Any Orlando DISers? Need some advice

[LovinRafiki]

Hello. I am writing from below freezing cold Minnesota. My DH and I are planning a move to Orlando this summer and I would love some info on your lovely area! We have decided to rent a home/townhome when we move so we can decide on our favorite location. We are currently looking at the Windermere area. Any thoughts or suggestion on better or worse areas?

Also, I am in the hospitality industry and DH is a chef, I know the job rate is ugly in Florida right now (worse than the rest of the country) but what are the chances of finding a job in Orlando. Any other tips or info would be wonderful. We are going in a bit blind, bit I'd love to get as much info as possible. TIA!

 

[schmitty]

Windermere is a nice area. You may be able to find a job, it will probably be harder for your husband.

 

[Feralpeg]

I live in Windermere and love it. If you have any questions about the area, I'd be happy to answer to the best of my ability.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Be very careful about moving here without a viable form of employment. In our experience it takes longer for the most part, to obtain a position than you might have planned.

Not sure what you mean by hospitality industry as that covers a wide spectrum of positions, but there are many, many levels of hotels and resorts in the area. Not sure if you would look at one of those for employment? Remember, if you turn to Disney you will be working for wages/salary lower than the industry standard.

Chefs are underpaid as well. A friend of mine who is a chef for Hyatt here in Orlando has just relocated to Austin, Texas solely because he was struggling to live on the extremely low pay here in Orlando.

Just don't underestimate the wages, or the rent. Housing right now is a bit looser, so you should have a little easier time finding something affordable that you like, however many of the nicer apartment complexes have turned into condos so that reduces the options.

Do MUCH research before choosing on where you wish to live. Don't forget to check police reports and school ratings (even if you don't have children). Remember to look at the tax rolls too.

Good luck to you!

 

[Katieinwonderland]

Another vote for Windermere! We just moved from Celebration, and right now we're on the border between Windermere and Winter Garden. There are lots of really nice areas, I especially love Windermere village.

 

[LovinRafiki]

Thanks for the info! We can't wait to head down in February to look around. The job situation has me nervous. We are willing to work hard, but I know jobs are scarce there right now. I am very freaked out about that, but I am hoping this will be a good move for us. Thanks again for the thoughts I really appreciate them!