Can anyone tell me about Winter Park, FL? UPDATE: interview 1/6/06

[wdwpluto]

Can anyone tell me about Winter Park, Florida? I have a job opportunity down there and it would mean that DH and I would have to relocate from NJ. We're in our early thirties and have no kids. Is it a nice area? I know it's not too far from WDW, but is it very crowded? (Mind you, we're used to NYC like congestion). Thanks in advance for any info.

UPDATE: further down on page 1

 

[kbkids]

Can anyone tell me about Winter Park, Florida? I have a job opportunity down there and it would mean that DH and I would have to relocate from NJ. We're in our early thirties and have no kids. Is it a nice area? I know it's not too far from WDW, but is it very crowded? (Mind you, we're used to NYC like congestion). Thanks in advance for any info.

I have friends in Winter Park, and they love it! I don't think the congestion could even compare to NYC!

 

[wdwpluto]

Thanks, Sheri! Anyone else?

 

[Figment22]

I've only visited Winter Park while on our Orlando trips so I can't give you any info on housing but I can tell you that it is a lovely community. I see that you live in Lodi. I'm originally from Bergen County and interestingly enough, I always thought that the "downtown" Winter Park business area was very reminiscent of Ridgewood, NJ. I really like the shops and restaurants there. I don't think congestion will be a problem at all.

I'm sure some DIS central Floridians will be able to give much more information, but from what I've seen, it looks like it would be a nice place to live.

 

[wdwpluto]

I've only visited Winter Park while on our Orlando trips so I can't give you any info on housing but I can tell you that it is a lovely community. I see that you live in Lodi. I'm originally from Bergen County and interestingly enough, I always thought that the "downtown" Winter Park business area was very reminiscent of Ridgewood, NJ. I really like the shops and restaurants there. I don't think congestion will be a problem at all.

I'm sure some DIS central Floridians will be able to give much more information, but from what I've seen, it looks like it would be a nice place to live.

Thanks! Is it wrong to admit that, though we've lived in Lodi for nearly 5 years, we've never been to Ridgewood? DH is from Staten Island and I'm from Union county originally, so we're still discovering the area.

I'm going to be flying down for an interview, so I'll get to see the area firsthand (at least a little bit) but I don't think DH will be able to come with me. He is, however, very much on board with the idea of moving. We've both been wanting to get out of Jersey for a while. He works for a national chain and should be able to transfer down there easily enough. If not, we can certainly live on my salary until he finds something (we already do, banking all of his).

We would be looking to rent an apartment and from what I've seen at rentnet.com, they're well within our price range (actually, they're cheaper for larger that we're currently renting).

Anyone else have any opinions on the area?

 

[ChristmasElf]

http://www.city-data.com/city/Winter-Park-Florida.html
this will give you a little bit of an idea at least.

http://www.ci.winter-park.fl.us/2005/ or this one.


Winter Park is a very nice area. However, home prices are high for the size square footage. You can try realtor.com and put in winter park and this will give you an idea.
Winter Park also has areas that have older homes as well as new builds. Renting will be a very good idea until you get to know the area. There is some very nice shops in Winter Park as well.

As far as distance to WDW, your drive time will be about 30-40 minutes depending on the day and time you head out. Taking the Greeneway will be your best option on getting there the fastest!

Good Luck on your move

 

[Figment22]

Thanks! Is it wrong to admit that, though we've lived in Lodi for nearly 5 years, we've never been to Ridgewood? DH is from Staten Island and I'm from Union county originally, so we're still discovering the area.

You and your husband should actually check it out. (Before you move to FL, that is ) Ridgewood has a wonderful downtown area with great shops and restaurants. Try it some evening. You won't be disappointed.

He is, however, very much on board with the idea of moving. We've both been wanting to get out of Jersey for a while.

Boy, I know that feeling! Moving south was the very best thing we've ever done.

Good luck to you as you make your decision on moving.

 

[sweet angel]

I'm from Union county originally

I have nothing helpful to add, but wanted to say that I grew up in Union County -- Union to be exact.

 

[wdwpluto]

I have nothing helpful to add, but wanted to say that I grew up in Union County -- Union to be exact.

Small world, huh? I grew up in Linden and Cranford.

We're still trying to work out the arrangements, but I should be flying down sometime next week for the interview. Send some pixie dust my way please!

 

[sweet angel]

Small world, huh? I grew up in Linden and Cranford.

We're still trying to work out the arrangements, but I should be flying down sometime next week for the interview. Send some pixie dust my way please!

Pixie dust sent for you!

I lived in Linden for awhile when I was married...right down the street from Dairy Queen.

 

[mikesmom88]

wdwpluto

Pixie dust comng your way.

My DS17 will be going to college in St Augustine in the fall and DH and I are seriously thinking of moving to Florida. We have had enough of the cold and crowded NY. Good luck on your interview and let us know what you think of Winter Park when you return.

 

[Rhonda922]

I've lived in New Jersey all my life and all I can say is that if I had the chance to move to FL, I'd go in a second! Heck, my parents don't even live here in New Jersey anymore -- they retired and moved down south.

 

[wdwpluto]

Thanks for all the pixie dust everyone! It looks like the interview is being pushed back to the week of Jan 9 since one of the key players is on vacation this week, so the HR person can't confirm his availibility for next week. Which is fine, gives me more time to prepare (I need to update my portfolio and make sure my interview suit still fits!) They've been pursuing me since Thanksgiving, so what's another week, right?

DH and I have been looking online to get an idea of cost of living comparison and we found an apartment complex that we like the look of. It's about 30% larger than what we're renting now and almost 20% cheaper!

http://www.rentnet.com/apartments/f...orplan.jhtml?cPointer=6&pid=371070&fid=514072

Anyone know anything about the complex or the area?

I lived in Linden for awhile when I was married...right down the street from Dairy Queen.

How funny! My mom still lives there, back by Linden airport. It was never a great area, but it's gone downhill lately (as in, when I go visit, teens try to sell me drugs on the corner ) She's about 3 years away from retiring, so if DH and I make the move down there, I'm sure she won't be far behind.

 

[wdwpluto]

Quick update: I'm going down for an interview (with several people) on 1/6. They've also offered to let me stay in the area for the weekend at their expense to check it out. Woohoo!