19 Things to Know Before Moving to Orlando, FL
Whether you’re a Disney regular or a Universal fan, or just really enjoy SeaWorld, Orlando will likely have the amusement park you love nestled in one of its corners. But do you want to graduate from tourist to resident? Here's what to know before moving to sunny Orlando.
19 Things to Know Before Moving to Orlando, FL
1. What It's Like Living in Orlando
Orlando is home to 285,705 people and is the fourth largest city in Florida. Unsurprisingly, it’s the most visited city in the state, as well as one of the top vacation spots in the U.S. People from across the globe relocate to Orlando or come to visit this theme park mecca. This means you’ll hear a variety of languages spoken around Orlando's neighborhoods – it’s a small world, after all.
It’s true, Orlando is known for Disney World and Universal Studios, both of which attract over 60 million visitors each year. But you can also hit their beloved golf courses, enjoy vibrant nightlife, and endless shopping. You may not be beachside in Orlando, but there are 100 lakes to enjoy and you’re less than an hour away from the Space Coast.
Understandably, the city is a popular choice for hospitality professionals and entertainers looking for park and film production work. Beyond entertainment, you also have your pick of technology, aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, warehousing, and more. Orlando may be one of the more magical places on earth, but it still has everything other major cities offer, including a bustling economy.
Orlando wasn’t all fun and rides at the start, though. The city first rose to modern prominence in 1875 when it became the hub of Florida's citrus industry. After a catastrophic freeze in 1894, many gave up on their ruined crops and moved further south. The area later became a popular resort spot between the Spanish-American War and World War I, leading to a boom in the 70s when Walt Disney World opened its doors.
While Disney World may be the most recognizable park, though, it’s not Orlando’s first. That honor belongs to Gatorland, which opened in 1949 and featured a 15-foot gator, which was said to be the biggest in the world. With a long history of entertaining residents and tourists alike, it’s no wonder that the number of daily visitors alone in Orlando is equivalent to the population of Atlanta.
So will you be part of all the wonders Orlando has to offer? For sure. As a full-time resident, though, you’ll also experience a virtually unending tourist season as part of daily life.
2. Cost of Living in Orlando
Living in Orlando comes with urban amenities, year-round entertainment, pleasant weather, and a relatively affordable cost of living. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Orlando is 5% higher than the national average, with housing coming in at 11% higher than the national average.
Here's an idea of how much things cost when moving to Orlando, as reported by Payscale:
- Energy bill: $164.44
- Loaf of bread: $4.00
- Doctor's visit: $114.54
- $3.42 for a gallon of gas
Orlando offers reasonable rent prices, and has seen a modest decrease in the last year of about 2.7%. The average rent in Orlando recently dropped to $1,358 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,688 for a two-bedroom apartment. You can also save money by looking for Orlando move-in specials.
To live comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment in Orlando, you should have an income of at least $58,920 per year or $28.33 per hour. For a two-bedroom apartment, you'll need to earn at least $70,040 per year or $33.67 per hour.
The median income in Orlando is currently $66,292 as reported by the Census Bureau in 2022. By comparison, the median income is $75,149 in the rest of the U.S.
Median income estimates are different from the recommended basic living wage in Orlando. Living above the poverty threshold in Orlando requires $15.44 per hour for a single individual working full-time. Fortunately, Orlando's wages are solid, but you'll need a bump if you want to make nightlife and theme parks a regular part of your day-to-day.
If you’re on a budget, you can find affordable apartments in Orlando for less than $900, and plenty of roommatesto split the bills.
3. No State Income Tax
Living in Orlando means saving some money on taxes. Like the rest of Florida, Orlando locals don't pay personal income tax or sales income tax. There is currently a 6% Florida sales tax rate, and property taxes are higher than the national average, though the latter won’t apply if you’re a renter.
4. Who's Moving to Orlando?
Orlando is a diverse city with a reasonable cost of living that attracts newcomers from some major metro areas. According to Apartment List's most recent migration report, the highest percentage of people moving to Orlando are from Miami, Tampa, and New York.
