The good, the bad, the beautiful, and the real sides of life in Orlando
Thinking about moving to Orlando but you need to know more? Discover what it’s like to live in The City Beautiful from our local community of experts who live and work here and have all the tips and advise to help make your decision and move successful.
While most online guides will share the basics of the city (we have our Complete Orlando, Florida Guide here and a list of Communities in Orlando here), this article will share more intimate details and the truth about living here. You’ve probably heard the expression, “the good the bad and the ugly”, well, we believe in sharing the good, the bad, and the beautiful as well as insight on the real and serious aspects of moving here.
The Good
According to USNews Real Estate, Orlando is ranked #52 in best places to live and #24 in best places to retire.
Year Round Outdoor Activities
With the average year-round temperature being in the mid-70’s, Orlando offers residents the opportunity to be active outdoors throughout the year.
It goes without saying that some of the most fun things to do in the Orlando area are the theme parks with Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld in close proximity. As a local, visiting the downtown theme park areas for an afternoon or evening is a common fun outing. But its the food & drink events and festivals that give every resident someting fun to look forward to.
The theme parks are not the only place for festivals. Downtown communities to the more suburban communities offer events and festivals throughout the year to bring people together and share local creatives.
Water parks and parks with waterplay areas are fun activities in the hot summer months.
Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Orlando outside of the Theme Parks
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore the natural beauty of central Florida with activities like kayaking or airboat tours in the nearby Everglades or along the Wekiva River. You can also hike or bike in one of the many scenic parks, such as the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve or the Lake Apopka Loop Trail.
- Food Tours: Embark on a culinary adventure through Orlando’s diverse dining scene. Join a guided food tour to sample delicious dishes from various cuisines, explore local markets, and learn about the city’s culinary history.
- Art and Culture: Discover Orlando’s vibrant arts and cultural scene by visiting galleries, attending live performances, or exploring street art in neighborhoods like Thornton Park and Mills 50 District. Check out events at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts or catch a concert at the Amway Center.
- Golfing: Tee off at one of Orlando’s world-class golf courses, many of which are designed by renowned architects and offer stunning views and challenging play. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a novice, there are courses suited to every skill level.
- Escape Rooms: Test your wits and teamwork skills by attempting to escape from a themed room filled with puzzles and challenges. Orlando has numerous escape room venues offering a variety of scenarios, from solving mysteries to surviving zombie outbreaks.
- Brewery and Distillery Tours: Sample locally crafted beers, spirits, and cocktails on guided tours of Orlando’s breweries and distilleries. Learn about the brewing process, meet the makers, and enjoy tastings of unique brews and spirits.
- Shopping: Explore Orlando’s shopping districts and uncover treasures in boutique shops, vintage stores, and artisan markets. From trendy boutiques in Thornton Park to outlet malls like Orlando International Premium Outlets, there’s something for every shopper.
- Nightlife: Experience Orlando’s vibrant nightlife scene by hopping between bars, lounges, and clubs in downtown Orlando, Church Street, or International Drive. Enjoy live music, dance floors, and specialty cocktails in the city’s hottest nightlife destinations.
- Cooking Classes: Hone your culinary skills and learn to prepare delicious dishes with hands-on cooking classes offered by local chefs and culinary experts. From sushi-making to pastry workshops, there’s a class for every taste and skill level.
- Relaxation: Unwind and rejuvenate with a spa day at one of Orlando’s luxurious resorts or wellness retreats. Treat yourself to massages, facials, and other pampering treatments amid tranquil surroundings.
Unlimited Things to do
Entertainment, Attractions, Activities, Festivals, Beaches, Parks, Sports, Events, Shopping, hot spots and so much more! Orlando living offers you a quick trip to Disney World, entertainment and events all across the Orlando metro area year round, sporting events, parks, hiking, picnics and some of the best shopping in the world all around the area.
Easy Exploratons and Getaways
One of the moost fabulous things about living in Orlando is the centralized location. You can take weekend trips to most locations all along the each and west coast, all within a 3-4 hour drive. Being in Orlando gives you the freedom to explore other areas and enjoy everything the sunshine state has to offer.
Lifestyle for all – Retirees, families, singles
With amazing weather year round and a welcoming community, Orlando has something for everyone. Retirement communities are abundant. Family communities are thriving and downtown communities offer a walkable city lifestyle.
The Bad
Let’s face it, perfect only exists in fiction. We know there are certain things here that people don’t like or complain about.
The Heat & Humidity
While the warm weather might be appealing, getting used to the summer heat and tropical storms might take some adjustment.
The Florida heat can be intense, especially during the summer months. Floridians learn quickly to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and embrace the outdoor lifestyle with early morning or late evening activities. Middle of the day in the summer is all about staying indoors or enjoying time in the water.
Weather and Hurricanes
Florida is known for its tropical and subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine year-round. Florida is also known as the sunshine state but has more lightning strikes and rain than most places on the planet! In Florida, when it rains, it typically pours. But then it’s over just as fast as it rolled in and the sky is back to it’s beautiful blue sunny hue. (provide link to [city] weather data)
It is important to be prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Stay informed about evacuation plans, have an emergency kit ready, and consider purchasing hurricane insurance to safeguard your property. And follow the rules for avoiding lightning and staying safe.
