Get to Know Orlando, Florida – Your Moving Guide

Planning to live in Orlando? You’ve come to the right place! Orlando, Florida, is a fantastic city with a lot to offer families, young professionals, and retirees. This central Florida hub may have a reputation as an amusement park due to the presence of Disney World and Universal Orlando, but more people are discovering the advantage of calling it home year-round. The metro was the second-fastest-growing large US city in 2020!

Living in Orlando is different from spending a week on vacation. Be prepared if you plan to join the people moving to The City Beautiful. Here’s what you need to know about moving to Orlando, from the weather and cost of living to real estate, attractions, quality of life, and more.

Orlando is hot…and not

When it comes to the weather, the good news is Orlando is away from the coast, so it won’t experience a direct hit from a hurricane. However, the storms’ winds and heavy rains can still seriously impact it.

Winter is a bright spot; you’ll be outdoors while your friends in the north dig out from the snow. The average high in January is 72F, and the average low is 51F. That’s not to say it can’t drop to near or below freezing because it can, but the icy cold never lasts long.

Orlando may have mild winters, but the exchange is hot summers and fierce, pop-up thunderstorms. If you’re not used to lightning storms, get ready! They really can form in minutes. July is the hottest, at an average of 92F, while August is the wettest, with an average of 14 days of rain. All that heat and humidity combine for a hot, sticky summer environment.

Your costs are average

This city’s cost of living is slightly higher overall than average (3%), which means you won’t stretch out your dollar. Still, you’re not likely to outlay a lot, either.

Everything is at or near the national average spending: housing, 0.9% higher; groceries, 0.7% higher; utilities, 2.3% higher. The big difference is transportation, which will run you 10% above average.

Still, you can control your spending, and you’ll have plenty of affordable housing options available in the local housing market. The median home price was $353,200 in December 2022, a 3.9% year-over-year increase. The average rent was around $1,929 for a 962 sq ft apartment.

Jobs are plentiful

Frequently ranked the state’s fastest growing economic market, the job market in Orlando has been booming, and not just in a single industry. Even though the city is a huge tourism destination, there’s diversity in the economy thanks to education, health care, sales, and technology. Posting for tech jobs alone grew 42% from January to October 2022.

Top-growing sectors in 2022 and 2023 were hospitality, professional services, construction, and education. Based on the number of employees, major employers included Walt Disney World Resort, JetBlue Airways, Advent Health, Publix Super Markets, and the University of Central Florida. As a central location in the state, it’s also a transportation and distribution hub.

Education is strong

Education is key when it comes to raising a family. In Orlando, you’ll be pleased to know you have some of the state’s top options.

Starting with public K-12 education, Seminole County in the northeast Orlando metro is one the consistently best-ranked school districts in the state. Numerous programs address career and college readiness, STEM education, and IB coursework. Orange County and Osceola County consistently make “B” grades, with some “A” ratings in their history. They have individual high-performing public schools, like the Orlando Science Middle-High Charter, which was no. 30 in the US News and World Report Florida state rankings. Osceola County School of Arts came in no. 35 in the state. Private schools are also high quality, with Trinity Preparatory School leading the Niche.com ranking for 2024.

How about a college education? Orlando is home to the University of Central Florida, with its large, urbanized campus serving over 60,000 undergraduate students alone. It’s one of the state’s largest schools by enrollment. It runs 10 regional campuses and graduate school programs.

It’s not the only higher education provider in the metro. In Winter Park, Rollins College is a private four-year school rated the no. 1 regional university in the South. Valencia College has expanded into a four-year school but still offers associate’s degrees and certificates. For two-year schools, Seminole State College of Florida serves over 16,000 undergraduates a year.

In other words, your education is well-served in the Orlando area, with many public, private, and higher education choices.

Housing prices aren’t bad

With the influx in population, you’d expect a booming real estate market. In some ways, Orlando delivers. The metro population was 2.4 million and growing, so there is a high demand for real estate. Annual prices have risen due to demand, growing 20% from 2021-2022.

But compared to other cities of similar size, housing in Orlando is a steal. The median price in December 2022 was $353,200, compared to the state average of $395,000. The Orlando market at that time had a 2.85 month’s supply of inventory as it headed back towards a more “normal” market after the pandemic upheaval. Rising inventory is good news for home buyers.

Real estate opportunities abound in Orlando and include everything from luxury homes to condos and apartments to single-family residences. Construction is one of the top industries, and part of that is the demand for residential housing, so you can also find a brand-new home.

