Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Orlando
Moving to Orlando is a big decision, and the more you understand before you arrive, the smoother your transition will be. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, drawing new residents from across the country thanks to its warm weather, economic opportunities, and well-established neighborhoods. For those seeking a career shift, sunnier days, or a fresh start, this guide walks through what life in Orlando truly feels like.
The Real Reasons People Move to Orlando
Many people are attracted to Orlando for its combination of lifestyle and financial advantages. Florida has no state income tax, which can make a noticeable difference in your take-home pay. Combined with strong employment opportunities across healthcare, hospitality, logistics, tech, and education, Orlando provides a wide range of career paths from entry-level to specialized roles.
The warm climate also plays a big part in the city’s appeal. Orlando offers sunshine for much of the year, with mild winters that make outdoor activities easy to enjoy. Parks, lakes, walking trails, and community events stay active nearly every month, giving residents plenty of options to explore.
Lifestyle flexibility is another major perk. Orlando balances a metropolitan feel with a more relaxed pace than major coastal cities. The area is large, spread out, and full of small pockets with their own character.
What It Really Costs to Live in Orlando
Understanding the cost of living in Orlando is one of the most important parts of planning a move. According to Payscale, renters in Orlando should expect the following:
- The median rent across Orlando is approximately $1547 per month.
- A typical one bedroom apartment averages between $1337 and $1579 depending on the neighborhood.
- A two bedroom apartment averages around $1639 to $1661.
These numbers provide a baseline, but actual costs vary widely depending on the specific neighborhood and the type of housing you prefer. Apartments in areas like Lake Nona, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, and downtown Orlando typically sit higher than the citywide average, while neighborhoods farther from the center tend to offer more space for the price.
The overall cost of living in Orlando sits close to the national average. Utilities can feel higher in the summer because air conditioning runs almost constantly. Groceries, transportation, and entertainment costs fall within mid-range levels for most major cities.
Orlando remains more affordable than many coastal Florida cities, but it is not the bargain it once was. Planning ahead will give you the most accurate sense of how your budget fits the city.
Understanding Orlando Weather
One of the biggest adjustments for newcomers is the climate. Orlando summers are long, hot, and humid. Afternoon highs regularly reach the 90s, and humidity can be intense. Afternoon thunderstorms are a normal part of the summer routine, often arriving suddenly and clearing quickly.
Winters, on the other hand, are mild and comfortable. Temperatures often sit in the 60s and 70s, and many residents consider winter the best time of year.
Hurricane season is another factor to consider. While Orlando is inland and more protected than coastal cities, strong storms can still bring heavy rain and wind. Keeping basic emergency supplies on hand and staying weather-aware during peak season is a smart habit for any resident.
Locals recommend being prepared with sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and light breathable clothing. They also suggest planning outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the strongest heat.
Traffic, Transportation, and Daily Life
Orlando’s size and layout often surprise newcomers. It is a spread-out city with several districts, multiple highways, and many neighborhoods that operate almost like their own mini-towns. Because of this, most residents rely on driving rather than public transportation.
Commute times can vary significantly based on where you live and where you work. Areas around the attractions, major interchanges, and downtown corridors see the most congestion. Rainy afternoons can slow traffic even more.
Despite this, many residents find day-to-day driving manageable once they learn the major routes. Living close to your workplace can dramatically improve your daily routine. Parking is generally simple outside the downtown core, and many neighborhoods offer easy access to grocery stores, gas stations, and errands.
Orlando is not a walkable city in the traditional sense, but certain neighborhoods provide better walkability, including College Park, Thornton Park, Baldwin Park, and parts of Winter Park. For most residents, though, having a reliable car is essential.
Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Orlando offers a wide range of neighborhoods, each with a distinctive character. Below we quickly break down a few of Orlando’s neighborhoods, but if you want a more detailed view, you can visit our guide on the best neighborhoods to live in Orlando.
Urban and Close-In Neighborhoods
These areas offer proximity to nightlife, restaurants, coffee shops, and events. Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, and the districts surrounding Lake Eola attract people who want easy access to entertainment and city energy.
Master-Planned Communities
Planned neighborhoods such as Lake Nona and Horizon West appeal to people who prefer newer homes, clean layouts, ample parks, and modern community design. These areas often include bike paths, shopping centers, and family-friendly amenities.
Established Residential Areas
If you want mature trees, classic homes, and neighborhood charm, areas like College Park, Conway, and Winter Park deliver a cozy, established feel. Shops, cafés, local events, and shaded streets make these neighborhoods stand out.
Budget-Conscious Areas
If affordability is a priority, parts of South Orlando, East Orlando, and the Metrowest area may offer more competitive rents. These regions tend to provide more space for less money, though commute and amenity access vary.
When exploring neighborhoods, visit at different times of day. Try driving the route between home and work during peak hours, walk around local parks, visit grocery stores, and pay attention to the general atmosphere. A neighborhood’s feel can shift between morning and evening, so getting the full picture helps you choose wisely.
Things People Wish They Knew Before Moving
There are certainly pros and cons to living in Orlando. New residents often mention that the heat and humidity require real adjustment. Some say they underestimated how much time they would spend indoors during the warmest months. Others point out that Florida’s bug population takes some getting used to, and regular pest control becomes part of normal home maintenance.
Flood zones and home insurance costs can vary dramatically, so checking a property’s classification and insurance requirements is important before signing a lease or making a purchase.
The lifestyle itself is also something people grow to appreciate. Orlando offers a steady lineup of festivals, concerts, markets, and community gatherings. Once you find your favorite neighborhoods and local spots, the city starts to feel more like a series of connected communities rather than one large metro area.
Tips for a Smooth Move
To make your relocation easier, consider the following suggestions:
• Study commute patterns before choosing your neighborhood
• Tour multiple housing options to compare layouts, pricing, and amenities
• Build room in your budget for summer electricity bills
• Keep basic storm supplies prepared during hurricane season
• Research flood zones before signing a lease
• Use humidity-resistant storage bins for delicate belongings
• Explore local shops, parks, and restaurants early so you can get comfortable with your surroundings
Settling into Orlando takes a little time, but once you adjust, the area offers a warm, active, and welcoming lifestyle.
When You’re Ready to Move to Orlando
A move to Orlando feels smoother when you have extra space available during the transition. A-AAA Key Mini Storage offers two convenient Orlando locations that help you stay organized while you settle in.
Both facilities provide secure units, convenient gate access, and flexible month to month leasing. Climate controlled options are available at select locations for belongings that benefit from added protection. These storage spaces are especially helpful during a move when you are managing furniture, seasonal items, or boxes that you want out of the way while getting your home set up.
With practical storage nearby, you can focus on settling into your new Orlando neighborhood with a clear plan and a little more breathing room. Let the city welcome you while A-AAA Key Mini Storage helps keep the moving process organized and manageable.