Moving to Orlando, Florida

Quick insights

• Orlando has a warm, humid climate with theme parks, outdoor recreation, intriguing museums and fun annual events to take advantage of.
• The cost of living in Orlando is close to the national average, with a vibrant job market employing residents in tourism, healthcare, aerospace, finance and education.ec-payscale-orlando  ec-data-usa-orlando
• Potential homeowners may want to keep in mind cooling costs, the potential for natural hazards and proximity to tourist hotspots.

If you’re planning to move to Orlando, Florida, you may be wondering what it’s like to live there and purchase a home. In this article, we’ll dive into the essentials of life in The City Beautiful, including activities, neighborhoods and homeownership.

Living in Orlando, Florida

Orlando has a humid, subtropical climate, with nature at its doorstep. The city is known for having hot, rainy summers, while the winters are typically mild and dry. The city is a popular destination for travelers, especially families, thanks to its numerous all-ages theme parks. It also has much to offer in terms of outdoor entertainment, including boating, kayaking and snorkeling.

Average cost of living and Orlando’s job market

The average cost of living in Orlando is 1% below the national average, making it comparable to other American cities.ec-payscale-orlando Many jobs in Orlando also revolve around the city’s tourism and the local theme parks, with other major employers in the healthcare, aerospace and finance sectors.ec-data-usa-orlando For educators, the job market includes the Orange County school system and multiple nearby universities, including the University of Orlando.

Transportation options in Orlando, Florida

Cars are prevalent among those living in Orlando, commonly used for daily errands and commuting. However, there are multiple ways to get to the city’s key locales. Transportation options in Orlando include:

• Walking: Those living in downtown Orlando may get around relatively easily using pedways; however, you may need additional transportation to get to other places around town.
• Driving: Traffic in Orlando can be heavy, especially near major attractions and during rush hour. One of Orlando’s most important highways is Interstate 4 (I-4), which cuts through the city from North to South. The 408 East-West Expressway is another major artery for commuters.
• Public transit: The city’s main public bus service is called the LYNX, with the addition of “rail like,” rubber-tired LYMMO vehicles in certain areas with fruit-named routes. Orlando is also connected to nearby suburbs by the SunRail commuter train, which trails through Downtown Orlando to Volusia and Osceola County.
• Biking: Orlando has signed routes throughout the city for commuters and off-street trails close by for recreational riding.
• Catching a flight: The city’s primary airport is Orlando International Airport (airport code MCO).

Entertainment and annual events in Orlando

Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and the Orlando Eye (a 400-foot-tall Ferris wheel) are popular attractions in the city. The city also has several educational museums, notably the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center. Sports fans in the city can root for major and minor league basketball, soccer and hockey teams, among others.

The city hosts the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival every spring, which features character-themed topiaries, colorful blooms, musical events and creative cuisine. The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, also held in spring, is a long-running showcase of unique theater experiences. In fall, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal provides fun frights to punctuate the season.

Things to know before moving to Orlando, Florida

If you’re planning on moving to Orlando and buying a home, there’s a few things to be aware of.

• Seasonal heat: Orlando experiences very hot summers, which can increase air conditioning costs significantly during the warmer months. Homes with weather-resistant materials and updated HVAC systems may be a plus for buyers.
• Hurricanes and flooding: While certain zones may be more prone to flooding during hurricane season, no area is off-limits. Hurricane season spans from June through November. Homebuyers may want to consider flood insurance, even if their home is not located in a flood zone.
• Proximity to work centers: Major employment centers are clustered around Orlando’s downtown area, with more work opportunities found in the city’s local theme parks.
• Hospitals: Major hospitals in Orlando include Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (located near downtown) and AdventHealth Orlando.

Places to live in Orlando, Florida

Wondering where to find the best neighborhood in Orlando for your lifestyle? You may want to consider investigating these destinations:

Baldwin Park

Once the site of a sprawling Naval Training Center, Baldwin Park is a family-friendly neighborhood that encourages front-porch living. Two lakes are the focal points for this community, with lots of space for resting, walking and cycling. Residents here have good access to downtown, plus a fair number of eateries and shops to enjoy close by. Many homes in this neighborhood are in the Colonial Revival or Coastal Revival style, with accent trees to promote a lush, green atmosphere.

Thornton Park

This dense and charming residential neighborhood in Orlando may be a great choice for those who like to dine out close to home. Lots of homes in this neighborhood date to the early 1900s, with many Craftsman and Mediterranean-style properties. In some cases, homes in this area are protected by the Historic Preservation Board, with exterior renovations requiring approval. Residents can get downtown from Thornton Park using the “Grapefruit” LYMMO line, which picks up passengers on Central Boulevard.

Park Central

This residential neighborhood in the Millenia area of Orlando is near some of the city’s prime tourist attractions. Homebuyers looking for modern condos, townhouses and ranch-style single-family homes may find what they are looking for in Park Central. While the neighborhood itself is somewhat scant in terms of shopping and parks, both can be found nearby, including the large Millenia Mall and Clear Lake Park. Getting downtown from Park Central is often a breeze, with I-4 tracing the neighborhood’s north side and LYNX bus stops along the South Orange Blossom Trail.

Lake Nona

This modern planned community on the Southeast side of Orlando is organized into multiple sub-neighborhoods with different vibes and types of homes. Some of Lake Nona’s communities, including Isles of Lake Nona and Laurel Pointe, have a gated entrance for additional privacy. The bustling town center has its own arts festival, sculpture garden, fitness programming and restaurants. Living in Lake Nona may be especially fitting for jetsetters, as the international airport is just next door. Downtown Orlando is approximately a half hour away by car when taking FL-408 to FL-417.

Housing resources in Orlando, Florida

For most people, buying a home is a significant financial investment. Especially if you’re looking to become a first-time homebuyer, it’s important to research programs which may help offset costs.

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation

This legislature-created corporation offers support for first-time homebuyers, including low-interest mortgages and down payment assistance. While eligibility and availability may vary, programs include:

• Homebuyer loan program: Qualified individuals must meet the minimum credit score requirement, work with a program-approved lender and complete homebuyer education. Your purchase price and income must also be below designated limits.
• Florida Assist (also known as FL Assist): This down payment assistance program offers up to $10,000 on FHA, VA and conventional loans.
• Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program: This program improves home affordability specifically for frontline community workers, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators and healthcare professionals.ec-florida-housing-financing-corporationec-florida-housing-financing-corporation

The Orange County Housing Finance Authority

This county-specific housing program provides affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers. Their loan products include 30-year fixed rate mortgages starting at 6.00%, plus up to $10,000 in down payment or closing costs assistance. Qualifying applicants must meet credit and income requirements and pursue homes within purchase price limits.

The City of Orlando Housing and Community Development Department

This Orlando-specific program provides various forms of support related to housing, including down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. State and federally funded grants are available for very low-, low- and moderate-income households through specific city-registered lenders. There’s no minimum credit score requirement; however, you must be an established resident of Orange or nearby counties for at least 12 months.

In conclusion

Is Orlando a good place to live? For many Sunshine State residents who love theme parks and don’t mind the heat, it’s home sweet home. If you’re planning to buy a home soon, you may want to consider speaking with an experienced real estate professional or Home Lending Advisor for personalized assistance.