While the Orlando city limits are small, the whole metro is extensive, increasing the options for what kind of community you can live in. Check out the best places to live inside Orlando and its suburbs.

So many arts and culture attractions

Those that love arts and culture will find their needs satisfied in Orlando. From the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts to the Renaissance Theatre, live performing venues abound. That’s not to mention the art galleries and museums of Winter Park or the Orlando Museum of Art near the city center.

Check out Hard Rock Live or the House of Blues for state-of-the-art live music venues. Be IMMERSED in the multi-modal street fair put on by Creative City Project or take in the shows at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. Throughout the town and suburbs, you’ll have street fairs, art walks, and galleries to explore.

Ride the roller coasters

Don’t forget about the attractions! From world-famous amusement parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld to awesome water parks like Aquatica and Blizzard Beach, Orlando residents have the world’s best amusement parks in their backyard. And Florida residents often get ticket discounts or can take advantage of year-round passholder savings.

Paddle the swan boats

Check out the outdoor parks, lakes, and trails when you want quieter thrills. One popular park is Lake Eola, a beautiful spot perfect for walks and picnics with friends. Hop aboard a pedal-powered swan boat and enjoy a leisurely ride around the lake. Or, explore one of the Chain of Lakes: the Winter Park chain or the Butler chain. These are interconnected waterways that link to lakes of varying sizes. They expand your boating and fishing opportunities.

It’s not all water sports. A network of trails provides safe lanes for cyclists and runners. The Orlando Urban Trail is an expanding system with on-road and off-road paved trails connecting the many lakes and parks near downtown Orlando. The Shingle Creek Trail will connect Orlando across Orange County to Kissimmee. The popular West Orange Trail runs 22 miles across Orange County and is part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast trail. So, you can get out on your bike, skates, or just hoof it for some exercise.

Hit the links

Golfers will love playing a round on one of the many courses scattered around town. Orlando’s top courses are designed by some of the best in the game, like Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, and Jack Nicklaus.

Your choices include public and private courses. Disney and Universal offer top-notch championship greens, as do Orange County National Golf Club, Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, and the Shingle Creek Golf Club. In sum, you have over 40 options in the greater Orlando area. Plus, you’re in central Florida, so you can take a day trip to the world-famous resorts on the Atlantic coast.

Places for your pup

Orlando residents love their pets, so you’ll find many dog-friendly parks and activities for you and your pup to enjoy together. Some are special places, like Lake Baldwin Park, which has a sandy beach dogs can run off-leash and swim. Doctors Dog Park has a pet shower and water fountains.

Dogs are welcome on leash at farmer’s markets in Maitland and the Paddling Center at Shingle Creek. Various restaurants with patios also welcome dogs, but call ahead to verify.

Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating to Orlando, FL

Are taxes high in Orlando, FL?

Orlando, FL, is pretty tax-friendly. The absence of state income tax is a major draw for potential residents and even business owners. The rate of property taxes is around 0.83%, slightly below the national average, making it competitive for homeowners. If you own or plan to start a business in the area, consider the sales tax of 6.5%, which includes state and county rates. As you see, while property and sales taxes are moderate, the absence of state income taxes makes Orlando particularly appealing to future property owners like you.

What major cities are near to Orlando?

Located in Central Florida, Orlando is close to other cities in the area but also not far from coastal paradises both in the Atlantic and the Gulf Coast of the state. Let’s check out some of the closes locales:

1. Daytona Beach: As one of the top coastal cities near Orlando, Daytona Beach deserves a place in this list. Located around 55 miles east of The City Beautiful, Daytona is well known for the Daytona International Speedway and Daytona 500, its incomparable beaches, and the laid-back ambiance near top-class amenities.
2. Tampa: The Big Guava, one of the largest cities in the state, is 85 miles west of Orlando and is considered one of the best places to live or vacation in the whole state. With its vibrant events (like Gasparilla Pirate Festival), rich cultural heritage, endless waterfront opportunities, and established neighborhoods and suburbs, this is one of the top areas for everything along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
3. Cocoa Beach: Close to the Kennedy Space Center and praised for its surf culture, only 60 miles separate Orlando from Cocoa Beach. Locals and visitors enjoy the beach town relaxed atmosphere, many eateries and local shops on the waterfront, touring the Florida Surf Museum, and watching sunsets from the Cocoa Beach Pier. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Lori Wilson Park offers trails, kayaking opportunities, and more.  
4. Gainesville: A colorful college town in Alachua County, Gainesville is loaded with charm and opportunity. The city is roughly 111 miles north of Orlando and offers educational opportunities through the University of Florida, family-friendly suburbs, and all the conveniences and services anyone can desire. St.

