Why Is Orlando Becoming A Popular Residential City?

Orlando, Florida was named one of the top 2017 best places to live by Real Estate.USnews this year. Coming in at #4, Orlando is definitely one of the most popular residential cities in the country at this time. With a metro population of 2,277,816 and a median annual salary of $41,460, Orlando has a healthy, well-rounded balance when it comes to residential living and accessibility in a city today.

The home of Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter doesn’t just attract tourists and travelers from around the world – it’s also a lucrative community for people looking to settle down and start their family. Especially following the hurricanes that ravaged the Southeastern portion of the U.S. this past year, more than 168,000 people have flown or sailed out of Puerto Rico to Florida since the hurricane, settling in Orlando and other surrounding regions.

Why Orlando?

Orlando does a good job of balancing the allure and attraction of a destination city with features that are conducive to year-round living and family rearing. Located within Florida, families like the idea of no state income tax. Instead, they are able to save this money and put it towards other projects, investments, and enjoyment in their lives. These people also use this money to start businesses and found programs that are welcomed with open arms in a city like Orlando. Known for being business-friendly, there are few regulations and restrictions that keep entrepreneurs at bay.

As such, this business friendliness has given rise to the expansion of the Orlando tech hub, which is attracting talent and businesses owners from Silicon Valley. Since Orlando is friendly to new businesses and surrounded by universities with math and computer science majors, these startups are snatching up the talent and creating new concepts, services, and products that are revolutionizing the community.

From a Bohemian side of things, the Orlando tourism industry has created a vibrant community that is creating new cafes, food concepts, and leisurely activities for residents who want to avoid the tourism-based parts of the city. As a massive American metropolitan, there is much more than local residents can enjoy outside of the amusement corridor.

Best of all, Orlando is a charming, southern American city with happy people and supportive communities. Integrated education, afterschool programs, parks, and other kinds of features make it a child-friendly region for parents working within the city. 

Orlando is open for business, and even more open for residents today.

What is the difference between Orlando and Miami?

Orlando or Miami? A time old question that millions have asked themselves before settling down in the Sunshine State. Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges: they are very different, with their own individual personality that is brought to life through the vibrant Floridian weather.

?Here are some of the most notable differences when comparing the two:

1. Metropolitan vs. Suburban

Orlando is the suburban community that welcomes in any resident or family with open arms. Miami is more of the New York City of Florida, with tons to do, but little community feeling. If you are a solo individual looking for nightlife and networking opportunities, then Miami should be your selection. However, if you’re looking for personality, community, and depth, then Orlando is more for you.

2. Standard of Living

Orlando is more affordable than Miami today. Miami real estate prices are through the roof, lumped in with the likes of New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles today. A decent 1-bedroom apartment in Miami will set you back $1,000 today. In Orlando, that same apartment will cost you between $700 and $800 per month. If you’re on more of a budget, you’ll find cheaper food and entertainment options in Orlando when compared to Miami.

3. Big Business

The biggest companies in South Florida today include Ryder, Office Depot, and Citrix. Of them, only one (Ryder) is located in Miami. The rest choose Orlando. Orlando is attracting new employers every single day thanks to the business-friendly climate, affordability, transportation options, and a growing technology hub. If you’re looking for a big job or want to found your own business, Orlando is more conducive to that.

4. Diversity

Although Orlando has quite a few up-and-coming diverse neighborhoods, Miami wins the diversity card with about 87% of the city being Hispanic. 

5. Attractions

Many argue that the two are tied when it comes to this category. Being on the water, Miami has gorgeous beaches available to residents. However, Orlando has pools, airboat tours, and manmade beaches that provide residents with plenty to do and see. But, if you’re all about the real beaches, that can only be found in Miami.

Overall, Orlando has better transportation and less roadway congestion for getting from point A to point B. As the preferred family and community residency when compared to Miami today, both cities have their pros and cons. If you’re a single 20-something looking to start fresh and hit the ground running, consider Miami. But, if you have a long-term mentality for your future and your career, Orlando is where you will want to be.