Young professionals living in Central Florida have the best of all worlds at their fingertips. The Orlando area offers careers with leading national companies, thriving nightlife, and beautiful beaches just a short drive away. With that in mind, there are certain neighborhoods that are better suited to meet the needs of younger professionals who do not require the outdoor space and easy access to schools that those with families prefer. Here are our top picks for communities where Central Florida professionals can thrive, presented by the Core Group.
Downtown
Sometimes called Orlando’s Central Business District, Downtown is generally the area around Church Street. The area immediately around downtown Orlando is a popular choice for younger people since it provides easy access to many workplaces, nightlife, and events at the Amway Arena. Many of the apartment buildings and condo communities in the downtown area have premium amenities that cater to the needs of young professionals, including rooftop pools, shared grilling areas, fitness centers and outdoor balconies on every unit.
Thornton Park
While it can be considered part of the downtown area, Thornton Park is an area all its own, with a quaint feeling that is distinct from that of the overall downtown vibe. With classic homes constructed decades ago and quick access to the lake and the events held in the surrounding area, Thornton Park is a great place for young artists and creative types. Just a short walk and you can visit Lake Eola for the perfect inspiration for creative works or a great way to chase away writer’s block.
Parramore
Off of Orange Blossom Trail, Parramore is a distinct section of the city that starts west of Church Street in the downtown area. Considered to be a historically significant African American neighborhood, Parramore is close enough to downtown to allow residents to partake in all the fun, but just far enough to be outside of the hustle and bustle. The area is still known for its authentic soul food and classic homes that date back to the 1800’s and is perfect for young professionals who want to feel connected to the city’s roots. Not to mention, these homes are filled with character, giving them a unique feel and style.
Metro West
MetroWest is a newer community that was established in the 1980s and grew in the 2000s to be one of Orlando’s most popular neighborhoods. Just down the street from Universal Studios, MetroWest offers many different types of housing options for young professionals, depending on whether you prefer to rent or own. The community includes apartments, townhomes, and single family residences so you can choose the right type of place to call home. It also offers the convenience of being close to theme parks, the Millennia Mall and the Orlando Eye.
No matter which of these great communities you want to settle down in, the Core Group can help. Contact us today to get the process of choosing your new home started.
So you’ve saved up your money, found the perfect place to live in and put in an offer for the property. You might think you’ve got the whole process under control, but even if you have done research to prepare yourself for buying a home, there are costs that may sneak up on you. Here are the things you may not anticipate having to pay for as you get ready to move in and get settled in your new home.
Many lenders will require you to get a home inspection before your mortgage on the property can be approved. But even if you are paying for the home yourself, it’s important to get at least a general inspection of the home. During this process, the inspector will check for any major issues with the structure and makeup of the home. You can also get specialized inspections, such as termite or plumbing Inspections to make sure these parts of the home work properly. Doing this may cost you several hundred dollars, but it will alert you to any long term problems, so it’s well worth it. 
Before you move in and start paying taxes and insurance, find out how this will be handled with your lender. Many lenders will include taxes and insurance costs in the monthly payment you owe them, and they will then pay these costs on your behalf. Other lenders will leave these payments up to you, and you can then pay them quarterly directly to the tax collector and insurer. 
One of the toughest things for new first time homeowners is getting used to the fact that they have to be prepared anytime disaster strikes. This can mean waking up one morning to find a flood or caved in roof structure, and having to put out the money to cover these problems. The best way you can prepare for this is to make saving money a part of your regular budget. 
Whether your Dad likes to take it easy on Father’s Day, or go out and do something fun with the entire family, it’s easy to find the right place to spend the day in Central Florida. There are many great places in Orlando to spend a day celebrating Dad, no matter what type of activity he likes. Here are some of our top picks for every kind of Dad in the Central Florida area.
A trip to a state park might be too much work for what is meant to be a relaxed day, but there are lush outdoor landscapes not far from home where you can take Dad to spend the afternoon. The Tibet-Butler Preserve, located in Windermere, gives the feeling of a lush nature preserve without having to take a long drive outside of the city limits. In addition to hiking trails that loop all around the area, there are picnic tables and a butterfly garden, all tucked within a little green haven in the midst of developments and homes. The area can become flooded due to summer rains, so you may want to wear rain boots or be prepared to turn back if you hit a deep puddle. 
Flyboarding is a new water sport that allows the rider to soar into the air on a board propelled by water. The jet streams of water allow you to stay up and even do tricks. While it might look risky, flyboarding is safe when done with the help of an experienced professional, and makes for an extremely cool gift for Dad. There are several flyboarding schools around the Orlando area that offer packages for inexperienced riders that include lessons and photos to preserve the moment. 
The recent opening of Universal’s Volcano Bay gives water loving Dads a great place to spend a day with the kids. The 200-foot tall volcano in the middle of the park, with water slides that snake around the outside, offers a lot of thrills and chills in the sunshine. Ko’okiri Body Plunge, a 125-foot tall body slide, is the tallest in America, so Dad can break his own personal record on Father’s Day. There are wave pools and lazy rivers for Dads with younger kids, or those who just prefer to take it easy. 
