Colonial TownPark Marquee

We could be celebrating a special occasion or it could be just another Wednesday night, but we almost always end up in the same place… Colonial TownPark in Lake Mary.

Shopping and restaurants are just the beginning of what’s happening in this upscale shopping district.  Get glamourous at Shear Bliss Salon, pick up the perfect gift at Walk on Water or escape to AmStar Cinema and catch latest release.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Orlando, but a world a way from the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest vacation destinations in the country.  Lake Mary is the bedroom community that Central Floridians want to come home to.

Living the Lake Mary lifestyle is easy…

Liam Fitzpatrick's Lake Mary, FLorida

Amura Japanese Restaurant Lake Mary, Florida

Papa Joe's Pizza - Lake Mary, Florida

Dexter's Lake Mary Florida

AmStar Theatre - Lake Mary, Florida

Taylor Morrison Homes is currently in the final days of their Homemade Memories Contest. The winner of their video contest will receive one year of mortgages payments and you can also to win a year of mortgage/rent payments [$18,000] by registering and voting for one of the entries.

My friends and Altamonte Springs, Florida residents are one of the ten National finalist with their video “Memories Made From Scratch” [Week #2 - second from the left on the Taylor Morrison Site]

Here’s their video… “Memories Made from Scratch”

Vote Today For Week #2!

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test [FCAT] is the foundation of the statewide education assessment and accountability program.  The FCAT results translate for the public the “education health” of Florida Students and hold school districts accountable for their progress.

Many homebuyers with children consider FCAT school grades in their decision process, often looking for homes within specific school zones.   Homeowners often perceive an increase in value of their home due to highly ranked schools and promote their zoning when selling and consider it a benefit of the property.

What the FCAT means to the Seminole County Real Estate Market…  Good grades really do matter, not just to students, but to Seminole County homeowners and homebuyers.

Seminole County Elementary Schools

Altamonte Elementary School:  A

Bear Lake Elementary School:  A

Bentley Elementary School:  B

Carillon Elementary School:  A

Casselberry Elementary School:  B

Choices in Learning School: A

Crystal Lake Elementary School:  A

Eastbrook Elementary School:  A

English Estates Elementary School:  B

Evans Elementary School:  A

Forrest City Elementary School:  B

Geneva Elementary School:  A

Goldsboro Elementary Magnet:  A

Hamilton Elementary School:  C

Heathrow Elementary School:  A

Highlands Elementary School:  A

Idyllwilde Elementary School:  B

Keeth Elementary School:  A

Lake Mary Elementary School:  B

Lake Orienta Elementary School:  A

Lawton Elementary School:  A

Layer Elementary School:  B

Longwood Elementary School:  A

Midway Elementary School:  B

Partin Elementary School:  A

Pine Crest Elementary School:  B

Rainbow Elementary School:  A

Redbug Elementary School:  A

Sabal Point Elementary School:  A

Spring Lake Elementary School:  A

Stenstrom Elementary School:  A

Sterling Park Elementary School:  A

Walker Elementary School:  A

Wekiva Elementary School:  A

Wicklow Elementary School:  A

Wilson Elementary School:  A

Winter Springs Elementary School:  A

Woodlands Elementary School:  A

Seminole County Middle Schools

Chiles Middle School:  A

Greenwood Lakes Middle School:  A

Indian Trails Middle School:  A

Jackson Middle School:  A

Markham Middle School:  A

Millenium Middle School:  A

Milwee Middle School:  A

Rock Lake Middle School:  A

Sanford Middle School:  A

South Seminole Middle School:  A

Teague Middle School:  A

Tuskawilla Middle School:  A

Seminole County High Schools

The High School FCAT Grades which include a factor for graduation rates have not been released at the time of this post, but will be available in an update as soon as they are published later this year [grades are expected to be released sometime in November].

For more information about FCAT School Grades, Please visit the Florida Department of Education Website – All information in this post was provided by the Florida Department of Education.

It’s that time again Football Fans!

It may be in the 90’s as of the date of this post, but it’s time for the annual fall High School right of passage…

Friday Night Lights!

Who needs a tv show when you can go out and support your home team. Attend a game this fall and see some of the areas top student athletes compete for the bragging rights against their county rivals.

