If you’ve secured a new home or job in Orlando and are preparing to move, you’ll need to learn more than just crime rates and location information as you set out. Orlando is the sixth largest city in Florida, a city with a booming tourism industry and plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy. Still, there are a few key things to consider in terms of safety, health, and daily living. Here are just ten things you need to know before moving to Orlando and Central Florida:
1. Your actual cost of living. You can get a pretty good estimate of the cost of living by looking at average salaries and housing costs, but it’s much easier to look at current data on Salary.com. Just enter your current base salary at your new location and compare it to your former place for some statistics on how valuable your income will be.
2. Renting a home might save you in the short term than a mortgage. Use an online mortgage calculator to determine your monthly payments on your dream home. You’ll quickly see a detailed report on how much your new abode will cost you.
3. You’ll either love or hate humid season. May through October is Orlando’s hottest and rainiest time of year, and average temperatures reach as high as 100 degrees by mid-morning. Be prepared for a daily rain shower at around 3 p.m., along with heavy thunderstorms and lightning throughout the day.
4. Hurricanes are out of your vicinity. While hurricanes whipped through Orlando and Kissimmee in 2004, there hasn’t been a severe hurricane alert since. Central Florida is relatively safe compared to the coastal cities in the South, but you’ll still need to be prepared for severe storms.
5. You can enjoy some serious discounts at Walt Disney World. Annual passes with unlimited access to the parks are just $477.12 for Florida residents. It’s a great bonus to get out to the theme parks anytime of year!
6. Vacation home rentals are great ‘transition’ homes. If you’re not sure where you want to settle in Orlando, consider renting a vacation home while you make a decision. Many are available in the Kissimmee and Celebration area, and some are even furnished. You can take your time to settle and get situated before signing a lease or making a downpayment.
7. Exclusive buyer’s agents are on your side. If you’re completely unfamiliar with the area, working with a licensed professional who can locate a home for you is in your best interest. These agents will represent you–not the seller–and provide their services free of charge. You’ll work with them to find new properties on the market, and they can also help you negotiate for a great price.
8. Traveling on I-4 requires a lot of patience. If you’re going to rely on I-4 to get you through a daily commute, you may need an alternative route as a backup. This is the most crowded interstate because all Walt Disney World visitors travel this route daily. Congestion can take place anytime of day–well beyond the typical before 9 and after 5 time slots that are standard in most cities. Plan ahead and avoid I-4 whenever possible.
9. There’s plenty of free parking. Unlike many large cities and suburbs across the United States, you’ll only find parking meters and expensive ramps in downtown Orlando and the convention centers. You can park everywhere else– including Disney and resort areas– completely free of charge.
Orlando draws millions of tourists each year, but it’s also a great place to settle down and enjoy a vibrant culture and community. If you’re planning to relocate to Orlando, consider these nine key items before your move!
