Thinking about Relocating to Orlando (Jacksonville, Tampa: military, jobs, homes)

[jeffreda30238]

I have read many posts, but nothing to specific to my situation. I am about to get out of the army and I am thinking about relocating to orlando. I am a single mother with an elementary school aged child. I am originally from Atlanta but it is getting SOOOO overcrowded that I am not wanting to go back and I am wanting a change of scenery. I am a paralegal with a degree and certified, so what are the odds of me obtaining a good job? What is a good area to live in as far as schools, not too far from urban night life, and not too pricey? I plan on buying a home and I am already aware they are pricier than the ones I am use to in Atlanta. I am looking for a NICE, affordable neighborhood with 3/2 bedroom homes. Any suggestions please? I have not looked for a job there but the neighborhood I live in I would want to be a central location to any major areas where the job opportunities are abundant. Thanks

[NYC8]

just my opinion....if u have to move here look in winter garden, south of HWY 50.
but don't be fooled, there are no good jobs in orlando area. crime is excessive here.
have u considered moving to north carolina?

[kinglouix]

There is no urban nightlife in Orlando, the city is overrun by tattoo clad thugs after 8PM all 18-25. Nobody over 30 would be caught dead in Orlando after dark. You are about to make the biggest mistake of your life.

[jeffreda30238]

I live in NC now and I HATE IT! Hmm...I guess it's not looking so good for the move huh? Well are there any recommendations on GREAT cities to live in, in Florida?

[backtofla]

what part of nc do you live in?

dont move to orlando. i wouldnt if i could do it all over again. look into northern fla.

[jeffreda30238]

Right now I'm in Fayetteville (bc I am military). I am hearing Charlotte and Raleigh are up and coming but I really do not like it here.

[backtofla]

ahh, i used to live in western nc. charlotte and raleigh (imo) are far better choices than orlando. that is practically a no-brainer, and nobody on this orlando forum will probably dispute that. if you like fla, as i do, try northern fla. orlando is just getting to be too much like miami

[krock67]

Don't let the previous posters discourage you from moving to Orlando. You may find that their perspective/situation/reality maybe different from your own. For example I believe one of them delivers pizzas for a living, which is one of the most dangerous jobs to have anywhere in America.

[jeffreda30238]

Im not...I still have to visit..but some of the comments have made me look more towards Jacksonville...any opinions on it?

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by backtofla

ahh, i used to live in western nc. charlotte and raleigh (imo) are far better choices than orlando. that is practically a no-brainer, and nobody on this orlando forum will probably dispute that. if you like fla, as i do, try northern fla. orlando is just getting to be too much like miami

Charlotte? I beg to differ.I'm never impressed by the place when I go there. Raleigh? Without a doubt. I WOULD be there right now if it weren't boring-central.

Actually, I think anywhere in Florida is a step up from Orlando. You don't even have to go north. Actually, a lot of places south are a step up. Jacksonville, Tampa, Palm Beach County, even Broward County are going to be a step up. Jacksonville is a step up from Orlando's high cost of living, terrible traffic and not-too-friendly people. Tampa is a step up in just about every category, people are down-to-earth, better climate due to being closer to the water, better schools. Palm Beach County is a step up in culture,climate,aesthetics, traffic, and schools. Broward County is a step up in safety (For now), traffic,culture, racial relations, and even schools. All of those are a step up in customer service and work ethic.

In all honesty though, Seminole County outside of Orlando is a perfectly decent place to live. If you can work there and live there, than Orlando is nice, in a generic, Anywhere USA sort of way...