relocating to florida (Orlando, Winter Springs, Oviedo: jobs, house, cost of living)

[njfour]

I have just convinced my husband to move to Florida from New Jersey, so I'm a bit excited, but need some help. I am moving from a relatively safe neighborhood, with good schools and would like to live in a similar neighborhood. I have family members in Clermont, Lake County and Orlando, but I would prefer to move to Seminole County, and I am thinking about Oviedo, Longwood and probably Winter Springs. I am a teacher with a 12 and a 6 year old, and a safe, family friendly neighborhood and good schools are very important to me. Does anyone have any information on these places, and also which parts should I avoid? Any input will be appreciated.Thanks

[njfour]

Thanks for the info, but right now we are exploring neighborhoods. We still have a little way before we move down, we would have to sell our house here first etc. This is just the first step, finding out about the different neighborhoods.

[bdpop]

Don't do it! After living here for three years, I am going back to NJ. I cannot find a decent job here. At least one that pays the bills. Pay here is VERY, VERY low and good , corporate, professional jobs are hard to come by. Most of the jobs here are low paying, service jobs. Getting a good job here is like trying to win a competion, like American Idol, because there are so many people applying for that same job.

[mr jbos]

be sure to visit Orlando JobSpot, they had great info on finding a job and some tips in the orlando industry. they were very helpful for me and i wish you luck in moving into the city beautiful. don't listen to any negativity, jobs arent too hard to find if you actually look for one

[Ash5705]

Look at the Avalon Park 32828 area. Grade A schools, very family oriented. It is on the East side of Orange County, and there are schools in the neighborhood for you to apply to.

Good luck, we love it here. Orlando is a great city.

[njfour]

Thanks everyone for your reply. I will definitely check out your information, because at this point we have definitely decided to relocate to Florida. Buying in New Jersey now is ridiculous, the prices are outrageous. Cost of living here is off the chart, so we are just hoping for the best in Florida, and will try hard.

[luvthatmouse]

Originally Posted by mr jbos

be sure to visit Orlando JobSpot, they had great info on finding a job and some tips in the orlando industry. they were very helpful for me and i wish you luck in moving into the city beautiful. don't listen to any negativity, jobs arent too hard to find if you actually look for one

DH and I have been trying for close to 3 years now to land a decent job. We have applied to hundreds of jobs. He has 3 degrees (Electrical Engineering, International Business/Spanish and Buisness Management) my degree is in English/Art (photography.) We have owned our own businesses and managed several. Outstanding resumes. It is VERY hard to find work here. Not many careers with room to move up. Many service jobs. Very low pay.

[bdpop]

It also seems like the more upper level or management type of experience you have; especially corporate type experience, the harder it is to get a job here. Go figure.

[lola74]

I live in North carolina now ,but I'm thinking with my husband in going baack to florida, we used to live in miami but hosnestly it's not the same as a few years back. we love orlando and i want to know if someone can tell me about how life is there, is it good to start a family there...please i need advise.

[moonbeam]

The good, the bad, and the ugly is on this site so inhale it all. Be realistic. Start sending resumes or better yet contact some temporary agencies depending on your set of skills. A dose of reality...I am with 7 or 8 temp. agencies. I cannot get a decent job and I've heard numerous other people say the same thing regarding Orlando. I had friends leave to go to Naples where they finally got decent jobs-she had a teaching degree. You pay for having that sun shine on you honey. The price is too high for me without enough return.
I, too, am from up north and find this place like another planet. A definite culture shock. I cannot believe how hard it is to find a job. I have skills, an education...can you speak spanish? That's a job requirement if you'll be working in an office. The grass is NOT ALWAYS GREENER....New Jersey has alot more industry than Orlando and better laws to protect employees. But it's all relative....I refuse to settle.
Let me reiterate-FLORIDA IS A HIGH-COST LOW-WAGE STATE. In other words you will need either a roommate, a husband or wife, some relative to help you pay the bills, and most likely two jobs, the second one to pay for tolls. Smile, moonbeam