Orlando is a city and county seat of Orange County, part of the quickly growing Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metro area, which is the 23rd largest metropolitan area in the United States. Orlando is known for being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, with tourists flocking in to experience Disney World, Universal Studios, or Orlando’s beloved nightlife, and a convenient location just 60 miles from the beach.
Orlando’s history began in the 19th century, with the expulsion of the Seminole from Central Florida in 1830. The first European settler in the area was Mr. Jernigan, and so the community that sprung up there was initially named after him. The village would be very small for quite some time, and Mr. Jernigan acquired a bad reputation that had him relieved of local militia command and left people wanting to rename the town.
Depending on who you ask, the new name of Orlando was chosen because of a local soldier, Orlando Reeves, who had been killed fighting the Seminole. Alternatively, the name Orlando was chosen because of the Shakespeare character of the same name. Regardless, the name of the town was changed to Orlando, and the city entered its “golden age” at the end of the 19th century with an uptick in the production of citrus products.
Orlando’s real break came in 1971 when Walt Disney finally completed the construction of Disney World within Orlando’s limits. This fundamentally transformed the nature of Orlando into a city with tourism as its foremost industry. Now, Orlando is an American city with some of the highest concentrations of theme parks and attractions in the United States, which is why the city is sometimes called the “Theme Park Capital of the World”. As a result, Orlando is a good place to live, as the city provides a unique, wonderful experience!
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Where is Orlando FL?
Orlando is in Orange County, situated in the wetlands of Central Florida. The entire area is dotted with hundreds of lakes, which contribute to Orlando’s unique character. It is also located in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metro area. As the city is dotted with lakes, it is also dotted with neighborhoods – 115, at least, as well as many unincorporated communities that may as well be part of Orlando.
Want to know where Orlando is in relation to other nearby cities? Orlando is bordered by a number of smaller communities that make up a group of satellite cities that nonetheless share much in common with Orlando. More notably, Deltona and Sanford lie to the north, Palm Bay to the east, Kissimmee to the south, and Tampa to the far west. The distance from Orlando to Miami, FL is 235 miles.
Orlando Florida Information
- County: Orange County
- Orlando Area: 119.08 miles
- Orlando Zip Code: 32801–32899
- Orlando Area Code: 407, 689
- Orlando Elevation: 82’
- Orlando Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest airport: Orlando International Airport, CM9W+58 Orlando Florida, USA, 10 miles from Orlando
Orlando FL Population & Demographics
The population of Orlando Florida is 309,154, distributed over 110 miles at a population density of about 2,700 people per square mile. Its population has grown by 0.5% since 2020. Orlando is located in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metro area, which has a much larger population of 2,691,925. The median age here is 35.7 years. The median household income in Orlando is $54,167, with 26% of the population making $100k annually or more.
39.7% of Orlando’s population has attained a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is 20% higher than the average rate in Florida.
The largest racial group in Orlando demographically is Hispanics, at 35%, with Whites taking a close second place at 33%, and Blacks coming third at 23% – a very diverse city. 22% of the population of Orlando are foreign-born, with 75% of the foreign-born population coming from Latin America. Orlando’s gender ratio is skewed slightly towards women, at 52%.
Notable people from Orlando include Evanescence drummer Will Hunt, WWE wrestler Adam Scherr, American player for Israeli basketball Eric Griffin, and NASA astronaut John Young.
Orlando FL Transportation
Orlando’s primary highway is Interstate 4, which bisects the city, and is also served by a multitude of tollways. It is served by the Central Florida Rail Corridor and the SunRail commuter rail service. The Lynx public transportation service provides bus routes throughout Orlando. The most substantial airport near the city is the Orlando International Airport (code: CM9W+58 Orlando, Florida, USA), and a robust airport shuttle service routes to and from this airport.
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Cost of Living in Orlando, FL
The cost of living index in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metro area is 0.7% lower on average than other places in America. Florida is generally affordable, which draws many people to the state, and Orlando is a little different. However, despite the affordability, Orlando is still a lovely and luxurious place to live.
Orlando has seasonal variations in how expensive it gets – generally speaking, the cheapest months to go to Orlando are January to mid-February.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will need a yearly income of $84,927 to live in Orlando.
According to the MIT living wage calculator, the living wage of a typical family of 4 in the area is $23.58 per hour.
