Only In Orlando (jobs, houses, crime)

[Prettygyrl777]

I don't want to bash Orlando or the people that live there but based on the couple of years that I lived there I have to jump on what StupidFlanders said: "class, education" and the "economy" of Orlando. This is a very service oriented area- it's bound to attract illegal immigrants or regular joes who are willing to work under the table (maids, cooks, dishwashers, construction, etc). In fact, I remember a few international students that went to school with me, graduated- stayed in the u.s.- and now one does dishes at a local restaurant and the other sells flea market goods. But that's just one part of it.

Also, Rich_cd is right when you say that this can be changed if we let our money talk and just take our business elsewhere. But the money that the residents' spend is replaceable. The tourists that flock to this place (daily) will keep those places in business. And its not just the 'disney' area, either- people rent houses and property to vacationers (year round) whether or not they're close to the magic kingdom.

*Also wanted to add that if there is no sense of community (as someone else mentioned) then there can be no sense of accountability when things go wrong i.e., poor customer service. People will develop a sense of apathy and will just come to accept being treated this way. I'm not a complainer by nature but I believe in being productive. If it will help the store, the customers or even the cashier in anyway, believe me, I would speak up on it.

[backtofla]

stupidflanders and pianogirl, you are both right. orlando isnt exclusive to other towns and how rude ppl are. but, i have been to a lot of cities/states in my 20-something yrs, and i must say, w/o a doubt, that orlando has the most rude/angry/aggressive ppl i have ever seen. not even a close 2nd. BUT, i havent been to miami.

ps- in the poll, i picked "leaving is in my 5 yr plan" but i hope to get out in 2yrs or so...

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Stupid Flanders

For me it's not about race. It's about class and education.

This is precisely why I like it better down here...

[Stupid Flanders]

Originally Posted by fort lauderdale

This is precisely why I like it better down here...

I've been through your neck of the woods many a time. I tend to agree with you!

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Stupid Flanders

I've been through your neck of the woods many a time. I tend to agree with you!

Of course we have some exceptions (go to parts of Fort Lauderdale itself and you can see SLIMEBALLS of every race). I don't really find there to be such thing as "race" here, although I hope it stays that way...fortunately our population wave seems to be different from what other parts of the state are experiencing(GENERALLY SPEAKING)...for now...but we have our own economic issues, and I'm going to have to get out of here sooner or later for that reason.

[backtofla]

i know where ur headed homeboy!!!

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by backtofla

i know where ur headed homeboy!!!

Naw, I'm thinkin somewhere in da state dawg. I may got some connections yo.

Cary=too boring for my age. Maybe when I'm married and have kids.

[backtofla]

aight. sounds good, homey. do dat .

[Stupid Flanders]

Originally Posted by fort lauderdale

Of course we have some exceptions (go to parts of Fort Lauderdale itself and you can see SLIMEBALLS of every race). I don't really find there to be such thing as "race" here, although I hope it stays that way...fortunately our population wave seems to be different from what other parts of the state are experiencing(GENERALLY SPEAKING)...for now...but we have our own economic issues, and I'm going to have to get out of here sooner or later for that reason.

Right now, I'm getting tons of opportunities at work. That's really the only thing that keeps me here. I'm building my resume, but once that's done, I'm out too.

I interviewed 3 people today for a $14 per hour office position (about 8 ppl over the past few weeks). Most of them HIGHLY overqualified people from NY and MI. They point-blank told me that they did not expect it to take them 3 months to find a "profesional" position down here, and now they are looking for anything to keep the lights on while they continue their job search.

I guess I was fortunate to come here with a good northern-based company and was able to keep my "up naath" salary. Still, it's not worth putting up with all the crap that comes with Orlando.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Stupid Flanders

Right now, I'm getting tons of opportunities at work. That's really the only thing that keeps me here. I'm building my resume, but once that's done, I'm out too.

I interviewed 3 people today for a $14 per hour office position (about 8 ppl over the past few weeks). Most of them HIGHLY overqualified people from NY and MI. They point-blank told me that they did not expect it to take them 3 months to find a "profesional" position down here, and now they are looking for anything to keep the lights on while they continue their job search.

I guess I was fortunate to come here with a good northern-based company and was able to keep my "up naath" salary. Still, it's not worth putting up with all the crap that comes with Orlando.

When I was speaking of economic issues, I was more referring to the region than our own situation. My family is in an AMAZING situation, and so am I. It is certainly no secret that Florida is experiencing a drain of the 18-25 pack.

I'm actually younger than you might expect. Financially my family has done commendably well here but I will tell you, South Florida is a very, very intimidating place to start a career in any field. Orlando is even worse in this regard. I like it here, and every time we go back to Orlando to visit friends (we go quite frequently) I come back with more of an appreciation for my area, but in my opinion the problem down here is less the quality of life (depending on who you ask, some people hate this place, but from a purely analytical standpoint, it's not bad) and more cost of life. I have some good connections in Tampa and I might head up there when I'm finished with school. All and all I have been at least around a few places, and when I get home, I actually like what I see. Never really felt the same way about Orlando.