Metrowest (Orlando, Kissimmee: real estate, apartments, to rent)

[Semiquaver]

Hi all,
I'm looking to purchase a condo and move to the Orlando area this summer. I will be working at Disney on 3rd shift and taking classes at first at Valencia West, then at UCF. I am concerned about finding a decently safe area to live in; I'm a young woman, who won't have a roommate at first and will be leaving for work relatively late at night.

My real estate agent just sent me a bunch of listings in my price range and at a reasonable distance from Disney, and about 90% of them are in Metrowest. I've heard that Metrowest is a high crime area and is just down the street from an even higher crime area, but there are some pockets of relatively decent neighborhoods. The majority of these listings are east of Kirkman Rd. north and south of the Valencia West campus. Is that area just as bad as the reputation of Metrowest leads one to believe? Most of the listings also tout "walking distance to Valencia West Campus" - would this even be safe to do? Some other listings are immediately north of Universal, is this area any better?

I have a feeling I'll be axing almost this entire list based on safety concerns.

[MovedfromFL]

I used to live there years ago and it was very bad. (as a single woman) I would NOT live in the area you described. In case I wasn't clear, do not do it!!!! I would also not walk to campus.

I'm not sure of the area immediately north of Universal.

I think you can call the local police dept and they will tell you about activity at each complex.

[MAniacTHW]

I used to live out there, about a year and a half ago. Never had a problem. There were cops EVERYWHERE though, and they'll stop to talk to you if you're walking at night because of the high crime. Though I used to walk all the time, and never had a problem with crime. Though I will say, avoid Studio Parc.

[Semiquaver]

Thanks for the responses! That was what I was expecting. I'd be nervous if there was a need for cops to be in the neighborhood all the time. I'll hopefully be looking in safer neighborhoods from now on.

[Semiquaver]

My Realtor is still pushing Metrowest. She says that the gated communities are very safe. Is this true? Here in AZ gated communities are more costly and have an illusion of safety, but the truth is that anyone can just enter the emergency vehicle code to gain access. The gates are usually wide open during the day, too. Any different in FL?

[mongoslade223]

Keep in mind not only the price of the condo but the HOA fees and taxes.
A condo that might look like a cash bargain may end up costing more in the long term.
Coming down for the first time, my advice would be to rent for at least a year.

[Semiquaver]

Thanks mongoslade223. That option has been looking more and more appealing of late.

[gmonagha]

I am thinking of purchasing a condo as an investment, as i am from the UK not sure what is ans is not a good area can anyone give me guidance not from an agents point of view

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by Semiquaver

My Realtor is still pushing Metrowest. She says that the gated communities are very safe. Is this true? Here in AZ gated communities are more costly and have an illusion of safety, but the truth is that anyone can just enter the emergency vehicle code to gain access. The gates are usually wide open during the day, too. Any different in FL?

My son lived in Metro West for a couple years right on Kirkman about 3 blocks North of the Walmart if I remember correctly. They nerver had any problems, but there were lots of police activity at neighboring apartments. We were glad he moved. It actually is kind of a distance for commuting-took about 1/2 hour each way at least and in I-4s heavy traffic for him. He was also a student at UCF at the time so some days he would drive to the dschool and others to work at Disney.

He is so much happier living out in the western part of Kissimmee off of 192(west of I-4) . He actually found a 3 bedroom/2 bath house with 2 car garage for less money than he was paying for the apartment. He is about 10-15 minutes from his job at Disney so it is easy commute. There is plenty of shopping on Rt 27 which is close by. Might want to check out the 27/192 area.