Orlando : Florida

What Orlando is like for active adults
Orlando, Florida in the last 36 years went from being a regional town to one of Florida's largest cities. Now with a population of 231,000 (and 2 million in the Metro), it is not only a booming city and immensely popular vacation destination, but also a mecca for retirement communities. Walt Disney got it all started when his company purchased vast tracts of land in this former farming area and announced plans to construct Disney World in 1965. Epcot followed and now Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The area is also home to countless Central Florida retirement communities.

The suburbs and area around Orlando are home to many retirement communities, since Orlando is somewhat urban. There are historic neighborhoods such as Lake Cherokee and Lake Eola Heights (see photo above). Celebration FL is a Disney built community in the "new urbanism" style. Although many active adults retire in Celebration, it is not age restricted and families of all ages live in the community. Homes and condos are available at every end of the spectrum, from manufactured home communities to exclusive enclaves that are home to some of America's wealthiest celebrities. There is such a staggering array of retirement communities of every description in this area that one would do best to come here and spend some time in the company of a good realtor, exploring different areas to get a feel for the possibilities.

The median selling price of a home in Orlando is way down vs. the giddy heights of 2006. The median selling price was $158,000 in the 3rd quarter of 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors (down 26% from the year previous). Photo of Universal Studios courtesy of Wikipedia and Matthew Cockerill.
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What is special about this retirement community
University of Central Florida; the 2nd biggest in the state. Disney World, Epcot, MGM Studios ,and untold other tourist destinations. A vibrant economy that goes beyond tourism. Some historic districts. Great winter climate. Many cultural venues. Little Saigon section of town. Very diverse and international
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What is not special about this retirement community
High crime rates in the city. An urban experience that is crowded with tourists. Severe weather storms can happen
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What kinds of people like retiring here
Folks looking for warm weather and a big choice of communities
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Local economy is driven by
Tourism, manufacturing, trade shows, and becoming very diverse. Orlando and Florida Tax information about retirement
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Climate and Physical Environment
Located near the center of the state. The terrain is flat and low. Summers are quite hot and humid, winters are mild.
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Cultural environment
Orlando approved the construction of a major new performing arts center in 2007. The University of Central Florida provides many cultural events. Some of the many theatres in Orlando include the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Orlando Repertory Theatre (Central Florida's only Professional Theatre for Young Audiences), Orlando Theatre Project, Mad Cow Theatre, and Theatre Downtown. There is a popular film festival and many theatre companies and movie theatres. Thanks to the tourist industry there are countless restaurants and museums, not to mention Disney World, Epcot, and more.
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Medical facilities
There are 3 hospitals in Orlando, including Florida Hospital and Orlando Regional
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Transportation
Orlando International is one of the world's busiest airports with connections to just about anywhere. Amtrak has service to Orlando, along with some light rail service
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Valuable Links
Orlando Wikipedia
Orlando City-Data
Orlando Chamber of Commerce
Retire in Orlando
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Facts about ORLANDO
  • State: FL
  • Environment: Urban,Suburban,College Town,Lake,
  • City Population: 100,001+
  • Median age of Population: 25-44
  • Avg Jan Temperature: 61 +
  • Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
  • Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
  • Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
  • Total Crime Index: 121+ (very high)
  • Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
  • Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
  • State Sales Tax: Yes
  • State Income Tax: No
  • Name of the Guide: boomer1

Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts

Orlando retirement communities
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1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

1. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury Discuss

2. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive Discuss

3. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan Discuss

4. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp Discuss

5. Rating: 5.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)

6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub Discuss

6. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)

7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox Discuss

7. Rating: 2.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)

8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent Discuss

8. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal Discuss

9. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green Discuss

10. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)