Any advice about Orlando, FL?

My husband and I are deciding to move to Orlando, Fl. We have family near there and fell in love with Florida (the ocean, ocala national park) while visiting. Right now I am not working and my husbands job will be ending soon, so we thought what the heck lets move there. I’ve heard that its more expensive to live in Orlando, we currently are renting a 2 bdrm (In Minnesota) for $875, an extra $50 for parking, and usually $60 a month in electricity. I was curious what the average cost of an apartment in Orlando is,and the cost of surrounding areas. Thanks so much for any advice.

well….

Orlando has no beach. We’re almost an hour away. That stinks.

I’m paying about what you pay in rent on a 2 bedroom, but I live in the ghetto. A nice place runs closer to $1000/month. It depends on just how nice you need the building and neighborhood to be.

Electric is MUCH more expensive. We’re paying around $150/month in the summer – remember you’re gonna need a/c for about 8 months of the year down here; it drives up the cost. Parking is free at most apartment complexes unless you want like, covered spots or a garage. www.rent.com and www.apartmenthunters.com are farily accurate.

It’s alright living here, just keep in mind that it’s not all Disney fantasy. Most people are disapointed when they leave the resort area and see the “real” Orlando. The crime rate is fairly high (I wanna say we’re 11th in the country right now?) Stay away from Orange Blossom Trail, Pine Hills, Parrramore, Downtown Kissimmee, and areas north west of downtown. They are the higher crime areas. Alafaya is nice, but if you’re close to the college, you’re going to be dealing with all the drunken college kids…. *ick* :p

I think it’s www.wesh.com has a link to the crime map for this year. It’ll give you a visual on this…

Find a job BEFORE moving here. The job market sucks right now – everything is based on tourism. If no one has money, and comes to the resorts, then no one hires. Most jobs are hospitality based; we don’t really have another big industry (like, manufacturing, banking ect). Most jobs pay 20-40% less than their national average. (I used to make $10/hr in NJ, for the same job I get $7.50 here…)

Suburbs are nicer than downtown, and have many up and comming areas with new businesses….like Lake Nona and Clermont.