Have you ever dreamt of living in a vibrant city that offers the perfect blend of urban and suburban living, world-class theme parks, and year-round sunshine? Welcome to Orlando, Florida, the City Beautiful! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes Orlando the ultimate destination for both families and young professionals alike, and why you should consider to live in Orlando.
Orlando, Florida offers a vibrant lifestyle with world-famous theme parks and attractions, competitive wages in various industries, low cost of living and no state income tax.
Residents can take advantage of numerous discounts at local attractions while enjoying the city’s diverse dining scene or outdoor activities.
With its booming housing market and projected growth rate by 2023, Orlando is an ideal place to invest in property for retirees or young professionals alike.
Orlando, affectionately known as “The City Beautiful,” is home to over a quarter million Orlando residents, with a diverse population that proudly represents multiple races and ethnicities. Established by Europeans in 1536 and named after Orlando Reeves, a soldier during the Second Seminole War, the city has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
From the bustling downtown area to the tranquil residential neighborhood of College Park, Orlando offers a diverse lifestyle catering to all preferences. The city boasts numerous amenities, including theme parks like Walt Disney World, beaches, golf courses, and highly-rated schools. It also offers a variety of entertainment options, such as remarkable restaurants, stylish bars, cozy cafes, renowned film festivals, and the renowned Orlando Museum of Art.
Orlando is an excellent choice for those who appreciate warm weather and sunshine. The city features a humid subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. January sees the lowest temperatures, with average lows of around 50 degrees, while the average high temperature in winter is typically 70 degrees.
The city is well-equipped to handle the 1-2 hurricane threats it experiences annually. The mild winters and year-round sunshine make it an ideal location for those who wish to avoid harsh winter weather and enjoy the beautiful scenery that Central Florida has to offer.
Its world-famous theme parks are a significant draw for many people moving to Orlando. As the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando is home to:
Disney World
Universal Studios
SeaWorld
Discovery Cove
LEGOLAND
These attractions attract millions of visitors each year.
Besides theme parks, Orlando has additional attractions like ICON Orlando, the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast, the Kennedy Space Center, and the Orlando International Airport. These incredible attractions are right at your doorstep when you live in Orlando.
The local discounts available to residents at theme parks are one undeniable perk of living in Orlando. Florida residents can take advantage of a 40% discount on 4-day tickets to Disney World and an annual pass starting at $320.
Universal Studios offers a $50 discount off the gate price on multi-day tickets, making it an ideal city for families and theme park enthusiasts who want to make the most of the amazing opportunities available.
With opportunities in various industries such as tourism, aviation, healthcare, and digital media, Orlando’s job market is diverse and thriving. Some of the companies that have established their headquarters in the area include:
Amazon
NBC Universal
JetBlue
AAA
Siemens
Oracle
These companies offer a wide range of employment options, making Orlando an attractive option for those seeking new career paths. The city’s high job growth rate further adds to its appeal.
Orlando offers competitive wages for its residents, with an average annual salary of approximately $53,000. The diverse job market and high job growth rate make it an ideal location for young professionals and families looking to settle down in a city with ample opportunities.
Families moving to Orlando can take advantage of the highly-rated school systems available in the city. Some of the educational opportunities in Orlando include:
Seminole and Orange County Public Schools
University of Central Florida (a public research university with a student population of nearly 72,000)
Valencia College (offering a wide range of over 120 programs)
These institutions provide excellent educational opportunities for all ages.
With a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 in Seminole County Public School System, students can expect personalized attention and support in their education. Orlando is a city that values education and provides quality resources for its residents.
The housing market in Orlando is hot, with the following key statistics:
Median home prices currently at $360,000
Lower than the national average of $430,000
Significant growth in recent years
Projected growth rate of 6.5% by July 2023
These numbers indicate that it’s an excellent time to invest in property in Orlando.
Inventory in the Orlando housing market has been low, creating a seller’s market. Those considering moving to Orlando should prepare for a competitive market and escalating home prices.
Despite the rising housing costs, the city remains an attractive option for both retirees and younger individuals seeking an affordable lifestyle with diverse job opportunities and world-class amenities. Orlando’s thriving housing market reflects the city’s growing popularity and high demand for properties.
Orlando offers financial benefits, as its cost of living is slightly below the national average. One significant advantage is the absence of state income tax, which adds to the city’s affordability. However, residents still pay federal income tax, property taxes, and a sales tax of 7%.
