Disadvantages to living on Lake in Orlando? (real estate, insurance)

[inspiration100]

Hi folks,

I'm interested in purchasing property on a lake in Orlando (one option is Big Sand Lake).
Do waterfront houses have a big flood risk in Orlando? Are there any other big disadvantages to living on a body of water in Orlando? I'm from the Pacific Northwest so problems that are obvious to someone in Florida may not be obvious to me.

[Arcenal813]

Alligators and water moccasins. That’s pretty much it. Alligators WILL actively hunt small dogs. Keep that in mind.

[cfenn006]

Originally Posted by inspiration100

Hi folks,

I'm interested in purchasing property on a lake in Orlando (one option is Big Sand Lake).
Do waterfront houses have a big flood risk in Orlando? Are there any other big disadvantages to living on a body of water in Orlando? I'm from the Pacific Northwest so problems that are obvious to someone in Florida may not be obvious to me.

Some areas around lakes flood but not all, you need to do some research on the area and check out flood history. If you ask the seller what they are paying for flood insurance you'll have a better idea.


Id be more concerned with mosquitos, they can make summer time on a lake unbearable and can carry some really nasty things.

[WellShoneMoon]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Alligators and water moccasins. That’s pretty much it. Alligators WILL actively hunt small dogs. Keep that in mind.

And small children.

[firmbizzle]

Originally Posted by cfenn006

Some areas around lakes flood but not all, you need to do some research on the area and check out flood history. If you ask the seller what they are paying for flood insurance you'll have a better idea.


Id be more concerned with mosquitos, they can make summer time on a lake unbearable and can carry some really nasty things.

This.

Not all lakes are the same in Orlando. The larger ones with more activity and completely surrounded by homes, won't have has many mosquitoes and gators. Are you looking for just a water view or using it for activities?

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by inspiration100

Hi folks,

I'm interested in purchasing property on a lake in Orlando (one option is Big Sand Lake).
Do waterfront houses have a big flood risk in Orlando? Are there any other big disadvantages to living on a body of water in Orlando? I'm from the Pacific Northwest so problems that are obvious to someone in Florida may not be obvious to me.

Big Sand Lake is amazing! I have neighbor friends who live on it and LOVE IT.



1) Some lakes have flood risk and some don't. Check FEMA's website to see the risk for the specific property.



2) Lake front especially on a large clear lake like Big Sand Lake adds a lot of desirability and value for property values and resale. With that being said, you should always assume there are gators, so don't let your kids or dogs play along the shoreline. People do go boating, wake boarding, tubing, fishing etc... so it's not like, "if you go to the shoreline, there is a 50/50 chance on getting attacked" there is real risk, but the odds of you getting hit by a car crossing the road is higher. Living on Big Sand Lake would be great, don't worry, just use common sense as if you lived in a big city and wanted to take advantage of great shopping, if you lived in Alaska and wanted to take advantage of great hiking, etc.



3) I used to live in Seattle, I was more scared of those giant spiders there than snakes in Orlando.

[WinterParkLocal]

Flood Insurance, alligators, snakes, late-summer brain eating amoebas and if ski-able then traffic/noise would be some concerns. Oh and lake cleaning maintenance. Also, you may want to get a soil test done during your inspection period to make sure your house won't sink. A good real estate agent can guide you through all of that.