walkable Orlando communities sought (Sanford, Winter Park: condos, houses, college)

[Sunnydee]

Hi! I'd like to relocate from the Midwest to a Florida community where I could walk to the library, community swimming pool, and grocery from a single family home without CDD fees and within about half an hour of a major airport. I've seen Celebration and Baldwin Park, but they're almost too perfect and quite pricey. Are there any walkable/middle class/affordable communities in Florida or is it just the Midwest that has tons of places like this? Thanks for any help you can give me. Deanna

[pianogal]

There are walkable communities, but affordability may be an issue. Mt. Dora comes to mind, but it's not within 30 minutes of the airport. Most of Orlando is fairly spread out and most of us take our cars everywhere. There are some communities with stores, etc. but most of them are built surrounded by condos -not single family homes. Other than the ones you mentioned, Celebration, Baldwin Park, and Winter Park, Thornton Park - perhaps College Park (and you'd never find a single family home for less than 200K within walking distance of those places) - I can't think of anything else.

Check out Mt. Dora if the airport issue isn't too big of a deal. I don't know if the homes there are under 200K anymore, but you would come closer to finding it there. Also, Winter Garden has redone their downtown and I understand it is walkable and quite nice. You could check there.

[Eastbank]

Pianogal has hit the nail on the head again. "Walkability" in highly populated, urban/suburban environments in coastal states means $$$. This is of course because its all about location, and demand outstips supply when it comes to the perfect locale. I suppose it all depends on what you call "affordable" !!

In addition to those mentioned - Celebration, Baldwin, Thornton, College and Winter Park, Mt Dora and Winter Garden, you might want to check out downtown Sanford or Deland, Avalon Park, or Lake Eola Heights and Colonialtown.

[Prichard]

Some affordable walkable communities in Central Florida would include: Mt. Dora and Tavares, which or sort of sister cities in Lake county. Both are about 1 hour from the Orlando Airport. Winter Park is another walkable community, but it is not affordable - very pricey. Baldwin Park in Orlando is a walkable community, but it is pricey as well, and if you think Celebration has a "too planned" look, you will think the same of Baldwin Park. Also, check out Avalon Park - same kind of thing.

Unlike Baldwin Park and Celebration, Mt. Dora is a "real" town. I know for a fact that there are some houses in Mt. Dora that you can get in the $200's. There are also some very expensive houses in and around Mt. Dora.

[Jammie]

Would you also consider Fruitland Park a walkable community?