OT - Moving to Orlando....but where? Need help

[Audi]

Oviedo's mall looks like it was moved from The Walking Dead to our reality. That place is spooky.

Oh really? Man that’s depressing as hell. So many great memories there. I still miss that FYE.

[basketballRob]

Oviedo's mall looks like it was moved from The Walking Dead to our reality. That place is spooky.

Oh really? Man that’s depressing as hell.

It seems like the outdoor malls do better now. I would imagine it cost a lot of money just to cool one of those big malls.

The West Oaks mall in Ocoee seems really dead too.

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[Ducklett]

Oviedo's mall looks like it was moved from The Walking Dead to our reality. That place is spooky.

Oh really? Man that’s depressing as hell.

It seems like the outdoor malls do better now. I would imagine it cost a lot of money just to cool one of those big malls.

The West Oaks mall in Ocoee seems really dead too.

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West Oaks is really dead. But Oviedo on the outside looks like Zombie Apocalypse full on happened with all of the plant overgrowth (at least last time I went to the Winey Wench there).

[basketballRob]

Oh really? Man that’s depressing as hell.

It seems like the outdoor malls do better now. I would imagine it cost a lot of money just to cool one of those big malls.

The West Oaks mall in Ocoee seems really dead too.

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West Oaks is really dead. But Oviedo on the outside looks like Zombie Apocalypse full on happened with all of the plant overgrowth (at least last time I went to the Winey Wench there).

Same thing happened in Winter Park a long time ago, they tore it down and built the Winter Park Village.

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[Viper1500]

I live in Apopka, and I love it. My dad has recently moved out to Clermont and I would rank that quite high on my list. Definitely get a good bang for your buck, unlike in Winter Park/Maitland.

[Howard Mass]

Malls are going down hill these days.

I live in Longwood and other than getting out of the neighborhood entrance during rush hour, it's wonderful.

I'm about a mile from I-4 and there is a lot nearby. Apparently, the schools are still good here too.

[Nyce_1]

I’d suggest Clermont, as I live in the area, it’s beautiful but growing fast. New schools everywhere out there. South Lake can be expensive so if you’re pinching pennies maybe look west to Winter Garden or East in Groveland. My personal suggestion, Sugarloaf mountain. It’s on the north side of Clermont neighboring Montverde. It’s still quiet out here and urban sprawl hasn’t hit yet. And you’re still pretty close to stores, restaurants, movies, etc...

I'll check out sugerloaf. i know Clermont is developing vast but how would you say they are equip to handle the growth?

[magicman112]

Malls are going down hill these days.

I live in Longwood and other than getting out of the neighborhood entrance during rush hour, it's wonderful.

I'm about a mile from I-4 and there is a lot nearby. Apparently, the schools are still good here too.

I lived across 436 from the Altamonte Mall for awhile. Love that area, anything and everything you could possibly want is no more than a 5-10 minute car drive away. Traffic in front of the mall during the holidays is brutal though.

[Nyce_1]

I live in Lake Nona been here for 7 years now. Very nice area and has grown so much in the time that I've been here much more things out here now.

Lake Nona reminds me the most of where I live now. The only thing that sucks is the floorplan we need is super limited or waaaaay over out budget. You're lucky to get in before the boom.

[magicman112]

I live in Lake Nona been here for 7 years now. Very nice area and has grown so much in the time that I've been here much more things out here now.

Lake Nona reminds me the most of where I live now. The only thing that sucks is the floorplan we need is super limited or waaaaay over out budget. You're lucky to get in before the boom.

I rent there but yeah I know what you mean talking to people who have bought or looking to buy there. A lot of the houses are so close you could hand your neighbor a cup of coffee through your kitchen window.

[darthcheech2000]

Hey Everyone,

My family and I are moving to the Orlando area next summer. I grew up in Kissimmee, but it's been a while since I truly knew Central Florida and it's different communities. While we embark on our search, I'm wondering if some of you locals can suggest areas to look into.

With kids, school district is one of the most important factors. I know Oviedo is the popular location, but is there anywhere else comparable? Clermont/Minneola in Lake Co. have peaked our interest.

