Orlando suburbs (Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton: real estate, neighborhood, to buy)

[JohnToms]

I have lived here for 10 Years now and wouldn't live anywhere else. Make sure you do find a place with an extra room though. Friends and Relatives that you never knew you had will be coming for a visit!

[beckycat]

Seminole County. Lake Mary, Longwood, Winter Springs, Oviedo.

[fffff]

move to either waterford lakes or avalon park
both have excellant school systems and are safe convenient places....close to shopping and the major hiways that lead every where ie the beach, disney and universal sea world etc. good luck
zip = 32828

[OrlandoMom]

fffff is right...I'm in 32828 & love it!!!

[backtofla]

32828 = hot chicks

[moonbeam]

Schools definitely better in Seminole county. Winter Springs very nice area, fresh and clean town centers. It's not too badly congested either.
Bottom line for all of Florida is once you hit the state line your paycheck is going down. I don't care what you do for a living.
Another fact about living in Florida there's more hispanics such as with Texas and California. It is REALITY in today's world. I was in Virginia recently and saw very few.
Yes, the sunshine is nice but it's also blistering hot for many months. I feel like it's selling out to a lower class of life personally. I miss the Florida that was pristine in the 80's. It used to be thee place to be. Too many people have ruined Florida.
I've known a much better way of life. So someone coming in from Michigan will think Orlando is beautiful. It's all relative.
moonbeam

[Leanne pit]

Where would you move to in florida if you could move anywhere with children
one in elementary school and one in middle. Good schools are a must! We are very active and rollerblade bike and so on. House prices under $350,000
Anyone have any ideas?

[Dave Roby]

Originally Posted by Leanne pit

Where would you move to in florida if you could move anywhere with children
one in elementary school and one in middle. Good schools are a must! We are very active and rollerblade bike and so on. House prices under $350,000
Anyone have any ideas?

I grew up in the Orlando area starting in 1971.What were great neighborhoods for kids then are in some cases are the hood now.In your price range you can be safe in the northern suburbs of Lake Mary,Oviedo,Chuluota.
Heathrow is fantastic but pricey.I would like to recommend Altamonte Springs or Longwood but there are just too many bad areas that overlap with the good.Most of Maitland and Winter Park are nice but you absolutley must check the school first because I know as with my kids,you can live in a great neighborhood but be forced into a crummy school.
Areas to skip:Sanford,Eatonville,Fern Park(where I grew up)Casselberry.Winter Springs(except Tuskawilla areas)Good Luck!

[Suzanne45]

Also try Altamonte Springs. For good schools, stay in Seminole County. I understand that county has the most "A" rated schools in the area. Be very cautious and careful in SE and SW Orlando area!!

[pianogal]

East Orlando has some of the best communities and schools in the Orlando area.
Look for Waterford Lakes, Stoneybrook East, Avalon Park, Vista Lakes, Tivoli Woods, Lake Nona, Lake Hart, Cypress Lakes, Cypress Preserve, The Preserve at Curry Ford, The Woodlands and many more. ALL outstanding communities - away from the tourist areas, many homes are built on beautiful conservation lots, very low crime and yet close to major roads. You can find homes from the upper 200s to 1 Million and up in these communities.