Imagine living in a place where you can enjoy the best of both urban and suburban living, delight in a wonderful climate, and have access to top-notch amenities. Welcome to Orange County, Florida! This vibrant and diverse region offers an attractive lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. In this blog post, we will uncover the many reasons that make Orange County a great place to call home and answer the question, “Is Orange County Florida a good place to live?”
Orange County, Florida is an inviting and vibrant county with a variety of activities for both residents and tourists to enjoy.
Living in Orange County is attractive and affordable, with the cost of living 2% lower than the national average & no state income tax.
Residents can take advantage of excellent education, healthcare services, public safety standards & abundant outdoor activities for a comfortable lifestyle.
Orange County, Florida, is a thriving and vibrant community with a population of 1.43 million people, located in east-central Florida, just 25 miles away from the beautiful Atlantic Coast. With a remarkable population growth rate of 24.8% in the last 10 years, this county is a magnet for those seeking an exciting lifestyle in a delightful humid subtropical climate with pleasantly mild winters and warm, sunny summers.
From the bustling downtown Orlando to the family-friendly Winter Park and the picturesque Ocoee, Orange County offers a unique mix of cities and towns that cater to different lifestyles, making it an incredibly attractive place to live. Some highlights of Orange County include:
World-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World
A plethora of outdoor activities
A vibrant downtown area with plenty of dining and entertainment options
Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, there’s never a shortage of fun things to do in Orange County.
The cost of living in Orange County is appealingly 2% lower than the national average, making it a desirable option for families and young professionals seeking affordable living conditions. This affordable living, combined with no state income tax, enables residents to lead a comfortable lifestyle and benefit from the county’s amenities and attractions.
The housing market in Orange County is thriving, offering a range of options from single-family homes to apartments, catering to various budgets and preferences. The median home cost in the region, such as in Orlando and Apopka, hover around $390,000, which is a great investment for those looking to buy property.
In Winter Park, a popular city for families, the median rent is an affordable $996, and a whopping 67% of residents are homeowners. With home appreciation soaring 22.8% in the last 12 months, it’s clear that now is a great time to invest in the Orange County housing market.
Daily expenses in Orange County, such as groceries, utilities, and transportation, are generally affordable, contributing to a comfortable lifestyle for its residents. The approximate average cost of groceries in Orange County, Florida, is a manageable $300 to $400 per month for a single person, while the average cost of utilities is approximately $179.92 per month, offering great value for money.
When it comes to public transportation, Orange County’s LYNX bus service and SunRail commuter train provide a range of options to choose from, with passes and fares tailored to suit various needs. For example, a 7-Day Pass costs $16.00, a Discounted Fare is $8.00, and a 30-Day Pass is $50.00, making it easy to find the best solution for your commuting needs.
In Orange County, the quality of life is exceptional, boasting high-quality education, healthcare, and public safety standards that ensure a high standard of living for its residents. From excellent public and private schools to a strong healthcare network and well-funded law enforcement agencies, Orange County is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for its residents to thrive.
Orange County is home to excellent public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions, providing ample opportunities for academic growth. The education system in Orange County offers:
Impressive student-to-teacher ratio in public schools: 1:20 in elementary classrooms and 1:22 in secondary classrooms
English language arts proficiency rate of 49% in the latest state-wide assessments
Mathematics proficiency rate of 33% in the latest state-wide assessments
These statistics showcase the value of education in Orange County.
For those seeking higher education opportunities, the University of Central Florida and Valencia College are two of the amazing institutions available in Orlando. With a strong emphasis on education and a commitment to maintaining high standards, it’s no wonder that the graduation rate of students with a high school diploma in Orange County, Florida, is an impressive 91%.
The healthcare network in Orange County is strong and well-established, with top-rated hospitals and healthcare providers ensuring residents have access to quality care. Some of the best-rated hospitals in the county include Orlando Health-Orlando Regional Medical Center, AdventHealth Orlando, and Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital.
