Windermere, FL - UPDATE: he got the job!

[Mrs. Bradbury]

So it looks like we very well might be moving to Windermere, FL.

Anybody know of a good real estate agent in the area? We're just plain folks and need a good public middle school for my son. Other than that, we would like low crime, friendly neighborhood, convenient shopping, and oh yes . . . seeing the fireworks from our backyard.

Just kidding about the fireworks, but that would be great!

My husband's place of employment would actually be on the west side of Lake Crescent so anywhere within a 15 mile radius would be good for him, but our biggest concern is a good public middle school.

This is coming together pretty fast and I really can't believe it. This has always been a secret dream of mine and yet it concerns me - I've heard the Orlando area is crime ridden, with poor schools and poor paying jobs. Surely there are some good areas?

 

[MATTERHORN]

I too, had heard a lot of those things. I just moved to Winter Garden, adjacent to Windermere, about a month ago. I did a lot of research as I was coming from Las Vegas and my kids were in a GREAT school there. There are MANY outlying areas of Orlando that have great "A" rated schools and the crime is much lower than I had heard.

I don't have any advice about your particular area schools as we chose Winter Garden to move into new construction, but I've driven through Windermere many times, in fact, my son will be going to pre-school there and the closest library for us is located there and Windermere is beautiful. I think when we hear all these bad things about Orlando, they are talking the areas more central near downtown and not the suburbs. Just like any major city, there are better parts to live in than others. So dont let what you hear get ya down, I've been in Florida 4 months so far, and I don't regret it one bit!!

Especially be loving it next week when I can get back to Disney again!!!

Andrea

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Thanks for your reply - that makes me feel better. If you loved your real estate agent, would you please send me a message through my profile? I had a really bad experience with one and it kinda soured me on the whole real estate agent thing - the ones around here are about the same as used car salesmen, and the used car salesmen may be more truthful.

I just realized that our trip in a couple of months may be pointless - especially since our son would be out of school for that week where we currently live and most likely not, where we are moving - and I'm not sure how I feel about that. But we could sure use the money for moving.

 

[wmharley]

you just want to see about being neighbors to Elin and the soon to not be Tiger.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

you just want to see about being neighbors to Elin and the soon to not be Tiger.

He does live around there somewhere, doesn't he?

 

[Luvchefmic]

Thanks for your reply - that makes me feel better. If you loved your real estate agent, would you please send me a message through my profile? I had a really bad experience with one and it kinda soured me on the whole real estate agent thing - the ones around here are about the same as used car salesmen, and the used car salesmen may be more truthful.

I just realized that our trip in a couple of months may be pointless - especially since our son would be out of school for that week where we currently live and most likely not, where we are moving - and I'm not sure how I feel about that. But we could sure use the money for moving.

We had a GREAT realtor I will send you the info boy was she helpful as I was doing my first home purchase and was a nervous wreck and this was being done long distance give me a few minutes and I will PM the info

Ruthie

 

[MATTERHORN]

He does live around there somewhere, doesn't he?

Yes he does. And you'll know it, too! I've had so many people try to name drop him, it's just silly. Like yesterday, was checking out some local gyms for memberships, and of course, the one gym "HAD" to explain that they were more expensive, but with good reason. Tiger sometimes works out there!!!

As if I give a care at all!!! Yeah, that makes me NOT want to go there, actually. Gimme a break.

Anyhow, we did not use a realtor at all as we bought new, so just walked into the model home and did all the negotiating ourselves. So I'm sorry I can't be of any help to you on that. Actually, maybe I can. I'll PM you!

About your trip, I kinda know what you mean! You may as well cancel, although I have to say, my mom and I had a trip planned with the kids for May. We ended up being able to move in April, but my mom still came, and the kids and I went and stayed down at Disney with her!! It was great fun!~

Maybe keep just a few days, like a mini vacation even once you're here!! It's a special treat, and you can probably get it cheaper with a FL resident discount then!!!

Andrea

Andrea

 

[Luvchefmic]

PM was sent to you, best of luck !

 

[JDUCKY]

He does live around there somewhere, doesn't he?

I believe in Isleworth. But, not much of a chance of getting to drive by his house or the other mega-mansions in the super-gated portions.


Depending on your need for a home, you might consider some short-term rental property and look for a short-sale or a foreclosed home and pick up a great bargain. It's what we were going to do but decided to not rent any longer since we found a place where the mortgage is equal to what we'd have paid in rent!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

PM was sent to you, best of luck !

Got it, thanks so much!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I believe in Isleworth. But, not much of a chance of getting to drive by his house or the other mega-mansions in the super-gated portions.


