I'm a programmer from the NE and recently got laid off. Would it make sense for me to move to Orlando? (Jacksonville: condo, houses)

[Comp]

Houses in the Northeast are very expensive. You don't find a house in this area of the country for less than $200,000. Since I recently got laid off from my job, and since I don't have anything going on that requires me to remain nailed to my current place of residence, I thought about moving somewhere to Florida where perhaps I can find a reasonably priced house or condo. (I'm glad I saved some money during the time I was employed.)

That being said, is this a crazy idea? I mean, if I can't find a programming job in the Boston area, am I killing my chances of ever finding meaningful employment by moving to Orlando?

[Inter441]

you are better off jobs in West Coast Cali or NYC .. Florida is worse as the economy is not diverse here i am leaving Florida for LA graduated recently with BBA

[seain dublin]

There are two threads on this already. Orlando comes in at #8 in the Top Ten worst job markets.

You're also looking at much lower salaries.

[Practice]

Orlando is usually not what you expect it to be. This forum is full of people who moved here from the Northeast who became disenchanted with the city/area after living here a couple years.

[Comp]

What's the problem with us Northeasterners? Do we think that Orlando is paradise because it's the home of Disney World and Universal?

[cfIfan]

Orlando is a great place to live and has a lot to offer. Unfortunatly, you will see the people who are complaining and not able to enjoy what Orlando has to offer are the ones who didnt do their homework and find jobs before moving here. No job means no income, which means not being able to go out. Homes are a lot cheaper than up north, but wages are lower as well. It basically all shakes out in the wash but most like it because the differences in taxes from other states.

The best advice I can offer is if you know the area and have been here before then that is great, but make sure you have employment before moving here. There are plenty of online resources for job searches. Sadly the economy is not great so it is a little harder to find jobs, but that is the same throughout the USA, and you would need to do some research to see whether there are opportunities in your field, but make sure you have a job before making the move.

Good luck

Nick

[MiamiRob]

I have to reiterarte what what cfIfan posted above & that is do NOT move here without having a job lined up! The job market here is rough.

[GatorDude]

Originally Posted by Comp

That being said, is this a crazy idea? I mean, if I can't find a programming job in the Boston area, am I killing my chances of ever finding meaningful employment by moving to Orlando?

I wouldn't move to Florida on a whim. I'd move to a specific job offer--anywhere. In Florida, you might look for jobs in Jacksonville or Tallahassee. You might be able to support the state gov't in Tally. In the South, ATL, Charlotte, and Raleigh are typically the big employment areas. However, little places like Bentonville, Arkansas, might have good jobs for programmers.

[g0gat0rs]

I'd take Boston/Mass/NE over Orlando/FL any day of the week. Stay where you are.

[totsuka]

Look at Houston or Texas in general. It has a much better job base than FL.