Moving to Orlando: Need help!!

[baby1disney]

Thanks Andy for your tips!!

 

[DanInMN]

With all the foreclosures in Orlando the houses and townhomes are "nearly free". A few years ago we stayed in a very nice townhome that was for sale for over $400,000. Today you could buy it for under $100,000. With the low interest rates, payments would be very low for those who qualify.

I don't know about rents though.

 

[Bonniec]

Okay, I will be the negative one here and let you know my thoughts. Bare with me if my honesty is too harsh, it's just what I have experienced.

First, buying houses here is very cheap. But rent is ridiculously high. Expenses here are very high as well compared to Idaho and other areas of Florida I have lived in. They have also nearly doubled for me. Food prices are crazy and jacked up for the tourists.

Secondly, research the schools very, VERY carefully. This is the first place I have ever lived in where I could not pull my child out of a school I was not happy with and place into another school. We picked a decent neighborhood with a horrible school and they would NOT let me move schools. Despite my kindergartner being dropped off and left in a random neighborhood on his first day and another mother finding him. (Still haunted by the what if's of that!) And it didn't matter how high up the school board I went, they would not budge. Charter schools have waiting lists as well. I ended up having to homeschool due to no other options. Eventually he got into a nice charter.

Third, I don't think you are going to find a decent area for $650 a month. I would argue that I don't think Poinciana is a great area, though there are a lot of areas that are worse. The only areas I have found that I like are Celebration, Windermere, and Dr. Phillips...all of which have very, VERY high rental rates.

I can't comment on NE Orlando areas because it's too far from where we work. I am under the impression it might be nicer there and not as costly as the areas I just mentioned so you might want to look into that.

Overall, I am glad we moved here. But if you want to live in a nice area with good schools, it's going to cost a lot more than what you quoted. I might be too picky about where I live. It's just what I have experienced.

 

[tiggerplus5]

A great source of information on the local area is at city-data.com. Just do a search for Winter Park, Clermont, etc.. and there's tons of information. I am planning on moving to Florida as soon as I can find a job. I spend hours at city-data browsing different areas preparing for my move. There are forums to ask questions and get real life answers to your questions. Some are very negative but I think that's because the economy and housing are so bad. It really helped me to understand what I was getting into if I decided to move.

I have several areas in mind depending on where I find a job. I am trying to be flexible. I've been sending out resumes for a few months and only got a few bites.

I also think that $650 for an apartment is low. If you find housing that low, you may be in an undesirable area and the crime rate will be high. Do your homework.

Good luck! Hopefully, we will both be living in Florida soon!

 

[baby1disney]

I'll have to check out that city data website!! Thanks again everyone for your insightful tips!!

 

[lthiesfeld07]

I too am looking to move to the Orlando area, once I gain employment. (Which is very difficult. Job market is very competitive in Orlando)

I looked at a place in the Lake Mary area. (Northern suburb) I LOVED it! It was $750 + a month for a basic (gorgeous) apartment. I liked Lake Mary, and Winter Springs because the areas felt more like "towns," instead of tourist and business traps.

As for schools, I am a teacher and I was looking in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Seminole county was my favorite. My cousin works in Seminole county and she really likes her school. (Lake Mary and Winter Springs are in Seminole county)

Seminole County is about 30-45 minutes from Disney, on good day. (Depends on traffic)

Happy Hunting! I hope you find a job. I looked last year for a teaching position, and was unlucky. I am hoping to this year!

 

[Metro West]

The worst place she lived was MetroWest, when she first arrived in Orlando and didn't know the area or any friends. This place was really awful. She had to have neighbors check on her apartment ever 6 to 12 hours when she was out of town. She had some homeless (we assume) pretty much stalk her and would come and bang on her door and windows at night. The police response was less than desirable (1 hour). The complex she lived in eventually stopped closing the gate because it was hendering the police from being able to quickly respond to various types of crime. It was horrific and traumatizing. This was literally right across from the street from the Valencia main campus

After that she went to Winter Garden (Not Winter Park) and that is a nice area as well. Much safer.

Those are our experiences with the area.

