Moving to FL

[suorkaterina]

Hey guys I just wanted to refer you to a post I put on the podcast board about "living near the magic". I know some of you live near Disney so I was hoping you might have some thoughts and advise on moving to the area.

Or you could just respond here if you want. I'm thinking of moving within a two hour radius of WDW. I'm not a city person. Someone mentioned Apopka. I've been to Winter Park(almost went to Rollins College). Anyhow, I'm looking for advise about moving, nice places, jobs, housing...I also asked if the magic fades a bit when you have access to Disney all the time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...either here or on the podcast board.

Thanks guys. It's been a while since I've participated, I've just been lurking lately.

 

[cbg1027]

Ocala might be a good option. It's a sizeable town, but it's by no means a big city. It's probably like an an hour and fifteen minutes from Disney.

There are a lot of suburbs of the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area. You could be close to the Gulf there and and like 1.5 hours from Disney.

I live in Tallahassee, which is 4 hours from Disney. It's a good town if you don't like the big city feel but still want the conveniences of having things like banking and shopping close by. I've always found it really interesting how Tallahassee manages to have this small town feel and be a state capital with two universities and a college. Our real estate values are the best in the state. You get a lot more house for the money here.

If you want to move, now is the time to do it! It's a buyers market in the real estate industry. I don't know where you live now, but just be prepared because a lot of places in Florida will seem expensive depending on where you're coming from.

Regarding whether or not the Disney magic gets lost when you live close by - I've lived 4 hours from there my entire life and I still LOVE it! It might be different if you live right IN Orlando. I think if you're far enough that you have to get a hotel room and can't just decide on a Friday to go to a park the next day, it will still feel magical - you just won't have to spend a lot of time traveling there!

 

[tednvon]

Heck, I say go for it!
Why not check out "for sale" homes in the immediate Disney area that are furnished, ready to move into, and are at lowest prices in years. We have stayed 3 months in both Indian Ridge and Sunset Lakes. Both are communties within 3 miles of Disney but south of 192 about a mile and it feels like you are 50 miles from Disney.
Both these communities have year round owners in addition to the rental homes, so there is more of a neighborhood feel. Indian Ridge homes are older but we liked the neighborhood a lot. Indian Ridge Oaks, right next door is also very nice. Also Lindfields in the same area has lots of owner occupied homes as well as rentals. Homes are going in the 110K to 200K range and can be a real bargain, especially if you looking to live full time.
I love Disney too, and if we moved full time we would stay close, work there part time, and veg on the magic. I can tell you in the 3 months I am there, I go over with an annual pass about 2-3 times a week and see something new every time...
Others communities like Emerald Island, Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Indian Creek are almost 100% rentals and do not feel like a "neighborhood."
Jobs will come back eventually. Not sure what you are looking for, but if you can be patient you can find something.

Good Luck...Ted

 

[Jason71]

One thing to keep in mind, the "Orlando area" is huge. You really need to know where you'll be working before you decide on an area to live in. If you're working by Disney, you don't want to live in Winter Park (nice as it is), and vice-versa.

 

[tednvon]

Great advice from Jason...the area is very heavily populated and there are so many communities, developements, and options in the area. 90% of the areas I discussed are west and south of Disney...away from the Orlando area.
good luck...Ted

 

[Disney Daddy et al]

Not sure this will help but I am making the move myself in the next 6 months and after several months of planning I'm still no closer to where my friend and I will be living. As previous poster's have stated there are some outstanding deals on homes for sale right now, as well as rental properties. Property taxes are reportedly going up so check with whichever county or city auditor's office to see what to expect. Lot's of postings online for pre-school teachers. Not sure about (Chefs) restaurants. Be prepared for a hefty Motor Vehicle Registration increase that just took effect. My buddy said to transfer his Ohio plates will cost him 400.00!!! OUCH . I'm going to keep my tags as long as possible if this is the case. (I was so looking forward to the orange and green)
My friend Dan moved down in Feb 09 and has yet to find full time employment as a High School teacher in Orange County but his credential's are good for 3 years so he is currently selling cars until something opens up. He resides in Cassellberry but does not like the area at all. Says Winter Park is more our speed but pointed out that if we move to LBV or Metrowest no matter where we end up we will have to contend with HEAVY traffic on a Weekly basis which could create some uneccessary stress. I thought this was very good advice as I am really only familiar with WDW and Kissimmee. The only other detail is the Orlando Sentinel has an online crime map by address or zip code. This is a great tool.
Best "Wishes"
Mike

