The Pros & Cons Of Living In Orlando, FL

Orlando has come a long way from its humble farming origins. Thanks mainly to Walt Disney World, this Central Florida city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. Orlando is also increasingly popular with folks interested in relocating to a warmer climate. Recent data suggests net migration into Orlando has increased by almost 10 percent between 2013 and 2017, which makes it one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the USA.

To help you figure out whether moving to Orlando is the right for you, we’ve compiled this helpful list of the pros and cons. If you are seriously planning on moving to Central Florida, please get in touch with Suddath’s dedicated Orlando movers for professional assistance.

Pros Of Living In Orlando

No More Shoveling Snow

Orlando’s warm, sunny weather is a significant draw for people who hate dealing with slushy snow. You certainly won’t have to worry about breaking out the snowblowers and shovels in this region of the USA. During the winter season, daytime lows rarely go below the 50°F mark, and monthly precipitation is usually around 3 inches.

While there are a few weather tradeoffs we’ll consider in the cons section, most snow-sick Northerners are willing to take the increased hurricane risk.

Easy Access To World Class Attractions

It’s difficult to get bored living in Orlando. Residents of this city enjoy easy access to some of the world’s most iconic theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. Even if you aren’t interested in theme parks, Orlando has a plethora of premier shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Plus, Orlando residents are a short drive away from award-winning beaches like Daytona, Cocoa, and Clearwater.

Good Job Market For Tourism And Healthcare

Since Orlando is such a tourist-friendly city, it’s no surprise that many locals work in the tourism industry. Most of the entry-level jobs you’ll find here are in theme parks, shops, hotels, or restaurants. For people who want to break into fields like hospitality or food services, this is excellent news. Retirees who are looking for reliable part-time work will also have an easy time finding it at Orlando’s big attractions.

Aside from tourism, there is a high demand for skilled health care workers in Orlando due to Florida’s sizable senior population. There are also a few prominent companies with significant operations in Orlando, including Lockheed-Martin and Electronic Arts.

Cons Of Living In Orlando

Serious Traffic Woes

With a high concentration of seniors and international tourists on the roads, it’s no surprise Orlando has a bit of a traffic problem. Orlando citizens spend about 30 hours in traffic every year. Sadly, Orlando also ranks as one of the worst cities in the nation for traffic collisions, cyclist deaths, and pedestrian fatalities.

Sweltering Heat & Hurricane Season

Although snow isn’t an issue in Orlando, the heat can be dangerously high in the summertime. Anyone planning on living in Orlando has to remember to stay hydrated and regularly apply sunscreen. It’s easy to get dehydrated in this state, especially if you’re not used to humid weather.

Another weather-related con of living in Orlando is the increased risk of hurricanes, especially between August and October. At the very least, you need to put together an evacuation plan to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Higher Than Average Crime Rates

According to US News & World Report, Orlando has elevated crime rates compared with the national average. Over the past decade, there have been about 500 violent crimes and 3,000 property crimes per year per 100,000 residents. As with any other major city, you could avoid most of these crimes if you use common sense and stay away from certain areas after dark. A few sections of Orlando that have elevated crime statistics include Parramore, Holden Heights, and Pine Hills.

Mashum Mollah is an entrepreneur, founder and CEO at BloggerOutreach.io, a blogger outreach agency that drives visibility, engagement, and proven results. He blogs at Blogstellar.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.