Central Florida real estate

[disneydiva1313]

One of these days, I would like to live in central Florida. The problem is...I don't have a clue as to where I would start looking. I love everything about where I currently live...except winters and cold weather. I live in a college town...there's always something to do that is either college-related, or just town-related. And Indianapolis is not that far away if I want big city stuff. School districts would not be an issue. Living out in the country does not appeal to me. I like safe neighborhoods. FYI...there is one income coming in...so somewhere like Celebration is out...although I would love it there. So...anyone out there who is really familiar with central Florida, and the neighborhoods...please share. Oh...and I love Disney World...so probably not farther than 90 minutes away.

 

[skelooch]

If I were in your shoes I would first contact a few reputable real estate brokers, Let them know all of the specifics of what I was looking for, area, size, price, etc. And then schedule several days of your next trip to the area meeting with them to show you what they think you might be interested in.
It will probably take a long time and many trips to find the perfect match so you can't be impatient.

 

[DisGirl23]

This is our plan as well. I've been over Chicago winters for years now! But, now we have to wait for the market to get a little better since we are upside down on our condo.
We're hoping for a 2012 move. I've been doing a little research and found a couple areas that we will visit on our trip next September. And we'll be renting for the first year so we can be sure of the area we will want to purchase in.

Good luck!

 

[mickeyhunter]

I moved from the Chicago area to Orlando in January of 2008. The cost of living in Orlando is much cheaper than the Chicago area. I live in a brand new construction home that is 3 bedrooms 2 baths 2 car garage that I purchased for $165,000.

I like Orlando because I am 20 minutes to Disney, 45 minutes to Daytona, and 1 1/2 away from Tampa/St Pete, and 3 1/2 to Miami. Flights in and out of Orlando are some of the cheapest flights you can get.

Orlando is also a college town (UCF). There are tons of things to do that are not related to Disney. There is always something going on.

I love it here!

If you are considering a move, I can pm you my relator's information. He is awesome!

 

[irisesareblue]

If I were in your shoes I would first contact a few reputable real estate brokers, Let them know all of the specifics of what I was looking for, area, size, price, etc. And then schedule several days of your next trip to the area meeting with them to show you what they think you might be interested in.
It will probably take a long time and many trips to find the perfect match so you can't be impatient.

We are currently searching for a winter home in the Orlando area - note that realtors are not legally allowed to give you advice on which neighborhood is safest (something about Florida law) so be sure to do your research on each individual listing. I agree about taking a portion of your next trip to get to know the neighborhoods - that was the first thing our realtor suggested.

If you are concerned about safety, there are crime statistics on some real estate websites but be sure to do your research on which neighborhoods you are interested in. We have found the Orlando Sentinel is a good research tool and have start reading the online edition. I also do a search on google by putting the subdivision name, and the word "crime" after the subdivision name - sometimes I have to put in Orlando or Kissimmee to narrow down the search but it usually comes up with some hits if it's a rotten neighborhood.

 

[Lilmattie13]

I moved from the Chicago area to Orlando in January of 2008. The cost of living in Orlando is much cheaper than the Chicago area. I live in a brand new construction home that is 3 bedrooms 2 baths 2 car garage that I purchased for $165,000.

I like Orlando because I am 20 minutes to Disney, 45 minutes to Daytona, and 1 1/2 away from Tampa/St Pete, and 3 1/2 to Miami. Flights in and out of Orlando are some of the cheapest flights you can get.

Orlando is also a college town (UCF). There are tons of things to do that are not related to Disney. There is always something going on.

I love it here!

If you are considering a move, I can pm you my relator's information. He is awesome!

We are looking to buy near Orlando as well. Could you pm me your relator's info as well? thanks so much.

 

[matthewsmom1]

I live in the Waterford Lakes/UCF area (about 40 minutes to Disney). And I LOVE it! I've felt very safe. It's in East Orlando - about 45 minutes to the coast.