Some housing options
If you wish to avoid traffic in your commute, some of your better options are -
> Clermont, as mentioned before. It's a little far away (about 20 miles, but because it is northwest of WDW, you commute up route 27, which still is not too congested. And Clermont is in Lake County... which has some hills and is arguably the most scenic area of Central Florida. Could be something of a financial challenge... finding that affordable place, and of course the transportation costs.
> Winter Garden. That's a fairly pleasant 15-mile commute straight north, up 535, which also does not have too much traffic. Apartments and mobile homes available in many areas.
> Windermere. Close in and very nice... I wasn't aware of affordable housing anywhere near the center of that town. Certainly the complex directly across Reams Road from the North Entrance is in that category; it's about 5 miles from what I thought was Windermere... but Tiggerman and Fantasia Boi surely know the area much better than I do. Maybe they'll post some more about it.
Other areas popular for cast members are
> Polk County. To get there, you commute West on I-4 for 10 miles or so. Occasionally, there are traffic issues, but not as often as heading to Downtown Orlando. Some affordable, rustic options out there. Rustic, and at places, borderline honky-tonk. Head there for the country life.
> Downtown Orlando! Actually a very nice place to live; lots of "over the garage" and half-house apartments to be found (just drive around and look for signs... or check the Sentinal). Great if you can walk to the Lake Eola area. Many say "worth the commute". If you thirst for culture, that's where you need to go.
> Kissimmee. It's really the 'bedroom community' for many of WDW's 50,000 cast members. Many affordable options... trailers to rent, apartments, house shares. Personally, I don't find the area very appealing... but I think that's due to the fact that I seldom get off 192 on my trips through Kissimmee. That is is the equivalent of judging all of Orlando by "the Trail" (a.k.a. Orange Blossom Trail/OBT) or I-Drive... both of which are looking better these days.
> Kirkman Road/MetroWest. There you'll be neighbors with the esteemed cast of another entertainment complex. Many, many apartment complexes... but almost all with rent that would require at least one roommate to cover. I'm not an apartment fan, myself. Prefer listening to my own music.
Have I listed enough options to confuse you? Sorry... but I could go on if you have further questions. Main message: housing is just a little tight... so you should know your budget and be prepared to make a decision when you find something you really like. Still, there are options out there... and it's definately urban sprawl... so you may find yourself needing to 'shop' for a few days.
Once you get started, of course, you'll have access to the online portal, which has plenty of adverts from cast members looking for roommates, or with trailers/apartments to rent. In the meantime, the Sentinal and "apartment finder" booklets are good sources. But if you have the time and patience, a little driving around your neighborhood of choice could just pay off.