Get more info and tips about moving to Florida.
Many outbound moves are happening in the Orlando metro area. Renters who currently live in Orlando, but are considering moving elsewhere, are searching for apartments in Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
Learn more about moving to a new state.
5. The Job Market and Economy in Orlando
Orlando's job market has increased 30.6% in the last 10 years and has a healthy mix of jobs to choose from. Entertainment, dining, hospitality, tech, aerospace, and manufacturing, are just some of the industries you'll find easily.
Some of the world’s largest corporations have a significant presence in Orlando. The headquarters for Amazon, JetBlue, Oracle, Sea World, and Tupperware, reside in Orlando, among others. There's also a major entertainment influence with Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios, and Electronic Arts located nearby.
Central Florida Research Park is located in Orlando, too. The campus-like environment lies adjacent to the University of Central Florida and is home to more than 120 companies.
6. Orlando Weather
Orlando's weather is a major draw if you can handle hot and humid summers. The overall climate is tropical, with dry, slightly chilly winters. You should take some hurricane precautions when living in Orlando, although they don't happen that often that far inland. You're more likely to get severe tropical weather from the aftermath of a hurricane.
7. Public Transportation in Orlando
Orlando has a surprising amount of public transportation options for a driving town, mostly to accommodate its many park workers and tourists. The LYNX bus system has buses running along International drive with stops from SeaWorld to Disney. You can connect to different destinations through Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
The SunRail electric commuter train features a double-decker passenger car, tables, and power outlets. The line runs North to South, connecting to additional Amtrak stations.
Other options include BRT and the affordable LYMMO option. The free-fare mover takes you to major entertainment spots. Bus lines run through Downtown, as well as the rest of the city.
In addition to public transportation options, you can also find rideshares. Grab a bike from HOPR bike share or get around the city with Uber and Lyft.
8. Best Orlando Neighborhoods
Orlando may boast a reputation as a theme park haven, but its neighborhoods have more to offer than thrill rides. Here's where to live, from the lakefront to urban amenities.
College Park
College Park is situated just a few miles from Downtown and features everything from cottages to new apartment complexes. The 280-acre Lake Ivanhoe offers wakeboarding and waterskiing with skyline views. You'll find walking trails, parks, and the Mennello Museum of Art.
South Eola District
South Eola is among the best neighborhoods in Orlando for urban dwellers. You'll find highrises and upscale apartment buildings outfitted with pools and on-site fitness centers. Watch live performances at Disney's outdoor amphitheater, Opera Orlando.
Celebration
You may feel like you’re lost in Disney World when you're walking around the immaculate Celebration neighborhood of Orlando. The neighborhood is a subsidiary of Disney, designed and built the community, although it's no longer affiliated with the House of Mouse. You'll find upscale amenities and a natural habitat where deer still roam.
Want more ideas on where to live in Orlando? Read more about some of the best neighborhoods in Orlando.
9. Orlando Food & Drink Scene
Orlando's food scene goes far beyond park food (though we love that too). There are scores of places to find fresh seafood, with dishes like conch fritters, Apalachicola oysters, and stone crab claws. Oh, the stone crab.
Breweries and gastropubs are wildly popular around Orlando, too. Castle Church Brewing Company even operates as a church on Sundays. For Italian food with a chic warehouse vibe, Prato serves up wood-fired oven pizza in alfresco dining.
The sushi experience at Kadence is so popular, diners need to pre-pay to get a reservation. Domu makes handmade noodles in savory broths. For wine lovers, Orlando hosts an annual wine festival and keeps the scene going strong throughout the year.
10. Orlando Outdoors
Orlando summers get steamy, but you can still enjoy the great outdoors if you can take the heat and humidity. Go canoeing at Shingle Creek Regional Park or cool off with a swim at Wekiwa Springs Park. For more water sports, try kayaking or paddleboarding at the Indian River Lagoon. Beyond the lakes and waterfront, golfing or ice skating are popular pastimes around the city.
You can get out of the city limits and go camping at Westgate River Ranch. Stay in the lodge, a yurt, or a cabin at this authentic Florida dude ranch. You can even join the crowd at the rodeo.
