For Orlando Ppl. Is Orlando a good place to raise family?

I'm taking up a brilliant career defining job in Orlando Downtown near TD waterhouse Sports Arena. My question is that is Orlando a good place to raise kids? How r the schools? & Where would you suggest me to look for to rent/own decent place so my commute to office is not more than 5 miles.

I live anout 20 mins from downtown Orlando. As for schools for your kids, you have to do your research. Everyyear, each school gets a grade (A, B, C, etc). I listed a website where you can check out some info on the schools.

I don't know of many (if any) good neighborhoods to live in that is 5 miles from Downtown (TD waterhouse is like the middle of town). If you want to have a shorter commute to work everymorning, DO NOT take I-4 highway because it will take you forever (because of traffic) to get to work. If I had to choose somewhere to live that is kinda close, I would look into the Mark Twain Blvd area. It depends on how much you want to buy a house for. Most homes will probably cost $150,000 or more. The $150,000 homes are in the areas with more "diverse" kinds of people. Since those are the cheaper homes, then every kind of crazy person, young couples, poor couples, excentric couples live there. If you require a quiet neighborhood, you WILL have to live farther away. Property Taxes are VERY HIGH & insurance on homes are VERY HIGH also. If you are able too, maybe look into moving into Winter Park area. About half of the city is quiet & it is next to Orlando.

If you buy a house, I hope your downpayment is ALOT because some people pay like $2,000 to $3,000+ in payments. Depending on what size of renting you need, alot of 2 bedroom apartments are like $900 - $1500 per month (plus cable & washer if needed. Also add your utilities).

Also, if you buy a house, MAKE SURE YOU SIGN UP FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION!!! It will save you $$$ on taxes. Alot of people either don't know about it or just forget!

I live on the west coast of FL. Living inland in FL is much hotter than the coast. There is alot of traffic congestion because of the amusement parks there. I don't know anything about living there. All I can say is I don't hear anything bad about it on the news. Good luck on your venture.

I would suggest that you live in Lake Mary... they have the best schools in Florida. I live in Orlando and have been all over the state due to jobs I have had, so I am very familiar with the area.

Not only does Lake Mary have the best schools, but it isn't too far from downtown Orlando. Going that direction in morning rush hour isn't bad either.

You should also look into Winter Park. Very nice area and closer to downtown than Lake Mary.

Orlando was just voted "The angriest city in AMERICA" on MSN website. Go to the outskirts. You will hate the traffic in the city!!

Orlando is "the angeriest city" in the U S. The crime rate is greater than ever it gets worse by the day..violent crime is on the rise..Welcome to Orlando..