Basic everyday costs like housing, utilities, and groceries will generally be lower than or at the average cost, with Florida’s affordability helping to ease the weight on your wallet! The average utility bill in Orlando is $232 per month, according to Doxo.
Orlando FL Typical Living Expenses
Here are some common items you might buy and their prices according to Numbeo:
- Milk – $4.25
- Loaf of Bread – $3.31
- 12 Regular Eggs – $4.19
- 1 lb. Chicken Filet – $5.17
- 1 lb. Apples – $2.32
- 1 lb. Tomatoes – $1.69
- Gasoline, 1 Gallon – $3.53
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant – $20.00
- Monthly Internet Cost – $72.73
Orlando has a sales tax of 6.5%, a range of income tax based on wealth, and a median property tax of $2,152 a year.
Orlando FL Real Estate
Orlando gets a 67 on Redfin’s competitiveness scale, with home sale prices on the rise but the number of homes being sold above list price lowering very slightly. Orlando’s housing market continues to grow alongside the city and doesn’t show any signs of stopping soon – now is a great time to invest!
The median sale price for Orlando homes is $355,500. This is relatively affordable for urban housing in the United States but is somewhat higher than the average home price for the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metro area ($303,300) and even higher than the average for the entire state of Florida ($290,700). The number of houses sold yearly has depressed by about half in recent years, although this should not be cause for alarm because there are still 495 homes being sold annually. The median days on the market in this area is 28 days, a number that has been increasing yearly.
63% of Orlando residents rent their homes, according to RentCafe, as many are in Orlando for work or education or simply an extended bout of tourism. The average rent in Orlando is $1,929 monthly for 962 sq. ft., which is naturally more expensive than what may typically be found in Florida, but not by much.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for Orlando FL homes for sale.
Orlando FL Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Orlando FL
Orlando’s wide variety of unique neighborhoods are part of the city’s charm and fame! All sorts of subcommunities have formed within the bounds of the city, and it is a certainty that you’ll be able to find one that suits your specific needs. Check out some of Orlando’s best neighborhoods.
Winter Park – Family-friendly and Plenty to Do
Winter Park is a suburban city situated only 7 miles from Orlando’s city center and downtown. With home values $100,000 above the Orlando averages, Winter Park is affluent and family-focused, providing lovely single-family homes that are quiet yet still close to the hustle and bustle of the city. This community is the best of both worlds.
Celebration – All the Best Theme Parks of Orlando
Located in the nexus of Orlando’s numerous and widely-acclaimed theme parks, Celebration is much cause for celebration. Primarily residential, Celebration has its own schools, restaurants, attractions, and shopping centers, but all of those are dwarfed by being right next door to Orlando’s top theme parks, such as the veritable Disney World. If you have kids or are unashamed about having some good old-fashioned fun, you’ll love living here!
Central Business District – Orlando’s Bustling Downtown
The Central Business District is just a longer name for Orlando’s exciting and lively downtown. If something’s going on in Orlando, being in the Central Business District is sure to put you right in the center of it! This is where all of Orlando’s best eats and attractions lie, as well as the heart of Orlando’s legendary nightlife. Anybody who wants to experience the full breadth of Orlando’s things to do won’t want to miss this neighborhood!
Orlando, FL Climate & Weather
Orlando is classified as having a humid subtropical climate, according to the Koppen scale. Those who know Florida will know the drill – expect humidity, heat, rain, and snow only when pigs fly. You can expect lows of 49 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months and highs of 92 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Orlando experiences significantly more than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 52 inches per year. Orlando does not experience snow. The best month to visit Orlando, in terms of comfort rating, are April and November. The coldest month in Orlando is January.
The primary extreme weather event and/or disaster to worry about in Orlando, as well as the rest of Florida, is hurricanes. However, being more inland than Tampa or Miami, Orlando is sheltered far better from hurricanes than those two cities – in fact, that is why Walt Disney chose to build Disney World here!
Places to Eat in Orlando, FL
In Orlando, the choice of great food is overwhelming! Check out some of the best restaurants in Orlando FL below.
Tabla
Indian cuisine may not be as common as Chinese or Mexican when it comes to ethnic foods in the United States, but Tabla provides the finest, most genuine Indian dishes in Florida!
