While many of you would not think of Downtown Orlando as an urban neighborhood, Orlando is one of the fast up and coming urban lifestyle areas in the South East. As the only certified member of the Urban Living 2000 network in Orlando, FL I pride myself on being up to date on Orlando's newest and hottest real estate finds.

I was recently touring the two new buildings The Solaire and The VUE.

The Solaire

Now you can live where you work and play. Everyone wants to, but only a few do. Discover a higher standard of living . With I-4 a virtual nightmare for commuters and the soon to close Colonial exit, why fight it. When you live here you can walk to work or ride your bike.

Solaire is in the middle of everything Orlando is and will become. Located at the corner of cool and cooler, otherwise knows as Church and Magnolia, Solaire is part of the highly anticipated Plaza development. For those that work in multimedia, entertainment and technology or regularly trek downtown to go out on Church Street, this is already home to you. Now you can live where you work and play.

Already open below the Solaire are numerous restaurant, salons and shops. Soon to open this year are more restaurants and the highly anticipated AMC movie theater, scheduled to open the end of January 2008.

Prices start in the $230,000 for a 1 bedroom unit and go over the $400,000 for 2/2 with stellar panoramic views of Lake Eola and downtown Orlando.

Biometrics can be found throughout this building with a 24 hour concierge desk you are sure to never miss a package or tickets to a magic game. Concrete ceilings and walls, floor to ceiling glass windows and high end appliances transport you to the lofts of New York City.

Wi-fi, gaming stations, fitness center, pool and party room are just a few amenities offered in this building. Come see why this is Orlando's hottest buy and best bang for your BUCK!!

The VUE

This has been Orlandos most anticipated high rise condo building however I must say it has fallen short in my eyes, in more ways then one.

A unique angle on living and interacting with the city. The Vue is a one of a kind lifestyle where the best of the city life meets the warmth of community. It's luxurious 36 stories are home to some of Orlando's most recognized citizens. 24 hour-doorman, basketball courts, tennis courts, fitness center, and gaming stations are just a few of the amenities found here.

One of my favorite features are the gas appliances are hard find here in Central Florida. But a huge draw back is the washer/dryer situation. During the designing and planning phase someone forgot the all important venting to the outside that dryers need. So all units are equipped with European units that both wash and dry your clothes. To dry it uses a method of sucking out the humidity. This all in one takes over 5 hours to do a load of laundry and literally is the size of a cabinet. I would be lucky to fit 3 full outfits in there.

Prices start in the mid $300s for a studio unit and go well above the Million price point. While the building is aesthetically pleasing I must say this building and it's price point falls very short.

If you are looking to purchase property in the Downtown Orlando area and need an agent that understands what true Urban living means contact, Heather Joubran with RE/MAX Central Realty at 407.810.6304 or email at HJoubran@remax.net or visit www.MyFirstRealEstate.com or www.CentralFloridaLuxuryEstates.com