Orlando Housing

[Mozart]

Here's John giving me advice on what to do if I'm age 55 or older.

Dude...we're 36!



Thanks guys. I should have given you more information probably. Even though schools aren't an issue for us, I took a look at that Hunter's Creek website and it looked pretty interesting. Hadn't heard of it before. Thanks for the lead.

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

Color me jealous!

Actually, my in-laws who were well under 55 were able to buy into a "retirement community". Apparently there is a loop-hole (discrimination maybe? I can't remember exactly) that allows a small amount of people under 55 to buy in to the community. They still had to follow the community's guidelines regarding no children but it was a heck of a deal.

 

[simonkodousek]

If you are looking at homes in Orlando, I would check out Trulia (Google it) for MLS listings and names of reputable realtors. Just for fun, I browsed for condos and townhomes and there is a whole slew of properties available. The ones that I really liked were in a neighborhood called Avalon Park which is, according to Mapquest, 54 minutes from WDW.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Avalon Park is FAR from Disney by Orlando standards.

 

[simonkodousek]

Avalon Park is FAR from Disney by Orlando standards.

Right, but the homes look great (they just need some Uba Tuba in the kitchen) and are reasonably priced. If you don't plan on going to WDW or Universal a lot, Avalon Park is definitely not the place to be.

 

[robind]

I'm glad you asked the question. I've had some major changes in my life recently and have been thinking of having a second home down in the Orlando area. I was thinking of looking into something where I could live there December - March and then rent it out the rest of the year - townhouse or condo.

I'm very lucky that with my job I can live anywhere. I don't think I could live there year round - I hate the heat in Virginia in the summer.

 

[safetymom]

Are you going to be working somewhere that you need to use I-4?

Personally we live south of Disney. It is great. Not a lot of traffic. I love being close to the parks.

 

[drakethib]

Isn't home insurance pretty high in Florida?

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Isn't home insurance pretty high in Florida?

The taxes and homeowners are 3 times the amount we pay here. We looked in the Melbourne/Sebastian area and were shocked at the cost. Hence we had to lower the home price range we were looking at.

 

[safetymom]

Our homeowners isn't any more expensive than when I lived in PA.

 

[macman752]

Isn't home insurance pretty high in Florida?

Yes, homeowners insurance is very expensive. Few, if any, private companies write new polices so the only alternative is to be placed in the state run insurer of last resort, Citizen's Insurance. I pay about $2400 for less than 200,000 of replacement cost insurance with a 5% hurricane deductible.

The property tax situation is not much better.

 

[jacstangler]

55 and older. Thats me. Christy and I just bought a second home in Viera.
Viera is north of Melbourne and about 50 minutes from WDW. Viera is a
new area with everything around it is new. We are in Heritage Isle which is an over 55 gated community. We bought a new home from Lennar the builder. We think the area is great. It is close enough to Disney and the beach. The price was right for us and the insurance was about $100 more than it would have been for same priced home in St. Louis. We looked all over and fell in love with this area.

If you want more information let me know.

John

 

[sandyh67]

Yes, homeowners insurance is very expensive. Few, if any, private companies write new polices so the only alternative is to be placed in the state run insurer of last resort, Citizen's Insurance. I pay about $2400 for less than 200,000 of replacement cost insurance with a 5% hurricane deductible.

The property tax situation is not much better.

OK, we live in upstate NY where we are paying over $7,000 per year in taxes for our little $160,000 home! - our homeowners is also over $2000. We plan to move to central fla in about 5 years, for us it will be a great deal! We are just in the stages of looking at areas around orlando. considering Lake Mary, Oveido, Apopka, Clermont- any input would be greatly appreciated! We will have middle school age children- so schools are important!

 

[lorax123]

It's very interesting to hear what others are paying in taxes and insurance. I know Jersey is outrageous for there property taxes. PA isn't as bad. But NY sounds just as bad as NJ. 7k on a $160,000 home? Our is assessed at around $160k and we will pay close to $5k this year. Our homeowners is only $250 a year tho.

What's the tax situation in Florida like? Property, School and income? I always heard Insurance was expensive, but I heard taxes were reasonable.

We thought about moving there, but I'm just afraid of what the schools might be like. In our area schools are very good. What can you expect from schools in the Florida area? How do they rank nationwide?

Property values in Orlando just seem to be heading south fast. I'm sure now is the best time to relocate if you had the desire.

 

[robind]

Don't know about property or if there is a school tax, but I do know there is no income tax. Lots of the consultants I know live there for that reason.

 

[lorax123]

No income tax? did not know that. That's a nice perk.

How is the job market down there right now? Any graphic Artist in the Orlando area? How do you make out in that field in Florida?