If she lived across from Valencia CC, she did not live in MetroWest. Kirkman Road is the divider and anything in that area on the Valencia side of Kirkman Road is MW...the other side is not. It sounds like she lived on the wrong side of the street. That area backs up to the Carver Shores/Kirkman North areas which is a high crime, drug strewn area. I lived in MW for two years when I moved here and had absolutely no issues of any kind. I studied many complexes before moving down and the complex I chose was very nice and quiet. And...it was ungated. Sorry she had so many problems but again...she picked the wrong side of the street to live on.

OP...I live in the Ocoee/Apopka area and really like it. It's close to everything via 408 and 429 but far enough away from the tourist areas to keep the traffic and crowds at arm's length. And and the best part? You won't have to take I-4 to the parks...once you learn the back roads.

 

[wfjny]

Do you mind if I ask a question. This is just for my own curiosity.

For those of you posting, was Disney and the surrounding tourist area one of the main purposes of purchasing where you did?

The reason why I ask is that I and formerly from Long Island, NY, now living in Charlotte NC. We are big Disney fans, we have our annual passes, and we do make several trips to Disney every year. Our next trip actually being MLK Jr. holiday, where my kids actually have a 4 day weekend, and our trip is just an 8 hour drive.

But, my point was are you living closer to Disney because you plan on going there every Friday Night type of thing? Feel free to replace Disney with your favorite attraction in the Orlando area. Or is it possible that you are hoping to perhaps work there part-time (as a second income, or as something to do in retirement)?

Again, just curious. Thanks.

 

[ElliePeters]

We moved to Florida because of the weather, Disney, and taking on a new adventure for our family. People get stuck in their day to day lives, wondering about that dream- well we decided to LIVE it! I dont regret anything, as it is a learning curve on what you like and don't living in FL. I enjoy being able to drive over to Disney for a meet up with a friend, grab a soda, then head home to do laundry. Its one of the reasons we moved close to it and we have very much enjoyed it. Thanks to whoever posted the link to my blog, www.therelocatedtourist.com, we share the ups and downs of preparing, the moving, and what its like to live here now. Check it out and I hope I can help someone out there. God bless your day!

 

[Metro West]

For those of you posting, was Disney and the surrounding tourist area one of the main purposes of purchasing where you did?

Disney had nothing to do with my move here. I moved from a smaller town in Virginia and wanted to live somewhere different with more to do. I was also sick of the cold weather in the winter. Having the theme parks here is just a perk but since I haven't been to WDW in almost two years, I don't miss it. I spend more time at Universal now. It is nice having them right down the road though.

Why in the world would anyone want to move into the tourist area surrounding Disney? It's way too crowded most of the time.

 

[2girlsmom]

It's a little further than an hour (depending on where), but have you considered the Tampa Bay area? We are just over an hour from Disney, about 1-1/2 from Universal if the traffic is a bit slowed on I4, and I live in Land O Lakes, north of the city of Tampa. LandoLakes High School is rated in the top 10 in the US. Plus we are also within 45 minutes of the beach, which is wonderful, and costs are somewhat lower in the Tampa area than in Orlando area in my experience, since we aren't quite the tourist mecca that Orlando is. Also, Lakeland, which is between Orlando and Tampa, is a nice area, though I can't speak to the schools.

 

[baby1disney]

I too am looking to move to the Orlando area, once I gain employment. (Which is very difficult. Job market is very competitive in Orlando)

I looked at a place in the Lake Mary area. (Northern suburb) I LOVED it! It was $750 + a month for a basic (gorgeous) apartment. I liked Lake Mary, and Winter Springs because the areas felt more like "towns," instead of tourist and business traps.

As for schools, I am a teacher and I was looking in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Seminole county was my favorite. My cousin works in Seminole county and she really likes her school. (Lake Mary and Winter Springs are in Seminole county)

Seminole County is about 30-45 minutes from Disney, on good day. (Depends on traffic)

Happy Hunting! I hope you find a job. I looked last year for a teaching position, and was unlucky. I am hoping to this year!

Hopefully, you can find something and move down!! That would be great...good luck to ya!!!

Do you mind if I ask a question. This is just for my own curiosity.

For those of you posting, was Disney and the surrounding tourist area one of the main purposes of purchasing where you did?