Lake Mary High School Football Schedule 2010

August 20th  ~  Red/Gray Game  ~  @Home  ~ * 6pm

August 27th  ~  West Orange Kickoff Classic  ~  @Home ~ 7:30pm

September 3rd  ~  Hagerty High School  ~  @Home

September 10th  ~  Lake Howell High School  ~  @Lake Howell

September 17th  ~  Oviedo High School  ~  @Oviedo

September 24th  ~  University High School  ~  @Home

October 1st  ~  Deltona High School [Homecoming]  ~  @Home

October 8th  ~  Seminole High School  ~  @Seminole

October 15th  ~  Freedom High School  ~  @Home

October 22nd  ~ Lyman High School ~  @ Lyman

November 5th  ~  Lake Brantley High School (Senior Night)  ~  @Home

November 12th  ~   Winter Springs High School  ~  @Winter Springs

*All Games Kickoff at 7:30pm except for the Red/Gray Game

Click here for a map to Lake Mary High School

Search for homes in the Lake Mary, Florida High School District

Orlando Magazine

Orlando Magazine has been providing Central Floridians with local content for more than half a century. Founded in 1946, Orlando Magazine has documented the evolution of Central Florida to one of the World’s Top Vacation Destinations. More than just a lifestyle magazine, Orlando Magazine reports on everything that’s happening in entertainment, politics, sports, fashion, arts, people and trends. Subscribe to Orlando Magazine here.

Lake Mary Life Magazine

The premier lifestyle publication in Lake Mary, Florida and a great way to get to know what’s happening in Lake Mary, learn about local people a places.  Lake Mary Life Magazine is a free publication available in print and online, you can subscribe to it in print here or read the online version here.

Orlando Home & Leisure Magazine

Orlando Home & Leisure magazine is the source for all things luxury in Orlando.  The magazine covers Central Florida lifestyle, dining, fashion, fitness, beauty, design and home decor.  Orlando Home and Leisure can be viewed online here or subscribe to it in print here.

Do you have a favorite Orlando or Florida magazine that I should reading?  Please leave me the name in the comments section below.

Want to move to the Orlando area?  Click this link to search for homes in the Orlando area…

The majority of the home sales in July were distressed properties, 26 of the sales were condos, 5 townhouses and 45 single family homes.

Lake Mary Townhomes

Least Expensive Townhouse Sale:  Heron Bay in Greenwood Lakes $140,000 ~ 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath ~ 1,561 SF of Living Space @ $89.69 per/SF

Most Expensive Townhouse Sale: Fountain Park  $269,000 ~ 4 Bedroom / 2 Bath ~ 2,087 SF of Living Space @ $128.89 per /SF

Lake Mary Home Sales

Least Expensive Home Sale:  Evansdale [S. Country Club Blvd & Lake Mary Blvd.] $106,000 ~ 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath ~ 1,186 SF of Living Space @ $89.38 per/SF

Most Expensive Home Sale:  Carisbrooke $625,000 ~ 4 Bedroom / 4.5 Baths ~ 3,977 SF of Living Space @ $157.15 per/SF

Lake Mary Condo Sales

Least Expensive Condo Sale: Regency Park at Lake Mary $22,599 ~ 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath  ~ 648 SF of Living Space @ $34.88 per/SF

Most Expensive Condo Sale: The Hamptons of Heathrow $125,000 ~ 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath ~ 1,408 SF of Living Space @ $88.78 per/SF

Lake Mary Real Estate Resoruces…  Help for Homebuyers & Home Owners:

Search for homes in Lake Mary, Florida

What’s my Seminole County Home Worth?

Lake Mary Real Estate Sales Report – July 2010

After much controversy, two audits and continuing objections of educators, the State of Florida released the 2010 FCAT results this week.

Seminole County Schools routinely rank high in the State of Florida and Seminole County High Schools currently rank in the top 3% of all High Schools nationwide in the annual Newsweek Magazine poll.

The High School Grades which include a factor for graduation rates have not been released at the time of this post, but will be available in an update as soon as they are published.

Lake Mary Elementary Schools

Crystal Lake Elementary School:  A

Heathrow Elementary School:  A

Lake Mary Elementary School:  B

Lake Mary Middle Schools

Greenwood Lakes Middle School: A

Millenium Middle School: A

Markham Woods Middle School: A

Resources & Links:

For detailed information about FCAT School Grades, Please visit the Florida Department of Education Website.

