14Feb/20

Orlando FL – City Relocation Guide for People Moving Here

Moving to Orlando, , , , ,

Orlando is situated in central Florida and is the third-largest metropolitan area in the state of Florida. The metro area is home to 2.5 million people, while the city proper is home to almost 300,000. Orlando is a center for tourism, industry, entertainment, health care, and sports. Orlando is also a major convention city and event destination. Below is a guide detailing what you should know about moving to Orlando.

Real Estate

Whether you prefer condos, apartments, or single-family homes, Orlando has lots to offer home buyers. Architectural styles range from mid-century modern to modern, Mediterranean, Spanish, and even a few Craftsman. Prices begin in the low $100s and go up. 

Homes offering two bedrooms and two baths are available as are homes with six bedrooms and five bathrooms. It is Florida, so outdoor rooms are almost a given. Waterfront properties are available, as well as properties offering acreage and the wooded areas. Whatever your needs or ideas of a dream home, Orlando has just the place for you.

Schools

Both SchoolDigger and Great Schools rank Orlando public schools in the highest percentile in Florida. The basis of rankings is on test scores and equity. For those who prefer charter schools and private schools, such accommodation is available. Orlando is home to 506 preschools, 255 elementary schools, 157 middle schools, and 98 high schools. There are 30 charter schools and 459 private schools. 

Jobs

Just about every industry is present in Orlando. Aviation, electronics and technology, film and television, biotechnology, health care, manufacturing, and finance all have corporate headquarters in Orlando. Tourism factors in the job scene very well. Entrepreneurism is welcome in Orlando and does very well. 

Economy

The tourism industry contributes over $50 billion to Orlando’s economy. The military awards almost $5 billion each year to simulation companies in the city.

Orlando’s Central Florida Research Park hosts more than 120 companies that employ over 8,500 workers to facilitate the military’s simulation and training initiatives. If any of these were to move tomorrow, Orlando’s economy would still rock.

Transportation

While you’re unpacking and getting your job lined up, getting around won’t be a problem. Public transit, Lyft and Uber, cabs, and the trolley are all available to get you where you need to go. 

The I-Ride Trolley ranges on and around International Drive and costs $2 per ride. Drive an electric car? Charge it at one of the many charging stations. All the businesses and attractions are well within the electric car range.

Dining

Seafood straight out of the water. Food trucks with an imaginative fare. Fine dining restaurants with their gardens for genuinely fresh food. Chef-prepared foods in out of the way, hole in the wall surroundings are a treat. Whether your taste goes to pizza, burgers, steak, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, or down-home Southern cooking, Orlando has it. 

For example, the owner of Trevi Pasta is from Rome. The pasta is homemade every day in addition to vital proteins and veggies. You could always go Cuban with a heaping plate of beans and rice. 

You’re not in the South if you’re not eating barbecue. Four Rivers Smokehouse has mouthwatering Texas-style barbecue with sides like fried okra and baked cheese grits. You’re going to have a blast discovering all the culinary personalities in Orlando.

Entertainment

Orlando is more than just Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Theme Park. If you’re the hiking and biking type, nature trails throughout Orlando’s 55 nature parks are full of flora and fauna. Orlando offers bird lovers a park specifically for bird watching with bald eagles, owls, and other fantastic birds. 

Are you more the exotic animal type? You can see kangaroos and pet a miniature horse at Exotic Animal Experience. Botanical gardens, sea life parks, and an abundance of lakes give Orlando visitors and residents plenty of nature’s attractions to see.

History, museums, music and arts, and of course the nightlife is also available to entertain and amaze. There are 150 golf courses in Orlando. The NFL Pro Bowl is in Orlando. Basketball, soccer, and tennis are in their facilities, so sports aficionados have plenty to do and see. There’s also fishing and running to keep you busy. 

Moving to Orlando

Convinced that relocating to The City Beautiful is the right move for you? In addition to finding the perfect neighborhood and the ideal job, you also need to think through the logistics of moving! Hiring a local moving service may be the best route if you’re wary of driving a rented moving truck or don’t have the time to pack everything by yourself. Professionals have expertise and equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently, so you can start enjoying everything Orlando has to offer that much sooner!

05Aug/19

Checklist of Supplies That You Need for Packing and Moving

Moving Supplies Checklist, , , , , , , ,

A little bit of planning goes a long way. After all, when you fail to plan, you plan to fail, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to moving. Packing your stuff, loading it, and unloading may sound easy, but anyone who’s ever gone through the process knows how complicated things can get.

Whether you’re moving to the other side of the world or just across town, there are some supplies you need to have on hand that will make packing and moving a far more efficient and comfortable process.

1. Bubble Pack… and Lots of It!

When you’re in the car, you’re safely in your seat strapped in your seatbelt. Your belongings aren’t so restrained. A seemingly small bump in the road can wreak havoc on your things.

