No state income tax. Illinois charges 4.95% flat rate
Relocation Guide
Moving to Orlando
from Illinois
Illinois-to-Orlando relocations have surged as families and professionals seek relief from Illinois taxes, harsh winters, and rising urban costs. Many Illinois residents find Orlando's combination of suburban comfort, strong schools, and year-round outdoor living to be the lifestyle upgrade they've been looking for.
Top Rated Schools
Orlando Schools
Orlando's top school zones compete with the best Illinois suburban districts. Winter Park High School, Windermere High School, and the Lake Nona cluster are all highly rated. Private schools like Trinity Prep, Lake Highland Prep, and Windermere Preparatory School offer strong college-prep programs. Seminole County schools rank among the top three districts in Florida.
Weather
What to expect
Orlando's average annual temperature is 73F compared to Chicago's 50F. Illinois averages 36 inches of snow per year. Orlando averages zero. The trade-off is Orlando's summer heat and humidity, which peaks from June through September.
Why Orlando
Why Illinois residents choose Orlando
No more brutal winters. Average January high of 72F
Housing comparable to or 10-20% more affordable than popular Chicago suburbs, with significantly more new construction inventory
Excellent new construction options not available in established Illinois suburbs
Direct flights to O'Hare and Midway. Family is a 2.5-hour flight away
Recommended For You
Best neighborhoods for Illinois transplants
Common Questions
Moving from Illinois to Orlando
What's the biggest adjustment moving from Illinois to Orlando?
Most Illinois transplants cite the summer heat as the biggest adjustment. July and August in Orlando are similar to January and February in Chicago. You spend more time indoors. The other adjustment is the driving culture. Orlando is more car-dependent, though neighborhoods like Winter Park and Baldwin Park offer walkability.
Are Orlando schools comparable to top Illinois suburban schools?
Orange County and Seminole County both have highly rated public school districts with multiple A-rated schools. Winter Park, Windermere, and Lake Nona in particular have schools that compete with top Illinois suburban districts. Private school options are also strong.
Which Orlando neighborhoods do Illinois families prefer?
Families from Chicago's western suburbs often gravitate toward Windermere and Dr. Phillips for the spacious lots and strong schools. Those from the North Shore tend to prefer Winter Park for its walkable downtown and cultural scene. Families with kids who want new construction often choose Lake Nona or Horizon West.
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