Orlando
Moving to Orlando
Located in central Florida, about 40 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and 75 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Orlando is Florida's largest inland city. “The City Beautiful” is filled with lakes, wetlands…and more than 150 golf courses! Are we missing something? Oh yes: Walt Disney World!
But Orlando is also a modern city, with more than 70 skyscrapers and known for its high-tech industries and, of course, theme parks.
Climate
Don’t worry about packing your winter coats! Orlando has two main seasons—a hot, rainy season from May to September, and a warm and dry season from October through April. Temperatures rarely fall below 70 degrees here.
Neighborhoods
Orlando has great neighborhoods on all sides of town. Take a look at some of the ones we think are worth considering.
Suburbs
Avalon Park
Avalon Park is a new urban community, with central town and shops, surrounded by an assortment of houses, apartments, townhomes and condos — it’s an area suitable for any lifestyle.
Lake Nona
A wealthier neighborhood, Lake Nona offers a variety of options for living: on the lake, in urban areas, or near a golf course!
Oviedo
Touted as one of the most well educated towns in the nation, Oviedo is a family-friendly town located right outside of the University of Central Florida’s main campus.
Downtown
Central Business District
Recognized as the central hub of Orlando, this vibrant area is surrounded by theatres, galleries, museums, parks, and fun for all ages.
South Eola
South Eola is great for young professionals and adults. Unique dining, entertainment and boutique shops line the streets of this district. It is also home to fun events such as the Orlando Farmer’s Market.
College Park
With a small-town feel and streets named after Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, College Park is a charming neighborhood where you can experience urban living and a vibrant sense of community.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Orlando is regularly lower than the U.S. average, especially in the housing and healthcare markets. On top of a low cost of living, there is no state income tax and never a shortage of jobs, because of the nearby theme parks and their continuous need for work.
Entertainment & Activities
While everyone knows the main attraction of Orlando is Disney, in addition, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND®. It is the theme park capital of the world, after all. But since you’re going to be living here, we figured we’d let you in on a few activities that don’t have to do with Disney, dolphins, or Legos.
- Relax and take in nature at the 440-acre Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve.
- Take a charming boat tour in of one America’s most scenic small towns, Winter Park.
- Rent a paddleboat at Lake Eola Park.
- Explore one of Orlando’s locally celebrated coffee shops.
- Make your own pancakes with built-in table griddles at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill and Griddle House.
- Check out the craft brew scene at one of Orlando’s many breweries.
- Can’t stand the heat? Grab a drink at the world’s largest permanent Ice Bar.
- Soak in the largest collection of Tiffany stained glass in the world at the Morse Museum of Art.
Transportation
Tourism traffic is the real deal—part of being an Orlando local is making note of peak seasons and when the nearby parks open. If it happens to be one of those times, there are a number of public transportation options that will help you to avoid the chaos.
The SunRail is an electric commuter train, and a great way to go from south Orlando, to downtown, to the north side of Orlando. In downtown, biking and car-share options are available, as well as the LINX bus system.
Orlando is much more than a tourist destination—and make no mistake, Orlandoans are proud of their theme park-packed metropolis. Not only is it “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” it is a booming city bursting with arts and culture, parks, and vibrant nightlife. After settling in, you’ll see just how beautiful, diverse, and unique Orlando truly is.
Are you—or someone you know—one of the many people who will be moving to or from Orlando or the surrounding area this year? Make sure that your move is a SureMove. Just call SureMove toll-free at 866-347-2260 for more information about how we can help you with your Orlando interstate or cross-country move.
Call us at (866) 347-2260 for more information about how we can help you with your Chicago interstate or cross country move.