is orlando really that bad

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by kinglouix

I'm not here by choice, my ex wife moved here with my son, and I came him with an open mind and was completely fooled by what I thought it would be like here (based on 2 trips to Disney World) and what a truly dismal place it is on every level. I didn't pick it so I don't have to defend it. People all the time do or say or believe things to cope with their miserable situation, and it is not human nature to admit that one is wrong. So the realists tell it like it is and the rest try to defend what deep down they know is not defendable. You cannot take anyone who has ever been to any other city to downtown Orlando and make any argument at all that it has anything to offer. The crime figures are real and cannot be compared to much smaller pockets in other cities. This city is overrun with crime and low elements who came here because they visited Disney World and thought they would get a good job and a cheap house. What developed was a nightmare of urban sprawl, with nothing but chain restaurants, price gauging, and band box cookie cutter homes that are now completely unaffordable. Almost any other area offers much more for less. For example, name another city in Florida with this many tolls?

If you're staying here for your son there is no way I can argue with you on that and commend you for that. I think you are right on the mark as far as people coming to Central Florida and becoming disenchanted as residents because it's not the wonderland they experienced on vacation here. I had the same experience when I went away for school. Visited Boston and absolutely loved it. But that's because I stayed in a nice hotel in the middle of all the action. When I moved up there it was a whole different story. At one point I was ready to pack it up and transfer. But eventually I made it a point to accept the things I didn't like about the city and find some bright spots. I left there in love with the place. I still go back and would consider relocating there any day but I do warn people that if you've never lived in New England visiting and living there is two completely different things. I also tell them though that if they can adapt and be open minded Boston is one of the greatest places in America. Do I think you're exaggerating the numbers when it comes to crime and traffic...of course not. I worked in criminal justice system here, it is a serious situation out there. But do I think it dominates my life and lifestyle...of course not. I take the necessary precautions and try to go out and enjoy what Central Florida does have to offer. South Florida has just as many if not more tolls than Central Florida but you have to accept that as a way of life down there. Either get a sunpass or fight it out on 95 or 75 to get to work in 2 hrs or less. That being said I hated driving in South Florida, but I didn't let mold my perception of the area. Crime down there is just as bad, maybe worse and housing is ridiculous down there without people making much more than here. But the weather, nightlife and beautiful people there are amazing. I dealt with the traffic and crime and took advantage of the other things. My point is this. You have every right to criticize Orlando for all it's downfalls and every right to feel the way you do. I just want to give the outsiders a different perspective. I live in the same Orlando you do and deal with the same problems. I just want them to understand it's not all gloom and doom. We have our fair share of problems but we also have also to offer. You can always make the best or worst of where you're at.

[**NoodLes**]

If you don't call this bad Police: Toddler's Skin Burned Off During Hot Oil-Hair Dryer Torture - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando I don't know what is! Welcome to Orlando, these are the neighbors you will be dealing with.

[Magnulus]

Originally Posted by ucfjtm

- The transportation system. ...
- The school system. ...
- Real estate development by the builders.

Central Florida is one of the least progressive, proactive places in terms of sustainability issues. Environmentalism and social responsibility probably rank at the bottom for the government here. Indeed, it the state and local governments seem more focused on growth than quality of life. The only time an issue pops up touching on environmentalism, like offshore drilling, the issue for them isn't the environment per se, but threats to profits (in this case, the beach tourism industry). They are quick to lower taxes and quick to look for sleazy sources of revenue, wheather it is casino gambling or lotteries.

[amax41]

and after all that Mag once would think that the "crackdown" on prostitution would be last on their list.

[Petertherock]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

If you don't call this bad Police: Toddler's Skin Burned Off During Hot Oil-Hair Dryer Torture - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando I don't know what is! Welcome to Orlando, these are the neighbors you will be dealing with.

You can find those kind of stories and even worse in almost every state in the country. People take the most extreme stories and make it sound like it's the norm.

[Alphaman]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

If you don't call this bad Police: Toddler's Skin Burned Off During Hot Oil-Hair Dryer Torture - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando I don't know what is! Welcome to Orlando, these are the neighbors you will be dealing with.

As horrific as that crime was that is not the type of crimes people are talking about when they are asking where the safe areas are. That could have happened anywhere even windermere that doesn't mean windermere is a high crime area.

And about that crime that guy needs to be executed thats ridiculous!

[SouthernBelle3]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

If you don't call this bad Police: Toddler's Skin Burned Off During Hot Oil-Hair Dryer Torture - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando I don't know what is! Welcome to Orlando, these are the neighbors you will be dealing with.

I've lived in Florida for over 25 years and I never had neighbors like that.

[rich renter]

london is worse than orlando

[Alphaman]

Originally Posted by rich renter

london is worse than orlando

I`m not sure about that..

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main...%2Fnmurd21.xml

[ChipandMollysMom]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

If you don't call this bad Police: Toddler's Skin Burned Off During Hot Oil-Hair Dryer Torture - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando I don't know what is! Welcome to Orlando, these are the neighbors you will be dealing with.

While I do understand what you are trying to say, this is not exclusive to Orlando in any way shape or form.

This story is from Toledo, Ohio: 2 charged in torture death of 2-year-old Toledo boy

Bottom line being that no matter where you go, you are going to have crime and horrific things happening.