 

[Businessgypsy]

If you're not far enough to get away, what are you getting away from? I live three hours, driveway to driveway, from WDW. My area on the Southwest Florida coast is significantly different in terrain and especially winter temperatures from the Orlando area, so it's a nice change when I visit. Figuring that you need a real change of channels to get the most out of visiting the magic, maybe consider Cape Coral/Punta Gorda/Fort Myers.

From 2004-2006 the whole world built speculative houses here because it had the most waterfront property in temperate climate at the lowest price of anywhere in the continental US. That dramatically oversupplied the market, and the crash became legend. The upshot today is that you can get a newer 3 bed 2 bath home built to 140mph wind codes on a saltwater access canal for under 200K. Less than the cost of building the home, forget the land.

Just an idea, but remember this: If you're not 100 miles south of Tampa, you're not ducking the cold weather. Just map out where coconut trees grow.

I use the three hour drive through rural ag land in Central Florida to shed my cares, adjust the brain and soften me up for immersion in everything Disney offers. Stay off the Interstates and reduce your stress level considerably. In any case, Welcome to Florida in advance!

 

[Go_Number_9]

If you're not far enough to get away, what are you getting away from? I live three hours, driveway to driveway, from WDW. My area on the Southwest Florida coast is significantly different in terrain and especially winter temperatures from the Orlando area, so it's a nice change when I visit. Figuring that you need a real change of channels to get the most out of visiting the magic, maybe consider Cape Coral/Punta Gorda/Fort Myers.

From 2004-2006 the whole world built speculative houses here because it had the most waterfront property in temperate climate at the lowest price of anywhere in the continental US. That dramatically oversupplied the market, and the crash became legend. The upshot today is that you can get a newer 3 bed 2 bath home built to 140mph wind codes on a saltwater access canal for under 200K. Less than the cost of building the home, forget the land.

Just an idea, but remember this: If you're not 100 miles south of Tampa, you're not ducking the cold weather. Just map out where coconut trees grow.

I use the three hour drive through rural ag land in Central Florida to shed my cares, adjust the brain and soften me up for immersion in everything Disney offers. Stay off the Interstates and reduce your stress level considerably. In any case, Welcome to Florida in advance!

Yeah and you're also living in "Old People Heaven"... where its 80% retired folks.. my aunt and uncle live in Punta Gorda and that whole area is nothing but 60+ communities... dont get me wrong, I have nothing against elderly people at all.. but take my advice.. you dont wanna live here.. sure, the cost of living is cheaper, but you wanna be where the younger crowds are.. which would be anywhere from the Tampa-Orlando stretch... or along the east coast from Cocoa Beach all the Way down to Ft. Lauderdale.. I live in West Palm Beach and its not overly expensive at all and there's so much to do, great nightlife and beautiful beaches.. you're only 2.5 hours south of the world and close to so many other fun destinations like Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, which makes for a fun weekend getaway

 

[Businessgypsy]

Yeah and you're also living in "Old People Heaven"... where its 80% retired folks.. my aunt and uncle live in Punta Gorda and that whole area is nothing but 60+ communities...

Totally on board with your nightlife comment. I'll take in a South Beach weekend every month or so, but for everyday satisfaction rolling a kayak off the seawall to hang with the manatees and stingrays is more to my liking. Everybody's got a favorite flavor. Funny how "being where the crowds are" means such different things to different people.