11. Orlando Animals
It’s home to Gatorland for a reason. When you live in Orlando, alligators, giant mosquitoes, and manatees are your neighbors. Sure, you’ll see global transplants at Seaworld and Animal Kingdom, but the critters that thrive in marshy, tropical climates call Orlando their O.G. home. Make sure to bring bug spray and stay out of swampy areas.
12. Orlando Nightlife
Theme parks are great place for the kids and the kid in you, but Orlando’s nightlife scene is exciting for every adult, with a variety of places to eat, drink, dance, and listen to live music. The Universal CityWalk features more than 30 places to dine, a 19-screen theater with an IMAX screen, and a nightclub.
Over at International Drive, you'll find dozens of restaurants that are popular with tourists staying in nearby hotels. Try Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, and the Nile Ethiopian Restaurant.
You can cool off with a drink at ICEBAR Orlando. It was named the largest permanent ice bar in the world with over 70 tons of hand-carved ice. The bar is built from ice and features an adjacent lounge to warm up with some dancing.
Orlando is home to side-splitting comedy clubs. Stop by the Orlando Improv for karaoke and comedy or the SAK Comedy Lab, which offers a 25-seat improv comedy theater and nightly shows.
Orlando never lacks live music and entertainment options. The House of Blues features a beautiful music hall located in Disney Springs, as well as many delicious Southern dishes. Dine on po'boys and jambalaya during a performance or join a Gospel Brunch for food and live music.
13. Orlando Art Places to Explore
Orlando's art scene has quietly grown into a flourishing showcase of local, regional, and national artists and performances. The Mennello Museum of American Art exhibits paintings, sculptures, and a permanent collection by Earl Cunningham. The nearby Cornell Fine Arts Museum is a teaching museum with rotating exhibitions and ongoing programs open to the public year-round.
The Orlando Museum of Art was founded in 1924 to inspire creativity and intellectual curiosity. They host "1st Thursdays" with a showcase of local artists, live music, and an open bar and cafe.
For live entertainment, the Orlando Repertory Theater delights young audiences with performances from both children and adults. Local kids can join camps and classes to ignite their inner creativity.
14. Orlando is Big on Theme Parks
Did we mention that Orlando has a lot of theme parks? Just in case we missed it, Disney World lives here, and is likely the most well-known attraction, with campuses including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. From Mickey Mouse to Yoda, there’s no shortage of characters entertaining visitors throughout the various parks.
Universal Studios is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, attracting nearly 11 million visitors each year. Legoland Florida is located in nearby Winter Haven. The interactive, 150-acre theme park features more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions.
SeaWorld Orlando is a theme park and marine zoological park. You can also visit its adjoining neighbor, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, for a mix of rides, roller coasters, and animal encounters.
15. Orlando Family Attractions
Orlando has family-friendly attractions scattered throughout the city. Get hands-on with interactive exhibits at the Orlando Science Center. A La Carte hosts Movie Monday, perfect for a weekly family outing.
The Museum of Illusions Orlando is located in ICON Park. It has more exhibits and illusions than any other edutainment stop in Central Florida. You'll see illusions like the Tilted Room and the eerie Head on a Plate.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition features over 300 artifacts with full-scale recreations of the ship. Enjoy interacting with costumed actors and raise a toast at the gala dinner.
16. Orlando Annual Events
Orlando is a mecca for entertainment and hospitality. You'll find year-round events like the Florida Film Festival and ICE! frozen holiday event at Gaylord Palms. The annual Orlando Heritage Festival features an action-packed national music festival and awards ceremony with middle and high school performers.
Of course, Disney also has its share of annual events. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot that promises a "party for the senses," and if the rave reviews from thousands of social media creators are to be believed, Disney delivers on that promise. The multi-month festival features global cuisine, wine, and live entertainment. At Taste of Epcot, you’ll find exclusive bites, gardens, exhibits, and gorgeous topiary displays.
