Are you looking to move to Orlando? One word: Don't! (Kissimmee: crime, house)

[Jonotastic]

All the talk about wages is relative.It's called the "Sunshine Tax", you sacrafice higher wages to live in a state with vacation weather almost year round and oceans you can actually swim in. I lived in Australia and met many people from England who moved there and said, they take a cut in their pay, but it's worth it too them for the laid back lifestyle. It depends on what you want. If money is a problem with you or the main focus of your life, live in the Northeast. You can't really use wages as a reason not to consider moving to Florida. Also, Florida's cost of living is much lower than the Northeast or California. A small old studio apartment in San Francisco on average START around $950+ per month + $300 per month for ONE parking space. The new apartment I am renting in South Florida is $950 per month for a 950 sqft apartment, free parking, free gym, free pool, free spa and it's in an area that is known as being one of the most expensive areas in Florida...Orlando in comparison is MUCH cheaper. I still prefer San Francisco over anywhere in Florida, but for a family where money is tight Florida is a good option.

[jemelb]

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.

MBA's? in what field?

[blueoktober]

I hate how much Orlando has changed from the 1990s till now - however I agree with the person that stated (paraphrasing) that it is all about where you live and your social network. I've been on this board for a few years and I was one of the ones bashing it every chance I got. I lived in Altamonte, then St. Cloud and I couldnt think of a more hellish place than Orlando.

Then I moved to Nashville where I was born - God help me if that isnt the most horrible place on Earth.
I couldnt make 1/3rd of my wages I make here. So I moved back. Now I live in the OHHH SOO SCARY DOWNTOWN!!!! - and * I FRIGGIN LOVE IT*. I live in a historic neighborhood with friendly people and lakes and parks and shopping and great local eateries at every single turn. I am fortunate that myself and my spouse make enough to own a house downtown and pay triple the property taxes most pay. But I am not rich.. I am in the IT biz and I make a good wage. Most all my friends are in the same and also make a good wage.

It's all relative. I live downtown and I walk my dogs to the lake every single night around 10pm. You know who else is out there? Single women with their dogs, families walking or sitting on their porches. I have never felt scared here (nor did I feel scared in Chicago where I lived for 10 years).

It's a city. It's a unique city but still a city. Orlando was never meant to become this size, but so many people came down here looking for paradise and what they found was reality. The reality is if you love warm weather, the beach, theme parks, a small town feel with big city amenities, and an endless list of things to do, then come here. There really isnt any culture, but tell me, in Chicago how many times can you go to the Field Museum or Navy Pier or the Opera before it becomes boring? I'd rather go to the beach all year long. So it's up to the person. You don't like it and that's fine, but tons of people DO like it and we are happy that all the "get rich and live in Paradise" people are finally realizing that it's not what you thought it would be and are leaving.

I do know there is a lot of crime here, but without getting into a racial argument, it's almost always the same area over the same thing (drugs). If you aren't into that you're ok - I should know as I live among $$$$$$$$$ homes but less than 3 miles from Parramore and I don't feel scared at all.

[Wilshire81182]

I agree with this a lot and this is why I said it depends a lot on where you live. I like the suburban areas of Orlando and know a lot of parts of town, but the neighborhoods of Delaney Park, Thornton Park, College Park, Winter Park, Colonialtown, etc. are the nicest and most charming IMO. I did not move to Orlando expecting there to be areas like that and they are some of my absolute favorite. I live in Conway now, which is almost like the eastern edge of that area and if I were to move, I would want it to be closer to or in that general area.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by jemelb

MBA's? in what field?

Maybe he meant Master's degrees in philosophy or basket weaving. Either of those will lead to a higly lucrative position.

[blueoktober]

I love Conway. I go shopping/eating a lot around Conway because it reminds me of my little (at the time) small suburb of Nashville. It has such a small town feel to it, but then 2 miles north I have the Colonial area. Conway has so many beautiful homes in neighborhoods that rival anything in Lake Mary. It's just that no one knows that because they listen to the nay-sayers.

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by annerk

Maybe he meant Master's degrees in philosophy or basket weaving. Either of those will lead to a higly lucrative position.

An MBA is a Master of Business Administration if you did not know. Laugh all you want but the poor people that are stuck with these student loans making $10-$12 an hour in an Orlando call center are not laughing. Some can not even afford the basic needs for their children.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

An MBA is a Master of Business Administration if you did not know. Laugh all you want but the poor people that are stuck with these student loans making $10-$12 an hour in an Orlando call center are not laughing. Some can not even afford the basic needs for their children.

Trust me, I'm well aware of what an MBA is.

Maybe people should put off having children until they are settled in their career. Hmmm, there's a novel idea.

Or perhaps people should take a long hard look at the job market prior to deciding on a major and career path.

BTW--In cases of hardship, student loans can be deferred.

[rogercobb]

I think the worst thing about the area is the very stupid + dangerous drivers around here. With the lousy traffic and spread-out sprawl of the area I am forced to spend a lot of my day driving these violent streets. Earlier today my light turned green and I had to let twelve numbskulls run their red light. There are a lot of stupid people in this town.

[Wilshire81182]

Originally Posted by blueoktober

I love Conway. I go shopping/eating a lot around Conway because it reminds me of my little (at the time) small suburb of Nashville. It has such a small town feel to it, but then 2 miles north I have the Colonial area. Conway has so many beautiful homes in neighborhoods that rival anything in Lake Mary. It's just that no one knows that because they listen to the nay-sayers.

I agree with you and I like it to. I think people are referring to Conway between Curry Ford and Michigan where all the apartments are because it is less nice there (by Publix). It is much nicer between Michigan and Hoffner and nicest in what is actually Belle Isle. I enjoy the area and it is very convenient to both the 408 and the 528, downtown and the Fashion Square area.