Are there any new, up-and-coming areas that would be a good investment area with potential to develop into something nice? Wife likes the Hamlin (winter garden) area. I know of Lake Nona; anyone familiar with Narcoossee area?

Any areas we should definitely avoid due to crime, traffic, bad schools, way overpriced?

Any replied are truly appreciated. It's been stressful but extremely happy to be heading back to Orlando.

Where do you work and how far/long are you willing to commute on a daily basis?

Luckily, my current employer is allowing me to move and be 100% remote, so me, and wife, will be working from home. Because of that, rush hour traffic isn't a concern.

So, after schools, top notch internet is a must.

Good luck on the search.

I just went 100% remote this summer, moved to rural Virginia. Couldn't be happier.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Maitland/Winter Park - I've lived in this area for a few years now, residing in Maitland/Casselberry at the moment. Good schools, good family areas. Winter Park is pretty expensive but it's got a lot of great shops and stores. You definitely have to pay a premium on space and location though. Maitland is a little cheaper, a lot of homes being renovated and flipped. I moved in last summer and i've seen half my block up for sale and being flipped, lol (exaggerating a little). Just an older crowd. Downside being there's not as much to do real close by for younger couples, but seems perfect for families. Older homes though.

Lake Mary - I work in this area and went to HS nearby in Sanford (don't bother checking Sanford IMO). Lake Mary is quite nice, a lot of nice homes and affordable. Good schools, lots of shops and stores. Would recommend if you don't mind driving 30-40 minutes to get downtown on game days. Oviedo and Winter Garden are similar, but farther away.

Winter Garden & Clermont area - This is where the bulk of new development is taking place. You can get a really nice new house for an affordable price. Schools are decent from what I've heard. Scenery is unmatched for anything else in the area, as they have actual hills and land. It's a bit of a drive (especially Clermont) if you have friends in the area and want to meet up during the week, but if not it's great for families. Lots of local stuff to do too (there's a great farm out there that does blueberry and sunflower picking with food trucks and music, etc.

Lake Nona is the other area that's blowing up. Don't know as much about it but they do have some great stuff out there, but I think it's more geared towards singles & couples without kids. I could be way off base there though, lol

Hunter's Creek - you can probably find a good house there, not sure about schools and it's a bit of a drive anywhere.

I recommend staying away from the UCF area in general. Some nice neighborhoods but overcrowded with students and traffic as a result.

edit: if you need a realtor I can refer you to the one I used (also a close friend of mine) if you'd like.

damn, thank you for the information. appreciate the breakdown.

we currently have a realtor, but she's been meh. I may take you up on the referral offer if I drop this lady.

I’ll include Ocoee in the mix as it’s currently another up and coming town. The return on my 40 year old fixer upper is ridiculous and that’s without finishing all the work it needs. They’re in the middle of a 5 or 6 phase project to basically turn it into Winter Garden. ATM home prices are still relatively low last I checked. Good schools right near the turnpike and the 408.

[Optimus_Steel]

Maitland/Winter Park - I've lived in this area for a few years now, residing in Maitland/Casselberry at the moment. Good schools, good family areas. Winter Park is pretty expensive but it's got a lot of great shops and stores. You definitely have to pay a premium on space and location though. Maitland is a little cheaper, a lot of homes being renovated and flipped. I moved in last summer and i've seen half my block up for sale and being flipped, lol (exaggerating a little). Just an older crowd. Downside being there's not as much to do real close by for younger couples, but seems perfect for families. Older homes though.

Lake Mary - I work in this area and went to HS nearby in Sanford (don't bother checking Sanford IMO). Lake Mary is quite nice, a lot of nice homes and affordable. Good schools, lots of shops and stores. Would recommend if you don't mind driving 30-40 minutes to get downtown on game days. Oviedo and Winter Garden are similar, but farther away.

Winter Garden & Clermont area - This is where the bulk of new development is taking place. You can get a really nice new house for an affordable price. Schools are decent from what I've heard. Scenery is unmatched for anything else in the area, as they have actual hills and land. It's a bit of a drive (especially Clermont) if you have friends in the area and want to meet up during the week, but if not it's great for families. Lots of local stuff to do too (there's a great farm out there that does blueberry and sunflower picking with food trucks and music, etc.

