Although it rests at the freeze line near Orlando in central Florida, Lake Mary's gentle weather and amenities makes it attractive for relocation.

Lake Mary is characterized by several upper end communities and offers newer housing in relationship to other areas of the central Florida market, says Realtor Margaret Summers.

"Who wouldn't want to live in Lake Mary with all the new shopping resources and great school system?," she says. "Lake Mary will feel more 'northern' to relocation customers whereas the south side of Orlando has a more 'southern Florida' look. We will get one or two "hard freezes" in Jan. or Feb. - just enough to let us enjoy plants that grow in cooler weather."

Nearby Longwood is distinctly wooded and appeals to people who love nature, suggests Summers. "Longwood represents one of the best school systems around and includes Lake Brantley High School. This school was recently renovated and has a college-like campus that features an all-brick exterior. Most of the homes in this area are 20 years of age, or more, and many owners are enhancing their properties with newer roofs and cosmetic type changes. Builders are starting some pocket areas of new homes, but the land in this area is almost built out."

Housing around Orlando, single family homes and condos, continues to be strong in spite of declines in retail and tourism, says Summers. "Although many other regions of the U.S. expect a decline during the fall and winter seasons, Orlando still should have growth in housing due to "snowbirds" migrating down. My strongest months are normally during the cooler season...if you can call cooler, 80's or less," says Summers.

"Lake Mary has enjoyed unprecedented growth over past five years, with new high tech and service-oriented companies having moved to this area to make this their headquarters location or open major branch offices," explains Realtor Gitta Urbainczyk. "This area enjoys such companies as the world headquarter of AAA, ABB Power T&D, AGI Marketing, AT&T Solutions Global Network, Autopower Corp, First USA, Siemens, Recoton, Sprint, MCI and many more."

"The demand for homes in the Lake Mary area continues to be very strong," she continues, "while resale home inventory is very limited. The Lake Mary area offers a large variety of great communities, like gated golf communities such as Heathrow, where prices range from the mid 200s to over a million dollars. Heathrow enjoys many other amenities, such as a racquet club and community swimming pool and great golf. The other great communities include gated Alaqua Lakes, prices range from the low 300s to over $1 million, and the Timacuan Golf community where price range from the mid 200s to over $500k. The Crossing offers homes from the low 100s to up to $200k. Home price increases in all these areas have outpaced all other areas of greater Orlando, and with the continued influx of upscale businesses, the demand for homes in the market is projected to be very strong."

Adds Realtor Alan Salerno, "Heathrow has a good mix of homes. There is a strong influx of corporate relocation. Interest rates are down; it is a great time to buy or sell."

Published: September 16, 2002

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