10 Pros and Cons of Living in Orlando, Florida

What it's Really Like Living in Orlando, FL

Orlando is one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities and one of its most recognizable. It offers a year-round warm climate, a strong job market, and plenty of entertainment. But like any city, it comes with tradeoffs. Before making the move, it helps to understand what everyday life here is really like. Below are ten pros and ten cons to help paint an honest picture of living in Orlando.

Sunshine and Outdoor Lifestyle

Pro

Like we mentioned in our pros and cons article about moving to Phoenix, Orlando also enjoys many sunny days. In fact, you can expect around 230 sunny days each year. Winters are mild, skies are often clear, and the city’s many lakes and parks make it easy to stay active outside. You can golf in January, bike along Lake Baldwin in February, or enjoy an outdoor concert in March.

Con

That warmth can quickly turn extreme. Summers are long, humid, and heavy, with daily highs around 92 degrees and a heat index that feels even hotter. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, and the humidity can make outdoor chores or workouts feel like endurance tests. Locals learn to schedule their errands early and carry a water bottle everywhere.

Entertainment and Recreation

Pro

Few cities in the world match Orlando’s entertainment options. The region is home to more than a dozen major theme parks, dozens of golf courses, and hundreds of restaurants, museums, and venues. Families enjoy year-round access to attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, while locals also take advantage of smaller spots like Lake Eola Park and ICON Park.

Con

The very thing that makes Orlando exciting can also make it crowded. Tourists flood the area throughout the year, and even simple errands can take longer during busy travel seasons. Traffic near International Drive and Lake Buena Vista is notorious, and locals often plan alternate routes to avoid tourist corridors altogether.

Job Market and Economic Opportunity

Pro

Orlando’s economy continues to diversify. In recent years, the city has seen growth in technology, healthcare, education, and aerospace, supported by employers like Lockheed Martin and AdventHealth. Unemployment sits near 3 percent, which is below the national average.

Con

While jobs are plentiful, pay can vary widely. Many positions are tied to hospitality and service industries, which offer lower average wages. The median household income in Orlando is roughly $77K, which trails the national median. Professionals in specialized fields tend to do well, but others may find it takes time to achieve financial stability.

Taxes and Cost of Living

Pro

Florida’s lack of a state income tax is a major draw. Residents keep more of what they earn, and retirees in particular appreciate that Social Security and pensions are not taxed. Groceries and essential items also remain reasonably priced compared to other states. Orlando is 4% lower in terms of cost of living than the national average.

Con

The savings from lower taxes are often offset by higher living expenses. Property insurance has climbed steeply in recent years due to storm risks, and housing costs continue to rise. The other thing to consider is the higher property insurance compared to the national average. Even though the risk of storms decrease a little compared to costal cities, Florida in general has higher property insurance compared to the rest of the nation.

Housing and Neighborhoods

Pro

The city offers incredible variety when it comes to housing. You can find historic bungalows in College Park, new master-planned communities in Lake Nona, or affordable apartments near Altamonte Springs. The average home price hovers around $385,000, lower than many coastal metros, and new construction remains active across Orange and Seminole counties.

Con

Inventory struggles to keep up with demand. Population growth of roughly 1.4 percent per year has driven prices upward and made bidding wars common. Renters have felt similar pressure, with average one-bedroom rent rising to about $1,750 per month. The competition can make relocating more stressful than expected.

Nature and the Outdoors

Pro

Central Florida’s natural beauty is easy to overlook behind the theme parks, but locals know it well. Lakes like Conway and Ivanhoe draw boaters, and the nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park offers clear waters for swimming and kayaking. The region’s flat terrain makes biking and jogging accessible to everyone.

Con

With that natural environment comes plenty of wildlife and bugs. Mosquitoes are constant in summer, and alligators occasionally appear in neighborhood ponds. Flooding can affect low-lying areas after heavy rain, and hurricane season requires preparation from June through November. The outdoor lifestyle is incredible, but it takes planning.

Weather and Storms

Pro

Winter in Orlando is short and pleasant. Daytime temperatures hover near 72 degrees, and freezing weather is rare. Many people move here specifically for that break from northern winters.

Con

Hurricanes and tropical storms are a real part of life. Central Florida is less exposed than the coasts, but heavy rain and power outages are common during storm season. Homeowners must maintain insurance and prepare their property well before a storm is on the radar.

Transportation and Traffic

Pro

Orlando International Airport ranks among the busiest in the country, offering hundreds of daily flights. The city’s highway system connects residents quickly to the Space Coast, Tampa Bay, and South Florida. For commuters, express toll roads like SR 417 and SR 528 keep many routes efficient.

Con

Despite those highways, daily driving can still test your patience. The average commuter spends 29 minutes each way in traffic. Public transportation is limited, with few options outside Lynx bus service and the SunRail commuter line. Owning a car is practically required.

Culture and Community

Pro

Orlando’s diversity gives it depth. More than one-third of residents were born outside Florida, and the mix of cultures brings an outstanding range of food, music, and traditions. Events like the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Lake Nona Town Center market showcase that creative spirit.

Con

The transient nature of the population can make it harder to build long-term friendships. Many residents move for school, tourism work, or retirement and leave after a few years. Creating community takes initiative, and some people find the city’s social rhythm a little unpredictable.

Growth and Opportunity

Pro

Orlando gains about 1,000 new residents every week, fueled by job growth, warm weather, and Florida’s tax advantages. The metro area’s population has surpassed 2.7 million people, with projections showing continued growth through the next decade. This influx supports new restaurants, housing developments, retail centers, and infrastructure projects that add energy and opportunity across the region.

Con

Growth brings challenges. Traffic congestion has become a daily frustration for many residents, particularly along the I-4 corridor. A 2024 transportation report ranked Orlando among the 40 most congested cities in the United States, with drivers losing nearly 31 minutes per commute in some areas. As more people arrive, housing demand rises, infrastructure strains, and the slower pace that once defined Central Florida is fading.

Moving to Orlando Florida

If you plan to move to Orlando or are in the process of settling in, it helps to have a safe place to store your belongings. Trusted Self Storage has two great locations in Orlando for storage: 

A-AAA Key Mini Storage - Orange Blossom Trail - Climate controlled storage units and drive-up storage in Orlando for both protection and convenience.

A-AAA Key Mini Storage - Semoran Blvd - A great selection of both climate controlled storage units and drive-up units with great monthly promotions available.