Lake Nona is the other area that's blowing up. Don't know as much about it but they do have some great stuff out there, but I think it's more geared towards singles & couples without kids. I could be way off base there though, lol

Hunter's Creek - you can probably find a good house there, not sure about schools and it's a bit of a drive anywhere.

I recommend staying away from the UCF area in general. Some nice neighborhoods but overcrowded with students and traffic as a result.

edit: if you need a realtor I can refer you to the one I used (also a close friend of mine) if you'd like.

damn, thank you for the information. appreciate the breakdown.

we currently have a realtor, but she's been meh. I may take you up on the referral offer if I drop this lady.

I’ll include Ocoee in the mix as it’s currently another up and coming town. The return on my 40 year old fixer upper is ridiculous and that’s without finishing all the work it needs. They’re in the middle of a 5 or 6 phase project to basically turn it into Winter Garden. ATM home prices are still relatively low last I checked. Good schools right near the turnpike and the 408.

Parts of Ocoee are good, some not so good. Good parts are between Windermere and SR 50, alongside Maguire Rd. Other good parts are along 429 heading towards Apopka. There are some good new communities going up there and if you are lucky you may get a good deal as compared to Winter Garden. I looked into buying there before.

[basketballRob]

I still think the Debary, Orange City areas are the best to buy right now. You get way more for your money. It's 30 minutes to Daytona or Orlando. Soon the 429 will be out there and 417 already is.

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[Max Power]

I’d suggest Clermont, as I live in the area, it’s beautiful but growing fast. New schools everywhere out there. South Lake can be expensive so if you’re pinching pennies maybe look west to Winter Garden or East in Groveland. My personal suggestion, Sugarloaf mountain. It’s on the north side of Clermont neighboring Montverde. It’s still quiet out here and urban sprawl hasn’t hit yet. And you’re still pretty close to stores, restaurants, movies, etc...

I'll check out sugerloaf. i know Clermont is developing vast but how would you say they are equip to handle the growth?

I’d say the Sugarloaf area handles it well. Traffic is a bit heavier the last couple years since the new turnpike exit is really close by, but not terrible. The good thing about the area is even though it’s growing, the sugarloaf/montverde side is pretty limited on how much it can grow due to a scenic highway going through the area. Worst thing is the bicyclists on the weekends can be a pretty annoying traffic hazard.

[nymets1]

Nyce- you mentioned you grew up in Kissimmee. I was there on Thursday as I went to the nike clearance store off Osceola Parkway and than went to the Nike Factory off US 192 before getting back on I4. I also went to the Nike Factory store at the Lake Buena Vista outlets as well as the Nike factory store and nike clearance store on International drive and in the end I got the air max 720's be true by gilbert baker and the vapormax that are black/purple.

You mentioned school is one of the most important factors. When I was a kid I went to Rainbow elementary and English Estates elementary than I went to Tuskawilla middle school than I went to Lake Howell high 1st 2 years and Lyman last 2 years of high school and attended Valencia community college for almost 2 years. Tuskawilla middle and Lake Howell high are right across the street from each other. Someone talked me into switching from Lake Howell high to Lyman high and I wish I stayed at Lake howell high all 4 years. I don't remember elementary school but I did enjoy Tuskawilla middle school and Lake Howell high school so I would recommend Tuskawilla and Lake Howell.

I live less than 10 miles away from UCF campus so I'm glad I can attend UCF football and basketball games and be close to home.

I4 is fine IMO as long as you don't come to a standstill in traffic. I enjoy all the twists and turns on I4 going 60 to 7O mph through those twists and turns is fun!!

[tiderulz]

Where do you work and how far/long are you willing to commute on a daily basis?

Luckily, my current employer is allowing me to move and be 100% remote, so me, and wife, will be working from home. Because of that, rush hour traffic isn't a concern.

It probably depends on what area your job is in. I know I don't like to commute more than 15 minutes every day.

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having lived in both DC and Atlanta, never move to one of those places.