Is “old Windermere” friendly? (Orlando, Oakland Park: house, established neighborhood, schools)

[Cclight]

I realize what a broad question that is. I’m mainly just curious about new people moving into an established neighborhood. In an ideal world, I would love for my kids to be able to play with other neighborhood children and maybe for my husband and I to make some friends ourselves. I know that it is specifically discussed on these boards how open and welcoming Horizon West can be, but we are looking to stay closer to amenities and like a quainter feeling. We have been specifically drawn to a house in Windermere Downs, but I don’t know how to gauge whether, in terms of community, this would be a right fit.

We also love Oakland Park in Winter Garden, which is a much newer community and has more amenities and activities for residents. It is further out from the conveniences we have become used to and I worry also about the poorly rated schools.

Any feedback is much appreciated!

[bmw335xi]

Yes, it’s friendly. I don’t live there, I live next door in Dr. Phillips but there is a nice coffee shop I go to often in downtown windermere, people are friendly (the customers). I also shop at the grove which is also a lot of people from old windermere as well. I also attend the food truck meetups at windermere. It’s friendly is my point lol.

[NextPhaseFL]

Cclight- I live one neighborhood overview from Windermere Downs. I moved here about 1-2 years ago from the other side of town. It is really a great location- not only with downtown Windermere nearby, but downtown Winter Garden is a quick drive (we spend many weekend nights there).

I have found most people in the area to be very nice, but there are some pretentious people.

You can't go wrong with Oakland Park or Winter Garden. However, these are newer areas while the Windermere area is pretty much developed (i.e. just watch out what could pop up next to you; when I moved to FL I moved into a "new" area and after a few years the forest behind my house was replaced with a 4-lane highway)

I prefer Windermere because it is a little more centrally located to where we hang out (close to downtown Winter Garden, Windermere, Orlando, Dr Phillips, etc.).

FYI, there are also some adjacent neighborhoods to Windermere Downs that have an Ocoee address, so the taxes are a bit lower.

Good luck,

@nextphasefl

[brinkofsunshine]

Honestly if I had my pick of any neighborhood in the area, Windermere Downs would be one of my top choices. It’s gorgeous in there. I live about 5 minutes from there and I love this area.