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Which theme parks are you trying to be near, they're not all very close together? Disney is south (between SR-535 and US-192); SeaWorld is in the middle off International Drive and Central Florida Parkway; and Universal is more north off I-4 near Kirkman Rd., off International Drive and Universal Blvd. (Hope this helps when you're looking at a map of Orlando)

If you're looking near SeaWorld, there are a couple very close by: The Vinings at Westwood (I lived there and loved it), Lexington Place, Broadwater, Monterey Lakes (not the best), Cumberland Park (close to Disney, too), Discovery Palms (townhomes to lease near Disney, too).

Some near Disney (like on Apopka-Vineland) are close, but not the best area. But, if you're looking at something off SR-535, you'd be in a better area. Of course, I didn't live in that area, so I'm only going off rumors.

I'm not sure what's near Universal, but it's near International Drive, so if you found something in zip code 32819, you'd be very close to the hotels/Universal.

When I was moving to Orlando, I used apartmenthunters.com which is a free service that helps you find locations that meet your criteria. I signed up online and they called within an hour to discuss what I was looking for. The lady sent me some properties with my criteria and I started looking at pictures, apartment layouts, etc. to decide which ones I would visit. It's a free service only because when you finally sign your lease, they request that you put them down as your reference (which wasn't a problem for me). Obviously, if you're able to tour the property and see a model before renting, that's always better, too!

Another tip of advice - AVOID HAVING TO COMMUTE ON I-4 or Toll-408. The traffic is ALWAYS backed up during rush hours!!! So, if you can take alternate routes to get to work and back home, that's the best way to go!! There are also lots of toll roads in Orlando (408, 417, 528), so if you need to use those roads to get to and from work, make sure that you calculate that into your budget (and invest in a Sunpass or E-pass to save on tolls).

Good luck in your search! It's rather daunting sometimes moving to a new city when you don't really know what's out there! Depending on your budget and where you want to live, it could really limit your search! Orlando is not a cheap place to live! Happy hunting!

Would you consider living outside of Orlando i.e. Kissimmee in Osceola county. Its a stones throw away from Orlando and very close to Disney. Quite a big place but very safe and comfortable. I used to live in a place called Venetian bay villages, The apartment there was lovely and it was a gated community with security which gives that extra peace of mind when you have kids. There are a lot of places like this around the Kissimmee area. The prices are quite reasonable as well,although I cant remember them off the top of my head, sorry about that. Good luck finding something.

I would contact a real estate agents and help you find a good safe rental property.