Punta Gorda is a small village 20 miles north, makes a nice motorcycle destination on the Peace river. Cool bricked historic waterfront downtown.

80% retired? It can seem that way depending on time and place. Don't get in a hurry when the early bird special is afoot! That pretty much goes for all of South Florida. The facts say Cape Coral population at 160K has a median age of 42.7, largest metro area between Tampa and Miami, 400 miles of waterfront and the largest R.O. water plant in the US (Important due to future fresh water supply pinch).

Best to check it all out, in all seasons. You'll find a place that works for you. Just stay south of the freeze line!

 

[Go_Number_9]

Ha, I dont mind being quoted, but if i am going to be quoted.. it better be word for word.. like i said, you "wanna be where the YOUNGER crowds are"(yes, i did put emphasis on the word YOUNGER because thats exactly how i stated it before)

Suorkaterina, what you should do is plenty of research. Obviously you cant get much help from this board alone... Do plenty of websurfing, find out everything you can about moving to Florida and what works best for YOU. Contrary to what some may say, there are cheap affordable listings even in the most overpriced areas, so you can't always go by your basic "assumption". plan a visit down here with a few of your friends... see what there is to do. the best way to find out about a place is firsthand experience. I've lived in Florida my entire life, I know the state frontwards and backwards and even though I may not know you, I think since you're young you might want to look seriously into anywhere from Tampa to Orlando, or Southeast FL(Port St. Lucie to Miami). However, we're all entitled to our own opinion, and I respect what BusinessGypsy thinks... And dont get me wrong.. there is a lot to do in that area.... and i like it a lot. I do a lot of grouper fishing 40 miles off the coast of Punta Gorda about 3 times a year and visit friends in Ft. Myers quite a bit too. It's a fun time.. but my personal opinions are stated as is.

 

[jmskinner]

Hi! Saw your post, very exciting. We moved to the Tampa area a year ago from Texas. Military so we had no choice. We actually live Southeast of Tampa, so the benefits of the large city are there and the beaches. There is traffic, but I don't go into Tampa so I don't see the heavy interstate traffic.

You asked about the magic of Disney when you live close. I will admit it doesn't feel the same to me when we don't stay overnight, but I still enjoy going and am currently having withdrawals since I haven't been since Labor Day. The drive from our house is a little over an hour depending on traffic and if you decide to live closer to Orlando, I've driven to WDW at 8:00am on a Friday and was surprised I wasn't sitting in traffic. It looks like they may be widening I4 though, so I'm sure that will cause some problems.

Be sure to post what you decide.

 

[JDUCKY]

Hey guys I just wanted to refer you to a post I put on the podcast board about "living near the magic". I know some of you live near Disney so I was hoping you might have some thoughts and advise on moving to the area.

Or you could just respond here if you want. I'm thinking of moving within a two hour radius of WDW. I'm not a city person. Someone mentioned Apopka. I've been to Winter Park(almost went to Rollins College). Anyhow, I'm looking for advise about moving, nice places, jobs, housing...I also asked if the magic fades a bit when you have access to Disney all the time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...either here or on the podcast board.

Thanks guys. It's been a while since I've participated, I've just been lurking lately.

Apopka is no small town anymore. When I came here on a business trip/vacation in 1990, I stayed in Eustis for a night with a great aunt. Apopka then felt in the boonies. Now it's a burgeoning suburban area (at the north end of the 429 toll road that runs from the WDW area up to just south of Apopka)

I'm currently in Lake Mary and *love* it here. Great schools, nice housing, plenty of shopping and restaurants. Traffic is only really bad in a few spots between 5 and 5:30.

I'm looking to move a bit further south (436 - 414 area west of I-4...I-4 runs north/south, really, thru much of Orlando)

But, yeah, traffic can be a bear if you live several miles away from a toll expressway or I-4 itself. Traffic light timing reminds me of Evansville, IN in my co-op days - go two lights and stop, go two lights and stop.

