Considering moving to Orlando... (Tampa, Longwood: environment, insurance, salary)

[kdpetersen]

My fiance and I are considering moving to Orlando, and we just needed a bit of advice. We had to choose between Orlando and Tampa, and it seems like we would get a lot more for our money in Orlando (we've heard that home insurance in Tampa is a lot higher). Is this the case?

Also, I'm a teacher- are there a lot of teaching jobs in the area? I've heard that teachers in Florida don't make as much as they do up here (in Chicago)... but I was just wondering if anyone had any input. Thanks!

[Wilshire81182]

I think the homes and environment is more modern and attraction packed in Orlando. I think the demographic is younger and more urban here. It is more "redneck-y" in Tampa. There is a larger hispanic population in Orlando and the job market seems weaker. The biggest advantage to Tampa is that it feels more like a real city, is close to the water, and has an edge on lower crime than Orlando. Orlando's biggest advantages are more entertainment options and the homes and retail. I think it feels cleaner in Orlando too. I cannot speak for schools in Tampa but they get a bad rap here in Orlando and they recently laid off a lot of teachers and administrators at the end of the school year. It is a rough time to be in education in Orange and Seminole at least.

[beckycat]

Not to bust your bubble, but I have a friend who is a teacher in Seminole county. They are closing the school she works for due to funding. She said they are laying people off. I think they start hiring people in May for next year, so you may want to check the website. As for me, I'd rather be in the burbs of Orlando then Tampa. I think teachers start out at about $30K from what my friend told me.

[pianogal]

The average starting salary for a first year teacher here is about 37K. However, there are a large number of teachers being laid off this year, so I don't know how many jobs will be available. I personally know several assistant band directors who are losing their jobs. They told me all the Middle School assistant band directors in Orange County are being laid off. As usual the arts get the first cut!

[cfIfan]

You will find that as the housing market has slowed down, the huge expansion in schools isnt needed at the present time and they just arnt recruiting teachers. My wife is a title agent but went through the training for teaching as she wanted to get out of the title business and they just are not hiring. I dont know about Tampa but i know that is the case for Orlando.

[adigitalmoment]

my girl and i will be having a baby around january and we are living in south florida right now. our rent is 1200 a month plus extra stuff. i know orlando is cheap living wise but where are some good areas? id like to be in the center near downtownish due to my job

[cfIfan]

im sorry, but im not understanding you, in another thread you posted how bad downtown was with stabbings, shootings etc. If this truely is the case, why on earth would you want to live there especially with a new born baby?

[ag8rfan]

I used to work for Orange County a couple years ago as a 'Classified Employee' coaching 3 sports while I tried to secure a full-time posistion. Although I worked just as many hours as the hired teachers, I was paid a salary for 37.5 hours each week. With my coaching supplements, I made a whole $17,500 for the year. If not for my 3 other part-time jobs (yes I was wore out), I would not have been able to support my family.
Unfortunately, teachers have the greatest impact on our youth (other than parents and peers), yet we pay them so little.
As far as housing goes, there are many excellent places to live in Central Florida. I would recommend Sabal Point in Longwood for a family. If you need a non-pushey, professional realtor; call Kim Best.
Bryan