East and Southwest Orlando, Waterford Lakes, Dr. Phillips and Windermere. They have all been know for there great schools, thriving communities and maintained neighborhoods. These areas have a wide range of home prices and have new and old communities. Glad I could help. Best of luck in your search!

Fri Jun 13 2008, 13:19

Elementary, Middle, High Schools A+ rated schools Winter Park, FL. Beautifull Place to live and raise kids. I am raising 3 myself.
If I can help....let me know
Steve Javier
407-657-9468

Wed Jun 11 2008, 15:45

Take a look at this www.realtor.com
use the advanced search MLS: G4624719 take the virtual tour.
$179,900 as of this post. In Mount Dora Florida 32757. Easy commute to Orlando and the attractions. Known for Antiques, Art festivals, and rolling hills.

Mon Jun 9 2008, 08:29

It seems like everyone is recommending the Dr. Phillips area and it just so happens I maintain a blog about the area at http://sworlandoscoop.com. The FCAT score is the standard by which all schools are measured in Florida and I have a post regarding this topic at http://sworlandoblog.com/2008/05/08/fcat-scores-affect-home-…

It's tough to say which is area is going to be best for you until you figure out which schools you prefer and the price range you'd like to be in. You may want to ask yourself what size home, lot, age of home are appropriate for you. A popular alternative to Dr. Phillips is the section of Ocoee along Maguire Rd. where you get a little more for your money. The area off CR 535 is also popular for giving a little more for your money. Both these areas are a little further away but good schools, a value price, and close proximity to the Florida Turnpike, East West Expressway, and the Greenway make it a popular alternative. If you desire a larger lot, then you'll have to opt for communities built prior to 1991 at least here in SW Orlando. As a general rule, older properties have larger lots and newer properties have smaller lots. Hope this helps.

Thu Jun 5 2008, 08:39

Welcome to Orlando! The elegant Dr. Phillips area, recognized for its beautiful homes, excellent school system and popular Restaurant Row is ideal for a families! It is an affluent area yet there are very great deals right now! Great Schools has a complete guide to the best schools in Orlando! Click on my photo to visit our Relocation Guide, packed with useful information on everything that you will need to know!

Thu Jun 5 2008, 07:29

Try Eneighborhoods.com, They are a great source for neighborhood information by street address.

Wed Jun 4 2008, 10:19

http://orlando.craigslist.org/rfs/695602764.html
Great Dr Phillips area. Famous for great schools, security and location.

Wed Jun 4 2008, 10:04

I list and sell all over Central Florida and I can say that if I had my choice it would be Lake Mary, ranked as the 4th Best City in the U.S. by Fortune Magazine, it's known for its schools. Markham Woods Road is a great area for quality of life, location to shopping, restaurants and schools. It's tough to get someone to move from Lake Mary once they have experienced the people, quality of life and the proximity to most everything. You’re just a short hop to Altamonte Springs (has a great mall,) Longwood, Maitland etc... New Smyrna beach to the southeast & Disney to the west both just 45 minutes away.

Mon Jun 2 2008, 16:26

Let me step back a bit. Barbaras answer is very on target, however I gave you my opinion in a broad sense. Not all parents have the time or inclination to stay on top of Floridas public schools. That is why I stated that a private, and I did also include magent schools in this, I just did not articulate it appropriatley. In general though the qualoty of education in FL is sub-par to your area of the country. I know it is a generalization, but it is what it is. Best of luck to you

Tue May 27 2008, 10:57

I love Baldwin Park if you want Downtown Orlando. If you dont mind a drive Winter Springs is a gem in Seminole County, to the West Oakland it great as well.

I wish you much luck.

Sun May 25 2008, 14:41

Hello,

I actually moved to central florida from up north a couple of years ago. Our house is now up for sale, here is the link http://www.trulia.com/property/39318348-203-Briley-Ave-Oakland-FL .

A great city to live in is Oakland, it is not a cookie cutter neighbourhood and the city is full of huge oak trees, quiet and everyone is very friendly. There are many good schools close by (in Oakland and Winter Garden), Oakland Charter School, Lakeview Middle School and West Orange High School to name a few.

Mon May 19 2008, 09:13

M,
You'll love the change from upstate New York.....The following website should clear up some educational issues for you www.greatschools.net/modperl/rankings.pl/fl/

Good luck with your search. Please consider using the "Eckler Team" as a resource if needed.

Bill & Susan
Century 21 Almar and Associates
ecklerteam@comcast.net
941-408-5363

Sat May 17 2008, 18:49

WOW,
Let me try to answer the question YOU asked. But first a clarification on ratings. The ratings are based on FCAT scores and they do tend to reflect the overall "bench strength" of the pupils attending. That being said, ratings are not the HOLY GRAIL.

Now speaking to your question:
There are publications available through relocation specialists that evaluate the public schools here in orlando. Its totally UNFAIR what the previous post implied. There are hundreds and hundreds of National Merit Scholars that have graduated from Orlando Public schools. I am not saying our schools are the Best in the nation, hardly, BUT a caring parent who stays involved, lets the teachers and administration know how much they care will NO DOUBT have a positive result. Further, if you have a student with a particular talent, there are High Schools with magnet programs designed to nurture that talent. There are gifted programs for elementary through middle. There's the international bacalaureate (IB) program for highschool. I can go on and on. If you don't already have a relo specialist, you can call our office and we would be glad to send you the school publications. If we earn your trust it would be an honor to assist you with finding your home be it a rental or a purchase.

Fri May 16 2008, 15:52

Hi M. The public schools in FL are the worst. I do not care if they are an a, or an f rated school. You need to go private. I would never enroll a child in a FL public school, especially coming from CT, or N.Y.

Fri May 16 2008, 14:02

How old are your children?
What is your housing purchase budget?
Are you pre qualified for a mortgage already?
Celebration is the perfect family community and has a great k-8 school.
Please feel free to call me about properties in the area.
I rebate 1/2 of my commission back to my clients and do twice the work.
Just ask my wife she will tell you how hard I work for my clients.
Have an oustanding day

Thu May 15 2008, 18:31

M,
Here is a link to schools. Check it out. You should find it exptremely useful.
Rick.
http://www.schoolsk-12.com/

Thu May 15 2008, 12:04

If you haven't found the information you were looking for, feel free to use the information on my web site, There is a button on the left toward the bottom which will give you a list of all the school districts in the Orlando area. As a Realtor I provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. I would suggest you check out the East Orlando areas as there are some very nice communities such as Avalon Park where the schools are within walking distance as they are actually in the community. There is also shopping, restaurants, banking, medical offices (coming soon), etc. If I can help you please feel free to contact me. Best Wishes....

Thu May 15 2008, 11:00

Your best bet is to contact a qualified Realtor whose knowledge base includes school zoning, but you can also research on your own via the Orange County Public Schools website @ www.ocps.net ~ i have friends & family in the OCPS network & have addressed many public councils, including school boards, and would be happy to assist you further ~ you could then tell me some specifics of your needs so that we could best accomodate your requirements ~ best of luck, Vivian Katz, CIPS (407-367-9883 or GlobalPropSpec@aol.com)

Thu May 15 2008, 09:52