Living in Orlando, FL
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Orlando, FL? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Orlando, FL

Disney is known as the happiest place on Earth, and all those good vibes spill over into everyday life for those living in Orlando, FL. Residents here can enjoy year-round sunshine, diverse neighborhoods, access to excellent health care and, of course, mingling with Mickey at Disney World. 

The city has more than 35 colleges, universities and technical schools, which provide a strong talent pipeline for the region’s diverse industries. With a mixture of quality public and private schools, the city of 346,520 is a perfect place to relocate for families with young children. And the tight-knit community will make you feel right at home. Those considering moving to Orlando have their pick of communities, like Lake Nona, designed with health and wellness in mind. Here, neighbors come together to sweat it out at Saturday morning fitness classes in Boxi Park. Arts and culture are big here, too, as Orlando is home to premier museums, galleries and theaters, including the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Orlando Museum of Art. Plus, the city is pretty diverse, making it a cultural hub for those looking to celebrate a community with people from all walks of life.

Top Reasons to Move to Orlando

• Florida’s tax advantages are a major draw for businesses, and Orlando has a well-rounded economy, leading the nation in job, population and GDP growth across tech, aviation and health care.   
• Education is a priority in Orlando, anchored by the University of Central Florida and several A-rated public schools.
• More than 100 lakes and plenty of green spaces, Orlando offers a year-round outdoor lifestyle.
• Dining in Orlando is defined by its highly diverse and international options. 

Orlando is a world-famous city in central Florida, accessible via Interstate 4. Orlando International Airport, a global gateway, is just southeast of the city. Nearby major cities include:

• Tampa is roughly 85 miles west, where you can explore the Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Riverwalk or catch a Buccaneers game.
• Daytona Beach is just 55 miles northeast, home to the Daytona International Speedway, Museum of Arts & Sciences and sandy beaches.
• Miami is 235 miles southeast, buzzing with the excitement of South Beach, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Little Havana’s vibrant culture.

The region has a subtropical climate, so you can expect warm weather year-round. Summers are hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms, while winters are mild, though they can have short cold spells. Be prepared for the possibility of heavy rainfall and hurricanes.

Thanks to the dozens of colleges, universities and technical schools in the area, the local economy directly benefits from a strong talent pipeline to fill the needs of the city’s diverse workforce. The city is known for its tourism industry, particularly theme parks, but there are other significant industries in the city, too, including aerospace and aviation, defense and homeland security, and technology and innovation. Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Lockheed Martin and Publix Super Markets are among the largest employers.

The cost of living in Orlando is below the national average. The median home value in Orlando is $415,102, and the average household income is $74,826.

There is no state income tax in Florida. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Orlando is 6.5%.

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Welcome to “The House of the Mouse!” The city is known, of course, for Mickey, Minnie and Donald, who reside at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as for Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND and many other theme parks. These tourist attractions are critical to the city’s economy, contributing about $31 billion annually. Orlando was named the largest U.S. travel and tourism city destination for 2022 by the World Travel & Tourism Council.

This area has much more to offer than its famous theme parks, though they are a favorite spot for residents who can get discounted tickets and annual passes. Outside of the House of Mouse, art enthusiasts can explore the Rollins Museum of Art in nearby Winter Park, the Orlando Museum of Art and the CityArts gallery, while performing arts lovers can enjoy Broadway shows and concerts at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Shakespearean plays at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. History buffs can dive into the city’s heritage at the Orange County Regional History Center and the Hannibal Square Heritage Center. For something kid-approved, visit Gatorland, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex or explore the underwater world at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

Beyond the cultural and historical attractions, there are plenty of places to shop, including Orlando International Premium Outlets and The Mall at Millenia. Families will love Discovery Cove and the Crayola Experience. Downtown Orlando is a community hub with a lively arts scene, as well as the Orlando Science Center and the Creative City Project. The downtown area also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. Sports lovers can appreciate attending any professional sporting events in town, including soccer, basketball and volleyball games.

The city offers abundant outdoor activities, allowing residents to appreciate Florida’s natural beauty. Orlando has nearly 150 parks, gardens, recreation areas and playgrounds. Lake Eola Park is a downtown jewel, providing a scenic setting for walks, picnics and swan-shaped paddleboat rides. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has abundant opportunities to observe wildlife, including dolphins, manatees and birds. Hit the water at the Orlando Watersports Complex. Or explore the natural springs and hiking trails at Wekiwa Springs State Park, take scenic boat tours through Winter Park’s lakes or experience the Everglades on an airboat tour.

Beyond these attractions, Orlando has several spots to hit the links, play pickleball or tennis at the USTA National Campus or explore with your four-legged friend at places like Barber Dog Park.

The local culinary scene has a mix of fresh seafood, an impressive vegan variety and farm-to-table experiences. There are plenty of dining destinations around town. Orlando’s dining landscape is cemented with upscale dining experiences on Restaurant Row, the gourmet offerings at East End Market and the sustainable culinary practices showcased at the Orlando World Center Marriott’s HyCube. Seafood lovers can indulge in fresh catches at Bar Harbor and Lombardi’s Seafood, while those seeking plant-based meals love Infusion Tea and Loving Hut. Several Michelin-starred dining options, like Soseki, offer an exquisite omakase experience and a growing emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, highlighted by urban farming initiatives like Fleet Farming. Beyond its restaurant scene, Orlando has a growing craft beer culture. Breweries like Crooked Can Brewing Company feature citrus-infused IPAs. Check out cocktails at spots like The Courtesy, which offers unique drinks and cocktail-making courses. Residents can explore local wines at Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards in nearby Clermont and indulge in sweet treats at the Chocolate Museum & Cafe.

The city has more than 35 colleges, universities, and technical schools and offers a mix of quality public and private schools, making it an excellent place for young families. Public schools in Orlando are managed by the Orange County Public Schools district, which offers a variety of academic programs, award-winning fine arts and competitive athletics. There are many esteemed private schools, too, including faith-based and preparatory schools, like Trinity, which has ranked as the top private and STEM school in the area.