I totally agree about Central Florida. I used to travel to Apopka (if you're from Orlando then you know where it is) on business for quite some time and I fell in love with the place. So much more than Disney, but it sure is nice to have that attraction as well.

I remember going to the state park north of Orlando and snorkeling in a natural pool. Next day was a trip to Clearwater and the white sand and crystal clear water. It's a really nice place to be, and somewhat insulated from hurricanes due to being the interior of Florida.

If Florida is a leper, Orlando is a worm-filled stump he's waving in front of your eyes.

Forget the kids. Just not worth it.

I've lived in the Orlando area for 26 years and love it. Having grown up in Maryland and then spending many years in North Carolina, it was very different at first. You've gotten some good suggestions, and at the end of the day it all depends on your preferences. For example, Winter Park is undeniably a beautiful area. Lovely old homes, lots of lakes, and Park Avenue is the Rodeo Drive of Central Florida. It is also by far the most expensive area near Orlando and overrun with yuppies and yuppy wannabes. Most of the other areas mentioned are suburbs, consisting of housing developments and strip malls.
Thirteen years ago my wife and I, to the derision of our friends, bought a 1925 house in Sanford and lovingly restored it. We absolutely love Sanford. It has a real downtown with a couple of great restaurants, art galleries, and the best wine bar in Central Florida. It has a wonderful "Riverwalk" along the townside shore of 95,000 acre Lake Monroe. I work on the south end of Orlando (38 miles) and my commute (avoiding I-4 like the plague) is about 45 minutes.