If gas prices go sky high again, will Orlando be affected? (Tavares: home, job market)

[stars99]

I think the gas prices will rise.

So I'm wondering if isolated towns like Clermont will become less desirable and some places closer to the employment centers will begin to change and become more desirable? I would be interested to know what people here think about this.

[Practice]

I don't really think so, I think before we see that we'd see an increase in carpooling as a way to cope.

[annerk]

Not everyone in that "isolated town" of Clermont works downtown.

I live in Clermont, and mentally running through the people on my street, one works in Dr. Phillips, one works at Disney, two work in Tavares, one works out near the Florida Mall, seven work in Clermont, and two telecommute from home. Based on that, I highly doubt that any of them want to move.

[Wilshire81182]

Also, when the gas was at the highest point in 2008 the traffic reduction was slight overall, because people will alter their budgets by other means because most people have to drive. The bigger concern is the effect on tourism if the price of flights go up because tourists will take less road trips and fly less if these prices go up.

[stars99]

I wasn't trying to slam Clermont at all--it was just the place that happened to come to mind. But good point, the job market is not centered on downtown, and many work from home now.

[rogercobb]

Of course it will just like in any other city. Hopefully we won't see $4/gallon or even $3 anytime soon. Our prices are in the middle of the pack compared to other cities but our population is so spread out that those in the low paying jobs will really feel the pinch.

[Practice]

Amen! Hopefully we don't see prices go that high again.