Moving to Orlando, Florida: Your Guide to a Smooth Transition

Moving to a new city can be an exciting, yet daunting experience. If you’re considering moving to Orlando, Florida, you may have many questions and concerns about the process. This guide aims to provide you with all the information you need for a smooth transition to the beautiful city of Orlando.

Welcome to Orlando

Whether you’re drawn by the enchanting history or the vibrant culture, Orlando, Florida, is a city that offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Its diverse population and central location in the Sunshine State make it more than just a tourist destination; it’s a place to call home.

Culture and History

Orlando is famous for its warm weather and Walt Disney World, symbolizing its major role in entertainment and pop culture. Beyond theme parks, experiencing Orlando’s culture reveals a rich mix of arts, music, and food, shaped by the diverse communities in Central Florida.

From exploring the city’s vibrant culture and entertainment to getting a glimpse into its rich past, a visit to the Orange County History Center is a must. Nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando, this museum offers an in-depth look at the region’s fascinating history, spanning from the early Native American inhabitants to the development of the space industry and the growth of the famed entertainment parks.

Then there’s the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History & Culture, located in the heart of the Parramore district, showcasing artifacts, documents, and photographs that narrate the African American community’s profound impact on Orlando’s development.

Another cool spot to check out is the iconic Citrus Tower. It’s actually in Clermont, just outside Orlando, but it takes you back to the days when citrus groves were everywhere. It really shows off the agricultural roots that defined the region back in the day.

Housing and Neighborhoods

When considering a move to Orlando, Florida, you should be aware that the housing market and neighborhoods vary widely in terms of cost, lifestyle, and amenities. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect in terms of living costs in various neighborhoods, as well as insights into buying versus renting a home in Orlando.

Cost of Living

Orlando’s cost of living is influenced by housing costs, which can fluctuate based on the neighborhood. For instance:

  • Median Home Value: Homes in Orlando come in just above the national median, with prices around $350,000 (source).
  • Average Rent: Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can average $1,957 monthly, while a 2-bedroom sits around $2,482.

Neighborhood Highlights

When searching for the perfect neighborhood, consider the following highly-regarded areas:

  • Lake Nona: Ideal for those with a focus on wellness, Lake Nona boasts technology-rich amenities and is situated conveniently near Orlando International Airport.
  • Winter Garden: A family-friendly area with a charming downtown, Winter Garden offers quaint shops, restaurants, and activities for all ages.
  • Dr. Phillips: With tree-lined streets and upscale homes, this neighborhood is popular among those looking for a suburban vibe with big city options like Restaurant Row and 25 minutes from downtown Orlando.

Employment and Economy

Orlando’s vibrant and diverse economy offers robust employment opportunities across multiple industries. As you consider moving to this city, you’ll find a strong presence of top employers, especially in the technology and healthcare sectors.

Job Market

Orlando’s job market is impressively dynamic, with new opportunities constantly arising, especially in technology, healthcare, and tourism. This growth isn’t just a boon for job seekers; it supports a healthy, expanding economy. Your employment prospects here are bright, with a range of positions available for different skill levels and industries.

Primary Industries

Orlando’s economy is far from one-note, with a diverse range of industries driving growth:

  • Technology: A fast-growing hotspot for digital media, agricultural technology, aviation, aerospace, and software design.
  • Healthcare: Home to major providers like AdventHealth and Orlando Health, offering a wide spectrum of healthcare positions.
  • Tourism & Hospitality: With a dozen theme parks and a major convention center, this industry is a cornerstone of Orlando’s economy.

Top Employers

When you move to Orlando, you’ll be looking at some heavyweight employers in the region. These include:

  • AdventHealth: One of the largest non-profit health care providers in the nation.
  • Orlando Health: A respected and comprehensive network of community and specialty hospitals.
  • Walt Disney World Resort: Synonymous with Orlando and a significant employer in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
  • Lockheed Martin: Offers opportunities in the aerospace and defense sectors.

With such employers present, you’re likely to find competitive salaries and a stable job environment in your chosen field.

Education and Healthcare

When moving to Orlando, you’ll find a welcoming variety of educational institutions and healthcare options that cater to a diverse population.

Your family’s educational needs can be met by a range of public and private schools, while several universities provide opportunities for higher education. Healthcare systems in Orlando are designed to offer comprehensive care, focusing on patient well-being.

Local Schools

Orlando is served by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), one of the largest school districts in Florida. Here, you can expect a commitment to academic excellence with a diverse set of programs that cater to different interests and abilities.

