A facebook friend mentioned that she was hoping to move to Orando within the next few years. She asks …
I have a couple of quick questions that I've been meaning to ask you: How long have you lived in Orlando? Which part of Orlando do you live in, and what has your overall experience been there?
I have lived in Orlando for almost six years. Which part? The best of course 
. I don't share that info online . Although, some suggestions of where to live are Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Maitland but there is a lot of places in Orlando proper as well.
My overall experience has been positive. The first year was rough. The humid weather is something to get used too.  There was a little bit of culture shock for this Southern boy (the "South" ends at around Ocala.) Orlando is a true "melting pot" because it is a very young city. It is true that this is a city built by Disney. While I think it would do fine on its own now … Disney built "The City Beautiful."
It's a fast paced city and the population has outgrown its road system. Even so, it is no where near the commutes and jams of a really large city. I like Orlando in another sense that it seems like people here really know how to relax and have a good time. It takes longer to have a sense of community but once it comes… it's a great community.
Plus, it is Florida, there is a lot of things to do. I love going to the beach and kayaking and going to the beach . The theme parks are fun to go to about once a year.
The only downside is that crime has been on the upswing the past couple of years and the local government is a little nuts. Oh and the three Hurricane in 2004.  Another upside is that development is going through the roof and housing prices are in your favor now through the next year or so.
I am excited you are moving here!
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve only been to Orlando once but I loved it, the people I met were outstanding.
My list of must do things when you visit this great city.
1. Get up early, grab a coffee, and head to the beach to watch the sun rise. Fabulous!!
2. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and alligators as you glide across the water on an air boat. This was a bit frightening, at times I was only about 3 feet from a 12ft gator… yikes… I was a bit whiney that day.
3. Didn’t make it to Disney yet but I’m hoping I will soon.
In my opinion Orlando is a lot like Northern California. Love the weather! Sure beats this Texas heat.
You wanna’ hear something scary? Trying sinking your kayak in the middle of a snake and alligator infested river … I did. Click here to read the harrowing, yet oddly funny, journey.
Oh my goodness, laughing so hard… tears… lol… I have always wanted to go on a kayaking trip it looks fun and relaxing. I can say that I’m too much of a wimp to every attempt a journey like yours. When I went to Hawaii a few years ago, it took me a while to get the nerve up to even snorkel. The thought of anything larger than me creeping up on me is too scary. I at least need the option to run!
Orlando has been my 2nd home for 16 years. My family comes up about 3 or 4 times a year. I think Orlando is nice to visit, but I’d still prefer my lovely South FL. You’re right about outgrowing the road system, I think it’s taking a toll on the Orlando driver’s psyche. The Orlando area actually seems southern to me, especially Kissimmee. Maybe it’s because of my Miami/NYC orientation.
Toodles
BTW, when are you coming back down to Fort L? Worthy Creations?
I actually had a nightmare about that. I have a fear of swamps and dark water. A sinking airboat in the middle of the Everglades. ::shivers::
I am glad you enjoyed it. I have the same fear but in clear water…I am happy as a clam…. well, a clam in clear water.
I have taken vacations in Naples FL that past two years and have purposefully NOT done the airboat for exactly those reasons. I will NOT get in any water with that many gators OR (in that part of the state) giant pythons.
No thank you.
Well, South Florida is it’s own universe so I can see why you think that about Orlando. Plus, Kissimmee down through Lakeland is like an island of the South.
I assure you though… you want the “South” feel I am talking about… think Tallahassee.
I would love to come back down to Ft. Lauderdale but don’t have plans to at the moment. I love South Florida.
Ha! Pythons…our illegal immigrants in the animal world. Naples is nice. I’ll go ahead and say that about the entire sunshine state. Have you been to Everglades National Park?
no… I haven’t been there. Is it cool?
I know what “southern” is. =) I’ve been to NC, SC, TN, GA, etc…
Part of what I meant about the Orlando area seeming southern is the nature of its built environment.
It’s awesome! I went on a relaxing boat tour. I was surprised to see many dolphins there and no alligators. There’s a quaint, pretty, isolated little town called Everglades City–very Key West-like.
ohhh… that sounds very nice. Every time I went to the beach in Naples I would see dolphins.
oh, that makes sense.