka;51826490 I like Maitland but they seem to always have flooding and loss of power during hurricanes. [/QUOTE]

Yep, only in Maitland.

[AJ510]

The reason I had discounted Dr. Phillips was their Middle school? I understand they are getting a new high school by the time my kids will be in school. But, Southwest Middle school was ranked 5/10 on great schools and only 3 stars on School Digger. What is going on with that school?

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by AJ510

The reason I had discounted Dr. Phillips was their Middle school? I understand they are getting a new high school by the time my kids will be in school. But, Southwest Middle school was ranked 5/10 on great schools and only 3 stars on School Digger. What is going on with that school?

Essentially, the student demographics changed over time. Oviedo and Windermere for example are mostly White students from high income families. I don't know if anything fundamentally changed within Southwest, but like Dr. Phillips High, it used to get pretty great scores, but as the demographics changed from zoning changes, scores have suffered.

[AJ510]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

I would add Dr. Phillips to your list since your budget is $550k. I live here and really like it. There are a lot of nice neighborhoods you can get into. My personal favorite is Phillips Landing, but there are a lot of nice ones.

I see one listing in the good part of Winter Park that's in your budget, but yes, you're pretty much priced out. Maitland is a viable option, but it wouldn't be my top choice.

Check out the area AROUND Downtown Windermere. The trees there are gorgeous, it's also safe with good schools too. You can look along Chase Road as well like Keene's Pointe.

I would avoid Oviedo since your budget is $550k. It's better for families on a smaller budget who can't afford Winter Park, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, etc but still want safety and good schools.

I'd also recommend "new" Windermere as well. If you don't mind being further out, it will have a lot of good options for you. Stay not too far from Winter Garden Vineland Rd.

Based on your criteria, Dr. Phillips or Windermere would be the best choice in my opinion.

The Winter Garden area does seem more affordable. What neighborhoods are best in that area? Schools?

[AJ510]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

If you look at median housing values, DP, winter park, Windermere, and lately, lake Nona, will be much higher than Oviedo I am guessing. Iincome doesn't correlate I guess

Should I take a look at Lake Nona as well? What are the pros/cons of that area for families?

[AJ510]

Originally Posted by totsuka

Zip Code 32814, draw a circle around it. This is Baldwin Park, expensive, but great location and close to the airport. I like Maitland but they seem to always have flooding and loss of power during hurricanes. There are some really nice homes there but older which not a big deal if you look closely. There is a new massive home project coming up on Howell Branch Road. 700 homes. Lots of homes to pick and choose here in Orlando. Renting for a while is a great idea and gives you a chance to check out different areas.

I will definitely look at Baldwin Park. Is it hard to get to Florida's turnpike from Baldwin Park?

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by AJ510

The Winter Garden area does seem more affordable. What neighborhoods are best in that area? Schools?

The border of windermere, check the schools zoned