Depending on your need for a home, you might consider some short-term rental property and look for a short-sale or a foreclosed home and pick up a great bargain. It's what we were going to do but decided to not rent any longer since we found a place where the mortgage is equal to what we'd have paid in rent!

"Famous people" hold no charm for me. Except for Eric Clapton, Johnny Depp, and Antonio Banderas. Oh, and Sean Connery.

We hope to go that route - a rental and then get a deal. We'll just have to see how that works out . . . so many unknowns, and I'm a routine-type of girl.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

We are soon-to-be Floridians!

My husband accepted the job offer this morning. I'm excited and terrified at the same time! Have I said that except for college for me and a short stint in the Marines for him, we have always lived in the same small town where both of us were born?

So much to do, and I don't know where to begin. He starts work Sept. 1.

We're taking our daughter to college in Savannah, GA this Friday and plan on driving over to the Windermere area Friday evening. It will be my husband, my younger son, and me. Any really cheap but safe hotels anyone can recommend? I checked Pop, but weekend summer rates bite. I'm not familiar with off site hotels but was hoping to pay less than $100.

 

[Mathfailure]

Go to Hotwire, narrow down the location, ask for the nights you need and choose anything 3 stars or up. Never has failed for us in many locations.

Key seems to be 3 stars or more.

 

[FLAngie]

Congrats to your DH on the new job and welcome to Florida. I think that you will really like Windermere. My neighbors moved from there about 5 years ago and have had nothing but nice things to say about it. They only moved to be closer to their kids. Have you checked out the town's website?

Just out of curiosity, are you moving from Michigan?

 

[JDUCKY]

Awesome news!!

For hotels, I've always used Priceline and stuck to 3-star and above and had good results each time. There's not really much in the way of hotels around Windermere (or even Winter Garden). Might be some toward Dr. Phillips. But, if you stay in the DTD/Kissimmee area, you're only 15 min or so away. Just head up 435 (Apopka-Vineland Rd) and turn left on Conroy-Windermere Rd.

If you want to explore the Dr. Phillips area, turn right on Sand Lake as you head north on 435.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Congrats to your DH on the new job and welcome to Florida. I think that you will really like Windermere. My neighbors moved from there about 5 years ago and have had nothing but nice things to say about it. They only moved to be closer to their kids. Have you checked out the town's website?

Just out of curiosity, are you moving from Michigan?

Thanks! I haven't checked out the town's website because I'm pretty sure we can't afford to live in Windermere proper. Just somewhere in the area.

Nope, we're not moving from Michigan; we currently live in GA. But not for long . . .

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Go to Hotwire, narrow down the location, ask for the nights you need and choose anything 3 stars or up. Never has failed for us in many locations.

Key seems to be 3 stars or more.

Awesome news!!

For hotels, I've always used Priceline and stuck to 3-star and above and had good results each time. There's not really much in the way of hotels around Windermere (or even Winter Garden). Might be some toward Dr. Phillips. But, if you stay in the DTD/Kissimmee area, you're only 15 min or so away. Just head up 435 (Apopka-Vineland Rd) and turn left on Conroy-Windermere Rd.

If you want to explore the Dr. Phillips area, turn right on Sand Lake as you head north on 435.

Thanks guys! I'm a fan of Priceline myself, but they will only guarantee sleeping space for 2, and we will have our son with us. I don't want to risk it this time.

I saw the Mousesavers deal for Buena Vista Suites at DTD and booked it. Nothing like having a little separation from the kids at the end of the day.

JDucky, you have no idea how tickled it makes me to get "local" directions. I can't imagine being 15 minutes away from DTD!!!!

 

[Kitzka]

i can't offer any help in Florida but wanted to congratulate you and your husband! this will be an exciting chapter in your lives and how awesome to be 15 mins from DTD!

Lara

 

[JDUCKY]

Thanks guys! I'm a fan of Priceline myself, but they will only guarantee sleeping space for 2, and we will have our son with us. I don't want to risk it this time.

I saw the Mousesavers deal for Buena Vista Suites at DTD and booked it. Nothing like having a little separation from the kids at the end of the day.

JDucky, you have no idea how tickled it makes me to get "local" directions. I can't imagine being 15 minutes away from DTD!!!!

Pretty awesome! Although, I have to tell ya, the sound from the fireworks can be quite loud! Apparently it's more pronounced the cooler the air is. Last night it sounded like the kids were running upstairs the booms were so loud.

Based on Lat/Long, we're only 6 miles from the MK, though.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

It is my DREAM to live near Disney World. DH graduates in December with his MBA and I'm hoping for him to look in the Orlando area for a job! Congratulations!!!