Traffic and Population Growth
If you come from areas that are not as populated or touristy, you may not be prepared for the traffic in some areas of Florida, particularly the big cities and some of the beach communities. The roads and highways are not keeping up with the growth and building of new communities around the state so traffic slow downs are a norm at the busiest times of day.
Bugs & Mosquitoes
Flying gigantic cockroaches, fire ants and mosquitoes, oh my! Yes, in Florida we have a bug problem! Florida’s warm tropical climate is the perfect breeding ground for over 10,000 species of insects.
Orange County, home of Orlando, was once called Mosquito County! Because being right in the middle of the state, with lots of water everywhere, the first settlers were swarmed by mosquitoes!
Pest control is a must to keep up with keeping the problem insects out of your home and outdoor entertainment areas. When moving to Orlando, be prepared for dealing with more insect problems then you probably deal with in other states.
Flying gigantic cockroaches, fire ants and mosquitoes, oh my! Yes, in Florida we have a bug problem! Florida’s warm tropical climate is the perfect breeding ground for over 10,000 species of insects. Pest control is a must to keep up with keeping the problem insects out of your home and outdoor entertainment areas. When moving to Florida, be prepared for dealing with more insect problems then you probably deal with in other states.
The Real
Financial Aspects
One of the key attractions for many individuals and businesses is Florida’s tax-friendly environment. The state has no income tax, making it an appealing destination for those looking to keep more of their hard-earned money. Additionally, property taxes are relatively moderate compared to other states, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Florida.
The cost of living tends to be about 5% higher then the national average and is higher compared to most places in Florida.
Learn more from our Local Financial Expert (coming soon)
Real Estate Costs, Availability and Homes
Market outlook, trends and relocation advice sponsored by LivebytheWater.com
For the current month’s trends in Orlando, see this Infograph by Orlando Regional Realtor Association. Another awesome resource is Best Places, where you can compare your current city, or any city, with Orlando.
Work with the best Real Estate Agents in the City with our Top Choice Network (coming soon)
Job Market & Professional Business Community
With some major employers such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, JetBlue Airways, AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Orlando International Airport, Publix Super Markets Inc. and the University of Central Florida, there are plenty of job opportunities in the Orlando area.
Even with lots of opportunities, Orlando ranks higher in unemployment than the national average.
Schools & Higher Education Opportunities
UCF (University of Central Florida), need I say more? I can say alot more! While UCF dominates the higher education opportunities in Orlando, there are over 30 colleges, universities, tech schools, and continuing education programs throughout the Orlando area. Notable mentions are Rollins College and Full Sail University, which stand on their own as a reason to consider Orlando for higher education opportunities.
Other Considerations
Religion
Interestingly, Orlando has a very diverse belief and non-belief culture with a large majority of the population in the non-religious group. Both religious and non-religious have a high standard of values and close culture among the diversity that Orlando encompasses.
Cause IQ provides good data on the breakdown of Religious organizations and churches in the Orlando area here.
The Political Landscape
Florida is divided by politics in many places and if you are moving here because you like the political landscape, or are concerned because you don’t like it, then it is important to check your local area if this is important to you. Orlando leans Democratic, though there are many communities within Orlando that lean Republican.
Understand that, in most places in Florida, the political spectrum is diverse. Orlando tends to be more welcoming of this diversity than some other places in the state.
Population, Demographics, Crime Rate
One of the things residents love about Orlando is it’s diversity. It is not overly dominated by any one race or ethnicity. DataUSA shows the 3 largest ethnic groups as White (non-hispanic), Hispanic, and Black or African American, as well as a good percentage of others.
Healthcare
Orlando provides some of the most extensive healthcare options with globally recognized programs in cardiology, cancer, women’s medicine, neurology, diabetes, orthopedics and rehabilitation. (source). With AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Orlando VA Hospital, and HCA Healthcare, Orlando has the healthcare you need with some of the top specialist in the country living and working here.
The Beautiful
Orlando, also known as “The City Beautiful,” a nickname that was officially adopted in 1908 as a part of a campaign to promote the city’s aesthetic appeal and attract tourists and new residents. It’s a testament to Orlando’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and enhancing its urban landscape through careful planning and development.
Orlando doesn’t have beaches or mountains. What truly makes Orlando beautiful is its lush greenery, pristine lakes, and well-maintained parks that seamlessly blend with its vibrant urban environment. The city boasts an abundance of natural beauty, from the serene Lake Eola Park in the heart of downtown to the sprawling gardens of Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens, offering residents and visitors a tranquil escape from city life while still in the heart of the city.
Beyond its physical attributes, “The City Beautiful” embodies a deeper meaning—a commitment to creating a city whose beauty isn’t just about what meets the eye but also enriches the lives of its inhabitants. It’s a collective effort to create a city that is welcoming, inclusive, and full of promise—a place where dreams take flight and memories are made.
There is a true sense of pride in the community, promoting sustainability, and striving for excellence in all aspects of city life. From its world-renowned theme parks and entertainment venues to its burgeoning culinary scene and arts districts, Orlando captivates with its dynamic energy and endless possibilities.
If you are planning to relocate to Florida, Orlando is an awesome choice if you appreciate a wide diverse culture and beauty that expands beyond what is visible to the eye.
Find your dream home in Florida at LivebytheWater.com.
