Apartment hunting trip - Metrowest/Hiawassee apartments (Orlando, Pine Hills: apartment complexes, rental homes)

[Goula87]

Hello everyone. I have enjoyed browsing this forum. I want to thank everyone that has posted in the past, as i uave been able to gain a lot of information about the area. This board is truly a great resource. Now on to my situation and question.

My girlfriend and I (both in our mid-20s) are planning a move to Orlando. She will be in grad school at UCF and I will be working for Disney, so we need to be in an area that is centrally located between the two. We are looking for a 1 bedroom apartment around $800/mo. Given these constraints, it seems that Metrowest area is where we need to focus, however lots of posts on this board do not have good things to say about the area (high crime rates, rundown complexes, etc...). However, I have heard from a friend living in Orlando that areas around Hiawassee are safe, charming, etc.

We will be in town next weekend to look at apartment complexes and need to make a list of specific complexes to visit as to make the most of our limited time.

My question is: Can anyone recommend complexes that fit my criteria above in the Hiawassee area? Also, are there other areas that we should consider as an alternative to MetroWest that fit our criteria?

Thanks to everyone in advance. Looking forward to our trip next week and becoming a member of the Orlando community.

[brinkofsunshine]

The further away from Kirkman Rd., the better. However, I wouldn't want to live in any of the apartments in MetroWest. It may look pretty, but Pine Hills is just a few blocks away and the crime moves into MetroWest.

You might consider looking over by SeaWorld. This area is called Williamsburg and isn't near and really bad areas.

[annerk]

Williamsburg is a pretty good area. It's not high end, but it's safe and convenient.

[Crane's Rooster]

There are also complexes along S. International Drive now that would be good options. You may want to consider the Conway area as well because although metrowest and Williamsburg are central distance wise, it could be more difficult commute to UCF. Conway would be a little further from Disney but would even out your commute efforts.

[carolineb]

I live in Williamsburg and although the commute to Disney would be short, the commute to UCF would be on the longer side however you can take the 528 to 417 (maybe someone can comment on how the traffic is for this commute.) Don't forget you would have to pay tolls if you went this way, which would add to your costs. If you consider Williamsburg, there is a realty office in the Publix shopping area in Williamsburg that handles a lot of the rental homes (not apartment complexes) in this area.

[Goula87]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. They are most appreciated. We looked at the Williamsburg area and although it seems like a great area, we are pretty sure that the UCF commute will be a little on the long side.

Regardless, we are really excited to be looking at apartments this time next week!

Any thoughts on the following complexes:
- Bermuda Dunes (Hiawassee)
- Element at Metro West (Lake Debra)
- Palazza at Metro West (Lake Debra)
- Harbor Towne at Metro West (Lake Debra)
- The Heritage on Millenia
- The Place on Millenia

Thanks again!!!

[brinkofsunshine]

I wouldn't recommend anything in Millenia. A woman was kidnapped from one of the apartment complexes in the area a few years ago and there was a recent shooting in one of the apartment parking lots. Millenia is way too close to Oak Ridge, a very rough hood.

Take a look at SpotCrime Crime Map for any of the areas you're considering. It can be a bit alarming, but at least you'll have a good idea of what areas are safer than others.