Orlando is a major tourist destination in Florida. With 2.1 million people in the metropolitan area, it is one of the larger cities in the country. Tourism is the most important industry in Orlando, and it is often called "the Theme Park City" for the number of huge theme parks and tourist attractions within its borders. The most famous of those parks is nearby Disney World. With more than 66,000 people employed by the park, it is the largest single-site employer in entire country. One branch of the park by itself (the Magic Kingdom) saw more than 18 million visitors in 2013. Other institutes in Orlando are similarly large compared to their equivalents across the country. For instance, the University of Central Florida is the second largest in the country, with over 59,000 enrolled.
The best time to look for a place in Orlando depends on where in the city you want to live. If you want to live near a University or College, July and August are the best months to look. December and January will also see a certain amount of turnover in those neighborhoods. If you're open to living anywhere in the city, any time of year should yield good results.
Finding an apartment can be hard, especially when there are so many choices. With our filters, you can narrow your search by price, floorplan, and amenities. Looking for an apartment building with a fitness center, swimming pool, and easy access to a dog park? We've got you covered.
If you're applying in a student neighborhood, your landlord might ask to see your proof of enrolment, or require verification of a scholarship. If you're living in a less student heavy neighborhood, they will likely require more typical documentation such as a letter of employment or a credit check. Just be aware that where you want to live may affect what type of information landlords require.
Although many people are content to drive in Orlando, it is one of the most congested cities in the country. With only one interstate (I-4) cutting through the city, traffic is often a nightmare, and tolls are frequent in the area. You can avoid all this by taking the LYNX bus service which routes covering most of Orlando. Shuttles are also available to the airport, and to and from many of the major parks.
Visiting theme parks like Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World is a great deal of fun. NBA fans should check out the city's only pro sports team, the Magic. There are also dozens of golf courses in and around Orlando. The Artegon Marketplace and Florida Mall are both excellent shopping destinations. To find the bars where the younger crowd hangs out, head to Central Avenue.