jcblondeangel

International Drive is one of the best known streets in the areas. For locals like myself, it is an area to be avoided. For tourists, it is a place to flock to. With Wet ‘n’ Wild, Universal Studios and unlimited shopping and restaurants, this is a good place to visit. However, keep your car doors locked and your purse close by. This area is known by locals to have crime problems as criminals know they can steal from a tourist who will not return for the trial, therefore letting them go because of the lack of a witness. There are some nicer areas of International Drive, but I would encourage you to call the Sheriff’s Office and ask about hotels before you book your stay. Also, beware that it will take you about a half an hour to go a mile throughout most of the day.

Shadow Creek Circle can be a blessing or a curse depending on what you are looking for. The neighborhood is safe and quiet most of the time. However, on game days, you can hear UCF play from your front yard. The neighborhood is suddenly packed with college kids looking for free parking or meeting up with their friends for a pre/post game party. The only problem my boyfriend had during the four years he lived there was a drunk college kid driving into his yard and hitting he and his two roommates’ cars. There is a healthy mix of families with kids among the few houses of college students which keeps the value up. However, in the future, it may become more popular as a rental neighborhood than as a place for a family to live.

When my boyfriend and I began looking at houses for him, it paid to have him be a cop. I found some great looking houses on or near Millinockett Lane at a great price. When you drive through the neighborhood, it does not look that bad. However, if you ask cops in the area, they will let you know that they frequently end up here to take care of the rising crime problems. If you value the lives and safety of your family and can afford anything else, do not move onto this street as you are liable to have your car stolen or your house broken into.

Before last year, I only knew Park Manor because it was near the busiest section of Colonial Drive. Since my boyfriend became a cop, I have heard about the road constantly, and not in a good way. He gets called there almost nightly for vehicles being stolen, drugs being dealt and violent acts occurring. I would recommend that you look in nearby neighborhoods that have a better recommendation even if you have to pay a few dollars more.

Rosalie is a street in a smaller neighborhood that represents all ages. There is a WalMart grocery store within walking distance and a mall five minutes away featuring a Super Target. The schools are close by and known to be among the top in the district. The neighborhood is friendly with outdoor people who are constantly walking or playing outside with their children. You will have no trouble fitting into this establish neighborhood.

Grand Avenue is located in Winter Park in Seminole County. It is located in the Lake Howell school district, giving the homes a staying value because of the high-quality schools. Your kids will have friends galore on this family-friendly street. You will be located near Winter Park and Oviedo just outside of Orlando. There is nearby shopping, parks, outdoor recreation, and plenty of dining establishments.

Despite being surrounded by the crime ridden Orange Blossom Trail, Shady Lane has managed to keep its good name. I walk this street often during my lunch break and have never had a problem with crime. The homes are beautiful and well-kept. The neighbors are friendly. The end of the road runs into a lake with a great view of Downtown Orlando. Families will do well here, especially if they enroll their students in private school or keep a close watch on them in public school. The schools are not known to be the best, but a parent can change that if they are willing to help their students.

Edgewater drive cuts directly through historic College Park. My work is located in the nicer area of Edgewater Drive, but it goes from high end to low end rather quickly. The street is fighting a rising crime problem lately, but I have not had any problems. I would not want to live on Edgewater, but if you say towards Colonial Drive, there are some very nice homes that are known to be in a nicer area of town. There are a few small shops and some nice, quiet restaurants, but you are located close to Colonial Drive and historic Winter Park. You will never find yourself looking for something to do with plenty of parks and shopping districts for the whole family.

SR 436 is one of the main veins of Orlando. You can get from Apopka to the Airport. The road is not fun for driving as it backs up easily in certain areas during the morning and late afternoon hours. A fun fact is that if you travel at 47 miles per hour, you can go from one end to the other without hitting a red light. However, good luck managing that with the traffic and slower/faster speed limits. The road is not known to be a safe area to live near as it cuts through some of the rougher areas of town. This road can get you to shopping, dining, night life, parks and more. If you travel along it long enough, you will find something you enjoy.

I grew up spending my summer on Big Lake Conway off of Hoffner Avenue. This area is growing, but some parts of Hoffner are nicer than others. The area through Belle Isle is beautiful with lakes on either side of the road. The homes are expensive if they are on the water, but the lots are also large for the most part. The schools are not that great, but there are viable private schools nearby. The area is about fifteen minutes from the Florida Mall and the great food surrounding it. You will be close to the attractions while maintaining your privacy.

Orange Lake Drive is a quiet cul-de-sac located in East Orange County. It is great for all ages with a wide spread of young families and older adults. Located in the coveted Winter Park school district, it is also three miles from the University of Central Florida and fifteen minutes from three or four great malls. There are numerous religious facilities nearby and you can jump on the 417 to get anywhere you need to go. It is a safe neighborhood with four cops living throughout the half-mile circle. My father was a cop in Orange County for almost 30 years, and he chose our neighborhood because he was bored whenever he was stationed there.