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

[Nyce_1]

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.

[Orange Ave.]

Welcome home! There is very likely at least one realtor on this Forum, I'd reach out to them.

Can't go wrong with any spot you mentioned. Winter Garden is certainly the hottest spot right now, everyone is moving there for good reason. Narcoossee/Lake Nona is "New Orlando." Absolute explosion of development, and they are developing it the right way too.

Just be aware of the distance and travel time to Amway Center when purchasing a home.

[Knightro]

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?

[Nyce_1]

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.

[3ddman23]

Seminole county tends to have better schooling then orange if that's what your looking for. Winter springs, oviedo, lake mary, Heathrow, cassleberry, Longwood, certain parts of Sanford. Stay away from anytbing that involves I-4 being one of your main highways though.

I lived in clermont for 2 years and loved it. Lake county is nice but growing fast so traffic isnt that great. North side of clermont(sr 50 side), minneola, groveland, mt dora, sorrento, certain parts of eustis habe nice communities. A bit more quite and affordable but its further out from the orlando area.

[Knightro]

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.

Selfishly, I love downtown and the immediate surrounding areas (Lake Eola Heights, Thornton Park, Fern Creek/Lawsona, Colonialtown North and South, Milk District) but those aren't *really* the best spots for families.

Since commute doesn't matter, I'd say Horizon West. Basically anywhere along 429, but specifically North of Disney World would be my recommendation. All the way up to Winter Garden and Tildenville.

[Nyce_1]

Welcome home! There is very likely at least one realtor on this Forum, I'd reach out to them.

Can't go wrong with any spot you mentioned. Winter Garden is certainly the hottest spot right now, everyone is moving there for good reason. Narcoossee/Lake Nona is "New Orlando." Absolute explosion of development, and they are developing it the right way too.

Just be aware of the distance and travel time to Amway Center when purchasing a home.

Thanks! Already told wife season ticket cost now needs to be factored into our annual budget, lol. Not all 41 home games, but a few. We've been driving 90 mins to the arena for some games here and there, and it hasn't been horrible. I'll certainly be happy from anywhere in the central florida area; and expect maybe 30-45 mins.

When you say they are developing it the right way, what do you mean? Growing up, St. Cloud/Narcoosee had a negative overview; it's crazy to see the development now.

[Nyce_1]

Seminole county tends to have better schooling then orange if that's what your looking for. Winter springs, oviedo, lake mary, Heathrow, cassleberry, Longwood, certain parts of Sanford. Stay away from anytbing that involves I-4 being one of your main highways though.

I lived in clermont for 2 years and loved it. Lake county is nice but growing fast so traffic isnt that great. North side of clermont(sr 50 side), minneola, groveland, mt dora, sorrento, certain parts of eustis habe nice communities. A bit more quite and affordable but its further out from the orlando area.

Thanks man. Clermont really left a nice impression on the boss. Those hills...nothing like it in Florida. So far, the leader is that area, north of 50, before turnpike. I may look into Groveland, but that may be as far as we're willing to go. Like you said, Mt Dora & Eustis seem a bit too out there.

Thanks for your opinion.

[Nyce_1]

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.

Selfishly, I love downtown and the immediate surrounding areas (Lake Eola Heights, Thornton Park, Fern Creek/Lawsona, Colonialtown North and South, Milk District) but those aren't *really* the best spots for families.

Since commute doesn't matter, I'd say Horizon West. Basically anywhere along 429, but specifically North of Disney World would be my recommendation. All the way up to Winter Garden and Tildenville.

Thank you sir. I'll look into Horizon West area. 10 years ago, I have a cousin that bought a home along 429, closer to Apopka, and I thought that was far af. Now...very open to that side of town.

Never heard of Tildenville. I'll check it out.

Thanks again.

[basketballRob]

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.

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

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

[Nyce_1]

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.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

Once the move happens, i'll be commuting 30-45 steps

[ReadyOrlando]

Lake Nona

[UCFJayBird]

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.

[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...

[Nyce_1]

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.

[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.

[Optimus_Steel]

Bought a house in Winter Garden near the Winter Garden Village less than 2 years ago and we love it. It has the best combo all sorts of things: Less than 5 mins from Turnpike, 408, 429; downtown Winter Garden and Winter Garden Village handful of mins away; Disney Springs is about 20 mins away, Downtown Orlando is 20 mins with no traffic and 30 with traffic; Millennia Mall and my office is 20 mins away. Airport is 30 mins. The caveat is that prices have exploded in the last couple of years so you are not going to find a 'deal'. If you are looking to save money Clermont would be a great option too but SR 50 has become a mad house in that part because there aren't many large roads. They haven't kept up with the growth as where Winter Garden has Turnpike, 408, 429 to get you moving quickly. They are looking into building a toll road from 429 in Hamlin to US 27 in Clermont but that's years away. Hamlin in Winter Garden is growing like crazy and there is a lot of new projects on the horizon for it, shops, restaurants and all. Also there are plan for large park in Hamiln that should be awesome. I'm about 10 mins from Hamlin.

[basketballRob]

I live in Lake Mary and it's away from the city which I like but it's close enough. I was actually thinking about moving farther out to Debary, Orange City, Deltona area because you get so much more for your money.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

[Ducklett]

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

[Audi]

Born and raised in Winter Springs. It was a great place to grow up. That said, I moved away to the N.C. mtns many moons ago so I don’t have a great grasp on how it is today.