Mass transit in Orlando? Rental rooms or aparment shares near UCF or in Maitland? (Winter Park: for sale, apartments)

[cautious]

Hello-

I'm going to be moving from a city in the northern Midwest. I would like to know specifics about mass transit in Orlando, such as, whether or not it is reliable, whether the service hours are adequate, the condition of the buses, that sort of thing.

As far as I know I'm going to be looking for a rental room or an apartment share near UCF, or possibly in Maitland. I think I am going to try to be living near UCF or the VA, but possibly as far away as Maitland, and I don't want to get into a lease at least until I've had a chance to see what's really there and what's an appropriate deal in terms of leased housing.

Thanks.

[mongoslade223]

As far as rooms, look in Craigslist.

craigslist: orlando classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

For lynx bus schedules and info:

LYNX Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority

[TehB33nz]

If you are moving to Florida get a car. I have never taken a bus in Orlando so I can't really comment on the reliability of it, but I cannot imagine living in Central Florida with out a car. The UCF area or by the VA which is Winter Park is a good area, not too far from Downtown and not too far from UCF.

[cautious]

Thank you for your thought, but I think I will have to use mass transit until I have the financial means to get a car. That's why I need to know about the reliability of mass transit.

And there still is no real predictability as far as the price of gasoline is concerned. If living in the area is so dependent on having a car, then if the price of gasoline goes up again, that could be a major problem, and those who know how to get around on mass transit before that happens could be a step ahead.

[mongoslade223]

Teh is right though........mass transit in Orlando is not nearly as extensive as, say NY or DC. Many routes end early during the day, holiday and Sunday service can be atrocious, and many areas are under served. Plus, because of the relatively low demand, when gas prices do go up, many routes get cut out.

The best routes to live and work for the bus, IMO are the 4, 21, and 8 routes. These buses operate late and frequently. Anyone who lives in the area knows what parts of the city they serve: the hood and tourist areas, so that is an indication of Orlando mass transit status right there.


Lynx is good short term until you save up for a car. All you need is a cheap beater to get you around. Do you really wanna be waiting for the bus in 92 degree weather, or during a lightning storm?

[cautious]

Thank you for the insight. It seems like the system is sufficient to meet my needs until I can save up for an old beater.

Although I do appreciate it, the rest is relative. The heat/humidity combination in Milwaukee is sometimes that bad, and people do it. It's entirely possible here for a foot of snow to fall in one day, and the winter temperatures are often below freezing. Rainstorms, though not as frequent, can be as bad. It depends on what one is used to. Call me crazy, but, dressed right and prepared right, it can be less hassle than owning a car.

But thanks. The rest was just idle conversation.

[mongoslade223]

I never lived in Milwaukee, but Orlando is the lightning capital of the world. There are very few places outside of the tropics that can compete with Orlando (or Florida's) humidity, certainly not in the Midwest. During the summer there are thunderstorms, with dangerous lightning, every afternoon.

I am not trying to say it is not possible to use mass transit, but don't underestimate the situation in Orlando. Percentage wise very few people rely on Lynx.

[cautious]

I guess it's just a matter of what a person is used to and can adapt to if necessary. I get your point, but stuff like that happens in every major city.

[mongoslade223]

Originally Posted by cautious

I guess it's just a matter of what a person is used to and can adapt to if necessary. I get your point, but stuff like that happens in every major city.

I was born and raised in the Bronx NY. I have been around the block, and I and many others here will tell you that this is not an easy city to try to make something out of nothing. Everbody will tell you that it is unwise to come to Orlando without a job lined up, and at least couple of months living expenses to back you up. If you cannot even afford to buy a cheap car before you move here, I would think about getting my affairs in order before making that move. You can do what you want to do, but you came here for advice.

[cautious]

And I do appreciate it.