Firstly why Orlando, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Orlando
• State: Florida
• Population: 285,713 people
• Orlando’s quick summary would be The theme park capital of the world, home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 30,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 28,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 8,000
• Number of Homeless people: 1,300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to numerous theme parks attracts families and tourists seeking entertainment

Perk #1: Orlando Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 51%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $52,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Orlando is $67,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $15000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Orlando’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 130 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,296
• Property Tax %: 1.15%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lake Nona
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Orlando, Winter-Park, Altamonte-Springs, Kissimmee, and probably could include Lake-Mary
• Avg. Age of Homes in Orlando: 34 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Orlando’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Orlando are  Tourism, Entertainment, and Retail
• Orlando Job Scene: strong job market in tourism and entertainment
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech scene focused on digital media, entertainment, and tourism tech
• Orlando Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Orlando: 6.5%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 300 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 33

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Orlando

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $140 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-4 runs through Orlando connecting it to the central part of the state
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on the 408
• Transportation Score: 60 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Orlando: 320,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.1
• No. of Car Washes: 20 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Orlando: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Orlando International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Orlando’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Orlando is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and hot humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Orlando i’d describe as mild with occasional rain
• Spring Weather in Orlando can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Orlando are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Orlando is usually warm with scattered rain
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 51 days in summer
• Days in a row in Orlando below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 51 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality primarily influenced by tourism and traffic
• Orlando Winter Air generally good air quality but urban emissions can spike

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Orlando Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Orlando 18
• While the number of trade schools inside Orlandos’s city limits are 11
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Orange County Library System

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Orlando Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Orlando only Doctors is about 350
• Local Hospitals here is  14
• Full-time Orlando only Police Officers is about 940
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Orlando’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
• Orlando’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Orlando’s Water Quality Score: 78

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Orlando

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 18 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: theme park capital with a vibrant entertainment scene
• You might enjoy performances at the Dr. Phillips Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Orlando  features a bustling nightlife with world-famous theme parks trendy bars and diverse music venues

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Orlando

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a wide range of family-friendly dining and international cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 200 scattered around Orlando
• The Popular Sports Team is Orlando Magic
• Top Level Political Climate in Orlando can be described as politically mixed urban area with a strong focus on tourism and diversity
• Orlando’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Baptist Church of Orlando

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Orlando Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Orlando has 100 Parks?
• Lake Eola Park is Orlando’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Orlando Farmers Market normally open Sunday 10am-4pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Theme parks, hiking, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Orlando Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Orlando can be described as fast-paced city driven by tourism and diverse entertainment options
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Orlando visiting amusement parks hiking nature trails community events
• The Cities people commute to from Orlando are Apopka 20 miles away Kissimmee 20 miles away Sanford 30 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Orlando or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on the 408. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Orlando’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Lake Nona is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Orlando are Apopka 20 miles away Kissimmee 20 miles away Sanford 30 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Orlando has 0 days in a row below freezing and 51 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Orlando people have an average (positive or negative) $15000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,300 homeless people living in Orlando. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed urban area with a strong focus on tourism and diversity could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Orlando.

Retiree & Senior Life in Orlando

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for homestead exemptions targeting low-income
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Somerby
• Orlando Senior Center hosts art classes health programs and educational workshops for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Orlando, Florida?

If Orlando, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Orlando, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!