The Orlando area

[rutgers1]

My wife and I always talking of retiring early and working at Disney World, but then again, we have never explored the area outside of the Disney property.

1) What is the area like 30 minutes in each direction? I have no idea if it is urban, suburban or rural when you leave the Disney vicinity. For the most part, we have only traveled from the airport to Disney World and back.

2) Is it generally a safe region? I remember looking online at real estate once and seeing what appeared to be a GORGEOUS development. I then googled it and saw a message board where people were saying that the crime in the area was horrible. One guy said that every night he heard helicopters overhead searching for fugitives. I never would have guessed it from the photo.

I tend to find that people feel most comfortable with what they grew up with. In our case, we grew up in a little suburb outside of NYC. We don't mind people and nearby highways, but we also like the idea of a nice, tree-lined street with cute homes and friendly neighbors. I realize that every area has its safety concerns, but I would definitely like to insulate myself a wee bit from direct threats if possible.

 

[Jaya]

My wife and I always talking of retiring early and working at Disney World, but then again, we have never explored the area outside of the Disney property.

1) What is the area like 30 minutes in each direction? I have no idea if it is urban, suburban or rural when you leave the Disney vicinity. Yes, yes, and yes.......30 minutes in any directions can get you big city or the 'burbs or country quiet. For the most part, we have only traveled from the airport to Disney World and back.

2) Is it generally a safe region? Whooo....that's a hard one to answer. Crime has increased terribly in some areas, others are OK. Gated communities, of course, are safer but even some of them are having problems. I remember looking online at real estate once and seeing what appeared to be a GORGEOUS development. I then googled it and saw a message board where people were saying that the crime in the area was horrible. One guy said that every night he heard helicopters overhead searching for fugitives. I never would have guessed it from the photo.

I tend to find that people feel most comfortable with what they grew up with. In our case, we grew up in a little suburb outside of NYC. We don't mind people and nearby highways, but we also like the idea of a nice, tree-lined street with cute homes and friendly neighbors. I realize that every area has its safety concerns, but I would definitely like to insulate myself a wee bit from direct threats if possible. To put it baldly, it's a roll of the dice....some of the nicest areas are next door to some of the worst. I've lived in the Orlando area for over 35 years; I've seen a lot of changes...some for the better, some for the worst. Frankly, I'm ready to move on.

Orlando's not for the faint of heart.....LOL

 

[Minerva Mouse]

If you retirement dream is to move to this area and work at Disney, I would recommend the west or south side's of Disney. Away from Orlando. Look into Davenport, Champions Gate, Celebration etc. Orlando is HUGE and traffic is a nightmare, it kinda sucks the fun out, lol.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I live in a very large active adult (55+) community. Check out www.solivita.com . From my house to the closes point of WDW property is 13 miles.

One of the clubs there, which I belong to, is the Solivita Disney Cast Members Club, which has about 50 members.

 

[rutgers1]

I live in a very large active adult (55+) community. Check out www.solivita.com . From my house to the closes point of WDW property is 13 miles.

One of the clubs there, which I belong to, is the Solivita Disney Cast Members Club, which has about 50 members.

That looks very nice!!!

 

[Colleen27]

I've only driven in the Orlando area once and that was more than enough for me, but there are some nice areas west of WDW, more suburban eventually rural. Our retirement plan has us landing in FL eventually but I think we'll be too far from WDW to think about day trips or working there - I'm more drawn to rural central/gulf cost FL, close enough to go to WDW for weekends but far enough that it is still a destination rather than an everyday thing.

 

[rutgers1]

What town are you thinking of, Colleen?

 

[Feralpeg]

I live in the Windermere area. It is quiet and safe. I am a ten minute drive from DTD. I am close enough to watch Wishes each night from MK.

I can walk around my neighborhood at any time and feel safe. Does that mean there is no crime? Of course not. Crime can occur anywhere, but I don't personally know anyone in my area that has been burglarized or attacked.

Windermere, Dr. Phillips and Gotha are all nice areas. I would not have a problem living in parts of Winter Garden or Ocoee. I would not go north of Highway 50.

Just like any other big city, you need to become familiar with the less desirable areas. There are areas that I avoid at all times, but the majority of Orlando is okay. I love living here and have no plans to ever move.

 

[Art 1]

If you retirement dream is to move to this area and work at Disney, I would recommend the west or south side's of Disney. Away from Orlando. Look into Davenport, Champions Gate, Celebration etc. Orlando is HUGE and traffic is a nightmare, it kinda sucks the fun out, lol.

I disagree 100%.