Are you looking to move to Orlando? One word: Don't! (Winter Park: apartments, renting)

[Wilshire81182]

Originally Posted by annerk

Bottom line is that there are plenty of things to do that don't cost a fortune. Heck, go check out some of the great local talent at one of the area clubs where cover is under $10 and there's no drink minimum.

I just wanted to thank you for explaining that. There are a lot of ways to get out of the house on the cheap and you showed that!

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by Mugatu

That is the primary reason I left and should be included in the poll. The absolute worst part of Orlando is trying to make a living there. Low wages + rapidly increasing cost of living = misery. If companies in Orlando would pay wages comparable to other areas of the country, it wouldn't be as bad.

This is the reason the majority of the people that graduated with me moved from Orlando.

[annerk]

I've lived in several cities about the same size as Orlando, and have heard the same thing about every one of them from recent college grads for the past 15 years. Part of the problem is that college kids hear about the one in 5,000 people who graduate and immediately move into a six figure salary and corner office. It doesn't--and never did--work that way.

Since the "X" Generation came along, many young adults have had entitlement mentalities caused by helicopter parenting where parents gave them anything and everything with no expectations of accountability. The work ethic in America is slowly dying, and this is just another example of it.

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by annerk

I've lived in several cities about the same size as Orlando, and have heard the same thing about every one of them from recent college grads for the past 15 years. Part of the problem is that college kids hear about the one in 5,000 people who graduate and immediately move into a six figure salary and corner office. It doesn't--and never did--work that way.

Since the "X" Generation came along, many young adults have had entitlement mentalities caused by helicopter parenting where parents gave them anything and everything with no expectations of accountability. The work ethic in America is slowly dying, and this is just another example of it.

That is completely untrue. In Orlando you see people with MBA's working at call centers making 10-12 dollars an hour. That shows alot about their work ethic! Minimizing the problem will not make it go away. Florida in general is not friendly to recent college grads or blue collar workers as other cities its size. The wages here are absolutely horrible.

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

I think the OP made some great points. For people that moved from vibrant cities to Orlando, it definetly feels like a giant suburb. For me the worst part about living in Orlando is the low wages, lack of employment opportunities for college graduates and for blue collar workers, lack of culture, and lack of an urban feel. But I think that for people that move from the rural areas of the US, they may find Orlando to be more appealing.

What is appealing to our family is the lack of the 'big city feel'. We like the large suburban atmosphere there. Add in to the mix that there is always something for the family to do. We are moving there for one of those six-figure salaried jobs (they do exist) but the hubby is in the flight simulation industry with a comprehensive background in it, not just out of college. It is like, simulation row down there...lol! I , however, will be going back to school briefly, becoming more qualified in my health field job, and getting paid the same or slightly less, most likely. So, that does hold true about the pay scale down there.

We have decided to steer clear of Orange county in general tho, and stick to Seminole, with info gathered here and other places, due to various factors.

[Mugatu]

Originally Posted by annerk

I've lived in several cities about the same size as Orlando, and have heard the same thing about every one of them from recent college grads for the past 15 years. Part of the problem is that college kids hear about the one in 5,000 people who graduate and immediately move into a six figure salary and corner office. It doesn't--and never did--work that way.

Since the "X" Generation came along, many young adults have had entitlement mentalities caused by helicopter parenting where parents gave them anything and everything with no expectations of accountability. The work ethic in America is slowly dying, and this is just another example of it.

What does this have to do with Orlando employers paying low wages? No one is expecting 6 figure salaries. But there is no reason a college graduate shouldn't be able to work at an average office job for $35k a year, that's not asking much at all. But a job that pays $35k up north, pays $10-$12 an hour in Orlando, and that is unacceptable. That is NOT a living wage.

[Granny Sue]

All I'm going to say about this thread, is I'm sorry you didn't find your comfort zone in Orlando or the surrounding area.

My opinion is you seemed to missed out on a lot Central Florida has to offer.

Now I'll go call my three nephews and 4 nieces in Yale and Havard and tell them there isn't any Education in Orlando.

I hope you find what you're looking for.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

That is completely untrue. In Orlando you see people with MBA's working at call centers making 10-12 dollars an hour. That shows alot about their work ethic! Minimizing the problem will not make it go away. Florida in general is not friendly to recent college grads or blue collar workers as other cities its size. The wages here are absolutely horrible.

Perhaps in your experience, but I've got a very good job, and have no MBA or special training. I also don't expect things handed to me. I took my current job in 2005 at about 30% less than what I am making now, with the agreement that I would prove my worth to the comapany and be compensated appropriately for it. I did and I was.

There ARE jobs here, and they DO pay, as long as you have reasonable expectations.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by Mugatu

What does this have to do with Orlando employers paying low wages? No one is expecting 6 figure salaries. But there is no reason a college graduate shouldn't be able to work at an average office job for $35k a year, that's not asking much at all. But a job that pays $35k up north, pays $10-$12 an hour in Orlando, and that is unacceptable. That is NOT a living wage.

The last two positions that were hired for the company that I work for were an I/T job that paid $50K, and an accounting job that paid $60K. The I/T job required a two year college degree or tech school diploma and one year experience (internships were counted). The accounting job required a four year degree preferably with or working towards an MBA oe CPA. We hired a guy who was near having his CPA and only had one year of work experience.

BTW--"Up North" housing costs are a lot higher than they are here. My 2BR 600 s/f apartment in a decent but not great town in NJ was $1000 a month in 1995. I can't even imagine what it goes for now!

And if you can't live on $25K a year as a recent college grad in this area where you can share a rental with three roommates for $400 a month including utilities, I'm questioning how you have the intelligence to have gotten the diploma to begin with.

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by Kali's Grandma

All I'm going to say about this thread, is I'm sorry you didn't find your comfort zone in Orlando or the surrounding area.

My opinion is you seemed to missed out on a lot Central Florida has to offer.

Now I'll go call my three nephews and 4 nieces in Yale and Havard and tell them there isn't any Education in Orlando.

I hope you find what you're looking for.

Thanks for your reply....these threads start to make me panic...just a little...lol..but we are commited, he starts commuting for the new job in Jan, and will be consulting next week.
I believe, we are all responsible for our own destiny and can make a life, and a good one, where ever we choose to. One needs to make wise choices, like, the best area you can afford to live in, and the best schools, to the best of your ability, and work hard, and good faith, and from there, you are rewarded for best efforts! We are looking forward to all Central Florida has to offer!!!