Welcome to the sunny city of Orlando, Florida!
Known for its world-famous theme parks and year-round warm weather, Orlando has a lot to offer its residents.
But before you pack your bags and make the move, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of living in this vibrant city.
Here are 18 things to consider before you make your decision:
Contents
Pros
- Endless entertainment options: Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a Disney fanatic, Orlando has something for everyone. From Universal Studios and Walt Disney World to SeaWorld and LEGOLAND, you’ll never run out of things to do.
- Beautiful weather: With an average temperature of 73 degrees and over 200 sunny days per year, you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors all year round.
- Growing job market: The city’s economy is on the rise, with a growing number of job opportunities in fields such as tourism, healthcare, and technology.
- Family-friendly atmosphere: With plenty of parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly activities, Orlando is a great place to raise a family.
- Diverse culture: Orlando is home to a diverse population, with many different cultures and communities represented.
- Great food: From food trucks to fine dining, Orlando’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious.
- Plenty of golf courses: With over 150 golf courses in the area, golf enthusiasts will have plenty of options to choose from.
- Beautiful lakes: Orlando is home to many beautiful lakes, such as Lake Eola, which offers plenty of opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing.
- Affordable housing: Compared to other major cities, housing in Orlando is relatively affordable.
Cons
- Traffic: With a growing population, traffic can be a major issue, especially during peak tourist season.
- Crowded theme parks: During peak season, the theme parks can be extremely crowded, which can make for a less than enjoyable experience.
- Hurricanes: Florida is known for its hurricanes, which can cause damage and power outages.
- High humidity: The humidity can be high in Orlando, which can make for some uncomfortably sticky days.
- High cost of living: While housing may be affordable, other costs such as food and entertainment can be high.
- Lack of public transportation: Although the city is working to improve it, Orlando’s public transportation system is not as developed as other major cities.
- Mosquitoes: With the hot and humid climate, mosquitoes can be a problem during certain times of the year.
- Crowded beaches: During peak season, the beaches can be crowded and difficult to enjoy.
- High crime rate: While the city is working to improve it, Orlando has a higher crime rate than other major cities.
5 Unique Tips for Orlando Newcomers
1. Visit the Theme Parks
Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are must-visits for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone who loves a good time.
2. Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
Take a hot air balloon ride, go on a kayaking or paddleboarding tour of the lakes, or hike the trails at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
3. Foodie Heaven
Orlando has a vibrant food scene, with top-notch restaurants, food trucks, and local specialty food stores.
Try the famous Cuban sandwich at Black Bean Deli.
4. Shop Till You Drop
From premium outlets to high-end malls, Orlando has plenty of shopping options.
Don’t miss the Mall at Millenia for luxury brands and The Florida Mall for popular brands.
5. Have Fun After Hours
The nightlife in Orlando is lively, with options ranging from laid-back bars to high-energy dance clubs.
Check out Wall Street Plaza for a fun bar crawl experience.
Pros and Cons of Living in Orlando, Florida Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Orlando, Florida | Cons of Living in Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|
| Endless entertainment options | Traffic |
| Beautiful weather | Crowded theme parks |
| Growing job market | Hurricanes |
| Family-friendly atmosphere | High humidity |
| Diverse culture | High cost of living |
| Great food | Lack of public transportation |
| Plenty of golf courses | Mosquitoes |
| Beautiful lakes | Crowded beaches |
| Affordable housing | High crime rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Orlando?
There are many great neighborhoods to choose from in Orlando, such as Winter Park, College Park, and Dr. Phillips.
What is the average cost of living in Orlando?
The cost of living in Orlando varies depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live.
However, compared to other major cities, it is relatively affordable.
What is the job market like in Orlando?
The job market in Orlando is growing, with a number of job opportunities in fields such as tourism, healthcare, and technology.
What are the best schools in Orlando?
There are many great schools to choose from in Orlando, including public and private options.
Some of the best schools include Lake Highland Preparatory School, Lake Nona High School, and Winter Park High School.