I grew up there and go back and visit infrequently. The entire I-4 corridor is a completely overcrowded morass of gridlock and strip malls.
The areas that used to be "hidden gems" are all "found gems" and are priced and populated accordingly.
The above advice about the coasts and going south are actually really good. The further away from Orange, Seminole, and Lake County (The Villages) you go, the more sane you will be. The coasts actually have some really nice areas that are relatively low cost, especially due east of Orlando in the Space Coast and surrounding regions. Life moves a lot slower and the commute to the airport is relatively stress free. Inland south has a lot of really nice communities as well.
I don't plan on ever moving back, but if I do, it won't be anywhere near the three counties I listed above.