Apartment Search...Starting at Lockheed in June (Orlando, Plantation: for rent, condos)

[Rainmaker4755]

I am starting work at the Lockheed Martin facility at Lake Underhill on 06/15. I just graduated from the University of Florida, and I am pretty unfamiliar with the Orland area. I am struggling to find a one bedroom apartment. I visited four different places yesterday:

Knightsbridge at Stoneybrook
Falcon Pines
Wisper Palms
The Fountains at Waterford Lakes

They all seemed decent, but the comments on apartmentratings.com are pretty bad. I am willing to spend around $700-$850/month. It seems like most complexes are struggling right now, and they seem to be offering decent deals (2-3 months free). I also noticed a lot of condos for rent on craigslist.

I searched far back in the forums and it seems like people are not only negative about Orlando as a whole but even more specifically, east Orlando. I really just want to be in a good, safe area. I am willing to drive further to work for a great place. Any suggestions on complexes to visit or areas to focus on would be extremely helpful.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for the help.

[boy3365]

Valencia Plantation is about 10-15 minutes away but an affordable, quaint area.

I use apartment ratings too, but realize that more people will take the time and energy to write something negative than to write something positive about something. I do take the comments about crime seriously, but I've lived in complexes were complaints have been rampant on that site when it comes to maintenance and building quality. I guess I've lucked out with mostly quiet neighbors and functional units

[Brasstec]

My son has just completed his first year at the Lake Underhill Lockheed facility. Just last week he purchased a home in Woodland Lakes Preserve - almost around the corner from work. He loves the Waterford area and has found it very safe. The Fountains looks like a beautiful place and would be VERY convenient to work.

Good luck and congratulations!