The reason why I ask is that I and formerly from Long Island, NY, now living in Charlotte NC. We are big Disney fans, we have our annual passes, and we do make several trips to Disney every year. Our next trip actually being MLK Jr. holiday, where my kids actually have a 4 day weekend, and our trip is just an 8 hour drive.

But, my point was are you living closer to Disney because you plan on going there every Friday Night type of thing? Feel free to replace Disney with your favorite attraction in the Orlando area. Or is it possible that you are hoping to perhaps work there part-time (as a second income, or as something to do in retirement)?

Again, just curious. Thanks.

As far as I'm concerned, I've LOOOOVED Florida since I was little girl. My grandparents use to live in Cape Coral yeeeaaars ago..before it was developed the way it is now and there was just something homey about Florida. I really fell in love with it again when I took my first trip to Disney in Orlando back in 2006. I took a vacation down there last summer and did absolutely nothing!!! And LOVED IT!!! I've always wanted to move but jobs, family, marriage wouldn't allow me. I was even gonna move earlier this winter, but then I met a wonderful man and his kids and I couldn't part from them. Well, now he's dumped me for someone else and we still live together..I know..so this is/was maybe a sign that it's my time to finally move down there. I've been doing a lot of research lately and I've came across some good areas as well as not so good. But, this is my dream and I'll be making it come true very soon!!!

It's a little further than an hour (depending on where), but have you considered the Tampa Bay area? We are just over an hour from Disney, about 1-1/2 from Universal if the traffic is a bit slowed on I4, and I live in Land O Lakes, north of the city of Tampa. LandoLakes High School is rated in the top 10 in the US. Plus we are also within 45 minutes of the beach, which is wonderful, and costs are somewhat lower in the Tampa area than in Orlando area in my experience, since we aren't quite the tourist mecca that Orlando is. Also, Lakeland, which is between Orlando and Tampa, is a nice area, though I can't speak to the schools.

I haven't thought about the Tampa area, but maybe I will now. I'm going to go and look at some things there right now!!

 

[LilGMom]

It's a little further than an hour (depending on where), but have you considered the Tampa Bay area? We are just over an hour from Disney, about 1-1/2 from Universal if the traffic is a bit slowed on I4, and I live in Land O Lakes, north of the city of Tampa. LandoLakes High School is rated in the top 10 in the US. Plus we are also within 45 minutes of the beach, which is wonderful, and costs are somewhat lower in the Tampa area than in Orlando area in my experience, since we aren't quite the tourist mecca that Orlando is. Also, Lakeland, which is between Orlando and Tampa, is a nice area, though I can't speak to the schools.

And, OP, the Cocoa/Melbourne/Palm Bay is only about an hour east of Orlando.

 

[wfjny]

Why in the world would anyone want to move into the tourist area surrounding Disney? It's way too crowded most of the time.

Well, I have to admit, that is what I was thinking.

Thank you to everyone who replied.

Back to the OP, it sounds like you have all the signs you need to make your move. Best of luck!

We had plenty of "signs" that the move to Charlotte from LI was the right thing to do for us. From a job almost dropping on my lap, to selling our home in NY in 12 days back in 2010, the signs were there that this was the right move.

Even after our move, storms Irene and Sandy only continued to prove to us this was the correct move for us.

The whole, its Friday, lets drive to Orlando thing is just a plus for my wife

As someone who has lived on LI and Brooklyn my entire life, moving my whole family 600 miles south was the biggest decision and the biggest risk I have ever made. I am amazed at the people I meet who have lived in four, five or six different states. I am so glad we did it!

Again, Best of luck...

 

[SrisonS]

Do you mind if I ask a question. This is just for my own curiosity.

For those of you posting, was Disney and the surrounding tourist area one of the main purposes of purchasing where you did?

The reason why I ask is that I and formerly from Long Island, NY, now living in Charlotte NC. We are big Disney fans, we have our annual passes, and we do make several trips to Disney every year. Our next trip actually being MLK Jr. holiday, where my kids actually have a 4 day weekend, and our trip is just an 8 hour drive.

But, my point was are you living closer to Disney because you plan on going there every Friday Night type of thing? Feel free to replace Disney with your favorite attraction in the Orlando area. Or is it possible that you are hoping to perhaps work there part-time (as a second income, or as something to do in retirement)?