Beyond these renowned hospitals, Orange County hosts excellent healthcare providers including:
UnitedHealth Group
AdventHealth Orlando
Orlando Health
Nemours Children’s Hospital
Orlando VA Medical Center
HCA Healthcare
These providers offer a wide range of specialties and services.
Public safety is a top priority in Orange County, with impressively low crime rates and well-funded law enforcement agencies. The violent crime rate in the county is 26, lower than the U.S. average of 22.7, and the property crime rate is 48.6. Orange County’s commitment to public safety is further demonstrated by a generous $23 million boost to the sheriff’s office operating budget and a total of $860 million proposed for public safety departments, an impressive $100 million increase from the previous year.
Beyond funding, several initiatives have been implemented to improve public safety in Orange County, such as the Orange County Citizens Safety Task Force, the Tourist Oriented Policing Squad (TOPS), and the Crime Prevention Unit of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. These efforts have led to a reassuring 70% of residents feeling safe regarding public safety in Orange County.
With Orange County’s delightful climate and an abundance of outdoor activities, residents can truly embrace nature and lead a healthy, active lifestyle. From beautiful state parks to sports facilities and community leagues, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant region.
Orange County, Florida, is home to many incredible state parks and recreational areas, offering exciting opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports. Some of the most beloved state parks in the county include:
Lake Louisa State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
All of these parks, located in the city beautiful, offer wonderful outdoor experiences, just like parks in other cities.
In addition to the breathtaking scenery, these state parks are also home to a wonderful variety of wildlife species, including:
bats
coyotes
deer
bobcats
squirrels
rabbits
lizards
reptiles
amphibians
So whether you’re an avid hiker, a birdwatcher, or just someone who loves to get out and explore the great outdoors, Orange County’s state parks, including Huntington Beach, are the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature.
Sports enthusiasts, including Orlando residents, have plenty to enjoy in Orange County, from supporting major professional sports teams like the Orlando Magic (NBA), Orlando City SC (MLS), Orlando Pride (NWSL), Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL), and Orlando Predators (NAL) to participating in community leagues and events.
For those who prefer leisure activities, Orange County offers a wealth of options, such as:
Amusement parks
Engaging in outdoor sports and water sports
Playing golf
Hiking in parks
Visiting zoos
Attending events and entertainment venues
With such a diverse range of activities, there’s always something new and exciting to experience in Orange County, including the beautiful Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.
With a flourishing job market and a supportive business environment, Orange County offers an ideal location for career advancement and entrepreneurship. Holding the seventh rank in the United States for job growth, the region provides abundant opportunities for individuals aiming to progress in their careers or initiate a new business venture.
Key job sectors in Orange County include:
Tourism
Healthcare
Technology
Construction
These sectors offer diverse employment opportunities for residents. In the tourism sector, hospitality and aviation are top-performing industries, while healthcare continues to provide thousands of medical and healthcare jobs for those seeking employment in this essential field.
The technology sector is also booming in Orange County, with renowned companies like:
ServiceNow
Sierra Space
The Aerospace Corporation
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Capco
Paylocity
Relativity
Amazon
Oracle
Apple
ADP
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Qualcomm
Concentrix
calling the region home. With an average salary across industries of $39,906 and a favorable unemployment rate of 5.5%, Orange County is an ideal place for career growth and success.
Orange County’s business climate is conducive to entrepreneurship, with resources and support available for small business owners and startups. Some initiatives and organizations that provide support include:
Orange County Small Business BOOST program: Provides grants to small businesses, home-based businesses, and gig workers who have experienced business losses.
Small Business Development Centers: Offer invaluable resources and support for entrepreneurs.
Tech Coast Angels: Provides funding and mentorship to early-stage startups.
Cove Fund: Offers resources and support for startups in the technology sector.
These resources and support systems can greatly benefit entrepreneurs in Orange County.
