FL transplants who came knowing no one? (Orlando, Winter Springs: relocating, vacation)

[ang08]

I realize that this question is very subjective and everyone's experience is different, but....I'm going to throw it out there anyway! We are planning on relocating to FL - most likely Lake Mary.

A little info...we are currently in WA, trying to sell our home. We lived in Orlando 10 years ago (only for 2 years) and want to get back to a warmer climate. I am one of those who actually thrives in the heat and humidity. I have SAD and spend most of the year very depressed up here.

For those you who moved from out of state and with no family/friends in the area, what has your experience been? Are people generally friendly and open to transplants? Is there a community feel or is very "cliquey"? If you moved for better weather, was it worth leaving family and friends? I am so miserable in the cold that I think so, but it's still tough.

[AONE]

I think you will find some areas just speak to people while others don't. For me every time I came to the state I felt home. I lived in Missouri for 30 years and never felt at home there. I happen to have my family in the state but I left my friends. While the move can be difficult I think finding activities you will enjoy will be the road to making it a good move. You need to find people to add diversity to life as only a friend can do. Explore the activities of the area and find things to be involved with so some of those acquaintances can be made and your life can be fuller. Then when vacation times come get the family to head to a different locations and rekindle those bonds every once in a while.
If you had been in Lake Mary I think you will find it is growing up. But it is a ncie place to be even though a bit off the beaten path.

[c3po]

Originally Posted by ang08

I realize that this question is very subjective and everyone's experience is different, but....I'm going to throw it out there anyway! We are planning on relocating to FL - most likely Lake Mary.

A little info...we are currently in WA, trying to sell our home. We lived in Orlando 10 years ago (only for 2 years) and want to get back to a warmer climate. I am one of those who actually thrives in the heat and humidity. I have SAD and spend most of the year very depressed up here.

For those you who moved from out of state and with no family/friends in the area, what has your experience been? Are people generally friendly and open to transplants? Is there a community feel or is very "cliquey"? If you moved for better weather, was it worth leaving family and friends? I am so miserable in the cold that I think so, but it's still tough.

Hi, I am originally from FL, moved out of state to another state in the Sotheast, and then returned to FL a couple yrs ago. We do have family here, but not immediate family. I'll try to help, and give you honest feedback...

First of all, Lake Mary is nice, a good place to live if you choose to be in the Orlando area. I believe that Orlando isnt exactly "cliquey", and there certainly isnt much of a community feel in my opinion. People just dont seem to really be interested in other people. Everyone is from somewhere else, and that imo is a factor.

Moving for "better weather" is subjective (I believe 5 months of summer is waaaay too long, and we dont really have a Christmas feel, because it aint cold enough), but if you enjoy Central FL weather, it still cant come close to being more important than family and friends.

But, if you move to Lake Mary, you may enjoy it a lot. It is a nice area over there. Oviedo, Winter Springs, and parts of Winter Park are also good choices.

[miakelly]

Like many places, you will probably have to make an effort to meet people. I am not saying that is characteristic of Orlando. I feel that is important anywhere. Just know that you will have to approach people, be open and friendly and outgoing and build up a circle of friends.

I just moved here from the northeast. I find the people here very friendly. We are in temporary housing and have met lots of very nice people at the pool here. I've talked to lots of moms at parks & playgrounds. I find I usually have to be the one to smile or say hi first, but after that, most open up and are very friendly.

I came here knowing that I would have to leave my comfort zone and really make an effort to be open and assertive in meeting new people.

[BeenAroundTheBlock]

We moved here from the Philadelphia suburbs 4 years ago without knowing anyone. My experience was pretty positive. The first few months went by pretty quickly due to getting settled in the new house, learning the new area, etc. I won't deny that there is a trade off for weather vs. family and friends. It wasn't bad for us because we're empty nesters and Philly is a short plane ride. We had more company here in FL that first year so we didn't miss anyone for very long!

You may find some friends right in your new neighborhood. We live in a master planned community and our sub division has block parties, Easter egg hunts, progressive dinners and other events in which to get out to meet people. I also checked out some local women's groups and met so many people, in the same boat as me. There are so many transplants here in Orlando and I found them all warm and friendly. I've made some very good friends through the club too. Check out the Newcomers Club or the local newspaper for clubs and organizations in Lake Mary. Also if you are working, you'll plug in and meet people that way as well.

Good luck on your move!

[ang08]

Thanks for the honest input, I really appreciate it!

[beckycat]

We moved to Lake Mary 8 1/2 years ago and didn't know anyone. One thing that you'll find out, alot of people are in the same position. We met alot of people since we moved here. Some are friendly, others aren't. I liked when you would go to the grocery store and when crossing outside, everyone would wave. Most people would wave in our neighborhood. I think that most people are friendly over all.

[Alphaman]

Having children makes it easy to meet people if you have any you should meet people very quickly.