Immediate move to Orlando and we're unprepared!

[MizTink]

what about kissimmee? there are some great home prices there too.
for those who already live in the area, what do you think???

 

[Disney Doll]

I'd live in Old Key West...but that's just me.

 

[palmtreegirl]

I'd go with Davenport or the actual town of Celebration. Davenport is close by but out of all the tourist areas.

 

[Feralpeg]

Property taxes will be a huge issue when you start to look around. Windemere is too weird. They have dirt roads to keep their (HIGH) taxes down.

Actually, the dirt roads in downtown Windermere are to protect the lakes since Windermere is built in the center of the Butler Chain of Lakes. There is plenty of money in Windermere to pave the roads if they wanted to do so. They don't want the asphalt run off to damage the lakes.

Personally, I love living in Windermere. You don't have to live in the downtown area. I have paved streets.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would check out http://homesuitehome.com/index.php . They advertise regularly in Eyes & Ears, the Cast newspaper. This would be good for immediate, short-term use. According to their ads they have no application fee, no utility deposits and no lease agreement required. They advertise prices starting at $149 a week and include free utilities, local phone, Cable TV/HBO, In-Suite safe, housekeeping, full-size frost free refrigerator/freezer and microwave oven. Each property has a coin laundry and a bus stop. One is less than a mile to Celebration, the other is three miles; both are on 192.

They will at least give a base to work from to start looking at areas for a house. And probably the "East Gate" location is better suited.

 

[KodakFigment]

OK thanks to all of you we've been scouring the area this week. Because we're on such a short timetable we thought maybe we should rent a vacation home for the month of May. That would give DH a chance to get in and start work and look for a rental starting in June. He wouldn't have to move anything or worry about cable, internet, etc. What do you think? There seems to be a lot in our price range ($1000-$1400) in the Davenport area. Is this an OK area? How's the commute to Celebration from the 192 / 27 area? I'm still feeling overwhelmed about leaving but I know once we start getting things lined up I'll feel better. After all I am a Dis'er so you know I'm planning for months in advance not 2wks If anyone knows of a good complex or even a specific owner or rental you can PM me. Any and all advice appreciated

 

[siouxi31]

Definitely go to the forums for Orlando at city-data.com. The forums can not only help you regarding areas but also what to consider or be aware of when moving.

Congratulations! I can feel your smile through your post.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

No advice as I am not directly in the area--but since you are moving many months out from him, I recommend taking the home search slow. LOTS of deals to be had and property is yours for the taking. It shouldn't be hard to get what you want for the price that you want. Be particular and have DH househunt on weekends as his new past time (with you househunting via e-mailed listings.)

While we are relocating to Virginia, that is how we did our home search. Patience, and I did come up to look once...but the right house for the right price will manifest. (We used a power of attorney so that I do not have to be present at closing which is next week.)

 

[KodakFigment]

Definitely go to the forums for Orlando at city-data.com. The forums can not only help you regarding areas but also what to consider or be aware of when moving.

I went there this week and I guess I'm spoiled with my Dis Friends. I read posts over there and it just felt really negative. I'm afraid to even ask a question because it seem like the only ones who respond are the ones who have something bad to say. I'm just a little too fragile right now to be able to handle the negativity. It's kind of like posting in the transportation board "There's no pixie dust on the transportation board!" Most of the time I like the "no pixie dust" rule, and I post on transportation a lot, but right now I can't handle it.
I will still keep reading the city-data forums for hints and tips.

 

[SandrA9810]

i'd stay away from millenia... Too close to too much trouble. And stay out of metro west.

i'd stick to the east side of 192, it's much easier traffic.
But your best bet is reunion/champions gate. It's exit 58 and world drive exit on the south west end of celebration, is like exit 62. Short commute. And lots of good rentals and lots of good size houses for cheap. A lot cheaper than celebration, but still the same size.

Cyberhomes.com is a fun site to play around with. And i really like the map search on century21.com.

Expect 600 for a 1bedroom, and about a 1,000 for 3bedroom. Not being in an income restricted area.

 

[sunshine girl]

I just want to say congratulations and have fun! You have the right attitude. It's an adventure, and it will be scary at times, but what a great adventure! I'm jealous!

I moved from Chicago to south Florida all of a sudden (same thing, an out-of-the-blue job offer) back in '05, and it was crazy -- soooo different --- but after the initial shock wore off, I LOVED it. Never would have left if it weren't for my job situation requiring a move back north. Actually, I look forward to returning to FL someday!

If you like Florida at all, I think you will find LOTS to like about living there. Starting with Publix... , ohhhh how I miss my Publix grocery store. Don't let the city-data naysayers get you down!

Keep us posted on how it goes!