What is so great about living in/near Orlando? Who loves or hates it & WHY? (Tallahassee: lawyer)

[odge13]

Orlando....the city that tries but fails (unless you're white collar).

The above statement is no lie. There is certainly no lack of people with money here in Orlando, and those will be the people who will tell you that this is a great place to live. My wife and I are not poor by any means, but if we want to live in an area of town that isn't sketchy we need to make at least another 100k a year.

There simply are no area's to get away from crime. Windermere maybe because they employ there own special little police force because they are the super special. Everywhere else that may be considered nice has a ghetto just across the street. My perfect example of this is Metro West and Pine Hills.

This town has made me not want to leave my house...ever. I have to worry about a slew of things that just may send me off the deep end. Here is a list:

1. Getting my car rocked by some fool with a stereo that is more expensive than his car because he thinks he need to prove how 'gangsta' he is.
2. People know where they are going yet refuse to get in their exit lane until they have to make a sudden maneuver and cut across 3 lanes of highway traffic to get to it.
3. People who don't understand that an on-ramp is for getting up to HIGHWAY speed. Your SUV has 300 horsepower for a reason.
4. People putting on makeup on while trying to merge onto the 408 from I4
5. People yapping on their cellphone (if you think you can talk and drive on your cellphone...you can't. You've just never noticed all the people flipping you off because you're doing something stupid)
6. People trying to pass slow traffic in an exit lane to try to merge into the exit lane just before the exit. Hint: you pricks cause the traffic in the first place.
7. People don't look at closing speed of your vehicle before pulling out in front of you.

That is only a short list. I really feel like I have no control when I'm on the roadways here in Orlando. My life, and my families life is in the hands of all the idiots in this city.

Another problem is the growth. While growth in and of itself isn't a bad thing, I have to question the need for it. I also have to question the city traffic planners. I live in Winter Garden (south of 50, the nice part), and recently growth there has been out of control. In the last 2 years there have been thousands of 'cookie cutter' homes build near my neighborhood. Wouldn't you think there would be a need to upgrade the roads to support all that extra traffic? I did. Winter Garden apparently doesn't think so. There is still the 2 lane 535 running through there. Add the new shopping village that they are building and it will only get worse.

My wife and I recently drove through the new subdivision that destroyed our nice woods view. We counted no less that 50 for sale or for rent signs posted in front of homes. That was in ONE subdivision; Summerport to be exact.

So here is a conclusion. If you don't mind it taking 30-60 minutes to drive 5 miles to the mall, 30-60 minutes to drive to work, speak spanish fluently, make at least 150-200k a year, and if you already have a job waiting than come on down, you'll love it. If you mind just one of the things in my conclusion stay away.

[georgiadawn]

Amen odge13, I never wanted to be a welfare, I am a 41 yo mom. I hope to be off it soon. I cannot even afford to buy the school supplies for my children. I don't want to complain, I just want some breathing room. It is just so hard. Oh well off to work.

[Cardoctor]

In Volusia county. I love the beach so it's a great place to live. I'm single and have two kids I raise myself, so there is plenty to do.

[notpuff]

Originally Posted by Cardoctor

In Volusia county. I love the beach so it's a great place to live. I'm single and have two kids I raise myself, so there is plenty to do.

By the name I assume you are a mechanic?

[Cardoctor]

Originally Posted by notpuff

By the name I assume you are a mechanic?

I'm a cardiologist/doctor.

[beckycat]

I moved here from PA 7 1/2 years ago. It has grown drastically over that time period. I live in Lake Mary. To me, everything is conveniently located. Schools are A rated. Both of my kids attend the Lake Mary schools and I am happy with them. Orlando has alot to do, but the funny thing about it is you rarely go to the attractions. The beach is just 45 minutes away. The weather in the winter is beautiful. The summers are long and hot. Although, it is hot everywhere else. We don't have much crime, but the crime is usually theft of your personal items. Usually, teenagers breaking into your house while you're not home and stealing your stuff. Overall, I like the area and think that it is safe. As for jobs, if you don't have a formal education, the pay sucks. Average pay in those fields are $8.00. It is very easy to start your own business though and make ends meet. The market is leveling out, so the houses are more reasonable. Homeowner's insurance continues to incline. In one year, mine went up $300. Some people can't even get insured. They are trying to do something about the property taxes. On average, a $200 K home pays about $1400- $1800/yr. I think with these costs going up, it's running people out of FL. All I can say is do as much research as you can before moving to make sure you can afford it. I would recommend Seminole county also. As for now, I will be leaving next spring because I'm ready for a change and a lower cost of living. Good Luck! Any questions, PM me.

[backtofla]

where are you going beckycat? lemme guess... nc/sc/tn???

[moonbeam]

Originally Posted by mousey111

I have been told by so many people that Orlando, Florida is a place for "DOGS' not for people. I have been told that there is more "TRASH" (low-life scum) living in Orlando, Florida than in most other places. Orlando, Florida seems to be getting a very bad name. I am just wondering if this is true...can it really be that bad. I hear that the pay scale there is like $6.00 per hour and that would be a good job. Someone told me that they work at Fed X/Kinko's and make $6.50 per hour.....WOW....how can you live on $6.50 per hour if you have a family.

Also heard that Best Buy only pays $6.00 per hour...these, I know, are not good jobs, but am told that this type of job is about all you can get...........I am an RN....what would the rate be for an RN? Is there a need for RN'S? I don't want to have to work at some penny anny place like Wal-Mart, Best Buy or Disney or Kinko's..........I spent too much money for my education to waste it on those types of jobs..........those jobs are more for people who do not have an education or who are working on an education. I don't mean to sound MEAN, but, hey, let's face it.......you can't get far working at places like that.

That Disney scene is not for me....brings in alot of SCUM if you know what I mean. I certainly would not want to live anywhere near Disney. So, how is life in Orlando....be honest.

So, how bad is it.....really....please.

Mousey111,
As far as I can tell the paper is filled with those types of positions. I don't know what they make per hour but medical is the HOT FIELD. I would imagine the pay is lower than most states as is everything else. Trying calling ORMC=Orlando Regional Medical Center in downtown Orlando. Or there's East Orlando Hospital off of Lake Underhill Road. Look up orlandosentinel.com for jobs, not all of them will come up online since they still want you to buy it.
Nirvana in Orlando is very hard to come by when searching for work as I'm sure you know by now reading these posts. Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to PM me.
I do believe that wherever you come from there will be a bit of culture shock. As for quality of life...I'm not into sitting in traffic every day, sweltering endless summer days, low-paying jobs so may I suggest two houses and becoming a traveling nurse. HEHEHHEHEHH. True blue, moonbeam

[stuckinfl]

HELP....Get me out of Orlando! Jobs pay nothing here...$6.50-$12... if you're lucky! A lot of companies want you to work for commission ONLY...
Almost everyone is Hispanic! Where have the Caucasians gone? Don't belong here!
I'm desperately searching for a nice place to live...where it isn't freezing cold & you don't need to be a millionaire to afford it...
Any suggestions would be appreciated...

[backtofla]

why not where everyone else is headed? nc/sc/tn areas.

me? i prefer fla, but let's be honest, the states mentioned above is where everyone is headed now.