Moving to Orlando? Real Tips on Jobs, Neighborhoods & Costs

What You Need To Know Before Moving To Orlando – Insider Tips

June 19, 2025

Story Highlights:

Orlando’s job market is thriving, led by tech, healthcare, and construction, with major employers like Lockheed Martin and Advent Health fueling growth.
Florida’s tax benefits—including no state income tax and proposals to reduce property taxes—make relocating financially appealing.
Diverse neighborhoods and top-rated schools offer options for every lifestyle, from downtown condos to master-planned suburban communities.
Affordable cost of living with median home prices around $450K—well below other major U.S. metros like Austin and Denver.
Avoid relocation regrets with insider tips on commute patterns, school quality, utility costs, and smart solar planning.

What You Need to Know Before Moving to Orlando – Insider Tips

Thinking about trading in snow for sunshine? Orlando’s appeal goes far beyond theme‑park clichés—there’s a whole new side waiting for you.

In this guide, I’m removing the fluff from Orlando’s tourist brochures to share what truly makes or breaks your experience. Let’s talk about explosive job growth, must‑know neighborhoods, 2025 updates you can’t miss, and insider advice I wish someone had given me before I moved here. By the end, you’ll know Orlando better than many locals.

A Booming Job Market: More Than Just Disney

Orlando’s job market is on fire. Recent U.S. Census Bureau data highlights the region as one of the fastest‑growing metros in America. And it’s not just about theme parks. Blue-chip employers like Lockheed Martin and EA Sports have expanded their tech footprint here, while startups continue to flock in. Orlando Health and Advent Health are not only adding high‑paying medical jobs—they’re investing in massive construction projects to support their growth. Add no state income tax, and a relocating professional can easily save $8,000 or more annually—just ask my client from New York.

A rendering or photo of Lake Nona’s Medical City district

Tax Benefits: Keep More of What You Earn

Florida’s tax landscape is a major draw. With no state income tax, a homeowner relocating here can save significantly each year. Plus, property taxes in Florida tend to be lower than in many Northeastern and Western states, giving another boost to your bottom line. Governor DeSantis has even proposed legislation aimed at reducing or eliminating property taxes for primary residences by 2026. Whether or not that becomes reality, Florida’s tax policy continues to favor residents.

Education & Lifestyle: Real Choices, Real Variety

Coming with kids? Florida offers scholarship-funded alternatives—around $7,000–$8,000 per student—for homeschoolers or private-school options. The public schools are strong too, especially in areas like Lake Nona and Dr. Phillips. Orlando isn’t just suburbs and theme parks—you’ll find a thriving downtown with walkable energy, family-friendly master-plan neighborhoods, and surprising diversity. You could be enjoying pho one day, sipping craft cocktails downtown the next, and watching a sunset by a lake in between.

Everyday Life vs. Vacation Life

Living in Orlando isn’t the same as visiting Orlando. Downtown is compact and walkable—Thornton Park and Lake Eola buzz with after-work life. Want suburban calm? Winter Garden, Claremont, and Windermere offer the perfect blend of small‑town charm and upscale amenities, all within 20 minutes of downtown. Outdoor lovers, you’re in for a treat: paddleboarding on lakes, hiking in state parks, or hitting world-class beaches less than an hour away.

Cost of Living: What You’ll Pay

Median single‑family home prices are around $450,000, still more affordable than comparable metros like Austin or Denver. Condos downtown start in the low $200,000s, while luxury lakeside estates begin in the $1.3–$1.5 million range. Entry-level homes of 1,300–1,700 sq ft tend to start in the mid‑$300Ks, and move-up homes (2,000–3,000+ sq ft) usually begin in the mid‑$400Ks, depending on location. Be ready for homeowners association (HOA) fees—typically between $30 and $200 per month—for access to community pools and amenities.

Florida’s summers are long, humid, and hot. That means air conditioning and pool pumps running constantly, which can drive up electricity bills. A thoughtful solar investment makes sense—but only after six months of utility history. Install solar too early, and you risk overpaying upfront without knowing your actual energy needs.

Top Relocation Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

1. Falling for a house before researching the neighborhood
Don’t pick a listing based solely on online photos. Drive your commute during rush hour. Explore your future community. Your day-to-day life matters as much as the home itself.

2. Underestimating school quality
Not all schools in Orlando are created equal. High-performing public schools (like Dr. Phillips and Lake Nona) can significantly impact property values and your family’s lifestyle.

3. Ignoring seasonal weather and moving timing
Florida’s hurricane season and summer heat are real. Spring and fall moves offer better weather and more options—but spring means more buyers and competition. Choose carefully.

Neighborhood Guide: Where Would You Thrive?

Lake Nona: Perfect for healthcare and tech professionals; home to Medical City and new developments.
Winter Garden: A charming downtown, farmers markets, and small-town appeal just 20 minutes from Orlando.
Horizon West: Ideal for young families—master-plan neighborhoods with A-rated schools and resort-style amenities.
Windermere/Dr. Phillips/Bayhill: High-end living with luxury estates, golf courses, and fine dining.
Downtown Orlando/Thornton Park: For urban dwellers who crave walkability, cultural events, and a growing arts scene.

Final Take: Orlando in 2025 Is a Whole New World

The Orlando of today is not the Orlando of five years ago. With rapid transformation—and major projects accelerating—you need local insight to navigate smartly. Don’t attempt this from afar. Work with a real estate expert who lives and breathes Central Florida—someone who can guide your discovery, timeline, must-haves, and deal-breakers.

Why Choose Jared Jones?

As a top real estate agent with nearly 4,000 homes sold and over 20 years of experience in the Florida real estate market, I have the expertise needed to help you navigate today’s evolving landscape. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, my deep understanding of market trends and personalized approach will provide you with the insights and strategies required for success.

Best Realtor in Orlando - Reach Out Today!

If you’re ready to make a move in Florida’s real estate market, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Jared Jones at 407-706-5000 (call or text) or email info@jaredjones.com for professional guidance and personalized service that will help you achieve your real estate goals.