Whether you're a sun worshipper, a Disney fan or just someone who wants to get a share of the city's booming economic growth, Orlando is a city on the rise that has a lot to appeal to newcomers looking for apartments for rent.
Quality of Life
One of the world's premiere travel destinations, Orlando hosts more than 35 million tourists every year. Why do such vast amounts of people visit this Florida city? Many are taking advantage of the 95 theme parks and local attractions (of which Disney World is the most famous). But what's it like for the 200,000 people who live here? Locals are more likely to enjoy the less touristy attractions like the downtown farmers market every Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic concerts, Leu Gardens, numerous museums and galleries, or pro basketball team Orlando Magic playing at the TD Waterhouse Centre. Of course, tourists and locals alike enjoy the nearby beaches, where popular pastimes include frolicking in the ocean, working on your tan and watching the spectacular sunrises.
Where the Jobs Are
With a growing economy and a diversity of industries, Orlando has plenty of job opportunities for those moving to the city's apartments for rent. Services make up the largest segment of employees in Orlando, with over half the workforce. Other major industries include government, manufacturing, construction, transportation/public utilities, wholesale trade, retail trade, finance, insurance and real estate. Major employers in Orlando include Walt Disney World (which is the city's largest private employer with nearly 56,000 workers), Adventist Health System, Publix, Universal Orlando, Orlando Regional Healthcare System, Wal*Mart, Winn-Dixie, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International and McDonald's.
Cost of Living & Apartment Prices
There's good news and bad news when it comes to Orlando apartments. The good news is that the overall cost of living in Orlando is 21% below the national average, so your money tends to go further here than in many other parts of the nation. The bad news is that housing is not one of the cheapest expenses in this fun-filled area; you can expect to pay a median price of $700 per month for apartment rentals. But at least you'll have a lot of choice. Orlando has a wide variety of apartments for rent, with small studio apartment rentals starting in the $400-500 range and snazzy townhouses and sophisticated downtown lofts going for well over $2,000.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Orlando has 88 residential neighborhoods to explore, many of which contain huge housing developments, but there are also plenty of apartments available throughout the city. You'll find one of the greatest concentrations of apartments in the downtown area, a cool place to live where you'll enjoy urban amenities like restaurants, clubs, piano lounges, rooftop bars, live music venues, art galleries, eclectic shops and the weekly farmers market.
