Orlando may be the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld Orlando and a number of other attractions. However, it’s more than just a tourist destination.
While the city was visited by a record 75 million tourists in 2019 and it was the Top U.S. Travel Destination, it’s also a very popular city for those relocating. Orlando has grown quite a bit over the past few decades. In fact, roughly 1,500 people move to the Central Florida area every week.
According to USA Today, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metro area is the 9th fastest-growing in the entire country. The population grew by more than 20% from 2010 to 2018.
As a tourist destination, Orlando tops the charts, but it’s not just for tourists. Here are some of the most compelling reasons why so many people are moving to Orlando and the Central Florida area.
Strong Job Market & Economy
One of the main reasons anybody relocates to a new city is a new job opportunity. Orlando and the surrounding area offer a very strong job market and economy with plenty of career opportunities found throughout. Compared to 2010, there are about 250,000 more jobs in Orlando and the unemployment rate is just above 3%, which is well below the national average.
The tourism industry is booming and more jobs are being created by huge employers, such as Disney, Universal Studios, and other tourism companies.
While tourism is certainly growing and creating jobs in Orlando many other jobs are found in the booming industries of healthcare, biomedical and life sciences, and aerospace and defense. Medical City in Lake Nona has added many jobs to the area and promises to add even more.
The city is also home to the University of Central Florida, which is the second-largest campus in the United States. The University is a huge employer in the Orlando area and continues to grow.
Theme Park Annual Passes & So Much More
Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World and as a Florida resident; you’ll gain access to incredible annual passes for your family. You can enjoy the parks all throughout the year for a very low cost, especially compared to taking a one week vacation from somewhere else.
While the theme parks are a great reason to move to Orlando, the city is also surrounded by plenty of natural beauty and other attractions. Ocala National Forest is found nearby, the Orlando Science center is a fun attraction, and the Kennedy Space Center is just a short drive away.
Of course, living in Central Florida also means you’ll have access to the beaches. Each coast is found just a short drive from Orlando and offers plenty of opportunities for residents to hit the beach on a fun day trip.
An Incredible Climate
Sick of the cold temperatures found up north? Move to Orlando and you’ll enjoy sunshine year-round, along with temperatures in the 70s, 80s, and 90s most of the year. There are several other reasons why Orlando is more than just a tourist destination. From top-notch education to an abundance of recreation, the city may be one of the best to call home in the entire country.