From MA moving to Orlando (Pine Hills, Oviedo: relocate, real estate, apartments)

[AngelaP]

Hi!
Currently I am living in Mass, I have lived here my whole life. Me and my boyfriend are looking to perhaps relocate to the Orlando area but I was wondering how that area is. I have heard mixed things from this forum and other places, some good some bad. How is the job market? (teacher and IT worker, we have both recently graduated from college and have a decent amount of experience) How is the housing situation? Housing in Boston is impossible, way too expensive for way too little. How is public transportation throughout Orlando? I depend on public transportation in Boston so I was hoping to find an area that is similar. How is crime? What are the areas to look for apartments in and what areas should we stay away from? Is there anyone from Mass in Orlando that can share their experience with me, good or bad. This is a huge change for us and any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!

[pianogal]

Originally Posted by AngelaP

Hi!
Currently I am living in Mass, I have lived here my whole life. Me and my boyfriend are looking to perhaps relocate to the Orlando area but I was wondering how that area is. I have heard mixed things from this forum and other places, some good some bad. How is the job market? (teacher and IT worker, we have both recently graduated from college and have a decent amount of experience)

Teachers should have no problem finding a position. I'm not sure about IT, I have heard mixed views. My son is a systems administrator and has been blessed to find jobs.

How is the housing situation? Housing in Boston is impossible, way too expensive for way too little.

The real estate market in Orlando has risen dramatically in the last few years. A decent home may be found for around 200K but it will be an older home in a less desireable but decent area. To find a newer home in a good area expect to pay around 250K+ for a 3/2.

How is public transportation throughout Orlando? I depend on public transportation in Boston so I was hoping to find an area that is similar.

We have little public transportation. We do have a bus 'Lynx' system, but I hear it is slow and not always reliable. You really need a car in Orlando, it is very spread out.


How is crime? What are the areas to look for apartments in and what areas should we stay away from?

Crime has increased in Orlando recently, but it has mostly been in the Pine Hills and Parramore areas. DO NOT look there. The best areas are Far East Orlando -Waterford Lakes/Avalon Park/Lake Nona area, West Orlando - Windermere, Ocoee and Winter Garden, Baldwin Park, Winter Park, Thornton Park or College Park in/near downtown, or Oviedo and Lake Mary in Seminole County.


Is there anyone from Mass in Orlando that can share their experience with me, good or bad. This is a huge change for us and any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!

Not from Mass...but I've lived here for 25 years. Yes, it HAS changed, but I like it. It is more cosmopolitan, more urban, more exciting and MUCH more to see and do. It can't compare to Boston or any of the REALLY large cities, but it's on it's way.

[AngelaP]

Thank you so much for all the help!! I appreciate it so much

[kimbero82]

Hello,

I too am a recent grad from Boston. I moved to Orlando with my boyfriend this past Wed. I have also heard really mixed reviews about Orlando. I'd even say more negative reviews than positive. So far it's been good and bad. Since I've only been here a week I can only tell you my first impressions. Too be honest before I'd even moved I was convinced this place was hell. A week into settling in I realize that, yes, it's different, but I haven't been robbed, stabbed or even rudely bumped into. There's hope! But, seriously, I do like Winter Park and there is a stretch of road (Aloma going into Fairbanks) that was very much like a Boston suburb with tree lined streets and cute restaurants. We're looking for an apartment as we speak so I'm getting a better look at the area. I'll keep you posted. As for the job opportunities in teaching I hear Lake Nona is a up and coming, and the entire area of Orlando is looking for teachers.

Wish Us Luck!!!

[pianogal]

Originally Posted by kimbero82

Hello,

I too am a recent grad from Boston. I moved to Orlando with my boyfriend this past Wed. I have also heard really mixed reviews about Orlando. I'd even say more negative reviews than positive. So far it's been good and bad. Since I've only been here a week I can only tell you my first impressions. Too be honest before I'd even moved I was convinced this place was hell. A week into settling in I realize that, yes, it's different, but I haven't been robbed, stabbed or even rudely bumped into. There's hope! But, seriously, I do like Winter Park and there is a stretch of road (Aloma going into Fairbanks) that was very much like a Boston suburb with tree lined streets and cute restaurants. We're looking for an apartment as we speak so I'm getting a better look at the area. I'll keep you posted. As for the job opportunities in teaching I hear Lake Nona is a up and coming, and the entire area of Orlando is looking for teachers.

Wish Us Luck!!!

You are looking at nice areas. We lived in Winter Park for 18 years and recently relocated to the Lake Nona area. I love both areas.

[Joe S]

I relocated to Orlando from New York 5 years ago. It takes northerners at lease a year or more to get use to not having the same seasons you have up north. Some people I talk to miss the leaves changing in the fall and the cooler weather. It’s warm here into December. The winters here are wonderful. No ice or snow to worry about and most winter days are in the mid 60’s low 70’s. As per the crime issue, Crime is no worst than New York City or Boston. Like in any city the best way to avoid crime is to keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings. After a while you will learn the areas to avoid just like you did in Boston. Traffic in Boston and New York is much worst than Orlando. Jobs don’t pay as well as they do up north but I find the cost of living to be a little lower and you don’t pay a state tax so things should balance out. Teachers are always in demand and IT jobs are low paying and are usually on consulting or temp bases. Net temps is one of the larger agencies that place IT professionals. Some of these temp jobs do lead to permanent positions. They found me several temp jobs when I first came down here. I then worked for my self as an independent IT consultant for 3 years until I started my own property management business. It wasn’t hard to find regular customers who needed tech support. Running an ad in the phone book and sending letters to small to medium companies got me a lot of jobs. The only problem is that the pay scale is a lot lower than what a consultant would make in Boston or New York.
Don’t be afraid to move here and good luck.

[Pigsty333]

I relocated from NY in 2003 (retired Police Officer) and live in the Lake Nona area. Love it. We are getting a new elementary school, two new fire houses (one is city - one is county). VA Hospital, UCF Medical School, Burnham Institute and a 1.1. million sq. ft. mall and plenty of things going up around, not to mention about 20 mins. from Disney, Universal, Sea World and 7 miles from the airport. You can PM for more info.