How is living in Orlando?

Question

I would like to move there from Minnesota in the fall.
My main concern is about getting a job and an apartment.
Is it hard to find a job. Is it hard to find a roommate?
How much sould I aspire to earn in a month?

Answer 1

Hmm, I moved to Orlando from New York and I must admit it was a huge culture-shock for a while. The people here are very traditional, and very slow-paced. The summers are not as unbearable as they're said to be, and the beaches, theme parks, and beautiful reserves all around the state are truley fantastic. (Also, we've got a few pretty amazing schools to attend!)

As for work and room, I wouldn't worry too much. If you move close to a University area (such as University of Central Florida, or University of Florida) there are hundreds of condos available for students and for long-time residents, as well as a billion other people searching for available and bearable roomies. As for work; many families around here own their own buisnesses and are always looking for loyal employees. I think you should expect at LEAST a few hundred a week, depending on what job you want and where you want to stay.

I will warn you, however, that some of the ritzier apartments and condos cost upwards of $200,000 - the cost of living in Florida, while still lower than most of the country, is climbing rapidly.

Answer 2

I lived here in the early 90's then moved back to Philly only to return again. I love it here! Apartments and houses have been climbing in prices rapidly recently but it seems it starting to level out. Orlando Sentinel is a great place for roommates- so is the Otrlando City Paper. Jobs are buzzing here- mostly hospitality industry but there are also lots of major corporations that call Orlando home.
What I love most about living here is the fact that this is MY town and millions of people pay big money to visit MY town. I like the fact that Mickey is my neighbor- I can go to Disney World, Sea World or Universal whenever I want. I am a huge golfer and it is great to be able to golf year round. Plus- ANY kind of food I want is just around the corner. So many options and cool places to eat around here.
And while we have some great shopping malls around here- I can't tell you the last time I had to go into one. There are outlets all around the tourist corrider- some are fake- but most are legit- I never pay full price for things anymore.
One of my favorite things here to do is to take a day off and go do something real touristy- like mini-golf or one of the millions of things to do on I-Drive for the tourists. Then- once I've been a tourist for a day I get to go back to my house instead of a hotel.

You will be in for a culture shock so be prepared. It is unlike anywhere I've ever lived. There is always something to do or see BUT- you will never find a decent egg roll here- or even a great pizza. Otherwise- anything else you want to find is here. Orlando caters to all world wide tourists- from authentic English Pubs to Russian supermarkets. It is a true melting pot here. I've never met so many people from all over the country- those who now call Orlando home. I actually have 4 very good friends who are from Minnesota!
Good luck- just come here with an open mind and an adventorous spirit.
Apartment are EVERYWHERE! As far as money- it all depends on your lifestyle- but again- there are outlets and most everywhere you go will offer a residnet discount from the theme parks to the restaurants.
Have fun here- it's what Orlando is about.
Traffic isn't that bad- you just have to learn what times are horrible and what times you can fly through places.

Answer 3

Don't do it. It sucks. If you're a conservative family-type person you'll love it. There aren't many suitable jobs unless you consider a hotel/restaurant/tourism type job a reason to relocate. The traffic is horrible, you can forget walking anywhere and the backwards county government is still trying to put together a comprehensive mass transit plan 20 years after all of the development has taken place. I lived there for a very long eight years and I tell everyone that your trip to Disney World has nothing to do with the way your life will be if you are to move there. If you want to move to Florida, consider actual "cities" like Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater or Miami/Fort Lauderdale.
Tampa/St.Petersburg and Clearwater particularly, are affordable with decent jobs at the national average in terms of salary within your profession. Good luck.

Answer 4

Well the weather is wonderful except the long summers...keep in mind summer is anywhere from some time in April to sometimes in Oct or even Nov..lol...seriously.

Checkout craigslist for jobs (lots of them...particularly in the hospitality industry) and also lots of adverts for roomates, etc.

You can realistically expect to pay anywhere from 400-1200 a month for accomodation depending on where and what and how long you sign a lease for, some apartment complexes have move in specials...look for these...or if you get a roomate, look to see how much of the utililites they expect you to pick up..A/C and you HAVE to have it here, is not cheap. Add this to your car/insurance expenses and then of course food, etc. Lots of opportunities here for outdoor pursuits, golf, fishing, and you can ride a motorcycle almost year round here (saves on gas)....

Good Luck to you...I think if you budget well...you'll love it here!! Lots to see and do...

Answer 5

It's so damn AWESOME!! Excuse my language.