ZIP codes that I and my Disney princess (who'll be here soon) are focusing on are 32746 (Lake Mary/Longwood), 32779 (Longwood/Wekiwa Springs) and 32703 (Apopka/Altamonte Springs)

Winter Springs/Oviedo ("Oveedo") is another nice area closer to the 417 than I-4. I don't like the 417 to WDW...lots of tolls, about 3x as much as going down the 429.

Another thing, do you have children? Schools are generally good, Seminole County being the best in the area. I started researching the Winter Garden / Apopka area and the schools were getting some pretty low ratings. It's more like exurbia up and west of the 429 and it's a lot of new developments popping up.

If you want country/rural, you'll have to head up to, say, Mt. Dora or maybe the edge of Deltona/Debary (but the latter is not my ideal place to be, esp. if you want to commute into Orlando and you hit the road after 8am.)

There's an area north of the Osceola Pkwy area that's rather new and pretty nice. Shopping/restaurants popping up all over down there, too. Forget the name of the area. Hunter's Creek or something.

I'm not a fan, at all, of the Kissimmee area. WAY touristy and WAY horrible traffic.


As for the magic fading, I've been here since early May and I'd be in WDW every weekend if I could! There's just SO much to do. So many restaurants, shows, less popular attractions to enjoy, things to notice (looking for hidden Mickeys more and more now.) My daughter and I have gone several times during the middle of the week even though it's 45-min minimum "door-to-door" for me.

 

[Mdtigger99]

Federal gubmint stats as of 2000 (wish they were more up to date but you get the trend)

................................................................Ft. Myers......Florida
Persons 65 years old and over, percent, 2000 14.3%............17.6%

...........................................................Port St. Lucie......Florida
Persons 65 years old and over, percent, 2000 18.8%............17.6%

..............................................................Jupiter............Florida
Persons 65 years old and over, percent, 2000 18.9%............17.6%

 

[DonaldRocks]

Apopka is no small town anymore. When I came here on a business trip/vacation in 1990, I stayed in Eustis for a night with a great aunt. Apopka then felt in the boonies. Now it's a burgeoning suburban area (at the north end of the 429 toll road that runs from the WDW area up to just south of Apopka)

I'm currently in Lake Mary and *love* it here. Great schools, nice housing, plenty of shopping and restaurants. Traffic is only really bad in a few spots between 5 and 5:30.

I'm looking to move a bit further south (436 - 414 area west of I-4...I-4 runs north/south, really, thru much of Orlando)

But, yeah, traffic can be a bear if you live several miles away from a toll expressway or I-4 itself. Traffic light timing reminds me of Evansville, IN in my co-op days - go two lights and stop, go two lights and stop.

ZIP codes that I and my Disney princess (who'll be here soon) are focusing on are 32746 (Lake Mary/Longwood), 32779 (Longwood/Wekiwa Springs) and 32703 (Apopka/Altamonte Springs)

Winter Springs/Oviedo ("Oveedo") is another nice area closer to the 417 than I-4. I don't like the 417 to WDW...lots of tolls, about 3x as much as going down the 429.

Another thing, do you have children? Schools are generally good, Seminole County being the best in the area. I started researching the Winter Garden / Apopka area and the schools were getting some pretty low ratings. It's more like exurbia up and west of the 429 and it's a lot of new developments popping up.

If you want country/rural, you'll have to head up to, say, Mt. Dora or maybe the edge of Deltona/Debary (but the latter is not my ideal place to be, esp. if you want to commute into Orlando and you hit the road after 8am.)

There's an area north of the Osceola Pkwy area that's rather new and pretty nice. Shopping/restaurants popping up all over down there, too. Forget the name of the area. Hunter's Creek or something.

I'm not a fan, at all, of the Kissimmee area. WAY touristy and WAY horrible traffic.


