Are you dreaming of living in Orlando? If so, you’re not alone. The weather is sunny year-round, and bidding cold and dreary weather farewell is enticing. From abundant sporting events, concerts, recreation, and entertainment to entertainment-packed attractions and endless activity streams, the city resonates with excitement. Florida residents have exciting adventures at their fingertips. Alongside the excitement, Orlando is a melting pot of cultures and artistic talent. With museums and galleries ready to explore, the city of Orlando showcases creativity and dazzles art enthusiasts.
Additionally, the job market is brimming with opportunities for career advancement and educational growth. Young professionals often choose Orlando because the cost of living is below the national average, and real estate in Florida is frequently more affordable than in many other cities in America. From climate, entertainment, and culture to career opportunities and affordability, Orlando is an ideal destination for starting a new life. Let’s explore what makes living in Orlando the heart of Orange County and one of the best cities to consider for relocation.
1. Living in Orlando is Subtropical
Orlando’s official nickname is “The City Beautiful,” unquestionably due to its lush subtropical climate. Overall, Orlando’s weather patterns are fairly temperate and reliable. With temperatures rarely dropping below 60 degrees, it’s easy to see why the city is a popular destination among retirees. Seasonally, lows can fall into the high 40s, and summertime highs are hottest in July, reaching mid-90s.
Humidity and Florida go hand in hand. From June to August, humidity levels hover at 80%, and daily rainfall is commonplace. The pleasant weather in Florida provides an ideal locale for some of the country’s top golf courses and outdoor activities. Three world-renowned courses, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Reunion, and Omni, are among Orlando’s top-rated luxury golfing experiences. The subtropical climate contributes to these courses’ everlasting green and lush year-round landscape due to daily rainfall and afternoon thunderstorms.
2. Living in Orlando is Exciting
A place that defies boredom, Orlando is also called “Theme Park Capital of the World.” Embedded in Florida’s allure are its amusement parks and Walt Disney World is the frontrunner. Fun fact: Florida’s largest resort, Disney World, is so vast the entire city of San Francisco fits within its borders. Beyond traditional Disney, there are a variety of theme parks to choose from, including Legoland, Seaworld, Kennedy Space Center, Epcot, and Universal Orlando. Speaking of exciting attractions, Universal Orlando Resort combines two theme parks into one location: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Undoubtedly, this massive resort is a fan favorite and a local hotspot.
Sports enthusiasts line up to cheer their favorite basketball team, the Orlando Magic (NBA), and crowd the streets surrounding the Kia Center to watch the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) hit the ice. The Orlando City Soccer Club (MLS) and the Orlando Pride (NWSL) dominate the Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando. The Orlando Valyries (PVF) command the court and dazzle their fans with precision and power.
Discover the magic of Florida’s festivals, where festivalgoers have a wealth of venues to explore. To kick things off, the Orlando Film Festival and the Electric Daisy Carnival are among the best, drawing crowds worldwide by delivering unforgettable experiences driven by talent and imagination. With festivals showcasing countless food varieties, craft beer, wine, arts, heritage, automotive, coffee, career, networking, and start-ups, there is a festival for everything and everyone.
3. Living in Orlando is Rich
Orlando’s culturally rich and diverse communities are limitless. Offering a blend of urban and suburban living, homebuyers from all walks of life choose living in Orlando as their place to lay down roots. At the same time, the diverse neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and greenspaces provide a serene sanctuary for families and active residents; the pulse of the city’s themed bars, lounges, and breweries come alive as nightlife crackles with energy. As each district showcases its rich heritage and history, the unique architectural style of homes and structures living in Orlando creates a one-of-a-kind cityscape.
The City of Orlando encourages its citizens to recognize greatness to build community engagement and positivity. One aspect is the “Celebrate Your Neighborhood Successes” forum, where neighbors and communities submit stories and share accolades within their neighborhoods.
Initially founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) stimulates creativity and intellectual curiosity by connecting people from all backgrounds and experiences with compelling art and new ideas. Similarly, the sculpture exhibition at the Mennello Museum of American Art is another enriching journey celebrating the diversity and talent of American art. In addition to art appreciation, Orlando has specialty museums like the Titanic Artifact Exhibition, the Lonely Dog Immersive Experience, and the Orlando Fire Museum. For Disney enthusiasts, check out Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, celebrating the history of Walt Disney and the successful empire built from his imagination.
