Orlando Suburbs
 

Can anyone MCO based recommend some nice quiet suburbs within 40 mins of the airport?

All of Orlando is one big collection of suburbs with no real "city" part to it, so you're in luck if you are looking for suburbia. Avoid anywhere near I4 since they are on a decade long construction project with no end in sight, so that pretty much rules out all of Orange County except for maybe Lake Nona. Seminole county is nice and can be easily accessed via toll roads. I would look into Lake Mary, Heathrow, Winter Springs, etc... Again, if any part of the drive touches I4, avoid it like the plague. You will be hating life if you do as you will sit in traffic at weird times like 930am on a Sunday morning.

Be careful if you're looking to buy. Orlando is very over inflated right now and it's not exactly a hub for high paying jobs.

I was actually considering buying, although it seems everywhere in the county is inflated. Are there any preferred areas that might hold its value more than others in a downturn?

Most property value has returned to where it was prior to the 2008 crash. I'd say anywhere in Orlando if it's a good neighborhood is a safe bet as there is plenty of industry in the area that isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

I honestly don't know the answer to that question. I just remember how hard Orlando got hit during the last downturn. It was stupid cheap for a nice house (less than $100k in some areas) and I was beating myself up since I was just a broke CFI with no real money to invest. You have to remember that Orlando (Orange County) is a city built mostly on tourism and I think you can figure out how much those jobs pay, and if/when the economy turns south it won't be pretty. It is also a city built mostly in a swamp, making it not the most pleasant place to live during the summer months so factor that in as well. Seminole county might be better protected during a downtown since it's not part of the mass commercial tourism scene.

Orlando was a good place to get in when it was cheap but you've probably missed the party bus on this one. I would look into the coastal areas east of town, those will always be in demand.

Florida is being overrun by New Yorkers these days (at least on the east coast). On the west coast it is people from Chicago and the midwest. That's why housing prices are through the roof and will be for the next 15-20 years at least.

Previous poster is correct though, Seminole County is the nicest place to live but it depends on what you are looking for. Schools? Rural area? Townhouse? Near the attractions? Closer to the beach?

Give some more details on what you're looking for and your needs and I can help guide you. I can also set you up with a trust real estate agent who is very plugged in if you want.

Thanks, looking for a quiet area for a detached home, good schools, low crime, easy traffic and semi convenient to stores etc.

You might also want to look into the far East Orange County. Places like Avalon Park and Lake Pickett areas or a more rural setting like Wedgefield. Short drive to the airport and away from all the craziness.

Your best bet is going to be in the communities way out east, maybe even the coastal areas. Check out Viera, it's about 45 minutes from MCO and meets all of the above criteria you listed.

Seminole County is the best you can hope for in the area, except for the traffic. Everywhere is overbuilt and without corresponding roads to handle the capacity.