How far is Orlando from the Beach?

Orlando is located in Central Florida, meaning locals enjoy proximity to a plethora of beautiful beaches along the East and West Coast of Florida. If you move to the area, you will enjoy a day trip to Cocoa Beach, just 60 miles east of Orlando. Clearwater Beach is the perfect destination for a dose of fun in the sun on the Gulf Coast. The celebrated beach is 106 miles west of Orlando, a 2-hour trip by car.

Is public transportation good in the Orlando area?

First-time homebuyers moving to the classic Orlando neighborhoods—mostly those near the downtown area—will enjoy the diverse public transportation options in their action area. Those options include the Lynx bus system and the SunRail commuter train. Car rentals, taxis, and Uber services are an alternative to moving around the city. The availability of public transit alternatives will not be as comprehensive or frequent in the suburban areas, so car ownership will probably be the right path for families moving to the peripheries of the city.

What industries are offering employment in Orlando right now?

Orlando is a fast-growing employment hub in Florida. The area offers jobs to residents across a myriad of different industries, but tourism and hospitality continue to be the local economy’s backbone, particularly with the city being home to world-famous theme parks such as Disney World and Universal and hotels like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.
Beyond tourism, Orlando’s growth is evident in the transportation, logistics, and trade sectors. Its strong job market also includes employment in aerospace and defense, with industry leaders like Lockheed Martin contributing to the local economy. You can also advance your career in advanced manufacturing, digital media, or life sciences in Orlando. The city has also earned a reputation as a center of innovation for tech.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Orlando, Florida?

Neighborhoods in Orlando cater to the most diverse of lifestyles. People from all walks of life will likely find their forever home in The City Beautiful. Here are some of the most coveted areas to set residence just next door to Mickey Mouse:

1. College Park: Up-and-coming, walkable, and family-friendly are words often used to describe this neighborhood gem. Situated in the heart of Orlando, College Park is the place to find a dreamy 20th-century cottage where you can live close to everything. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, do not worry. The neighborhood has unique green spaces and water bodies like Lake Ivanhoe.
2. Thornton Park: Just steps from vibrant downtown Orlando, Thornton Park has lovely historic homes (historic bungalows) and a lively atmosphere. This is one of the best in Orlando for young, creative professionals looking for a walkable area near grocery stores, eateries, art galleries, and scenic Lake Eola Park.
3. Lake Nona: When you purchase a home for sale in Lake Nona, you will be moving your family to a well-equipped, master-planned community. Get ready to receive the royal treatment in this well-located suburb. Highlights include top-notch amenities such as tennis courts, pools, town centers, dog parks, gyms, golf courses, walking trails, boat ramps, and more. Lake Nona is also home to Medical City, has top-rated private and public schools, and green spaces and lakes galore.
4. Lake Eola Heights: The top feature of this historic Orlando neighborhood is Lake Eola Park, situated on the community’s southern border and contributing to its quiet and established feel. With its gorgeous tree-lined streets, spacious single-family homes on generous lots, and convenient access to Downtown Orlando’s amenities and entertainment and the Orlando International Airport, Lake Eola Heights offers endless possibilities.

What’s the weather like in Orlando, Florida?

​If you relocate to Orlando, Florida, you will experience typical subtropical weather with year-round sunshine and warm weather. Be ready for humid summers and almost inexistent winters. The temperatures often reach the low to mid-90s°F during the summer months, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. The cold in Orlando is extremely mild but pleasant, with temperatures that range from the mid-50s°F to the mid-70s°F. If you want to live in a place with sunny weather and a warm climate year-round, this is home! Don’t worry; every home has air conditioning!

What Orlando suburbs are best to live in?

According to Niche.com’s 2024 rankings, some of the best suburbs to live in near Orlando are:

• Heathrow
• Winter Park
• Oviedo
• Lake Mary
• Maitland
• Winter Springs
• Horizon West
• Doctor Phillips
• Bay Hill
• Gotha

Moving to Orlando

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a liveable city with an opportunity to grow, Orlando meets your needs. Think about the advantages of living here: beautiful weather, amusement parks, exciting entertainment options, and job opportunities.

With all that Orlando has to offer, who wouldn’t want to live here? The entertainment capital of Florida may not have beaches, but with amusement parks, shopping, parks, museums, and golf courses, you’ll never be short on things to do. Keep exploring the best Orlando has in store, and plan your move today! A local real estate agent can help you learn more about the Orlando area.