Orlando foodies and culture lovers have been eagerly looking forward to the days of June! What initially began as ‘Restaurant Week’ has grown to fill a full month and is now called 
One of Disney’s water parks, Blizzard Beach, is made to look like a fancy ski resort, complete with ski lifts to take riders up to the top of steep slopes of melting glaciers to slide down. The large size of the water park allows it to offer something for everyone: a wave pool, waterslides, two children’s areas and more. The waterslides here are more intense than other water parks, and many have a minimum rider height, so this park is perfect for families with older children or groups of adults. 
Opening May 25th, 2017, Universal’s Volcano Bay will take the place of Wet n’ Wild, an Orlando fixture for many years. The park has an island theme and complex story centered around a race of water loving people. Perhaps the most exciting part of the new waterpark is the company’s promise to do away with long lines by issuing everyone a wearable wristband that will allow them to book a time to come back to each ride simply by tapping. Universal has also done away with the need for riders to carry their own rafts to make the whole experience simpler. The waterpark will stay open until 10 PM each night, with the central volcano changing to display lava flowing as the day goes on.
Less than an hour’s drive from most parts of Orlando, De Leon Springs is one of Florida’s natural wonders, located inside the state park of the same name. In addition to a swimming area in the spring, where the warm water flows naturally, there is canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Since the spring is located inside a state park, the cost of a visit is much less expensive than one of the water parks associated with a theme park. 
If you’re enrolling your child (or children) in a Central Florida school for the first time, you may be wondering where to start in choosing one. Central Florida has a wealth of options when it comes to schooling, and the best option for you depends greatly on your child’s personality, household budget, religious affiliation and learning style. The first step to making an informed school choice is to understand the options available to you, so read on to learn more about what each type of school entails and what type of student each type of school is best suited for.
Central Florida has over a hundred public schools in the area, so choosing one can become overwhelming. As a general rule, the ratings and quality of your local public school can vary greatly based on what county you live in. While the schools in Seminole County have better rankings overall, there are also top rated schools in Orange County. The key with public schools is to conduct research and get a full idea of what a school is like before committing to it. Talk to parents, connect with local groups on Facebook, conduct online searches for reviews, take tours, and even speak to former students if you are able to.
Education through a private school in Central Florida can be the right choice, particularly if your child is gifted or exceptional. However, the associated price tag can be hefty. Data shows that the average cost for elementary school tuition is close to $6,000 annually and high school is a little more, around $8000. Many of the private schools in Orlando and the surrounding areas are affiliated with a church, and the curriculum often includes a religious component. 
These schools may have long waiting lists, so it’s important to decide which you want to apply at and get paperwork in long before the school year starts. 
If you’re looking for a way to stay cool, but you don’t want to commit to a full day’s admission to a water park, splash pads are a great place to go. Depending on the splash pad you choose and the size of your family, you can get a full days enjoyment for free or just a few dollars. The Orlando area has quite a few splash pads that incorporate fun features to keep kids and parents amused. Some are city owned and maintained, while others are in popular locations like outdoor malls and hotels. We’ve compiled some of the best splash pads around…
Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen! Sunburns can cause permanent skin damage that increases your risk of skin cancer. A 
Some of the best changes you can make are more functional than cosmetic. Many young buyers are looking for a home that is energy efficient. As an added bonus, any upgrades you make to the home’s efficiency will decrease your utility bills and lower your carbon footprint as long as you live there. Some of the changes you can make to increase the efficiency of a home include:
The way your home looks from the outside is important to potential buyers, so it’s worth the money to keep your home well maintained on the exterior. Maintain the siding or paint to avoid the need for an expensive repair when you are ready to list and make small upgrades to the exterior to help buyers see how they can enjoy your outdoor space. Features like a garden, fountain or fire pit are attractive to potential buyers and only require minimal expense on your part. 
Buying a home is an option that is growing more popular for smart college students. Traditionally, many people choose to live on campus at first to try and get to know the area before settling into a particular neighborhood. However, if a young buyer has family support or funds saved up, purchasing a place to live in can be a smart investment that is sure to appreciate by the time he or she graduates. With interest rates low and home values on the rise, the time to purchase is right now. Here are some of the best neighborhoods for students in Central Florida to live in, compiled by the Core Group.
If you’re attending Rollins College or The University of Central Florida, living in Winter Park is a great option. The close proximity to campus life, social activities, and shopping makes this neighborhood a perfect choice. While many families call the quieter parts of Winter Park home, the area also offers plenty of things for young, single people to do and see. Boutiques, restaurants, and bars dot the cobblestone streets. Plus, depending on where in Winter Park you choose to live, you can be only ten miles or less from campus. Homes in this area can be more expensive than other parts of Orlando but are sure to hold their value, as Winter Park is always a popular place to live. 
A less obvious but still convenient choice is a home in Oviedo. If you’re looking to stay focused on studying and avoid the party lifestyle, living in this suburban area might be a perfect fit. Most people associate the area with family life, but that is exactly what makes a home in this area a great investment. Homes is Oviedo are easy to resell because of the low crime rate, great schools, and family-friendly activities, all of which can be hard to find in other parts of Orlando. While living in this area may not put you directly in the heart of the action, it is only a short drive from campus.
If you’re moving into your first home, buying insurance is one of the first things you should do to ensure you are protected in case of emergency. In many cases, the bank that has approved your mortgage will require you to have homeowners insurance before you can move in. But knowing exactly how much coverage to get can be a hard decision to make. Read on to learn more about how much insurance your Central Florida home needs. 
