Whether you are moving to Orlando, Florida, for work or in search of an endless summer, there’s a lot you need to know about the area. Many see the “tourist” areas of Orlando and think that’s all there is to this city. But Orlando is thriving outside the parks and is a great place to call home.

Here are a few insider tips on moving to Orlando and finding your perfect home:

Choose The Area Before The Home

You might be tempted to start your moving process by finding the perfect home online.

Big mistake.

A lot of people don’t realize how sprawling Orlando is and the many boroughs throughout. If you are planning on working on one side of town and find your dream home on the other side, be prepared for the commute. It’s not uncommon for a 45 minute commute across town. Get to know the area you want to move to first and know how long of a commute you can bare.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Many communities here are built around lifestyles where you can conveniently do the things you love. If you're an avid golfer, you can find a beautiful home in a championship golf course community.

If you or your kids love to swim, but you don’t want a home with a pool - many communities have resort style community pools. Maybe you enjoy running or being active outside? Many communities are fitness focused with trails, community gyms, and some are even natured themed.

Get local insights on Orlando's famous attractions and living nearby here!

Learn Florida Home Styles

The traditional Florida design is unlike what you might be used to up north. Many homes for sale in Orlando boast open floor plans and higher ceilings. While this is a trend for newer homes, many older homes in Florida are already built like this. If you’re used to a two-story home, keep in mind they are not as common here.

However, many of the homes are much more spacious than you might be used to. Many people relocating here find that they get “more bang for their buck” with Real Estate in Orlando.

Here's why some homebuyers are choosing Orlando homes with Character.

Get Rid of Junk

In Florida you will not find many homes with basements. We were a big swamp after all (get used to Florida humor!).

A lot of the homes have attics, but you will probably not want to store your Christmas decorations there, unless you don’t mind them melting.

Take an inventory of EVERYTHING you own and determine if you really need it all.

Prepare for House Guests

How often will you have them? Probably more than you think.

Living near the amusement parks will attract guests (even if you are 45 minutes away from Disney). Will you need an extra bedroom for them or will you give them the name of a good hotel?

If you go the first route, you need a home with an extra room.

Choose a Local Expert

Working with a knowledgeable REALTOR® from the start of your search will be invaluable. Your REALTOR® will help guide you through the process of finding your perfect area, community, neighborhood, and finally your dream home in one of the best places to live in Orlando.

You can rely on their experience and familiarity with the areas to save you time and minimize stress. After all, they are local experts on the area and the homebuying process.

Orlando is a great city to live in. Even with its endless list of activities and a bustling economy, you might be surprised with how relaxing Orlando can be.

Ready to find your own piece of Orlando, FL?
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Have you moved to Orlando from out-of-state or out of the country? What brought you down to the Sunshine State? Leave a comment below & let us know!