Is Orlando right for me? (Winter Springs, Winter Park: amusement parks, homes, employment)

[99percent]

Hello!

I am currently in the Cleveland area, and maybe relocating to Orlando (or Dallas) soon. I Have been to Orlando several times, including during the summer, and am still trying to decide if it is right for me. I like the seasons in Cleveland, but thats it. I am looking for a nice area that is well known and has lots to do.

How is the weather? I was down this June and it wasnt too bad. Does it get much worse than June? It seems that from May till late October it is 90+. How long does it take for northerners to get used to Florida weather? Is it boring that it is always warm or hot, especially around the holidays?


What are some nice neighborhoods in Central Florida? I was looking at Winter Park, and it looks nice (on the internet). Any nice homes for around 300k in winter park? Any other affordable areas that are nice near by (Orange, Lake, Seminole, Polk counties)

What are some nice catholic high schools in Central Florida?

Is central flordia boring for residents?--I obviously wont be going to Disney everyday--

What makes up the economy? Is it just Disney and movie making(any movies or tv series still being made in Florida?), or is it more diversed?

Sorry for the many questions...just trying to decide between Dallas or Orlando..which offers more.

Thanks.

[beckycat]

Originally Posted by 99percent

Hello!

I am currently in the Cleveland area, and maybe relocating to Orlando (or Dallas) soon. I Have been to Orlando several times, including during the summer, and am still trying to decide if it is right for me. I like the seasons in Cleveland, but thats it. I am looking for a nice area that is well known and has lots to do.

How is the weather? I was down this June and it wasnt too bad. Does it get much worse than June? It seems that from May till late October it is 90+. How long does it take for northerners to get used to Florida weather? Is it boring that it is always warm or hot, especially around the holidays?


What are some nice neighborhoods in Central Florida? I was looking at Winter Park, and it looks nice (on the internet). Any nice homes for around 300k in winter park? Any other affordable areas that are nice near by (Orange, Lake, Seminole, Polk counties)

What are some nice catholic high schools in Central Florida?

Is central flordia boring for residents?--I obviously wont be going to Disney everyday--

What makes up the economy? Is it just Disney and movie making(any movies or tv series still being made in Florida?), or is it more diversed?

Sorry for the many questions...just trying to decide between Dallas or Orlando..which offers more.

Thanks.

I moved from PA 9 1/2 years ago. I like it here except for how hot it gets and how long. The winters are beautiful. I miss the seasons, but on the other hand I don't miss the long winters up north. It gets hot in May and lasts through November. I'd like a shorter summer and longer spring and fall.

It's not boring here by any means. Once you move here, you rarely got to the theme parks. We like the beach, springs, camping, festivals, and flea markets. There are plenty other things to do.

I don't know much about Catholic schools here. I know it was a big thing up north. If you don't go to public school here, it seems the kids get home schooled or go to private school.

There are very nice areas in Winter Park. As for price, I think you'd be able to find something in your price range.

I don't know about Dallas at all, so I can't help on that aspect.

I think it's important to secure employment before you move anywhere.
Godd luck!

[mongoslade223]

So much of this is personal that it is hard to answer not knowing things like what kind of social scene you are into, what kind of setting you prefer (urban, suburban,rural). Me, as a person who loves amusement parks and cheesy, whimsical stuff,beaches, and warm weather, with some partying mixed in, lots of single women and who does not need a whole lot of money to have a good time, I enjoyed it. I lived there until 2008, worked both Disney and Universal, and can't wait to go back. This is coming from a single, black male. So you can take that and run with it FWIW.

[Broker Dave]

Bishop Moore is the high school Bishop Moore Catholic High School

google search to other's catholic schools orlando fl - Google Search

Winter Park, Heathrow, Wekiva Springs, Dr. Phillips, Winter Springs are a few off the top of my thoughts, there are others.

The first Christmas takes some getting use to due to the temp (I was accustomed to 30 degree Christmas Day) and you miss the seasons but after a while your thoughts turn to 'I can visit up North for my season fix but then come home to beautiful weather'.

I have roots in Richmond, Va.

Hope this helps

[99percent]

Thanks for the info, it is really helping!

Originally Posted by mongoslade223

So much of this is personal that it is hard to answer not knowing things like what kind of social scene you are into, what kind of setting you prefer (urban, suburban,rural). Me, as a person who loves amusement parks and cheesy, whimsical stuff,beaches, and warm weather, with some partying mixed in, lots of single women and who does not need a whole lot of money to have a good time, I enjoyed it. I lived there until 2008, worked both Disney and Universal, and can't wait to go back. This is coming from a single, black male. So you can take that and run with it FWIW.

Just looking for someplace that is good to raise a family in a friendly community

[cfIfan]

Orlando offers some fantastic communities which are family friendly and some great schools. The weather does take a little getting used to but you know the score really. It is hot and humid and the winters are very short but that is only to be expected. Coming from somewhere colder (and i originally came from the UK) you do find the "blood thinning effect" i.e when it gets cooler you notice it greatly, even if those cooler temps were considered hot where you come from. As an example in the car today the temp was 81 and it was fantastic. It was a great break from the 90s we have had but even that temp felt cold. In the UK 81 is a hot summers day so that will give you some perspective.

It all depends on what you like. For residents there is alot to do and you generally find things which are not tourist related, although for residents visiting Disney is not nearly as expensive as when your visiting here on vacation. In my family we all have annual passes and for an outlay of $1400 per year, that covers all our passes for the whole year which is very reasonalble really when you consider people pay $125 for a 1 day park hopper.

In terms of diversification in terms of employment of course the tourist industry is huge here, however, IT, Medical and aerospace are also big industries. Realistically, everywhere is hurting in this economy and work isnt easy to find anywhere, but you will read posts on here slamming Orlando in that respect which is a little unfair. People who are writing these posts must be people who have no education and expect to earn over $150,000 per year because everyone i know has degrees and earn a good wage.

Of course each of our perpectives are going to be different and I hope this helps you aswell.

Good luck

[GloryB]

Is Orlando right for me?

Only if you are bilingual.

Just kidding.

I've lived here almost two years and love it.

[**NoodLes**]

Dallas vs. Orlando, really? Dallas destroys Orlando in every aspect, not even close, jobs, culture, sports, weather, religion. I could go on and on, Orlando doesn't hold a candle to Dallas in anything.

[FL Developer]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

Dallas vs. Orlando, really? Dallas destroys Orlando in every aspect, not even close, jobs, culture, sports, weather, religion. I could go on and on, Orlando doesn't hold a candle to Dallas in anything.

Wow, every aspect. That's a pretty bold statement or should I say opinion. I guess people who enjoy going to the beach and ocean boating & fishing should move to Dallas?

[TheEmissary]

Originally Posted by FL Developer

Wow, every aspect. That's a pretty bold statement or should I say opinion. I guess people who enjoy going to the beach and ocean boating & fishing should move to Dallas?

Actually, they play with their dinghies in their big bathtubs!