Millions flock to the Sunshine State in search of adventure, thrills, excitement, and, of course, the dozens of theme parks, including the perennial favorite Walt Disney World, which is visited by almost 21 million people each year.
Moving to Orlando is a whole different proposition, so does it make sense to enjoy a permanent vacation in O-town?
A record 25.6 million Americans moved last year, making it an almost daily occurrence. Your relocation is special and unique, and our Denver long-distance moving experts understand this.
Whether you are a single person moving after retirement or a young family moving cross-country for the first time, here is everything you need to know about moving to Orlando, FL:
A Simple Question: Is Orlando, FL, a Good Place to Call Home?
It is easy to read all the statistics and consider the educational opportunities for school-aged children, the average daily temperatures, the average cost of utilities and groceries, and how much you will pay for a doctor’s visit.
However, when you want to learn the unvarnished truth about living in Orlando, you must know from the locals!
The Pros and Cons of Living in Orlando: What Orlando Residents Want You to Know
On paper, Florida might seem like the perfect area to retire, find your first real job after college, or save money in hopes of purchasing your first home.
But, is the Sunshine State, and Orlando specifically, really all that it is cracked up to be? Read these interstate moving tips and consider the pros and cons of calling Orlando home:
A Low Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Orlando is $12/hour, above the federal minimum wage but far below the wage that many states have adopted, which is $15/hour.
With the passage of Amendment 2 in 2020, Florida must legally raise the minimum wage to $15/hour by 2026. Unfortunately, according to MIT, the livable wage in Orlando is at least $18/hour.
Easy Access to the Public Transportation and the Orlando International Airport
There is no getting around the fact that Orlando is huge, complicated, and very busy, thanks to the bustling tourism industry. The OIA is a short drive from downtown and the city center.
Getting around to many of Orlando’s busiest, best sights is straightforward, thanks to the SunRail and Lynx, the light rail, and the bus system with dozens of stops throughout the city.
Many Residents Living in Orlando Struggle with Tourists
From Universal Studios to LEGO Land, SeaWorld, and, of course, Disney World, there are over a dozen popular theme parks spread throughout the city.
You cannot throw a rock without hitting a leading theme park attraction, and while this is fun and convenient for tourists, imagine trying to commute to work, drop your kids off at daycare, or spend a romantic evening enjoying Orlando’s international cuisine in all that hustle and bustle.
Orlando’s Positive Job Growth
Orlando has experienced very positive job growth over the last few years, which is expected to stay the same. Tourism is a significant component; most of the city’s top 10 largest employers are tourist attractions.
Still, other industries are hiring in central Florida, including healthcare, restaurants and hospitality, banking and real estate, and transportation.
Contact Denver Moving Companies if you’re ready to call Florida home and want some cross-country moving advice.
The Beautiful Scenery and Culture: Orlando is More than Walt Disney World
Millions visit Orlando every year to enjoy the theme parks and warm climate. Still, there is more to Orlando than the thrills of Universal Studios and trips to Cocoa Beach, a popular destination about one hour away from the city.
Although the exact date isn’t known, as far back as 1908, residents and city planners wanted to revitalize the city, which led to a movement called “City Beautiful.”
The goal was to transform Orlando in the same way as other major cities, including Detroit, Cincinnati, and a town that you know and love, Denver, Colorado!
Take Advantage of the Award-Winning Restaurants, Theaters, and Wonderful Architecture
To say that Orlando is eclectic is an understatement. The city was incorporated in 1875 and was influenced by the unique history that occurred well before the first settlers came to Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth.
Nowhere is this broad-ranging influence felt than in some of the city’s finest restaurants, theaters, museums, and festivals.
Here are a few highlights:
- Orlando Film Festival: Thousands of independent filmmakers from across the globe submit their short-form films each year.
- Lake Eola Heights Historic District: Arguably the most beautiful neighborhood in the city, the district features a mixture of modern and Mediterranean Revival homes. Be aware that although immaculate, the area features some of the highest home prices in the city.
- Downtown Orlando: New residents are drawn to the historic downtown region to enjoy the area’s architecture, attractions, and some of the best restaurants in the state!