Education is at the core of living a rich and fulfilled life, and Orlando packs a heavy punch compared to other cities nationwide. It is home to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest colleges in the nation, offering 240+ degree programs to its students. In addition, Orlando houses a diverse array of colleges and technical schools.
4. Living in Orlando is Lucrative
When weighing the pros and cons of living in Orlando, finances play a significant role in decision-making. Wait no more; experience the thrill of watching your dollar go further than most cities in America. A case in point is Florida’s tax implications. Since there isn’t a state income tax, Floridians keep more of their paychecks. Moreover, RentCafe data shows that utilities are 6% lower, healthcare is 7% less, transportation is 4%, and food is 1% cheaper than the national average.
The major entertainment attractions alone pump over 24 billion into the local economy. In addition, careers in hospitality, education, construction, aviation, aerospace, engineering, cutting-edge film and entertainment tech, and software industries are abundant in Orlando and its surrounding major cities.
With several military bases nearby, Navy and U.S. Army careers employ Floridians for simulation software technology development. Renowned businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and broadly spanned industries employ the workforce. Some heavy hitters are Orlando Health, Oracle Corporation, Lockheed Martin, AdventHealth University, Amazon, Siemens, JetBlue, NBC Universal, AAA, and Darden Restaurants.
5. Living in Orlando is Affordable
The Orlando area’s home prices are comparatively more affordable than its sister cities, Tampa and Miami. With a median sold price of $399,000 in 2024, Orlando stands out as a prime locale for homebuying in Florida. With pricing in Miami-Dade County breaking record-high sale prices of $650,000, Miami is forcing the median prices in surrounding cities up. Yet, the market in Florida’s sister cities remains low because of high interest rates.
When it comes to planning for the future, Floridian leaders take action. According to research by the Florida Chamber Foundation, Florida’s population will reach 26 million by 2030. Statewide, critical aspects for consideration are the economic and academic infrastructure planning for anticipated growth. To prepare for this influx of residents, hundreds of civic, business, and research leaders developed the Florida 2030 Blueprint, a strategic plan for achieving Florida’s potential and ensuring statewide affordability and economic success.
Last but certainly not least, Florida’s tax law implications are fantastic. By foregoing state tax, Floridians keep more money in their pocket, ultimately making a brighter future in the Sunshine State. Who doesn’t need a bit more cash flow, right?
Check Out These Sizzling Hot Neighborhoods
The Central Business District is perfect for young professionals, singles, and homebuyers seeking housing, workplaces, dining, and entertainment, all within centrality. Homes range from high-rise condos to
City District Main Street is packed with eclectic charm and is well-known as the entertainment hub of Orlando.
Creative Village is a new and upcoming hotspot for homebuyers working in tech sectors and education. EA Tiburon headquarters is within the village, and the mixed-income neighborhood houses residents from all walks of life.
Conveniently located in Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Heights is an architecturally diverse neighborhood and a lakefront gem. Homeowners enjoy endless energy and activities, all within walking distance.
Eagles Nest ranked the safest neighborhood in Orlando in 2024, followed by Wedgewood Groves and Lake Nona Estates.
Winter Park is a city just north of Orlando. Known for its majestic trees and stunning homes, walking the brick-lined streets of this gorgeous city is a delight. As part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, Winter Park’s public transportation system makes intercity commuting a breeze.
Speaking of public transportation, options in Orlando are favorable, especially considering the hectic nature of commuting traffic. SunRail’s commuter rail system is popular among Orlando residents. By connecting the suburban communities of Central Florida through four separate stations in Downtown Orlando, commuters streamline their work/life balance. With 16 stations across the city, the LYNX bus system not only transports residents within the city of Orlando but also connects them with surrounding counties like Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Volusia. On top of that, there’s Vanpool, Road Rangers, Neighborlink, Fastlink, and ACCESS LYNX for passengers with specific needs or limitations.
As for air commuting and jobs that require travel, Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport provide convenient access for residents.
Ready to Move to Orlando?
Imagine experiencing life in the Sunshine State, where a booming job market and a wealth of career growth potential await. Beyond the greenspace and amusement parks, homebuyers find cutting-edge educational opportunities for their families. Coupled with cultural celebrations and creative energy, fuel this city’s melting pot, welcoming newcomers and celebrating life.
Why not get the ball rolling and buy into the American dream by connecting with a lender who can finance your next real estate adventure? Now is the best time to improve your quality of life and finance a new home in Orlando. Taking the plunge and purchasing a new property in Florida is only a click or a phone call away.
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