what do you think orlando be like in 5/10 years (Miami: insurance, condo)

[shirt35]

right now I think its over crowded and washed up. I dread the future of the city. what do ou think?

[Crane's Rooster]

I think most of problems will still be prevalent. Most of these things can't be fixed overnight, congestion, infrastructure, etc. That being said, here's the good news.

After the downtown venues are built I think we will definitely see an elevation in quality of entertainment and options. NBA Commissioner David Stern has already alluded that if a new arena is built the All-Star weekend will return to Orlando. The new arena will also be able to attract many more big concerts which are currently passing us up for St.Pete Times forum because it's a much nicer facility. The renovated Citrus bowl will also attract more college games, hopefully a major conference championship game (ACC, Big East or maybe even SEC). The thing I'm most excited about is the Performing Arts Center. I think this will do alot for improving the Cultural options here.

Hopefully Central Florida Commuter rail will be up and running. The most impact I see this having is creating communities around the rail stations themselves. I could see small villages with housing, retail and dinning and within walking distance to the new rail stations.

I see the City of Orlando experiencing a surge in population and getting more dense. I think the trend has already been going on for a while but will become more noticeable in the next 5-10 years. Even in the midst of the condo bust and housing slow down there are still alot of mixed use and multi-family dwellings going up. I see alot of young people, including young families, and some empty nesters moving back into the city to take advantage of the conveniences and new amenities.

For better, I think, or worse, what alot of Orlando bashers seem to imply, Orlando/Orange county will continue to diversify. At last census estimate Orange county was already close to 50/50 and the City was minority majority. I see Orlando/Orange county, like many other urban areas becoming a minority majority area. And yes, Spanish will become even more prevalent, like it or not.

I also see the city becoming much younger. It's a fairly young city as it is, but I would see some older families and residents opting to move out to the suburbs to be replaced by a younger demographic.

Those are my general predictions. Some will agree with me, some disagree. Some like what I have to say, other, who I could easily guess right now, will not and some will just feel they need to get their negative comments in for the day. Either way, that's what this forum is for and I'm interested in seeing what other people's take will be.

[knightgoose]

I agree ...Orlando will continue to get more diverse and more young...young city already but the faster pace/traffic will draw the older demographic away

[bdpop]

Take a trip down to Miami. That will give you an idea of what Orlando will become.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by bdpop

Take a trip down to Miami. That will give you an idea of what Orlando will become.

It's already worse to tell you the truth...because there are more negatives to a place than a large Hispanic population . The traffic, crime, economy, even schools are already as bad or worse than Miami. Conditions in the city of Miami are worse, as far as the general quality of life, the Orlando and Miami area are both pretty lackluster. And unlike Miami, Orlando has no image and no culture (not that Miami is best in class in the latter, but it has it). The Latin culture down there is actually vibrant and interesting, if anyone would be willing to open and expand their mind a little bit.

[luvthatmouse]

All the young families we know are getting the heck out of Orlando. They are moving to Colorado, MA, NC, some even back to CA. Three families that we heard from (my parents neighbors) in the past 2 WEEKS are packing up and out. We are in a nice area too-Celebration. They just can't make it here. Too expensive and pay is too low. Singles do ok but retired folks are doing worse every month from what I hear. Many can't afford their taxes, electric, food, insurance , gas, etc.. My friend said a work buddy can't pay his bills and is going to be forced to move back to NJ. He likes it here but can't live on what he makes. He is young and single too. It is bad all over the county now. I see Orlando (and a lot of Florida) being old rich folks in a few years. With slave labor working for them.

[kinglouix]

Good point about Orlando being nothing like Miami, with the Cubans there is actually culture that adds to the total product. There is an intellicutual base and good food. Orlando's Puerto Ricans are the polar opposite just adding crime without any of the pluses.

[TheOriginal]

I think Orlando will continue to get worse, and for those that live here and know the problems I am speaking of, I dont see it getting any better

[floridaresident]

Originally Posted by TheOriginal

I think Orlando will continue to get worse, and for those that live here and know the problems I am speaking of, I dont see it getting any better

I have lived here for almost 25 + years (I am 33) and I definitely have seen Orlando go in the wrong direction. Yeah, we have stores and restaurants galore but we have few parks to visit, it is deadly to walk and ride bikes in the city (unless you are on one of our few trails), and our public transportation is laughable. The "commuter" rail that seems like it will never come, will never solve anything...it is a lazy solution to a real problem that we are going to have here. People live in suburbs sprawled all over the area. It doesn't make sense for them to give up their car to take a rail that probably won't go where they need to go anyway. They would rather sit in traffic. So poor city planning, uncontrolled growth, and lack of public transportation is going to make this place unbearable in the next 5 to 10 years. It is bad enough for me, a native Floridian, that I will probably be saying bye bye to Florida in the next year or so.

[pianogal]

Although I love my area of Orlando......I'm afraid it's going to become just like so many others....wall to wall asphalt and cars.

There are still beautiful, charming neighborhoods here - unfortunately like any other larger city - they are surrounded by crime, dirt, and traffic.

I don't see Orlando as being different than any other larger city - they all have to deal with these problems. If it gets to the point where it bothers me that much - I will have to move to a smaller place - with less traffic, less crime etc.

I do watch the board meetings of the city council and have noticed them cracking down recently on developers, etc. It may be too little too late - but at least they have finally noticed and seem to understand we can't develop every square inch of land in Orange County!