Apartments for Rent in Orlando, FL - 747 Rentals available

Renter's Guide to Orlando

Orlando’s designation as “Theme Park Capital of the World” is well earned. The city’s name is associated with such entertainment powerhouses as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios that emanate excitement for families around the globe. But, Orlando’s other nickname “The City Beautiful” is a reminder that like the city’s symbol, the fountain at Lake Eola, Orlando is more than theme parks but is a man-made, natural wonder that must be experienced to be believed.

Located in east-central Florida, Orlando is just 84 miles from Tampa, 236 miles from Miami and 438 miles from Atlanta. Complimented by two airports, The Orlando International Airport, 13t busiest in the US (43^rd busiest in the world) and Orlando Sanford Airport, just 15 miles from downtown, and boasting the second largest number of hotel rooms (behind Las Vegas) in the US, Orlando has also become a leading draw for conventions and conferences of all sizes.

Weather in Orlando is semi-tropical with average January temperatures in the 70’s and a hurricane season that runs from August through December. Yet, fall and summer off seasons when children are on school vacations are popular and affordable times to explore Orlando’s many attractions.

Cost of Living in Orlando, FL

Compared to Miami, the cost of living in Orlando is lower. Consumer prices run about 9.03% less while restaurant prices are 19.37% less than Miami prices. A typical meal for two in a mid-priced restaurant costs about $45.00. Domestic beer averages about $3.00 per bottle.

Transportation costs in Orlando are reasonable. A monthly pass for public transport costs $50.00 while a one-way pass costs $2.00. 

Meanwhile, utility costs in Orlando, including basic electric, heat, water, and trash removal amount to $132.78 a month for a 915-square-foot apartment.

Living in Orlando

As would be expected from the nation’s greatest entertainment city, Orlando bustles with excitement. Yet commute times average about 24 minutes. 38.8% of the local population is married. The average age of Orlando residents is surprisingly young at 32.3 years. The population is energetic and lively, like the city’s tourists.

Pros and Cons of Living in Orlando

The entertainment culture is young, talented and active. Jobs in entertainment, tourism, culinary and the hospitality industry provide employment opportunities for much of the Orlando population base. Experience in Orlando’s tourism industry bodes well on the resume, but Orlando is also home to several Fortune 500 companies.

Though inland, Orlando is about one hour from some such prominent Florida beaches as Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Canaveral National Seashore. The Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral is 50 miles west of Orlando FL.

Orlando is a busy tourist getaway. As such, local residents often complain about traffic in peak seasons. Tourists are inclined to complain about long lines and delays at the carnivals and theme parks.

Things to do in Orlando

From live entertainment venues like SeaWorld Orlando, Walt Disney World and Discovery Cove and hundreds of theme park resorts like CoCo Key Water Resort, Orlando’s entertainment and hospitality industry never stops. The prestigious Universal Orlando Resorts with prominent Loews Hotels and notable theme parks like The Wizarding of Harry Potter not only provide top rated entertain but also treat visitors to first rate accommodations.

Newer attractions like the 400-foot tall Orlando Eye Ferris wheel, thrilling carnival rides and the dynamic electronic dance performers at Electric Daisy Carnival reflect Orlando’s festive culture.      

Orlando’s eat, drink, sing, dance and play mindset is apparent everywhere. Imaginative entertainment can be found at include Hard Rock Orlando, the Legendary Burger at Hard Rock Café and Hard Rock Live Orlando’s 3,000 person concert venue. Universal CityWalk in Orlando offers culinary delights as well as thrills and chills for all family members.

Travelers come to absorb Orlando restaurants like Cheesecake Factory Orlando, the Brazilian steakhouse at Texas de Brazil and the Japanese Sushi Bars at Benihana. With the Mexican cuisine and backdrop at Agave Azul, Orlando is sure to make a memorable culinary impression.

Nightlife in Orlando has a rich musical tradition that fits seamlessly into Orlando’s culture. The Groove, the Beacham and Ono Nightclub are popular dance clubs where tourists and locals interact freely.

As would be expected at one of the world’s largest entertainment centers, Orlando is filled with fabulous upscale and discount outlets including Orlando Vineland Premium Outlet and Orlando International Premium Outlet. Shop until you drop at such elaborate malls as the Florida Mall or the Mall at Millennia or any of many others. All Orlando shopping malls offer a wide range of restaurant options.

For thrills, chills, and natural wonders, Orlando is home to dozens of theme parks and dazzling resorts. The Orlando Science Center, Legoland Orlando, the Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort, the Bluegreen Vacations Fountains, the mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil Orlando and Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa help Orlando draw millions of tourists annually.

Aquatica Orlando, Wet n Wild, and Fun Spot America Theme Parks Orlando provide thrills and amusement to children and adults alike. Most visitors to Orlando FL find it is impossible to experience the city in one visit and the city enjoys strong repeat traffic and a strong seasonal rental market.    

Orlando would not be a leading entertainment center without a host of professional sports franchises. The NBA Orlando Magic, MLS Orlando City Soccer Club, and the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League are complimented by the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears who play home games on the ice at the Amway Center in hockey-happy Orlando.

Not all visitors to Orlando come for theme parks. Elaborate and challenging golf courses and facilities are powerful draws with dynamic tourist discounts and packages designed to attract and keep golfers in The City Beautiful.

Spring is peak season for Orlando’s trendy annual events. The Great Orlando Mixer kicks off the season and is followed by the Florida Film Festival, Fiesta in the Park, and The Florida Music Festival. The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival attracts thespians from around the globe.

Employment and Economy

With a favorable unemployment rate of 5.20% and job growth of 4.86% per year, Orlando offers a secure employment market that compares favorably to national statistics.

With more than 50,000 employees, Walt Disney World is the leading employer in Orlando. Adventist Health System, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Universal Studios Orlando are other major employers. Several other health related employers have more than 12,000 employees. Publix Supermarkets and JP Morgan Chase also have a huge presence in Orlando.

Education in Orlando

Orlando’s Orange County Public School District (OCPS) spends about $10,422 per student per year. According to recent Orlando public school statistics, the student-teacher ratio is 17 -1. Public school students have access to diverse OCPS magnet school programs that allow concentrated studies in science, language, mathematics, or the arts. Special needs students in Orlando are eligible for McKay Scholarships to private schools in Orlando.

With more than 50,000 enrolled students, the University of Central Florida is the largest university in Orlando. Other prominent institutes of higher education include: the International Academy of Design and Technology, Everest University of South Orlando, Everest University of North Orlando, the Florida College of Integrative Medicine, and The Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences.

Tips for Renting in Orlando

In Orlando FL, it is against the law for landlords to discriminate against tenants. Similarly it is against the law for landlords to take punitive actions against tenants who notify the landlord of flawed conditions in the rental unit. This means landlords cannot raise the rent, shutoff utilities or lock the tenant from the property. Landlords who discriminate face serious charges and penalties, including reimbursing the tenant the equivalent of three-month’s rent.

Whether tenants move from New York, Chicago or any other location outside Florida to Orlando, they are required to register their cars in Florida within ten days after they commence work. Relocated tenants must provide proof or ownership with the auto’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and offer proof of Florida-based insurance. Florida registration can be accomplished at any DMV office in Florida.