17. Orlando Sports
The city is home to quite a few sports teams. The Orlando Magic (NBA) plays at the Amway Center, a stadium that is also home to the Orlando Solar Bears hockey team. Soccer enthusiasts cheer for the Orlando City Soccer Club at the Exploria Stadium in Downtown Orlando.
18. Universities in Orlando
Higher education is a major draw for students and academic professionals in Orlando. The University of Central Florida is the second-largest university in the entire U.S. This public research university focuses on Optics, Lasers, Modeling and Simulation, Engineering, and other fields, including video game design.
Rollins College is a private liberal arts college in nearby Winter Park, Florida, with programs like Business Administration, Management and Operations, Journalism, Communication, and more.
Stetson University is known for its Business Management, Law School, Marketing, and Social Sciences programs. It also boasts 18 NCAA Division I teams.
19. Should You Move to Orlando?
If you’re ready to transform from tourist to main attraction resident, then yes, of course you should move to Orlando! You can find the perfect apartment that matches your desired budget, neighborhood and amenities with Apartment List.
You can also learn more about:
Florida:
Miami:
- Cost of Living in Miami
- Things to Know Before Moving to Miami
- Best Neighborhoods in Miami
- Average Rent in Miami & Rental Price Trends
- Cities Near Miami
Tampa:
Learn more about the best places to live in Florida!
What to Know Before Moving to Orlando in 2022
What’s the weather like in Orlando?
The weather in Orlando, much like all of Florida, is a major draw if you can handle the hot and humid summers. The overall climate is tropical, with dry winters. You’ll avoid the worst of hurricane season, as Orlando is too far inland, but expect some aftermath from the large tropical storms.
What’s the timezone in Orlando?
Orlando’s time zone is Eastern Standard/Daylight Time (EST and/or EDT), depending on the time of year. It is also on Greenwich Mean Time - 4 (GMT-4), the same time as New York City.
What to do in Orlando?
Orlando is known for being home to Disney World and Universal Studios, which attract over 60 million visitors each year. You can also hit the golf courses, growing nightlife, and shopping scene. You may not be beachside in Orlando, but you’ll be lakefront to more than 100 lakes, and you’re less than an hour away from the Space Coast.
What county is Orlando in?
Orlando is a city within Orange County. Orange County is centrally located in the state and is the fifth most populated county in Florida.
What are the benefits of moving to Orlando?
The benefits of moving to Orlando include affordable cost of living, beautiful weather, growing economy and booming real estate. In short, moving to Orlando offers tons of benefits!
What are the pros and cons of living in Orlando?
The pros of living in Orlando include the public transportation system, the affordable cost of living, the thriving job market, the attractions and theme parks. The cons of living in Orlando include the low minimum wage, the schools, the humidity, and all-year tourists.
What’s the best neighborhood to move to in Orlando?
The three best neighborhoods in Orlando are College Park, South Eola District, and Celebration.
What’s it like living in Orlando?
Orlando is home to 285,705 people and is the fourth largest city in Florida and the most visited city. It ranks among the top vacation spots in the US. People from across the country relocate to Orlando or come to visit this theme park mecca. You may hear a variety of languages.
What are the taxes in Orlando?
Living in Orlando means saving some money on taxes. Like the rest of Florida, Orlando locals don't pay personal income tax or sales income tax. There is a 6% Florida sales tax rate, and property taxes are higher than the national average.
What jobs are popular in Orlando?
The city of Orlando is a popular choice for hospitality professionals and entertainers looking for theme parks and film production work. Beyond entertainment, you also have your pick of technology, aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, warehousing, and more.
What universities are in Orlando?
Higher education is a significant draw for students and academic professionals in Orlando. The University of Central Florida, Rollins College, and Stetson University are all in Orlando.
What are things to do in Orlando?
Aside from the theme parks and attractions, sports lovers rejoice, as there are many major sports franchises in Orlando. The Orlando Magic (NBA) plays at the Amway Center, a stadium that is also the home of the Orlando Solar Bears hockey team. Soccer enthusiasts cheer for the Orlando City Soccer Club at the Exploria Stadium in Downtown Orlando.
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