Want To Move Outside of Orlando...where to go? (Altamonte Springs: middle-class, apartments)

[Briellabella]

Here's a brief rundown of my situation...

Moved to Orlando (Hunters Creek) in June with my hubby and two young children (8-months and 7-years old). Hunters Creek is a beautiful area, and the schools are great, but there seem to be no good jobs in close proximity to where we are (none hiring, anyway).
But it seems like, from what I hear, there are better areas to be in...such as Winter Park or Lake Mary. I have also heard great things about Windermere, Winter Springs and Altamonte Springs.
We want a safe area with little crime, something surburban with mostly families, good schools, but still lots of activities and stores nearby etc (definitely nothing too secluded)
Hubby works from home, and I am searching for a job at the moment.
We want something under $1250 a month, if possible. Apartments or rentals for now. Needs to be spacious - at least 2 bdrm./1250 sq. ft.



I guess my question is, what is the best area for us to look in? I've seen Baldwin Park already, and I love it, but it seems really expensive and not very much space for what you pay.

Help!

[brinkofsunshine]

You have a good list already. I would add Dr. Phillips and Oviedo.

[Alyzza]

I live in Longwood and I love it here, also love Altamonte Spgs, they are nice middle-class areas with people of all ages. It's not too far from Orlando, or even Daytona and everything is here. We are pretty central to everywhere like Lake Mary, Sanford, Winter Park, Casselberry, Oviedo, Maitland. Everything is close like Walmart, Target, Borders, Costco, Publix, Winn Dixie, Albertsons, and every drug store. Altamonte Mall and Crane's Roost are just around the corner. We live in one of the older neighborhoods here and it's quiet and safe. If there is a lot of crime around here I sure don't see it. I still sleep with my windows open. There are lots of apartments around here too and good places to eat. I used to live in some apartments off Douglas Avenue, but now I understand Douglas Avenue isn't that good of an area anymore. I also like it here because it's an established area, not that many cookie cutter houses on postage stamp lots. And right around here thankfully there aren't many places to tear up and build on.
As for jobs.. well.. I've been looking for a long time just for a regular office type job, but it's not like there are many of those right now. At least it won't be a long drive to anywhere when I finally find one. There aren't a lot of good jobs around anywhere right now, unless you are into sales, know somebody who can get you in, or like doing customer service in a call center. However, there are several employment agencies closeby. I've signed up with a couple of them but no luck yet.
Come on by and check it out!