OT-Potential move to Orlando

[MrandMissVacation]

After riding out(and still no end in sight) this economy here in the burbs of Detroit I've come to the conclusion that we have to consider moving out of state if we are get ahead to one day be able to retire.

I cast my net of possibilities to include Orlando. I have a telephone interview tomorrow afternoon for a large hospital in downtown Orlando.

Now I'm here to ask for any advice.. give me the good, the bad, and the ugly about living near Orlando.

We are a family of 4 with children ages 10 and 7, so schools are very important. We cannot afford private schools, so we would like to know what areas have good public schools from those that live there.
How about neighborhoods that are best (and those to avoid)?

I appreciate any information anyone has to offer.

TIA

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

I'm from the midwest too so I can't really help you other than I know some counties have strict regulations on water and the price of it is high. Just wanted to say good luck tomorrow!

 

[train]

Most of the members around here are visitors, so probably why the lack of replies. You can get lots of advice on the city-data Orlando forums which are extremely helpful. Prior to our move to Orlando, I did a lot of research and reading that site plus posted a number of questions and always got great advice. Hope you move to Orlando - it's great!

 

[DisneyKevin]

It's a very difficult question to answer without going into a HUGE discussion on variables.

There are good schools throughout out Orlando, but the supposedly best school district is the Dr. Phillips district.

That being said....housing in the Dt. Phillips area is pricey.

Celebration is also supposedly good....but again....housing prices are reflective of that.

Something else to keep in mind is that I-4 can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

Finding a place to live that doesnt necessitate using I-4 during rush hour is going to make your life easier.

Also....Orlando suffers from suburban sprawl. You can live in Orlando and still be an hour + from where you need to be.

The good news is that housing prices in Orlando are at an all time low...like everywhere else.

I realize that this isnt as in depth as you would like...but it's a start

 

[MrandMissVacation]

Thank you train and Kevin for your replies.

We are still looking and researching. Being close to WDW is not my only consideration, but it sure doesn't hurt. I realize that if it's in my backyard, it will lose it's special-ness factor. I like the idea of moving to a warmer climate so that my mom has someplace to go for the winters, yet stay 'up north' to be near my sister in the summertime.

I work in the field of Nuclear Medicine-very technical and we've had a huge slump in jobs available, but I'm starting to see some cracks in the market. In the meantime, Detroit area is still not recovering like many other areas and I'm starting to think we need to cut our losses and find what is best for us as a family.

I basically need to know what areas are just big a big NO! Kevin-we have urban sprall here as well. I just took me 1 hr to get home from work due to heavy traffic and construction. Here in Michigan we either have winter or construction driving conditions.

Thanks again--the hunt continues