Orlando is home to dozens of theme parks and world-renowned attractions. The city has more than 2 million residents and is a popular destination for many tourists, which also boosts the economy. It is located in Orange County and is considered one of the best places to live in Florida. It’s a nice mixture of urban and suburban living, offering a variety of restaurants, parks, and things to do.
However, every place has its good, bad, and sometimes ugly parts. If you’re planning to move there, it’s good to know more about the place before you start packing your things.
Here are a few things you need to about Orlando.
Advantages of living in Orlando
- Cost of living
Orlando has a cost of living 2% lower than the national average. This means, you’ll be able to live comfortably, and if you’re looking for a place to stay, you can find affordable studio apartments for rent in Orlando with top amenities. It is ranked among the best cities for job seekers, with the service industry being the biggest one hiring.
However, the job market has more to offer than just tourism including digital media, agriculture, film and TV production, and others. Some of the largest employers in Orlando include hospitals, Disney Worlds, and Universal Studios.
- Education
Orlando is home to multiple top-notch school districts and is praised for its highly rated school systems. If you’re moving with your family, it’s good to know that your children will be provided with some of the best education in the country.
There are 202 public schools in the district alone, so before you find a home, it would be a good idea to research schools to move to the right neighborhood. Additionally, the University of Central Florida, which is the second-largest university in the U.S., is located in Orlando.
- Transport
Although the city is not necessarily walkable, there are many public transportation options available to navigate your daily life. Orlando was ranked Florida’s second-best city for public transportation. You should look into potential neighborhoods to ensure there’s a public transportation system before you leave your car behind.
If you bring your car when relocating, note that gas prices are exceptionally low in Florida compared to the rest of the U.S. However, you’ll have to spend a little extra money on car insurance.
A few bad and ugly sides of Orlando
- Weather
Living in Orlando means you’ll have to be prepared for the weather. It has a humid subtropical climate and is known for its mild winter and very hot and sunny summers. The heat and humidity can be oppressive, especially in summer. It is ranked the 10th hottest city for summer weather, so you might need some time to adjust to the Orlando heat. Note that there’s also an annual rainy period. From June through September, be prepared for afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
This state is also known for hurricanes, so remember that from June 1 until November 30, it is hurricane season in Florida. Additionally to the weather, you can expect many bugs everywhere, some of which are very large. There are also snakes, scorpions, and spiders, and let’s not forget the bloodthirsty mosquitos.
- Tourists
Orlando has many theme parks and events, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations. Tourists keep business and opportunities thriving, although they can be quite annoying when you’re just trying to live your daily life and get to your next appointment. It is estimated that approximately 76 million tourists visit Orlando each year.
However, you’ll have to get used to the hordes of visitors that arrive in the city year-round, if you plan to move here. Therefore, you might want to do some research on traffic conditions in some neighborhoods to avoid being stuck on the road when tourists overflow the city streets.
- Dangerous neighborhoods
Orlando is not just about warm sun, palm trees, and Disney World. Before moving, you should do research on the neighborhoods so you can move into one where you can live safely. The ugly side of this city is some of its neighborhoods.
Keep in mind that Mercy Drive and Roosevelt Parks are the two worst neighborhoods to live in Orlando due to violence and property crime. So, just like any other city, Orlando has good and bad neighborhoods and some that should be avoided.
In closing
Moving to Orlando can be such a fun experience, but remember to pay attention to not only the good sides of it but also the bad ones. Warm weather and being close to Disney can be overshadowed if you don’t consider the disadvantages. Make sure you research all about it so you’ll know what you’re getting into.