- Harry P. Leu Gardens: Let’s face it, you can only visit so many theme parks in one day! When you are ready to explore the best of what Mother Nature has to offer, this 50-acre botanical garden features the largest display of roses in the state.
Florida has so much to offer, so if you are moving to Orlando, Tallahassee, or Moving to Miami, take advantage of all our services and experience, including a guide to what not to pack and our out-of-state moving guide!
Denver vs. Orlando: Which City is More Expensive?
Denver has a notoriously high cost of living, around 26% higher than the national average. This is largely “thanks” to the high housing costs, high transportation prices, and higher miscellaneous costs. How do the costs of living in Orlando compare to Denver?
Before taking the first steps to move to Orlando, including budgeting for a move and creating the ultimate new home checklist, here is a head-to-head comparison of living costs in Orlando vs. Denver:
The Overall Cost of Living
The entire cost of living factors is based on the cost of housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, and other incidentals, from the price of internet services to the average price of memberships to local gyms and yoga studios.
Orlando’s living costs are lower than Denver’s, at around 6% above the national average.
Across the board, from affordable housing options to grocery and healthcare costs, it is cheaper to call Orlando home!
If living costs are a driving factor in your relocation, let us provide you with all the help you will need to pack up and call O-Town home, from the importance of choosing independent movers to tips for moving with pets!
Housing Costs and Rental Prices
The median home price in Orlando is roughly $369,400, which is slightly above the national average of $338,100. Both numbers fall well below the national median home selling price of $576,000.
The median price for all varieties of rentals in Orlando is $2,095/month, approximately 5% higher than the average nationwide.
The median rental prices in Denver are comparable at $2,100/month. Of course, the price of renting a one-bedroom will vary wildly depending on which neighborhood you call home.
Some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Orlando include Audubon Park, Baldwin Park, Ventura, and Delaney Park.
Property Taxes and State Income Tax
The property tax rate in Orlando is 1.31%, and the average homeowner pays roughly $2,673/year on their annual residential or commercial tax on property.
Living in Colorado, you probably already know you enjoy some of the lowest tax rates in the country, at 0.06%. The average homeowner in Colorado receives a tax bill of around $1,437/year.
Although these numbers are not significantly different, they are still a consideration when deciding whether to hire professional office movers in Denver or stick around and enjoy the low taxes.
The Best Neighborhoods in Orlando, and Perhaps, Central Florida!
Orlando and Florida, all together, are known as one of the most popular places to retire.
The ample number of retirement communities coupled with the low property taxes and sales tax means it makes sense to pack up and relocate to Florida after a lifetime of working.
However, what if you are just starting out after college or want to start a family?
People are moving to Florida and Orlando specifically. If you are amongst the enthusiastic millions considering Orlando, here are a few of the best neighborhoods to buy a house and plant some roots:
College Park
Known for its traditional tree-lined streets and Art Deco architecture, College Park is located in the Northwestern portion of the city, with easy access to downtown.
A classic Orlando neighborhood featuring many small businesses and beautiful restaurants, the median home price is $375,000, and the average rental costs are $1,500/month.
Baldwin Park
Take advantage of the state’s income tax and access to public transportation in Baldwin Park. Baldwin Park is perfect if you have an active lifestyle but also love the laid-back atmosphere of the suburbs and want to live within a short drive of downtown Orlando.
Some of Orlando’s most beautiful homes are situated in this neighborhood, which also features several wonderful community parks and some of the most highly-rated schools in the city.
Save money on your housing costs by moving to Baldwin Park, where the median home selling price is $280,950.
Park Lake/Highland
A perfect mixture of urban excitement and easygoing small-town life, the Park Lake/Highland community has a population of just over 960 residents.
It is known for its safety, restaurants, shopping, classic Mediterranean Orlando architecture, and bungalow-style homes, many of which were constructed in the late 1800s!
The home prices and rental costs are comparable with some of the other best neighborhoods in the city. Want to move to any of these or the other dozens of unique communities throughout Orlando?
Let’s face it: moving to Orlando can be stressful, which is why we are here to help! Allow the team at Denver Moving Companies to provide you with Colorado moving tips and more tips on negotiating with movers!