Again, just curious. Thanks.

We moved down initially because my wife really wanted to work for Disney (kinda did and didn't work out though). We started off in Kissimmee, closer to the St Cloud area. But when I finally got a better job (in Apopka), we decided to move closer to there. So now we are in North Orlando (near the Maitland area). And even though it's further from Disney, we really like the area. We're in an apartment right now. But when we eventually start looking for a house, we probably won't stray too far from where we are now. The area is just nicer here than where we were in Kissimmee; and it's a less congested. It is a little more expensive though. But we feel it's worth it.

We were hovering around $650/month in Kissimmee. And like some have said, cheaper priced areas might be trouble spots. For the most of our time there, we didn't have a big problem with anything. Not long before moving, we learned that someone across from us was selling drugs out of their apartment. But to contrast that; our 1st apt in Kissimmee that was only a mile away was just great!!! It was about the same price, and I never heard any word of anything bad really happening. We only moved because they were going condo (that stupid boom). So just make sure you do your research.

 

[ElliePeters]

Disney had nothing to do with my move here. I moved from a smaller town in Virginia and wanted to live somewhere different with more to do. I was also sick of the cold weather in the winter. Having the theme parks here is just a perk but since I haven't been to WDW in almost two years, I don't miss it. I spend more time at Universal now. It is nice having them right down the road though.

Why in the world would anyone want to move into the tourist area surrounding Disney? It's way too crowded most of the time.

Living around Disney World doesn't mean you are knee deep in tourists. If you live right on Highway 192 or Interstate 4, then yeah, you are in the tourist area. There are so many beautiful suburbs surrounding Disney, and you have to take the time to drive around and look at them all. Now I hear all kinds of things about the Universal and Metro West area, and you couldn't catch me there after dark. Its all on how we each see it, so good luck to everyone who moves here. It is an amazing adventure!!

 

[baby1disney]

Everyone has been soo helpful with all of the tips and suggestions and I'm soo proud!! I just found out that I might possibly have cancer and this move might be the best thing..I wanna live somewhere where I've always wanted to and this is definitely a place I wanna move to!! I guess my biggest fear is not making friends while I'm down there and that scares me a bit. Thank you once again for all the support and reality checks

 

[OKW Lover]

Sending and to you Baby1Disney.

 

[SrisonS]

Everyone has been soo helpful with all of the tips and suggestions and I'm soo proud!! I just found out that I might possibly have cancer and this move might be the best thing..I wanna live somewhere where I've always wanted to and this is definitely a place I wanna move to!! I guess my biggest fear is not making friends while I'm down there and that scares me a bit. Thank you once again for all the support and reality checks

There are a lot of locals on these boards. So if anything, you can possibly meet up with other Disney fans once in a while, and maybe make friendships that way.

I know that there are quite a few hobby photographers that met through Flickr; and have developed friendships based on their love of Disney. So I know it's possible.

 

[jarrdisney]

First and foremost, I hope everything is going well with your health. That was of the utmost concern when we were preparing our move to Orlando.

Let me preface this post with the fact that we LOVE living in Orlando. It's been nearly 2 years, and we have absolutely NO regrets. We make it work. However, there are many others that don't.

I implore you, if you haven't done so already, to check out the city data forum. It will give you a better, albeit more stark perspective of the city beautiful. Moving is not easy, and Orlando is not all puppies and rainbows. The job market is in the toilet. The pay scale is ridiculously low, and rent is very high compared to the price of homes. Home prices have also started climbing in the more desirable areas. Just to give you an idea, we pay $1250/month for a 2/2, in order to live in a good area. Seminole county will probably be the most bang for your buck area, but you are a good hour from Disney in typical I-4 traffic. Other areas to consider that are most likely out of your price range and in Orange County are; Winter Park, Winter Garden, Gotha, Windermere, Dr. Phillips. Hunters Creek, and Williamsburg.

Please secure a job before moving. I would hate for you to become another statistic, especially with a child. I wish you the best of luck, and I apologize if I come off as harsh, but I needed that slap of reality years ago when we were planning the move, and it helped me a great deal.