Moving to Orlando - Where to live for WFH divorced guy (Oviedo: townhouse, neighborhoods)

[SE Nomad]

Hi Everyone,

I've been searching through the forums and wanted to say thank you for all the great information that has been provided. I couldn't find anything that quite matches my situation though, so I am hoping for some opinions on where to live in Central Florida.

About me:

Currently live in the Atlanta suburbs
Recently divorced (no kids)
Mid-30's and looking to move to Orlando to be near my family. Parents in the villages and brother and his family live in Geneva.
Work from home so no commuting
Need at least a 2 bedroom place
Budget around $1700/mo

My primary concerns are meeting new people and preferably some type of walkability since I'll be in the house most of the day. Being near my brother or the parks would be great.

So far I love Winter Garden and Winter Park. My brother has suggested Oviedo but I have not had a chance to check it out yet. He has urged me away from downtown, I suspect due to his job at Florida hospital so his opinion is probably somewhat biased seeing the worst of what can happen.

So the long winded question is, if you were a recently divorced single guy in his mid-30's, no kids, good income, no commute, and could move anywhere in central Florida, where would you live?

[brinkofsunshine]

I disagree with your brother, I definitely think you should look downtown. Thornton Park, Lake Eola Heights, Audubon Park, SoDo, Delaney Park, College Park... there are plenty of great neighborhoods.

If you want to live near the parks, I’d check out Dr. Phillips. It’s more upscale than Winter Garden. I love downtown WG but it feels very family oriented as opposed to being a place for singles. But it depends on what kind of lifestyle you want.

[kyle19125]

I disagree regarding the downtown neighborhoods which trend younger than a divorced mid-30s single guy (read mature, acting his age) in terms of nightlife options. With the OPs affinity for Winter Park and Winter Garden it suggests an appreciation for quaint, and less nightlife-ish in my opinion. The budget is healthy for either location and would add College Park as well to the mix, though it's a bit more limited for walkable area and things to do.

[Arcenal813]

College Park more limited for walkable areas and things to do versus Winter Garden? I disagree. College Park is ideal.

As for Downtown, Thornton Park and Milk District are fine options. Stay away from Orange Ave if you’re trying to avoid young obnoxious 20 year olds.

Winter Park is great. I’d also add Baldwin Park to the mix, considering what you’re looking for.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by SE Nomad

Hi Everyone,

I've been searching through the forums and wanted to say thank you for all the great information that has been provided. I couldn't find anything that quite matches my situation though, so I am hoping for some opinions on where to live in Central Florida.

About me:

Currently live in the Atlanta suburbs
Recently divorced (no kids)
Mid-30's and looking to move to Orlando to be near my family. Parents in the villages and brother and his family live in Geneva.
Work from home so no commuting
Need at least a 2 bedroom place
Budget around $1700/mo

My primary concerns are meeting new people and preferably some type of walkability since I'll be in the house most of the day. Being near my brother or the parks would be great.

So far I love Winter Garden and Winter Park. My brother has suggested Oviedo but I have not had a chance to check it out yet. He has urged me away from downtown, I suspect due to his job at Florida hospital so his opinion is probably somewhat biased seeing the worst of what can happen.

So the long winded question is, if you were a recently divorced single guy in his mid-30's, no kids, good income, no commute, and could move anywhere in central Florida, where would you live?

Oviedo has 0 walk-ability. It's a safe family friendly suburb on the edges of Orlando. Based on what you want the downtown neighborhoods make a lot of sense such as Lake Eola, Thornton Park, Lake Eola Heights. Lake Eola might be too "urban" for your liking, but the other two are great alternatives.



Other good areas for what you described... Baldwin Park, Winter Park, Ivanhoe Village. Some parts of College Park could work. Some parts of Winter Garden could work. If you want to be near the parks, some parts of Dr. Phillips would work.

[SE Nomad]

Thank you for the ideas, a lot to think about. I do tend to act my age, so trying to stay away from the college kids as much as possible. The young professional crowd is more my speed.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by SE Nomad

Thank you for the ideas, a lot to think about. I do tend to act my age, so trying to stay away from the college kids as much as possible. The young professional crowd is more my speed.

College crowd is UCF area and somewhat Waterford Lakes. All the other areas mentioned unless I didn't read it correctly aren't going to have a college crowd.

[judsonvan]

Downtown Winter Garden sounds like just what you're looking for. Plenty of walkable restaurants and bars, lots of activities/festivals throughout the year, plus you've got the West Orange Trail nearby.

[Arcenal813]

As a divorced 30-something year old myself, I disagree with Winter Garden, as it seems to cater more to families rather than single, 30-something year old professional males. Reminds me of Mount Dora, which while nice, isn't somewhere one in your shoes would enjoy too much after a while, IMO.

Winter Park and Baldwin Park (especially) are ideal for your situation and your budget.

[SE Nomad]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their comments. I got a little delayed but move into a townhouse at Post Lake at Baldwin Park on May 4th. Excited for the move and counting the days!