5847 Grand National Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States, (407) 248-9400
Yard House
Yard House is a sports bar ritzed up to match that typical Orlando glamour. Enjoy the game while also enjoying an immense menu of excellent food and drinks.
8367 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819, United States, (407) 351-8220
Camila’s
Brazilian cuisine is underrated, but thankfully, Camila’s brings just the palate-pleasing delicacy to Orlando! Don’t miss this excellent eatery’s menu!
5458 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819, United States, (407) 354-2507
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Things to Do in Orlando FL
Orlando wouldn’t be quite so famous if not for its wide variety of attractions, all of which put any other city in the United States to shame! You should check out some of the best things to do in Orlando FL below.
Top Orlando Attractions:
- Disney World Resort – This attraction will not need an introduction. Living in Orlando provides you the opportunity to attend this world-famous theme park to your heart’s (and wallet’s) content!
- Universal Studios – Universal Studios theme park will likely also not need an introduction, even if it isn’t quite as famous as Disney World. Experience the thrills this massive theme park has to offer!
- SeaWorld Orlando – This ocean-themed park and zoo draws in millions yearly for a reason! Ride roller coasters, explore exhibits, and see majestic life from underneath the ocean.
- Lake Eola Park – Sure, this attraction isn’t quite as glitzy as Disney World or Universal Studios, but this relaxing lakeside park brings in Orlandians for its special events and rentable swan-shaped rowboats.
Orlando Museums
- Orlando Science Center – The Orlando Science Center is an expansive science center that will please both kids and adults. Interactive exhibits, 3-D films, and more are all contained inside. You won’t want to miss this fun attraction!
- Orlando Museum of Art – The Orlando Museum of Art portrays both African and American art, both contemporary and historical in nature. If you’re somebody who appreciates the fine arts, you’ll love this museum!
Orlando Parks & Outdoors
- Blue Jacket Park – Surrounding a picturesque fountain, Blue Jacket Park provides a relaxing outdoor retreat for Orlando residents.
- Bill Frederick Park – Set over Turkey Lake, Bill Frederick Park offers scenic camping for Orlando residents. It has the usual park amenities, with the added benefit of beautiful views out over the lake.
- Cypress Grove Park – This wonderful 90-acre park surrounds the grounds of a beautiful 1920s manor, which adds to the park’s charm and class. Contains playgrounds and sporting areas.
- Barber Park – A beautiful landscaped park offering dog runs, picnicking facilities, sports fields, and more. A wonderful place to spend the day out!
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Shopping in Orlando
- Orlando Outlet Marketplace – If you’re planning on stopping by Universal Studios, this outlet mall may quench your thirst for shopping while you’re there. It’s located in very convenient proximity!
- The Mall at Millenia – One of Orlando’s premiere luxury shopping centers, you can expect all sorts of high-end, brand-name goods and stores at the Mall at Millenia. The mall itself has a lovely design that is sure to make your shopping experience pleasant!
- The Florida Mall – An upscale, open mall that provides all the best in name-brand stores! You won’t have to go far to find luxury shopping in Orlando.
Map of Orlando Florida Things to Do
Sports in Orlando, FL
What would any Florida city be without a good sports team or two? While perhaps not as prestigious as Miami, Orlando still has plenty of professional sports to slake the thirst of any sports lover. Likely Orlando’s most famous team is the Orlando Magic, a professional NBA team, with their home arena at the Amway Center in Downtown Orlando. Other notable teams from the city include the Orlando Pride women’s soccer team at Exploria Stadium and the Orlando City Soccer Club, also at Exploria Stadium. With sports amateur and professional galore, sports lovers won’t be left wanting in Orlando!
Orlando Florida Crime
Thinking about moving to this great city, but wondering if Orlando Florida is a safe place to live? Orlando’s crime is no secret, but it can be avoided by choosing an area that has a higher level of safety. Orlando’s overall crime rate is 4,664 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 98.8% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 3,803 per 100,000 people, which is 94.2% higher than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 2,524 per 100,000 people, or 121.8% higher, with 1,118 of the crimes resulting from aggravated assault. When comparing crime rates in Orlando, property crime makes up the majority of crimes versus violent crime. And, with an estimated 59 million visitors each year, one study says theme parks are linked to increased crime rates. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition received a large grant, and their current goal is to reduce gun crime by 30-60%.