Currently, the minimum wage in Orlando is $11 per hour, and a living wage for a single adult is estimated at $18.85. Amendment 2 is set to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2026, further improving the affordability of living in the city.
Despite the elevated cost of living due to housing prices, the city’s diverse job market, lack of state income tax, and world-class amenities make it an attractive option for both retirees and younger individuals seeking a vibrant and affordable lifestyle.
Orlando has much to offer sports enthusiasts. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Orlando Magic basketball team, Orlando Solar Bears ice hockey team, and Orlando City Soccer Club, providing ample opportunities to catch exciting games and matches. Orlando’s sports stadiums, such as Amway Center, Camping World Stadium, and Exploria Stadium, host these exciting events throughout the year.
In addition to professional sports, Orlando offers various recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. With over 100 parks, lakes, and hiking trails, the city makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors alongside city living. Whether you’re a sports fan or prefer to stay active outdoors, Orlando has something for everyone.
Offering a range of international cuisine, fine dining establishments, and local gems, Orlando’s dining scene is as diverse as its population. Highly-rated restaurants such as Adega Gaucha, NYPD Pizza, and Wine Bar George cater to various tastes, from casual eateries to upscale dining experiences. The city’s culinary offerings include Italian, Turkish, Lebanese, British, Cuban, Jamaican, and Latin-inspired dishes, providing a unique and diverse dining experience for all.
WalletHub ranked Orlando as the No. 1 food city in the country, considering factors such as affordability and the range of restaurants available. With several establishments featured on the Michelin list, the city’s dining scene continues to grow and impress, making it an ideal destination for food lovers.
The LYNX bus system and SunRail offer alternatives to Orlando’s often congested traffic. The LYNX bus system operates throughout the City of Orlando, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake Counties, offering a local solution for commuters and visitors alike. The SunRail system is a commuter rail service operating in Central Florida, servicing Volusia County, Seminole County, and Orange County, with a total of 16 stations, including those located in Downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, and Winter Park.
However, both LYNX and SunRail operate primarily during weekday mornings and evenings, with no service on weekends or holidays. It’s important to consider the limitations of these services when planning your commute, although public transportation options are available.
A variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year provide unique experiences and entertainment options for both residents and visitors. The Orlando Film Festival and Epcot International Food and Wine Festival are just two of the city’s popular events, attracting film and food enthusiasts alike.
In addition to these events, Orlando boasts an array of other festivals and cultural experiences, such as:
Night Of A Million Lights
Orlando Pottery Festival
Light Up UCF
Florida Film Festival
The city’s rich cultural scene ensures there’s always something to see and do, making it an exciting place to call home.
For those who prefer to escape the urban environment, the city offers plenty of nature and outdoor activities. With over 100 lakes, parks, and hiking trails, Orlando makes it easy for residents to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of Central Florida’s beautiful scenery. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in activities such as:
Hiking
Biking
Fishing
Kayaking
All within major city limits.
Orlando is also located just an hour away from several beautiful beaches, including New Smyrna and Sebastian Inlet, making it easy to plan a family beach outing or a relaxing day by the water. The city’s abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities provide a welcome balance to the urban lifestyle.
Like any city, Orlando has its pros and cons. The city’s year-round sunshine, diverse job opportunities, and access to world-famous theme parks are undoubtedly attractive to many. The lack of state income tax and relatively affordable cost of living make it an appealing choice for both retirees and younger individuals.
However, some may find the high housing costs, traffic congestion, and humid summers to be drawbacks. However, the city’s diverse lifestyle, amenities, and opportunities often outweigh these challenges for many residents, making it an ideal place to call home.
In conclusion, Orlando, Florida, offers a diverse and vibrant lifestyle for residents, with world-class theme parks, a thriving job market, highly-rated school systems, and a rich cultural scene. While the city has its challenges, such as high housing costs and traffic congestion, the benefits of living in The City Beautiful often outweigh the drawbacks. With year-round sunshine and endless opportunities, it’s no wonder that so many people are drawn to calling Orlando home.
Orlando offers a great urban suburban mix, plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks, and low taxes. It also has a strong economy and good transportation options, making it an attractive place to live. To live comfortably in Orlando you should aim for an income of at least $65K/year.
In order to live comfortably in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area, an individual must make $67,740 post-tax annually according to a study, following the 50/30/20 budget rule.
The median home price in Orlando is $360,000.
No, there are no state income taxes in Orlando, as confirmed by multiple sources.
The average annual salary in Orlando is approximately $53,000 per year.
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