It's All Relative...
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5/13/2006
Alright, we get the point: if you're from New York City or Los Angeles, Orlando is a quaint little Southern town with few amenities and a backwards view on the world. For the majority of us who don't (or didn't) live in a megalopolis though, Orlando can seem big and even intimidating. What you think of Orlando ultimately comes down to where you move here from. This comment is intended for those who are considering moving to Orlando from rural areas, small towns, and regional-sized cities... if you are from NYC, LA, DC, or some other metropolis, my comments have no significance to you because you will have a different experience.
PROS: Orlando has beautiful weather for most of the year, and the urge to get outside and do something never subsides if you like warm weather. The beach is 50-70 miles in either direction, and if you don't have time to make the drive there are several natural springs and waterparks within the metro area. Compared to where you're coming from, it is likely that Orlando will have much more to do. Theme parks, shopping, museums, zoos, parks, entertainment, and nightlife are among some of the city's best features. The people are generally nice, and tolerant when it comes to diversity. Florida is generally a nice place to live with a high standard of living, and there is plenty of history to be discovered if you look for it.
CONS: Somtimes it can seem as if there is too much to do in Orlando. The metro area appears bloated with retail establishments, and commercial chains dominate. Area residents are resigned to the reality of sprawl, and little is done to combat it. Compared to where you are coming from, Orlando likely has far worse traffic (it takes me close to an hour to drive 18 miles to work) and less green space. If your used to living in the country, or driving regularly through the country, you won't be here. It takes far too long to get out of the city to make that a habit. Don't expect your dollar to go very far either. Food can be expensive, and due to the lack of a diverse economy (the economy is service/retail based) you can expect to be bled at every turn. Prepare to pay up to $5 a day just to travel on the expressway. Unless you make or your family makes well over 70K annually, good luck with buying a home. You will likely end up on a waiting list for an apartment that is worse than the one you already rent, but that you will pay several hundred dollars more per month for.
MY ADVICE: If fami
Jessy | Winter Park, FL