Search for homes in Seminole County & Lake Mary

If you are interested in having your children attend a specific school, please email me at Debbie@MoveToLakeMary.com for a personal, customized home search for your school of choice.

Homes & Condos for sale:  387
Properties listed as short sales: 107 or  28%
Bank Owned/REO Properties:  26 or 7%

Same stuff, different month… The Lake Mary inventory of homes is almost unchanged after the month of July, just one less house for sale and the percentage of distressed properties remain the same .  As we see the Summer Buying Season [the time when families typically move to have a lesser impact on their school aged children] come to a close we will really start to get an accurate picture of where the real estate market is and how much of an impact the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit affected the market these past few months.

The number of homes under contract has declined by 15% over the past 30 days.  Is the local Lake Mary real estate market is retracting? This decline in homes under contract could be our first indication that the end of the first time homebuyer tax credit  is having a negative effect on our housing market.

Lake Mary Homes Under Contract

Homes & Condos under contract:  167
Short Sales:  95 or 57%
Bank Owned/REO:  28 or 17%
Distressed Properties make up 74% of the homes under contract.

Lake Mary Home Sales

July Home Sales:  72
Short Sales:  10 or 14%
Bank Owned/REO:  30 or 42%

Home Sales in Lake Mary, Florida

Lake Mary Real Estate Market Fact:  56% of the homes sold in Lake Mary, Florida during the month of July were distressed properties, holding at almost the same rate as June.

Real Estate Resources for Lake Mary Homebuyers & Home Owners

Search for homes in Lake Mary, Florida

What’s my Seminole County Home Worth?

Lake Mary Real Estate Sales Report – July 2010

Looking for a relaxing get away in Orlando’s favorite suburb & #1 Place to Live in Florida?  The Westin Lake Mary is the new definition of luxury and sophistication  in Lake Mary.   Within walking  distance to Colonial TownPark’s fine dining, shopping and entertainment venues and in the midst of Central Florida’s high tech corridor.

The Westin Lake Mary features a fitness center, meeting spaces, pool area and fine dining at Shula’s 347 Grill.  Lake Mary is 45 minutes from the beaches and theme parks and just 15 minutes North of Downtown Orlando.

Visit the Westin Lake Mary Orlando North Website by clicking this link.

Have you stayed at the Westin Lake Mary?  I’d love to hear about your experience in the comment section below.

When you drive by the unassuming building on Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park it’s easy to see that there is something special going on there…  The line out the door of the newest barbecue restaurant in Orlando [whether it's lunch time or mid afternoon] gives it away every time  - it’s simply the best Barbecue in Orlando.

I’d been hearing quite a buzz about the place from friends and through FaceBook, so 6 months ago we visited for the first time and I’ve been back at least a dozen times since.  I’ve taken customers, friends, relatives, picked up takeout and even gone by myself to keep this now long term committed relationship strong.

It’s true, I’m in love with the brisket [their signature meat], the handcrafted sauces and the homemade side dishes that range from the best bbq baked beans I’ve ever had to fresh collard greens, crispy fried okra and a savory brick of baked cheese grits that seem to vanish before my vary eyes.  If I’ve caught your interest or made your mouth water, you need to visit soon…

Hints from an Orlando local:

• Park across the street at the Baptist Church, the parking lot is small and you might get a ticket if you park on the residential side street.
• Go early or go late!  It’s good, which means that it’s packed during mealtime and you will have to wait in line to order and to find a seat [if you are lucky] there is a stand up bar/eating area [without stools] so be prepared.
• The eating area is covered and outdoors, it’s warm – dress comfortable or get your grub to go.
• The desserts are GIGANTIC, take my advice and order one to go.  It took me 3 days to eat what seemed like a 5lb. piece of carrot cake that kept calling my name and the 5 hours it took to burn it off on the treadmill were all worth it.
• Once you’ve been to the restaurant, call ahead and order to go @ 407.474.8377
• Read the 4 Rivers Story… These are good people, I like nothing more than to support nice folks doing good work.
• Take a look at the Menu
• Don’t go on Sunday, they are closed!
• Map & Address – Streetview still displays the former garage, trust me – it’s there

Enjoy!  I’d love to hear what you think in the comment section below…