Considering a Move to Florida (Orlando area) - Suggestions/Advice?

Expat Canuck

[ExpatCanuck]

We're considering a move from Southeastern PA to the Orlando Florida area. My employer has an office in Maitland and I can work from there. I know the Orlando area has boomed over the last decade and along with all the population growth come the usual problems of traffic congestion, crime, etc. Any advice or suggestions folks can offer on better areas for families in the greater Orlando area would be appreciated (I don't mind a commute to Maitland of 30-45 minutes). We are a family of 4, (my wife, myself and 2 boys ages 14 and 16). Thanks in advance for the helpful and insightful responses I know I am going to get! And my apologies if I don't respond individually to everyone who takes the time to help me out.

[JerseyHighlander]

No need for bulldozers, the kudzu and mile a minute vines will overtake them soon enough.

Vast majority of foreclosures are in the lowest end of the housing market in Orlando. Entire developments where the builders preferred lender gave out ARM mortgages to any moron who walked in off the street. Florida, housing/land scams are part of the state’s folklore.

[Roccus]

“Any advice or suggestions folks can offer...”
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Learn to speak Spanish.

[NonValueAdded]

Your commute needs to be given strong consideration when choosing a place to live. It used to be conventional wisdom to live in the same quadrant that you work. This was due to I-4 bisecting the city from north to south and the lack of other n-s alternatives.

And what ever you do, vote against Rep. Ric Keller in the republican primary.