Moving to Orlando, Florida? The city’s entertainment options are world-famous, of course, and you can be a regular visitor to the theme parks if you want, with your Florida resident discount. The winter temperature in Orlando will definitely make you smile (Orlando weather in December? Pull on some shorts!). But there are lots of other reasons that people love living in Orlando.
Hot Tip: The bottom of this article has a full list of helpful links you need if you're moving to Orlando, plus an Orlando map.
The opportunity to live life outside is primary. All sorts of outdoor activities, sports and watersports are possible year-round, so the lifestyle tends to be more active. If you have a dog, you’ll both love how easy it is to go for a walk, and no snow shovel is ever required. And because Florida is so narrow, the beaches near Orlando are only a short drive away.
The restaurant and brewery scene just keeps getting hotter in Orlando. Shopping is also phenomenal, with options from large popular outlet malls to unique small businesses across the city. Entertainment options are unlimited: residents enjoy discounts on annual passes to the big theme parks, but outdoor recreation and watersports are also huge, due to the area’s many lakes and great weather.
See also: Things to do in Orlando
Commuting isn’t bad, as two major highways cross the city, and the east-west 408 expressway is accessed with an electronic E-PASS you can get here. Orlando also has a robust public transit system called Lynx. MCO, the primary Orlando airport (also known as Orlando International Airport) is one of the world’s most popular. You’ll have easy (and often affordable) access to countless other cities from it and Orlando Sanford Airport.
Apartments in Orlando are plentiful and have a wide range of price points, from cheap apartments in Orlando’s most affordable neighborhoods to exciting downtown Orlando apartments. Houses for rent can be found in neighborhoods across the metroplex. It’s fairly easy to find dog-friendly apartments in Orlando.
Explore pet-friendly apartments in Orlando
If you’re moving to Orlando from another city and you don’t know your way around, or you have a house to sell, short-term rentals or short-term furnished rentals can be a real lifesaver while you’re in transition. These types of Orlando rentals also give you time to learn the city and try different commutes or explore different neighborhoods before you sign an annual lease or make a home purchase. Electric and water service are provided through Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC).
You’ll need to transfer your utilities if you move within Orlando. And be aware that the most popular times for moving are late spring and early summer, so you’ll have to plan ahead if you’re hiring movers or renting a moving truck. There will also be more demand for apartments during those months.
The job scene is strong in Orlando. If you’ll be looking for work, consider the city’s top industries: hospitality; advanced manufacturing; innovative technologies; aviation, aerospace and defense; and life sciences and healthcare. The massive Medical City campus in Lake Nona holds educational campuses for both the University of Florida and University of Central Florida (UCF). UCF’s main campus is another great option for jobs.
If you don’t have a job lined up yet, this is another situation in which it’s smart to consider short-term rentals while you job hunt. Then you can sign a lease once you know which Orlando neighborhoods would let you live close to work.
University of Central Florida offers on-campus housing but many students prefer an apartment near the UCF campus (some even allow pets). Med students like the convenience of Lake Nona apartments near Medical City. Rollins College in beautiful Winter Park, Florida, is located just north of downtown Orlando; check out Winter Park apartments near that campus.
Orlando is great for families. There are countless outdoor parks, dog parks and lakes, all of which can be enjoyed for free throughout the year. Libraries have special programs just for kids, and local media and mommy bloggers will keep you up to date on upcoming activities. New students register here for Orange County public schools.
Hot Tip: Least expensive apartments near the best schools in Orlando
If you want to spend more time with extended family, moving to Orlando is a smart move. The city’s legendary theme parks – Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and Seaworld – are sure to keep your guest room in high demand; everyone likes to visit Orlando. In fact, when you make your housing choice, seriously consider the pros and cons of a guest room: living in Florida means people will want to visit you. If you’re hoping to see your grandkids more often, you can almost certainly rest assured they will be regular visitors!
The temperature in Orlando ranges from a pleasant average of 52 to 92, depending on the month. Here’s a chart which gives you a great overview of what to expect when it comes to Orlando weather.