Bubble wrap typically comes in large rolls, and the minimal investment in several of them can go a long way in keeping your belongings protected during the journey. Make sure you pay special attention to these three commonly damaged items:

  • China
  • Furniture
  • Electronics

2. Plastic Stretch Wrap

You typically associate the use of plastic wrap with the kitchen, but it can become an integral tool during your move. It keeps heavy items properly contained to avoid issues when you turn corners and hit bumps. It can also keep furniture with drawers shut for the ride. A few guidelines from this Orlando, FL mover while packing include:

  • Make sure items are cleaned prior to wrapping.
  • Empty drawers first, if applicable.
  • Have another person on hand to hold the item while you wrap.

3. Quality Packing Tape

For many applications, you can get by using cheap tape at a dollar store. However, for a move, you’re transporting expensive valuables that merit the investment in quality packing tape. More affordable options just don’t have the stickiness to keep your boxes secure. As you use tape, don’t be scared to be generous. You should also:

  • Apply tape on both the middle and sides for maximum security.
  • Use a tape gun.
  • Apply plenty of tape extending from the top of the box to prevent the tape from flipping back up.

4. Markers

Before you start shoving items into boxes, it’s critical that you consider your future self… you know, the one who’s going to have to go through and unpack everything? Remember that it takes longer than a couple of days to unpack, and there are some items that are going to be needed sooner like your clothes, hygiene products, etc.

Every box should be labeled appropriately to prevent frustration later on down the road. It also helps you allocate boxes to the appropriate rooms before you start opening them.

5. Boxes… How Many?

The use of boxes in moving is a given. However, how many do you really need? Before you start hoarding disposed boxes from your local grocery store, consider the use of online tools like this moving supply calculator. It aids you in making an accurate determination on the number of boxes you’ll need.

Keep in mind, this is an estimate, and you may end up needing more or less than what’s recommended. It’s always safer to err on the side of more.

10Sep/18

Highlights from Six of Walton County’s Dune Lakes

County Dune Lakes, , ,

Walton County is probably the most geographically unique county in Florida. When most people think of the state, the first thing that comes to mind are its oceanside beaches. Walton County has beaches as well, but those that stand apart are around dune lakes nestled within a hilly landscape. The highest natural point in Florida is in Walton County (Britton Hill), and lake gems are a huge attraction.

1. Lake Powell

This lake is a fisherman’s paradise. Redfish, speckled trout, and bass are favorites. Swimming and paddle boarding are also popular, but like most watery zones in Florida, there is a healthy alligator population. The unique ecosystem of this large dune lake (nearly 1,000 surface acres), provides rivers for rafting and endless scenic views.

fl-dune-lakes

Around the lake are mainly large campgrounds, a massive shopping pavilion, and opportunities to peruse unique Florida real estate. There is also little need for visitors to pack their recreational vehicles. Fish tackle, boat, dune buggy, and paddle board rentals are found everywhere in the area.

2. Camp Creek Lake

This dune lake is more famous for wildlife and scenery than active recreation. Topsail Hill Preserve, Grayton Beach Park, Deer Lake Park, and Camp Helen Park can be explored. These parks boast an incredibly diverse population of migrating birds from the Gulf of Mexico and otherworldly sunsets.

Camp Creek Lake is also very close to a shopping and dining village. After a day paddle boarding and picture-taking, try dining at the WaterSound Beach Club, or enjoying a slice at Bruno’s Pizza at The Hub.

3. Campbell Lake

A kayak or canoe rental is the best way to enjoy this lake. This is a great way to spot wildlife along a dark forested shore, and to troll for many species of fish. One of the main attractions of this lake is the Campbell Lake Nature Trail.

Alone, or with a guide, visitors can traverse an amazing system of high sand dunes, and a get close view of what is considered the most pristine coastal area in the state. The Great Florida Birding Trail is also nearby.

4. Western Lake

This lake is famous for what is known to locals as “dune tea.” It’s a natural mineral outfall that causes the tannic water reaching the shore to have a rusty red hue. This lake is relatively small but is perfect for small personally-powered watercraft. It is bordered by a particularly lush coastal forest.

Western Lake features many nearby shops and restaurants, but the atmosphere is extremely quiet and relaxing.

5. Deer Lake

This lake is an exotic plant-spotter’s paradise. Pitcher plants, magnolias, sand grass, Spoonflower, and Gulf Coast lupine are abundant. Large picnic grounds are nearby, as well as, a long boardwalk that offers incredible views of the dunes. This lake is raw and densely populated with water flora. Short swims and spoon fishing are extremely popular here.

walton-county

6. Draper Lake

This unique and very shallow lake is literally one dune away from the Gulf Coast beach. Much of the land surrounding the lake is protected from development, so short and undisturbed nature walks are a favorite activity for visitors.

The ever-changing shape of this lake is attractive to sunbathers and low-impact activity lovers because the scenery seems to shift each season.

The dune lakes near the 30A is an incredible diversion from the large crowds and commercial areas of the Gulf Coast. Pick a favorite to explore for several days, or take the challenge to visit the entire dune lake ecosystem.