If sunshine, a booming job market, or world-famous attractions are on your wish list when moving home, then Orlando ticks all those boxes, and far more.
Known for more than just theme parks, Orlando is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with a thriving economy, excellent schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a vibrant cultural scene.
If you are thinking of moving to Orlando, then you will find this guide invaluable.
Why Move to Orlando?
There is far more to Orlando than theme parks
Orlando, often referred to as “The City Beautiful,” offers its residents an unbeatable mix of career opportunities, entertainment, and natural beauty. Here’s why thousands of people are moving to Orlando every year:
Warm weather year-round
No state income tax
A booming job market
Affordable housing (compared to other metro areas)
Orlando has numerous desirable neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, price range, and amenities.
Here are some of the top neighborhoods to live in Orlando, depending on your lifestyle:
1. Lake Nona – Best for Families and Professionals
Lake Nona has become one of Orlando’s most desirable places to live. It’s home to Lake Nona Medical City, several tech startups, modern schools, and luxury homes. With numerous parks, golf courses, and green spaces, it’s ideal for both families and professionals.
Why choose Lake Nona?
Top-rated public and private schools
Minutes from Orlando International Airport
High-end shopping and dining
2. Winter Park – Best for Culture and Education
Located just north of downtown, Winter Park has tree-lined streets, charming boutiques, museums, and Rollins College. It’s one of the safest and most affluent areas in Orlando.
Why choose Winter Park?
Excellent schools
Cultural attractions (museums, theaters, festivals)
Historic homes and luxury condos
3. Baldwin Park – Urban Living with Suburban Comfort
Originally a military base, Baldwin Park is now a well-designed urban community that offers walkability, family-friendly vibes, and lakeside views. It’s close to downtown yet quiet and clean.
Why choose Baldwin Park?
Top-ranked Baldwin Park Elementary
Beautiful trails and parks
A lively downtown village with shops and restaurants
4. College Park – Best for Young Professionals and Artists
College Park has a small-town feel with eclectic shops, indie cafes, and a strong sense of community. There are numerous parks with play areas for the kids, whilst for culture buffs, the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre and the Mennello Museum of American Art are nearby. Just northwest of downtown, it’s ideal for creatives, singles, and couples.
Why choose College Park?
Vintage charm with modern amenities
Great local food scene
Popular for bungalow-style homes
5. Dr. Phillips – Best for Luxury Living and Proximity to Attractions
Located near the famous Restaurant Row and major theme parks, Dr. Phillips is a high-end neighborhood known for its safety, schools, and real estate value. It is an ideal neighborhood for those with kids or those planning to raise a family.
Why choose Dr. Phillips?
Top-rated Dr. Phillips High School
Upscale homes and condos
Minutes from Universal and Disney
Best Schools in Orlando
Read reviews and ratings for every Orlando neighborhood at www.niche.com
Families moving to Orlando often ask about school quality. Orlando offers a variety of public, private, magnet, and charter schools, as well as respected universities.
Top Public Schools
Dommerich Elementary School (Maitland)
Audubon Park School (Orlando)
Timber Creek High School (East Orlando)
Winter Park High School (Winter Park)
Top Private Schools
Lake Highland Preparatory School
The First Academy
Trinity Preparatory School
Windermere Preparatory School
Higher Education
University of Central Florida (UCF) – One of the largest universities in the U.S.
Valencia College – Highly regarded community college
Rollins College – Prestigious liberal arts college in Winter Park
Browse the latest school and college ratings for Orlando at www.greatschools.org
An increasingly common, and very good, reason to move to Orlando is its rapidly growing job market. The city job market is not just focused on tourism; technology, healthcare, aerospace, and education feature highly as well.
Major Employers:
Disney Parks & Resorts
AdventHealth
Orlando Health
Lockheed Martin
Siemens Energy
Orange County Public Schools
Lake Nona Medical City
UCF and Valencia College
Fast-Growing Industries:
Healthcare & Biotechnology
Information Technology
Hospitality & Tourism
Real Estate & Construction
Education & Research
The Orlando metro area added over 55,000 new jobs in 2024 and remains one of the top cities for job seekers.