Higher Education

Your pursuit of higher education can be realized in Orlando with its selection of esteemed institutions.

  • University of Central Florida (UCF): One of the largest universities in the country, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • Valencia College: Known for its high transfer rates to UCF, Valencia provides accessible education with multiple campuses across the region.
  • Full Sail University: Specializes in entertainment, media, arts, and technology disciplines, preparing students for creative industries.

Healthcare Systems

The healthcare in Orlando is designed to support you with a holistic approach.

  • AdventHealth: A faith-based, nonprofit healthcare network, emphasizing whole-person care that extends beyond Orlando.
  • Orlando Health: A comprehensive not-for-profit healthcare organization known for its extensive network of hospitals and care centers throughout the region.
  • Nemours Children’s Hospital: Offers specialized care for children, ensuring even your youngest family members have access to quality medical services.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Orlando, Florida, is a vibrant city known for its entertainment options and warm climate, but it’s also an area where transportation and infrastructure are key to enjoying all the amenities. The city has been advancing its transportation network to enhance your commuting experience.

Getting Around

Driving is a common way for you to navigate Orlando, with major highways such as Florida’s Turnpike and Interstate 4 (I-4) at your disposal.

For those of you looking for rail services, SunRail provides commuter trains that connect key areas in the region. The expansion of these services underlines the city’s commitment to public transportation.

Additionally, the Orlando International Airport is a major aviation hub, and it plays a significant role in your traveling convenience, offering both domestic and international flights. This makes flying an efficient alternative for long-distance travel.

Leisure and Entertainment

When you move to Orlando, you’ll find that the city is a veritable playground, boasting a myriad of theme parks, cultural hotspots, and various recreational activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Theme Parks and Attractions

Orlando is globally recognized for its top-tier theme parks and attractions.

  • Walt Disney World: The crown jewel of Orlando’s entertainment offerings, featuring four theme parks, two water parks, and an expansive shopping and dining district known as Disney Springs.
  • Universal Orlando Resort: Home to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the water park Volcano Bay, this park complex is bursting with rides and experiences themed around movies and TV.
  • SeaWorld: Offers a blend of marine life exhibits, thrilling rides, and performances, providing education alongside entertainment.

Arts and Museums

Your cultural cravings will be satisfied with Orlando’s vibrant arts and museum scene.

  • Orlando Science Center: A family-friendly destination that makes science fun with interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
  • Mennello Museum of American Art and the Orlando Museum of Art: Present fine art collections and traveling exhibitions.

Sports and Recreation

For the sports enthusiast, Orlando offers plenty of action.

  • Orlando Magic: Catch a basketball game with Orlando’s very own NBA team at the Amway Center.
  • Golf: The region is a golfer’s paradise with numerous courses, often set in picturesque landscapes.
  • Recreation: Beyond spectator sports, you can engage in various outdoor activities, including water sports on Orlando’s lakes and trails for hiking and biking.

Lastly, shopping options range from luxury malls to unique boutiques, complemented by a host of dining experiences at both theme parks and city spots. Orlando ensures your leisure and entertainment needs are met with endless options to explore.

Climate and Environment

When you’re considering a move to Orlando, Florida, the climate will likely be one of the enticing factors. Orlando’s weather typically embodies a tropical climate, abundant in sunshine and warm, pleasant temperatures year-round.

Here are some key points to note about the weather in Orlando:

  • Expect hot and humid summers, with temperatures often in the high 80s to mid-90s (°F).
  • Winters, conversely, are quite mild and dry, with temperatures rarely dropping below the 50s (°F).
  • The summer months also bring afternoon thunderstorms, a staple of the Central Florida climate, contributing to much of the area’s annual rainfall. However, the rain is usually brief and followed by clear skies.
  • While Orlando is not located on a coast, it can still experience effects from hurricanes during the hurricane season (June to November). It’s essential to be prepared in case of severe weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

Orlando is a vibrant and diverse city, filled with endless opportunities for both entertainment and relaxation. Orlando truly has something for everyone, from world-renowned theme parks to beautiful natural landscapes. Whether you’re looking to relocate permanently or plan a vacation, the city’s warm climate and abundance of activities make it an appealing destination for all.

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Nicole-Mickle

I’m Nicole Mickle, a real estate agent in Orlando, Florida. I’m here to assist you in making the most out of your Florida lifestyle.

In addition, I’m the author behind Florida Homes and Living, a blog dedicated to sharing valuable content about Orlando, interior design, remodeling, and the Florida lifestyle.

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