Living in Orlando: What Buyers Should Know Before Moving In

Living in Orlando is defined by a booming tech and medical economy, rich cultural diversity, lush natural beauty, and neighborhoods suited to every stage of life. 

In this Orlando city guide, we break down the region’s layout, cost of living, and everyday lifestyle to help you decide if moving to Orlando is the right fit for your family! 

Key takeaways: 

• Lush landscapes, parks, and over 100 lakes define Orlando’s natural beauty
• Master-planned communities in St. Cloud offer modern, wellness-led living
• Extensive toll networks and rail options streamline daily regional commutes
• Aerospace, tech, and healthcare sectors define Orlando’s diversified economy

The Daily Life of Living in Orlando

To understand the reality of, one must look past the neon lights of the tourism district and popular attractions. 

Orlando for homebuyers is defined by its nickname, “The City Beautiful,” a title earned through its commitment to urban forestry, expansive public parks, more than 100 lakes, and a sweeping canopy of ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss. 

Relocation planning in Orlando involves navigating a few specific local factors, including the: 

• Subtropical climate: Known as the Sunshine State, Orlando offers residents an average of 233 sunny days, though summer afternoons almost always feature quick, cooling thunderstorms. While summers are humid, the pleasant weather from October through May is often considered among the best.
• Community vibe: From weekly farmers' markets to local arts festivals, there is a strong emphasis on supporting small businesses and a diverse culinary scene.
• Educational environment: The University of Central Florida (UCF), one of the nation’s largest universities, fuels a youthful, tech-forward energy, complemented by highly rated public and charter schools in the city.

Key Residential Areas and Neighborhoods in Orlando

Exploring local areas is a vital part of any Orlando relocation guide, as the region offers a diverse tapestry of neighborhoods beyond the city core. While living in Orlando often evokes urban energy, the surrounding suburbs offer a more nature-focused pace of life, particularly in the rapidly growing areas south of the city. 

For those interested in moving to Orlando, two standout residential areas in St. Cloud represent the best of modern master-planned living for any homebuyer guide: 

• Waterlin: This community emphasizes wellness and outdoor living, thanks to its proximity to Lake Tohopekaliga, which supports an active family life. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities, neighborhood centers, and easy access to downtown St. Cloud and to shopping and dining in Kissimmee.
• Weslyn Park at Sunbridge: Created by the visionaries behind Lake Nona, this area blends innovation with nature. It features the Watershed amenity center, Acorn Park, miles of trails, and a community garden.

Perry Homes offers new construction homes in both communities, featuring energy-efficient designs, smart home technology, and comprehensive warranty coverage. 

Commute Patterns and Regional Access in Orlando

Living in Orlando requires a strategic travel approach, utilizing a sophisticated network of expressways and transit to maintain efficient commute access to major hubs. This city guide highlights the essential infrastructure that shapes the flow of daily life, including the: 

• The expressway network: Many residents rely on a system of toll roads, including the SR-417 (GreeneWay) and SR-429 (Western Beltway). These routes are essential for those in growing local areas like St. Cloud and Winter Garden.
• I-4 mobility: Interstate 4 serves as the central spine connecting Altamonte Springs and Maitland directly to the urban core. While it links key residential areas, commuters often utilize the Express Lanes to reach downtown efficiently.
• Expanding rail options: The SunRail commuter line offers a reliable connection from DeBary and Sanford in the north down to Kissimmee and Poinciana in the south. Meanwhile, the Brightline high-speed rail connects Orlando International Airport to South Florida.
• Future growth: The upcoming Sunshine Corridor project connects the airport to the tourism district, further improving access for thousands of residents.

Lifestyle Amenities and Recreation in Orlando

Living in Orlando offers a dynamic lifestyle where world-class amenities meet breathtaking beauty. For a complete moving guide, here are a variety of local treasures: 

• The springs and lakes: Locals head to Wekiwa Springs or Blue Spring for clear, 72-degree water perfect for kayaking or spotting manatees.
• Urban green spaces: Lake Eola Park in the heart of downtown is a community hub, hosting a bustling Sunday Farmers Market and scenic swan boat rentals.
• Theme park access: Residents enjoy Florida-resident discounts at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, plus access to Epic Universe’s immersive new attractions.
• Diverse dining: The food scene has shifted to high-end culinary districts, with Michelin-recognized spots in Winter Park, global eats in Mills 50, and new food halls like Great Southern Box Co.
• Cultural arts: The region hosts a sophisticated arts scene, ranging from Broadway-caliber shows at the Dr. Phillips Center to collections at the Orlando Museum of Art.
• Professional sports: Sports fans enjoy action with the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, and numerous championship golf courses.

Cost of Living in Orlando

According to the Cost of Living 2025 Annual Average report, Orlando is ranked as the 2nd most affordable city among the 30 most populous metropolitan areas, surpassed only by St. Louis. With a Composite Index of 90.6, the overall cost of living is nearly 10% below the national average. 

It offers a significantly lower cost of entry for homebuyers than other cities, such as Austin (95.7) and Phoenix (105.3). The following breakdown illustrates how these savings apply to your relocation guide: 

• Housing: This is the city's most significant cost advantage, sitting 22.2% below the national average.
• Healthcare: Residents benefit from medical costs that are 17.5% lower than the national baseline.
• Miscellaneous goods and services: Everyday expenses, including clothing and entertainment, are 6% cheaper than the U.S. average.
• Transportation and utilities: These categories sit 4% and 3.6% below the national average, respectively.
• Grocery items: Food costs are the only category in which Orlando sits slightly above the national baseline, trending about 4.3% higher.

The Local Economy and Job Market in Orlando

While tourism and hospitality remain the bedrock of the local economy, Orlando has successfully diversified into a formidable, high-tech global hub for innovation. 

The region is home to Medical City in Lake Nona, a 650-acre health and life sciences park that attracts top-tier researchers and healthcare professionals. Additionally, the Central Florida Research Park, adjacent to UCF, is the national headquarters for the U.S. military’s simulation and training programs. 

For homebuyers, this means a robust job market in high-paying sectors, such as: 

1. Aerospace and defense: This foundational sector is anchored by industry titans like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, which sustain thousands of high-wage engineering and manufacturing roles.
2. Technology and innovation: The region is a leader in technology and fintech, featuring established studios like EA Sports alongside emerging AI (artificial intelligence) and finance innovators such as Kore.ai, Worth AI, and Stax.
3. Healthcare and life sciences: Major systems such as AdventHealth and Orlando Health are the area's largest employers, bolstered by the Lake Nona Medical City research and biotech hub.

Is Moving to Orlando Right For You?

Living in Orlando is for those who value sunshine, outdoor recreation, and a community-focused atmosphere. With a reasonable cost of living and a strong job market, this city stands as a top choice. If you’re ready to make a move, Perry Homes is here to help! 

You can explore our new homes in Orlando or view our current move-in-ready homes for a faster transition. Reach out to us today to begin your journey toward homeownership!