Orlando’s crime is all about location – if you want to know what the safest neighborhoods in Orlando are, the previously mentioned Celebration and Winter Park rank among the highest!
Here’s how Orlando compares in crime to three cities of similar size:
- Tampa, FL – 120% lower
- St. Petersburg, FL – 60% lower
- Hialeah, FL – 122% lower
Crime is a reality of living in any American city, and that’s as true of Orlando as any other. Despite crime being present, there are safe places to live in Orlando. Thankfully, the right choice of location will serve to alleviate much of the crime problem, as will Orlando’s large, excellent police department. Orlando is served in law enforcement matters by the Orlando Police Department, staffed by 806 sworn police officers.
Economy & Jobs in Orlando, FL
The primary mover of Orlando’s juggernaut economy is tourism to see sites like Disney World. However, Orlando is a city filled to the brim with diverse employment opportunities in a wide variety of industries, including but not limited to a $13.4 billion tech industry sector. According to Payscale, the most popular positions of employment are Software Engineer, Project Manager, and Operations Manager. The most popular employers in Orlando are Lockheed Martin Corp, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, and AdventHealth. The average salary for a worker in Orlando is $68k a year, while the average hourly wage is $18.40.
That Orlando is packed with economic opportunity should be no surprise at all! Employment will come easy to anyone in Orlando, as industries are varied and always looking for new hires in a growing market. Check out the latest listings for jobs in Orlando FL, and the Orlando City job board.
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Orlando Healthcare
As with any large city, Orlando has a wide variety of healthcare outlets and services, ready to meet every health need you have. The primary non-profit hospital systems in the city are Orlando Health and Advent Health. The Orlando Health’s flagship hospital is the Orlando Regional Medical Center, which has the only Level 1 trauma center in the entirety of Central Florida.
The AdventHealth Orlando hospital and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies also contain the only Level III neonatal intensive care units in the same region. Orlando’s healthcare system continues to be expanded on behalf of advocacy from the UCF’s College of Medicine, and the city recently had two new medical facilities built for women and veterans, respectively. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from while living in Orlando!
Orlando, FL Schools
Living in Orlando means you’ll be served by a huge school district, covering quite literally hundreds of schools within city limits. Orlando is served by the Orange County School District, which contains over 200,000 students within its jurisdiction. Some of the best schools you’ll find in and around Orlando include Hillcrest Elementary School, Pinecrest Preparatory Charter School, and Orlando Science Middle High School – all of which have exceptionally good GreatSchools ratings of 9/10 or better!
Orlando is also home to a wide variety of private schools. Notable examples include Orlando Lutheran Academy, Trinity Preparatory School, and Bishop Moore High School. Orlando is a city full of options!
If you or a family member are looking to get into higher education, Orlando will have a vast multitude of options for you, with many excellent and prestigious colleges calling this city home. The most notable Orlando area college is the University of Central Florida, well renowned for its engineering and health programs. There is also the Florida A&M University College of Law, as well as the Florida State University College of Medicine. You certainly won’t be starved for options for higher education in Orlando.
Orlando’s students and avid readers are served by many libraries, including the Orlando branch of the Orange County Library System.
Orlando Florida Utilities & DMV Change of Address
If you’re planning a move to Orlando, having both your utilities and DMV documentation in order are vital steps that can often be forgotten in the stress and chaos. Unfortunately, a moving crew won’t be able to do this on your behalf – but we can give you tips! Check out a list of a few Orlando utility providers below:
- Electric: Florida Power & Light Company
- Gas: TECO
- Water: Orange County Water District
- Sanitation: City of Orlando
Need to change your address or get a new license after moving to Orlando Florida? It will most likely involve a trip to the dreaded DMV, but this rundown by the FDHSMV will be certain to make the process quicker! The majority of the process could even be completed without ever walking into the DMV at all. Here’s the location of Orlando’s very own DMV for changing your driver’s license.
Planning on moving to and living in Orlando Florida? Orlando is a wonderful city, and you’re certainly making the right choice – but you’re going to need help from a trustworthy and experienced Orlando mover! Give 2 College Brothers a call at 813-922-1529! Your big relocation will be over in a flash without an ounce of stress on your part! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
