Lake Mary (Orlando, Sanford, Lake Forest: low crime, houses, movie theater)

[lisajs]

Hi,
I have read forums for quite some time and have finally joined! Seeking opinions on Lake Mary and Sanford. Beckycat and Kyle seem quite knowledgeable. Noted your geographic boundaries Kyle. Still don't have a feel for areas, though. Is anyone familiar w/Grande Oaks@Heathrow TH's? What about Fountain Parke, and lastly, Terracina by Taylor Morrison in Sanford. Schools all seem quality in aforementioned communities. Have young children and like most, crime, safety, decent neighbors and affordability are concerns. Thank you!

I had posted the above on 7/22 and have rec'd no responses.
I would appreciate any input, esp on Grande Oaks. THX again!

[Broker Dave]

Lisa,

All three are good communities, my wife and I lived in Lake Mary / Sanford area for years and have sold property in or around the communities.

The one problem with Terracina is going to be the construction at 46 and I-4, they are redesigning the on/off ramps for 46 also the 429 beltway, lots of congestion and dust.

Grande Oaks just outside the rear entrance to Heathrow, located within walking distance to Public's and Walgreens, community has a nice pool and bike trail is close by. Light traffic at rush hours due to Heathrow entrance and cut through to Markham Woods area you'll need to deal with when leaving community.

Fountain Parke again has bike trail and shopping is close by, stop light at entrance so access to community is easy.

Hope this helps,

[beckycat]

They are nice areas. Everything is closeby and low crime. I'd check the schools. I think they are zoned for Sanford, not sure. The west cluster for elementary is fine. My kids went to Wilson Elementary. Markham Middle and Greenwood Lakes are fine. As for high school, Lake Mary is preferred.

Good luck.

[OrlFlaUsa]

I am very familiar with Fountain Parke as I have family in there. Crystal Lake Elementary is right there at the entrance of your subdivision, so if you have young children, the location is perfect. Also, FP is set far enough back from busy Reinhart Road that you don't hear a lot of traffic when enjoying your patio. Grand Oaks is literally on busy 46A near the entrance of Heathrow, and it's location is why my family members chose otherwise. Yes they were temped by it's walk-ability to restaurants, bars, grocery, and even a movie theater and cigar bar, however FP is still really close to lots of amenities, including a cross county recreational trail as some mentioned. The units at FP are nicer than GO and IMO, a better deal. Even the elevators inside the units at GO were not up to par with FP, you could actually see the floors through the grates of the elevator "door." In FP, you will have a nice accordion style door in your very sleek, private elevator, what could be sweeter for under $300k. Both places have nice clubhouses and nice pools, although I'm partial to FP's Tuscany ambiance. Check them both out, either are great places to live, with reasonable association fees that come with a lot (cable, internet, gym, pool, clubhouse access, security, gate, lawn maintenance, outside window washing, etc). If you have more specific questions feel free to ask, welcome to Orlando.

[kyle19125]

Hi Lisa!

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Not sure how I missed your original post. Looks like you've already gotten some good information and I too would steer you towards Fountain Parke versus the Grande Oak option. The Fountain Parke area is centrally located and has easy access to nearby stores and restaurants. However I'm more of a fan of the Lake Forest area (Terracina) as it's quieter/less congested than Lake Mary or Heathrow, and has enough stores/services nearby that you don't have to drive around much. I wouldn't be swayed by the construction at I-4 and SR46 as I travel through there almost daily and find it far less congested with construction happening versus a normal day in Lake Mary or Heathrow. Bear in mind as well when that construction is completed it will be an easy intersection to get through. Hope I gave you some good information and do let us know if we can help out more. Good luck!

** Just checked and Terracina is under "school choice" for half the district, which means "A-rated" Wilson Elementary (the school closest to Terracina/Lake Forest) is an option. The middle school assignment is Sanford Middle School which is also "A" rated and actually outperforms the Lake Mary/Heathrow schools.

[lisajs]

Thank you all for your kind responses and details. Comparison btwn GO and FP,
particularly helpful, and Kyle's info re Terracina, as well.