As for the magic fading, I've been here since early May and I'd be in WDW every weekend if I could! There's just SO much to do. So many restaurants, shows, less popular attractions to enjoy, things to notice (looking for hidden Mickeys more and more now.) My daughter and I have gone several times during the middle of the week even though it's 45-min minimum "door-to-door" for me.

This is a really good and thourough explanation of orlando's surrounding areas.. i hope you dont mind if i add something to it.

I went to University of Central Florida and lived in that area off of Alafaya trail. I loved it, it was nicely laid out, everything you need is right there from shops to restaurants and grocery stores.. you might want to look in to that, it might be a good area for you. It's about a 25-30 minute drive just up the 417.

Also, one of my best friends from school stayed in Orlando and moved to the Lake Nona area. Personally, I think this would also be an excellent area for a few reasons. (If anybody knows the area im talking about feel free to add to it, from I-4 its right off of narcoosee rd. and right at the stop light)..Firstly, its kindve a "booming" area.. over the last 2 years they've been adding to it gradually. He lives in a subdivision called "Lake Shore" kindve behind everything. and its very nice and quaint. But even more so, its not too far away from anything... its right by the airport, only abougt 20 minutes from disney or any of the other theme parks, 20 minutes from downtown, 10 minutes from International Drive, its not centrally located in orlando, i think its in the southeast area but to me it seems like a good area bc you dont really have to drive a long ways to get to where you want to be. But I'm the type of person who likes to experience every part of Orlando and Orlando is very widespread so, thats particularly why i think so high of it. just a few ideas i thought i'd throw your way

 

[rebecca06261]

I moved down here Thanksgiving day 2008 from Atlanta. I spent a little over a year looking for a job down here before my company finally offered to transfer me to Brooksville (a tiny, rural, retirement community an hour west of Disney.)

Things to consider before moving-

if you are single, get closer to the metropolitan areas. Most of FL is a retirement community and you'll have better luck making new friends under the age of 60 in a more urban environment. My new friends that I've made here are all between the ages of 58-87. They are wonderful people but I'd love to be able to spend more time with people closer to my age (33.)

the cost of living here is cheaper than some areas of the country, and more expensive than others. It's higher than GA but much cheaper than NJ and MI. I would venture to guess it's on par with ME, tho.

Jobs are hard to come by if you don't already know someone. Even if you do know someone, it's still extremely difficult to find a job. The state's unemployment rate is higher than the national average at 10.7%. If you couple this with the knowledge that the primary income earners are retirees, then you can understand that there are very few jobs out there (medical field excluded.) Lesson: don't move down here hoping to find a job, secure one first!

As for Disney- it doesn't lose it's magic. Stay away from jaded employees, backstage tours, and the rumors and news threads on message boards and you'll be much happier. Remember: ignorance is bliss. I find myself enjoying it even more since I'm not under the pressure to see everything and do everything in a few short days. I am now able to take my time and enjoy all that Disney has to offer.

Lastly, rent for a year before buying. There are alot of great deals out there that make it tempting to want to buy a house- but be patient. There's a lot to learn when moving to a new area.

GoodlucK!

btw, hey Jerry!

 

[yarlenna]

I moved down here Thanksgiving day 2008 from Atlanta. I spent a little over a year looking for a job down here before my company finally offered to transfer me to Brooksville (a tiny, rural, retirement community an hour west of Disney.)

Things to consider before moving-

if you are single, get closer to the metropolitan areas. Most of FL is a retirement community and you'll have better luck making new friends under the age of 60 in a more urban environment. My new friends that I've made here are all between the ages of 58-87. They are wonderful people but I'd love to be able to spend more time with people closer to my age (33.)

the cost of living here is cheaper than some areas of the country, and more expensive than others. It's higher than GA but much cheaper than NJ and MI. I would venture to guess it's on par with ME, tho.