You may also like to read: Relocating for Work. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving for a job.
Cost of Living in Orlando, FL
Downtown Orlando
Compared to other cities like Miami or Los Angeles, Orlando offers a relatively affordable lifestyle, especially when you factor in no state income tax.
Expense Category
Average Monthly Cost (1-person)
Rent (1-bed apartment)
$1,500 – $2,100
Utilities
$180 – $220
Groceries
$350 – $500
Transportation
$150 – $250
Healthcare
$300 – $450
Home prices vary widely by neighborhood. The median home price in Orlando is about $395,000, but expect to pay more in places like Lake Nona or Dr. Phillips.
Compare the cost of living in Orlando with your current city at www.numbeo.com
Safety and Crime in Orlando
Winter Park, one of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando
While some parts of Orlando do experience higher crime rates, many neighborhoods are extremely safe and family-friendly.
Safest Neighborhoods:
Winter Park
Lake Nona
Baldwin Park
Dr. Phillips
Windermere (a suburb to the west)
As with any metro area, crime varies by neighborhood. Use tools like NeighborhoodScout, social media, or local police department data to research safety in any neighborhood you are interested in living in.
You may also like to read: Moving to a New City Alone. If you are planning on moving to Orlando on your own, then you will find this guide, which examines every aspect of moving to an unfamiliar city on your own, invaluable.
Things to Do in Orlando
Lake Eola Park, Orlando
You’ll never run out of things to do in Orlando. While it’s home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, there’s much more to do than just theme parks.
Local Attractions:
Leu Gardens – Botanical oasis in the city
Orlando Science Center
Lake Eola Park – Perfect for paddle boating, yoga, and farmer’s markets
You may also like to read: Moving After Retirement. Orlando is a very popular place to retire to. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving home after retirement.
Transportation and Commuting
Local transport, Orlando style
Most residents of Orlando rely on their cars, but transportation is improving with SunRail, Lynx buses, and Brightline high-speed rail now connecting Orlando to Miami and other cities in Florida.
Orlando has an average commute time of around 28 minutes.
Closest Major Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., offering nonstop flights to hundreds of destinations.
Discover the average commuting times by Orlando zip codes at www.simplemaps.com
Tips for Moving to Orlando
The I-4 makes a challenging commute
Visit First: Tour neighborhoods, schools, and commute routes before buying or renting.
Work with a Local Realtor, especially if relocating from out of state.
Prepare for Humidity: Summers are hot and humid, so a good AC is essential.
Consider Hurricane Preparedness: Orlando is inland, but hurricane season (June–Nov) still brings heavy rain and wind.
Plan Around Traffic: I-4 traffic can be challenging during rush hour.
You may also like to read: What to do When you Want to Move but Your Partner Doesn’t. If you cannot wait to move to Orlando but your partner is not so keen, then you may find the advice in this guide invaluable to help you reach a compromise.
Is Moving to Orlando Worth It?
Lake Baldwin, Baldwin Park, Orlando
If you’re seeking sunshine, opportunity, and an active lifestyle, then moving to Orlando makes a lot of sense.
With its diverse neighborhoods, growing economy, great schools, and a high quality of life, Orlando offers something for everyone, from families and retirees, students, to job seekers, and from watersport enthusiasts (there are over 100 lakes in and around Orlando) to theme park addicts.
Read the pros and cons of living in Orlando from a local resident’s point of view at www.thehonestlocal.com
Good luck with your home move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog for guides and tips to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.
I love this post but just a tip… you should really write longer articles. I hear it helps a lot with getting new visitors. And I think your writing style would keep people really interested in what you had to say about all of this
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I love this post but just a tip… you should really write longer articles. I hear it helps a lot with getting new visitors. And I think your writing style would keep people really interested in what you had to say about all of this