Orlando Neighborhoods.

[SanFranciscan]

My SO is transferring to Orlando, and I am seeking work there as well. We don't know the neighborhoods of Orlando since we have only been there twice. I remember reading here that a number of you are Florida residents. Maybe you can give us some advice.

Where would be a good area to start out in short-term housing until we find a place where we would feel comfortable signing a lease? Since we are moving across the country and starting over, we would like to start in an area close to public transit and basic amenities until we do the routine at the Florida DMV and all of that jazz.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Personally I like the Hunters Creek area, right between the airport and Disney. But there are several areas that are nice.

 

[colaboy29]

OrlanoMike beat me to the punch. I was going to suggest the same area for starting out in. Once you've been here for a while you can start exploring different areas of Orlando to see if you find a different area you like better.

 

[SanFranciscan]

Thank you for the information. We were looking into a short-term rental, but we found one place which wants a 12-month lease we might do.

I am very nervous about moving. We are long-term tenants who have lived in the same apartment with the same landlady for 23 years. My supervisor at the Disney Museum says that we are doing the right thing and has promised that I shall be highly recommended by Disney local to the folks in Orlando. Wish me luck I hope not to need too much of.

 

[pr surfer]

I saw you post about public transit. I have to mention it since well, Orlando's public transportation.... well... well, it stinks. A car is necessary in Orlando.

 

[colaboy29]

I saw you post about public transit. I have to mention it since well, Orlando's public transportation.... well... well, it stinks. A car is necessary in Orlando.

Yes, true. Our public transit is not the best. Orlando is spread out so the bus lines are limited. The Lynx Bus system operates in Orlando. I would check out the routes at this link.

Routes

 

[SanFranciscan]

Thank you for the information. I want to be a good wife and not be a wet blanket about this since moving is sooo strongly desired by my SO, but moving is stressing me out enough that I often feel physically ill. Maybe just getting it over with will be all I need in order to feel better.

 

[SanFranciscan]

I am hoping that we have made the right decision because our application for the apartment that I put the deposit on in Orlando has been approved. We are moving in on April 8.

 

[colaboy29]

May we ask where you decided on? I'm sure us Central Floridians can give you tips on the best routes to Disney and elsewhere.

 

[SanFranciscan]

We shall be moving to Lake Fountain Drive about three blocks from the shopping mall.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Please tell me that's not Lake Fountain Drive off of Orange Blossom Trail and Americana!

 

[SanFranciscan]

Someone living in Orlando now has told me that the neighborhood is not horrible, but we am not committed to staying anywhere long-term. We have decided to take only our pictures and our clothes. We are not renting a U-haul or paying for storage in case we will be moving again soon because we were looking for places online and are reluctant to put trust in them.

 

[SanFranciscan]

Thank you for your concern. I am nervous about moving at all because I don't know Orlando and have been there only twice. I just looked for something along the transit lines and close to shopping. I saw which stores are in the mall, and they are not the kind of stores that would want to set up shop near crack houses.

The landlady said that she gets a lot of people coming down from up north so that made me feel a little better. We are not going to get a ritzy neighborhood because we do not make enough money. One of us does security, and one of us does guest services work. We are good people though. We mind our own business and don't look to get into fights with people.

 

[OrlandoMike]

It's still a very rough part of town......I would re-consider. But if you are stuck in a lease, I know a ton of good restaurants in that area!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Be very careful and stay alert at all times. Never leave anything of value showing (on your person) or anywhere else. Not trying to be a negative type, but that really is a very rough part of town.

Be safe!

 

[SanFranciscan]

What do you y'all know about the Marbella? The apartments are in a gated community so that should help some. We are also arriving three days early and staying in a hotel on International Drive. There is a bus that goes from I-Drive right past those apartments. I want to get on it and see what kind of people are riding with me. That will tell me what kind of neighbors that we shall have.

Nothing is ever a sure thing though. Here in San Francisco we have very expensive condos very near encampments in the park resulting in danger. Another thing is that right across the street from a mall where little thugs like to rob people of cell phones and stuff is a neighborhood full of mansions that look like fairytale houses. That kind of contrast seems to be increasingly normal in urban areas.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I live in that part of town and knock on wood- have never had a problem. I'd steer clear of walking OBT (or anywhere in the area) in the dark though- It gives me enough creeps to drive some of that street in the day


-em

 

[Schotz]

I have never had a problem yet in orlando, however I notice most neighborhoods enforce high fences, gated security and timelocks on doors. I would be careful but no cause for alarm. The only incident I had in orlando was with a mears taxi driver. He was very late to pick our party up and we tried to be cheerful and forget about him being late. One of the people in the taxi politely asked what country the man was from. He made an angry face and said he was from haiti, drove rough, took some long dark back road back to our hotel. We had kids with us that got scared. He went on talking defensivly and really ruined our nite. You can never tell where evil will lurk. Once in 1988, we put a large disney shopping down for a second to take a family picture in epcot. After the photo, bag was gone. Those are the only 2 times I've had any kind of thing like that happen in orlando and I go almost twice a year.

 

[colaboy29]

Thank you for your concern. I am nervous about moving at all because I don't know Orlando and have been there only twice. I just looked for something along the transit lines and close to shopping. I saw which stores are in the mall, and they are not the kind of stores that would want to set up shop near crack houses.

Everyone feels that way about a new city. You will quickly learn the best routes. And feel free to ask here (or IM me) and we can help you if you have other questions.

I am assuming you both share a car? On your days off I would suggest exploring the areas around you. Specifically the Hunter's Creek area. See a house for rent? Give them a call and find out prices (check Craig's List, too. Ask us if you don't recognize an area). Us Central Floridians will help you out as best we can.

 

[SanFranciscan]

Thank you all. I appreciate it. I have to do well in Florida and make new friends there. It is the only way to get over the pain of leaving my home here.