Jobs are hard to come by if you don't already know someone. Even if you do know someone, it's still extremely difficult to find a job. The state's unemployment rate is higher than the national average at 10.7%. If you couple this with the knowledge that the primary income earners are retirees, then you can understand that there are very few jobs out there (medical field excluded.) Lesson: don't move down here hoping to find a job, secure one first!

As for Disney- it doesn't lose it's magic. Stay away from jaded employees, backstage tours, and the rumors and news threads on message boards and you'll be much happier. Remember: ignorance is bliss. I find myself enjoying it even more since I'm not under the pressure to see everything and do everything in a few short days. I am now able to take my time and enjoy all that Disney has to offer.

Lastly, rent for a year before buying. There are alot of great deals out there that make it tempting to want to buy a house- but be patient. There's a lot to learn when moving to a new area.

GoodlucK!

btw, hey Jerry!

This is a great post! I hope everyone who wants to move to Florida reads this and takes it to heart.

 

[Auntie L.]

This is a great post! I'm toying with the idea of retiring to FL in the next 10 years - and I'm thinking I want to be more of a hip, urban retiree!! And, I'm thinking central FL would still be better in winter than Massachusetts!!

Lots of good ideas!! Thanks!!

Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I daydream about moving down to FL and have a dear friend who lives near St. Pete who is anxious for me to join her. The only bad thing I can think of in the whole thing is the weather. I simply cannot breathe when it is hot, very hot. I also cannot drive when it snows or ices so I am in a quandry.

There is a frost line and the Northern part is cooler, how much so? I can deal with cold as long as I do not have to drive in slippery conditions. Doubt that what Floridians consider cold is what I would though.

I am also thinking that the cost of living will be higher for me. $400 for a car license? I thought Indiana was bad enough. I will be paying a bit over $200 for my 2007 Camry.

Loving these tips on here. Thanks for the ideas and any help.

Slightly Goofy

 

[JDUCKY]

I moved down here Thanksgiving day 2008 from Atlanta. I spent a little over a year looking for a job down here before my company finally offered to transfer me to Brooksville (a tiny, rural, retirement community an hour west of Disney.)

Things to consider before moving-

if you are single, get closer to the metropolitan areas. Most of FL is a retirement community and you'll have better luck making new friends under the age of 60 in a more urban environment. My new friends that I've made here are all between the ages of 58-87. They are wonderful people but I'd love to be able to spend more time with people closer to my age (33.)

the cost of living here is cheaper than some areas of the country, and more expensive than others. It's higher than GA but much cheaper than NJ and MI. I would venture to guess it's on par with ME, tho.

Jobs are hard to come by if you don't already know someone. Even if you do know someone, it's still extremely difficult to find a job. The state's unemployment rate is higher than the national average at 10.7%. If you couple this with the knowledge that the primary income earners are retirees, then you can understand that there are very few jobs out there (medical field excluded.) Lesson: don't move down here hoping to find a job, secure one first!

As for Disney- it doesn't lose it's magic. Stay away from jaded employees, backstage tours, and the rumors and news threads on message boards and you'll be much happier. Remember: ignorance is bliss. I find myself enjoying it even more since I'm not under the pressure to see everything and do everything in a few short days. I am now able to take my time and enjoy all that Disney has to offer.

Lastly, rent for a year before buying. There are alot of great deals out there that make it tempting to want to buy a house- but be patient. There's a lot to learn when moving to a new area.

GoodlucK!

btw, hey Jerry!

Hi back!

I agree on the renting. Although I wish I'd stuck with my original 7-month lease...tired of being in an apartment and would much rather be renting a house but, I can wait til the end of May.

BTW, *loving* this cooler, less humid weather!

 

[Hallowishes]

this is a really good thread with lots of good advice. i, too, am considering a move to florida. however, my background is a bit different. i work for a company that is opening 5 stores in orlando and ive been given the option to transfer (and get a promotion) my parents already own a home in florida (sarasota) as well as a home here in ohio. im an only child so id like to remain close to them. we will see .. only time will tell!