The Warm Weather: Be Prepared for Muggy Summers
The Orlando Metropolitan area has a total population of roughly 2,071,000, and all these residents agree on one thing: The summers in Orlando are brutal!
The average daily temperature at the Orlando International Airport rarely dips below 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is not uncommon for you to experience temperatures in excess of a sweltering 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the height of July!
Planning a family or friends trip to Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, or any other theme parks throughout the city in the summer? Here are a few tips to help you beat the heat:
- Plan a single day indoors: Ask residents about some of the best indoor, air-conditioned attractions in Orlando, including the SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and The Wheel at Icon Park.
- Invest in cooling towels and hefty water bottles: Taking your kids to multiple theme parks? Make sure to drink plenty of water, learn from past mistakes, and apply sunscreen throughout the day!
- Take a break in the mid-afternoon: A funky restaurant or small boutique is a great place to escape the heat during the afternoon.
Do you need help decluttering before a move or want to discuss eco-friendly moving strategies – Our team of moving and packing experts is always ready and waiting to help!
Mild Winters in Orlando Means Tourism is a Year-Round Industry
You’re in luck if you’re moving to Orlando to escape the cold and snow! The average high temperature throughout the winter hovers around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be aware that much like winters in Denver, this is the peak tourist season throughout Orlando, with families from across the country flocking to Walt Disney World, particularly during spring break.
Living in Orlando: The Only Statistics You Will Ever Need!
Here are some fast statistics about the county seat of Orange County, Florida, Orlando:
- Population: 316,081 residents
- Median household income: $88,128
- Poverty rate: 15.46%
- Unemployment rate: 5.2%
- Crime rate: 28.39 per 1,000 residents
Contact Denver Moving Companies for All Your Residential Relocating, Packing, and Office Moving Needs
Whether you are moving to Orlando, Kissimmee, Key West, Pensacola, Sarasota, or any other unique cities throughout the Sunshine State, let the pros at Denver Moving Companies offer you home office relocation tips.
Whether you are moving from a one-bedroom or a massive five-bedroom house, our friendly staff of fantastic movers can help you plan every aspect of your move! We offer a wide variety of unbeatable services, including local, long-distance, and office moving!
Let Us Help You Budget for Your Big Move
Choosing a moving company is a process that takes time and effort. Now that there are alternatives to “traditional” long-distance movers, finding the right company to plan and execute your move is more confusing than ever.
At Denver Moving Companies, we will always provide you with a free, no-hassle moving quote.
It won’t take long for you to understand that when it comes to relocating long-distance, you should always work with a reliable, established moving company in Denver.
Want to learn more? Here are some tips for avoiding moving brokers and moving companies vs. PODS.
Our Customers Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good idea to move to Orlando, Florida?
There are several fantastic reasons to move to Orlando, FL, including the city’s endless, family-friendly activities, beautiful weather, fabulous restaurants, and reasonable cost of living. Of course, you also must contend with all the tourists and humidity.
Are you thinking of making a move to Orlando or Florida in the winter? Follow this simple winter moving guide!
Is it expensive to live in Orlando?
Being a tourist in Orlando, FL, can be very expensive. However, with a cost of living that is only slightly above the national average and well below the average living costs in Denver, Colorado, it is typically very inexpensive to live in Orlando.
The lower average costs are primarily because of the lower median home selling costs. If you are renting, be aware that an average one-bedroom costs comparable to Denver’s.
What part of Orlando, FL, should I move to?
Moving to Orlando is on the horizon, and in addition to the above-mentioned notable neighborhoods to call home, there are other wonderful areas to purchase a home or start a small, home-based business, including:
- East Park
- Bal Bay
- Colonialtown North
- Southern Oaks
- Coytown
In addition to featuring reasonably priced homes and relatively low crime rates, these areas feature some of the best school districts in the city.
Why do people move to Orlando?
Sure, there are dozens of theme parks, but that is only one of the reasons why people are moving to Orlando. The city also features a very diverse culture, low taxes, a strong economy, a flourishing job market, and excellent school systems.
When you are ready to pack and see what Florida has to offer, we serve several areas in and around Denver. Here is our Denver Moving Company Service Area!
