I'm a Poor College Student Moving to Orlando (Pine Hills, Oak Ridge: apartment complex, rent)

[kthxbye]

I am moving from the midwest. I really don't want to spend more than $500 on an apartment a month...

I'm looking to live around Universal Studios, preferably a bit to the north. I was wondering if anyone knew about this Royal Grande apartments? It doesn't look TOO bad, but the old reviews for the place suck, like majorly.

Or if anyone has some sort of suggestion of another complex?

Thanks in advance

[brinkofsunshine]

Well, that apartment complex is on Americana Blvd., not a good part of town. The whole area around Millenia Mall, especially on John Young, Americana, and Oak Ridge is bad. I don't know what else you're going to find for $500 though.

[TehB33nz]

I see that your thread title states that you are college student. Is their a particular reason why you would to live at Universal which is 30-45 minutes away from UCF. I would understand if you are going to Valencia West campus but there is the East campus as well which is minutes away from UCF and offers many of the same courses. The only reason why I bring this up is that there apartment complexes in that area the cater to college students where you have roomates but you pay your rent seperately and get your own bed/bath but share the living area. Most of those run between $400-$500 month I believe. $500/month really is not a lot to get a decent 1/1 in Central Florida.

[kthxbye]

I understand it isn't a good part of town, but is it terrible? Or is it one of THE worst places in town? Is it a situation that I would be alright if I was smart about things, didn't go wandering around after dark, keep to myself areas? lol

And the reason I would like to live in this area is because I will be working slightly north of Universal and possibly getting a second job at Universal. And I would be going to Valencia until I get Florida residency. Thanks for your help guys!

[annerk]

It is one of the worst areas in Orlando. NO way would I live there. Very unsafe.

[kthxbye]

Are the areas near Pine Hills better? Maybe Park Hamilton or Seville Place?

[annerk]

Originally Posted by kthxbye

Are the areas near Pine Hills better? Maybe Park Hamilton or Seville Place?

No!

[GloryB]

Just keep in mind that one man's dump is another man's 'only place I can afford'. Just because an area has problems doesn't mean you have to get caught up in them. Where I live, there have been a couple of drug busts....but I don't know those people and it has nothing to do with me. Just as long as you are careful who you make friends with and use normal precautions (lock doors & windows/make sure parking lot is well lit/etc) you don't have to live in a gated community to feel safe.

There can always be crime regardless of where you live.

[annerk]

$500 a month will buy you a room in a house with a pool or really nice apartment in the Winter Garden area if you are willing to share with a couple of other people.

[brinkofsunshine]

Originally Posted by GloryB

Just keep in mind that one man's dump is another man's 'only place I can afford'. Just because an area has problems doesn't mean you have to get caught up in them. Where I live, there have been a couple of drug busts....but I don't know those people and it has nothing to do with me. Just as long as you are careful who you make friends with and use normal precautions (lock doors & windows/make sure parking lot is well lit/etc) you don't have to live in a gated community to feel safe.

There can always be crime regardless of where you live.

You certainly don't have to live in a gated community to feel safe, but that doesn't mean a college student (or anyone really), should be recommended to live in areas with some of the highest crime rates in the city.