Moreover, the county government provides online classes assisting small businesses and gig workers in applying for financial aid, while the Orange County Artists Guild actively works towards boosting the visibility and recognition of artists within the community. With a thriving economy, ample resources, and a strong support network, Orange County is an ideal location for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The cultural scene in Orange County is as diverse and vibrant as its residents, with a wealth of arts, performances, and entertainment options catering to various tastes and interests. From renowned performance arts venues to celebrated annual art events and a rapidly growing culinary scene, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Orange County.
Orange County is home to numerous arts and performance venues, showcasing local talent and hosting renowned national and international acts. Some of the most well-known venues include:
Winter Park Playhouse
Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts
Orlando Shakes
Orlando Fringe
The Historic Bob Carr Theater
In addition to these prominent venues, Orange County hosts several celebrated arts and cultural festivals, such as:
Bach Festival
Dazzling Nights
EDC
Florida Film Festival
Fusionfest
IMMERSE
Orlando Fringe
Scottish Highland Games
Zora Neale Hurston Festival
With such a rich and diverse cultural scene, Orange County is a haven for art enthusiasts and lovers of live performances.
The culinary scene in Orange County is diverse and rapidly growing, offering a range of dining options from local eateries to international cuisine. Food enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of international cuisines, including Ethiopian, Asian, French, and American, as well as unique local dishes such as crawfish macaroni and cheese and Mexican sushi.
Annual food festivals and culinary events, such as Open Mic LB Holiday Toy & Food Drive at Partake Collective, Culinary Events at OCfoodies, and the delectable Taste of Santa Ana, showcase the county’s vibrant food scene and provide food lovers with the opportunity to sample various dishes and flavors.
With such an exciting and ever-expanding culinary landscape, Orange County is a paradise for foodies and gastronomes alike.
Orange County’s well-developed transportation network and proximity to major travel hubs make it easy to navigate and explore the region. With a variety of transportation options available, including public transit and well-maintained roads, getting around the county and beyond is a breeze.
The county presents multiple transportation alternatives, including public transit and well-kept roads, simplifying the process of commuting. The LYNX bus service and the SunRail commuter train are popular transportation modes in Orange County, providing residents with a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city and its surrounding areas.
In addition to public transit, Orange County is well-connected by several state highways and expressways, such as Interstate 4 (I-4), U.S. Route 17-92, and State Road 408, providing easy access to neighboring states and major cities in Florida. With an average commute time of just 27.6 minutes, Orange County residents can enjoy a stress-free and efficient daily commute.
Orange County’s proximity to major airports and highways makes it an ideal base for both domestic and international travel. The conveniently located Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) are just 15 and 28 miles away, respectively, providing easy access to flights for both business and leisure travel.
Furthermore, the county’s well-connected road infrastructure, including the renowned Interstate 4, historic U.S. Route 17-92, and scenic State Road 408, provides seamless access to neighboring states and other major cities in Florida. With such excellent connectivity, residents and visitors alike can effortlessly explore the many attractions and tourist destinations that Orange County and its surrounding regions have to offer.
In conclusion, Orange County, Florida, truly has it all – a delightful climate, thriving job market, affordable cost of living, excellent education and healthcare, diverse entertainment options, and outstanding connectivity. Whether you’re looking for a new place to call home or considering a visit to this vibrant region, Orange County is sure to exceed your expectations and provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Orange County, Florida is renowned for its world-famous theme parks and attractions, top public venues, award-winning convention center, simulation, optics/photonics and high-tech sectors, international airport, 68 million visitors each year, and Lake Nona Medical City.
Living in Orlando is great with its sunshine, abundant entertainment and low taxes. A salary of around 65K/year should be enough to live comfortably here.
Orange County is located in Central Florida, as it lies within the Orlando metropolitan area, part of the region that also encompasses Sumter, Polk, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties on the west coast and Volusia and Brevard counties on the east coast. It is the most populous county in Central Florida, containing 13 towns and cities.
Although Orlando has slightly higher costs than the national average for housing and groceries, its utility prices are lower. Overall, living in Orlando is slightly more expensive than living elsewhere.
Orange County, Florida is home to an impressive 1.43 million people, making it a thriving and vibrant community.
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