Moving to Orlando

[PolyGuy]

Hi there...we are thinking about moving the family down to the Orlando area, as we are sick of the winters up north. We both work from home, so the job thing is no biggie. My question to any of you who live down there is, what area is a good area to move to? We have small kids that would be attending the public schools. What do you guys think about Windermere, Davenport or Kissimmee? Any input is appreciated!

 

[Dan Murphy]

 

[Feralpeg]

Well, I really like Windermere!

 

[safetymom]

I live in the Davenport area and love it.

 

[Otimon]

Delighted to hear your good news. I think you'll enjoy Fla. living.

Just as with anywhere else, you'll find each town has its good and not-so-good areas. Your best bet would be to look up some of the area towns on the internet to give you an idea of what's there. Then take a trip down here, contact a real estate agent, and have them show you some homes in your area of interest. The real estate agent should also be able to get you information on schools, etc. in that area. You'll be more informed when you're actually ready to move.

The above is what we did before moving down here over 8 years ago from the Chicago area.

Best wishes.

 

[SamRoc]

Feralpeg and safetymom, which area near you is near lakes? From what I researched, I think Windermere is near Lake Butler. Is that a water skiing lake? I was raised in Northern NJ on a lake and think it would be great to live in Florida but on the water. The beaches along the coast are great, but am trying to do some research on lake areas around Disney.

 

[Feralpeg]

Feralpeg and safetymom, which area near you is near lakes? From what I researched, I think Windermere is near Lake Butler. Is that a water skiing lake? I was raised in Northern NJ on a lake and think it would be great to live in Florida but on the water. The beaches along the coast are great, but am trying to do some research on lake areas around Disney.

Windermere is located on a chain of seven lakes that feed into each other. The actual city of Windermere is on Lake Butler and Lake Burden. I live near Lake Sawyer (also shown on some maps as Lake Butts). Lake Sheen is another one of the lakes nearby. I haven't really paid enough attention to be of much help. I'm not really a lake person.

People do water-ski and jet-ski on these lakes.

 

[safetymom]

There are quite a few lakes near me. Don't know about water skiing though.

 

[ducklite]

I live in Clermont.

Peg's area, Windemere has some of the best schools in the area. It's difficult to find property there for less than NJ prices.

Safetymom's area, Davenport is starting to build up, just like Clermont. Not sure about the schools there, my guess is that they are OK, not great, not bad. Both areas are still affordable in terms of housing. I could be wrong, but I think Davenport might have just had a large tax hike?

Lake Mary is north or Orlando and is also supposed to have good schools. But it's also expensive.

Kissimmee's schools are not so good, and it's congested and transient, and most people who can afford to live elsewhere, do.

I love the rolling hills of Clermont. The schools here are OK, I don't pay too much attention, but I hear consistently improving. I love the hills, and we've got half a dozen lakes suitable for water skiing in the immediate area.

Anne

 

[safetymom]

The four corners area of Polk county had a tax hike to bring it in line with other parts of Polk. The housing prices have jumped in the couple years I have lived here but still a great area.

 

[SamRoc]

I love the rolling hills of Clermont. The schools here are OK, I don't pay too much attention, but I hear consistently improving. I love the hills, and we've got half a dozen lakes suitable for water skiing in the immediate area.

Anne

How long does it take you to get from Clermont to Disney World? Thanks!

 

[SamRoc]

bump....

 

[ducklite]

How long does it take you to get from Clermont to Disney World? Thanks!

If you were to live in the southern part of Clermont, it's maybe ten minutes to the AKL. I'm further north, so about half an hour to the AKL. Of course it all depends on traffic. I ahve to plan on 45 minutes to get to a concert at HoB, but it only takes half an hour to get home at 11:00 PM because there's no traffic (usually) by that point.

I actually prefer being a little firther away, as I don't have to contend with tourists.

Anne

 

[suzannews]

I live in Clermont but about 10 miles south of Anne. My house to the Wilderness Lodge is about 25 minutes with traffic, coming home late at night, I've made it in 18. We bought almost 3 yrs ago right before the price boom, my house has doubled since then. Schools are good but very overcrowded because houses are going up faster than the school board wants to light a fire and build. Thats a whole other story.

 

[safetymom]

Ducklite's brother was in a bad accident so I doubt she will be checking this thread.

 

[ducklite]

Ducklite's brother was in a bad accident so I doubt she will be checking this thread.

I'm actually here. Thanks for thinking of me. Mom says don't bother flying in as he's stable but not really in the mood for company--a little cranky (normal for him) and very doped up and mostly just sleeping. She even went home until she finds out his next surgery schedule. So I'm going to wait a week or two until he's feeling a bit better and boredom has set in...

So until then, I'll DIS to keep my mind off it.

Anne

 

[safetymom]

Anne, I hope you take care of yourself too. The DIS is a great place to forget your troubles.