Moving to Orlando from New York: What to Expect Guide

Posted on August 28, 2026March 25, 2026 by Jenny Zamora

Moving to Orlando from New York: What to Expect

Quick Answer: Moving from New York to Orlando means lower taxes, more affordable housing, and a slower-paced lifestyle—but also hotter weather, car dependency, and different job markets. Most buyers see a significant upgrade in home size and quality of life, but planning ahead is key to making a smooth transition.

If you’re thinking about leaving New York for Orlando, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of New Yorkers relocate to Central Florida for better weather, lower costs, and more space. But the move isn’t just about sunshine—it’s a complete lifestyle shift.

Why So Many New Yorkers Are Moving to Orlando

No state income tax in Florida
Lower cost of living compared to NYC
Bigger homes for your money
Year-round warm weather
Strong population growth and job opportunities

If you’re exploring your options, check out our Orlando relocation guide for a deeper breakdown.

Cost of Living: New York vs Orlando

Expense	New York	Orlando
Median Home Price	$700K+	$380K–$450K
State Income Tax	Up to ~10%	0%
Rent (1BR)	$3,000+	$1,600–$2,000
Property Taxes	Higher	Moderate

For official property data, visit the Orange County Property Appraiser.

Housing: What You’ll Get in Orlando

Here’s the reality—your money goes much further in Orlando.

Single-family homes instead of condos
More square footage
Backyards, garages, and community amenities
New construction options

Browse homes for sale in Orlando to see current options.

Weather Differences (Big Adjustment)

Hot and humid summers (90°F+)
Mild winters (60–75°F)
Afternoon rainstorms common
Hurricane season (June–November)

This is one of the biggest lifestyle adjustments for New Yorkers.

Lifestyle Changes You Should Expect

1. You’ll Need a Car

Public transportation is limited compared to NYC.

2. Slower Pace of Life

Things move slower—good or bad depending on your personality.

3. More Space, Less Density

Less congestion, more suburban living.

4. Different Job Market

Industries like tourism, healthcare, and tech dominate.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Orlando from New York

Pros

No state income tax
Lower housing costs
Better quality of life
Outdoor lifestyle year-round

Cons

Heat and humidity
Car dependency
Lower average salaries
Tourist traffic in certain areas

How It Works in Orlando (Local Insight)

Orlando is not just Disney—it’s a collection of diverse communities:

Lake Nona: Modern, tech-driven community
Winter Park: Historic charm and top schools (Winter Park)
Hunter’s Creek: Family-friendly suburban living
Kissimmee: More affordable options near attractions

Explore our guide to best Orlando suburbs.

Step-by-Step Moving Checklist

Research neighborhoods
Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Hire a local Orlando Realtor
Plan your move (timeline + logistics)
Set up utilities and insurance
Transfer licenses and documents

When financing, review the CFPB – Closing Cost Guide to understand your costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying without understanding flood zones
Underestimating insurance costs
Choosing the wrong neighborhood
Not factoring commute times
Skipping inspections

FAQs About Moving to Orlando from New York

Is it cheaper to live in Orlando than New York?

Yes—housing, taxes, and daily expenses are significantly lower.

Do I need a car in Orlando?

Yes, Orlando is very car-dependent compared to NYC.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Orlando?

Most households are comfortable in the $70K–$120K range depending on lifestyle.

Is Orlando a good place to raise a family?

Yes, especially in suburbs like Winter Park and Lake Nona.

How long does it take to buy a home in Orlando?

Typically 30–45 days once under contract.

Are property taxes high in Orlando?

They are moderate and lower than many parts of New York.

What are the best areas for New Yorkers relocating?

Lake Nona, Winter Park, and Hunter’s Creek are top choices.

Is Orlando safe?

Like any city, it varies by neighborhood—local guidance is key.

Can I buy a home before moving?

Yes, many buyers purchase remotely with virtual tours.

Final Thoughts

Moving from New York to Orlando can be a game-changer financially and lifestyle-wise—but only if you choose the right area and plan properly.

Work With Orlando Realty Consultants

If you’re serious about relocating, you need someone local who understands both the market and what out-of-state buyers go through.

Orlando Realty Consultants
📞 Call/Text: 407-902-7750
Serving Orlando, Florida
Se Habla Español

We help New York buyers make a smooth transition—whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or investing.

Ready to make the move? Contact us today and let’s build your Orlando plan.

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Need to Get Your House Sold Quickly? A Few Tips to Help it Sell in a Flash

Posted on March 6, 2014May 17, 2022 by Jenny Zamora

Do you need to get your house sold quickly? Whether you need to get rid of the house due to a short sale, downsizing, or because you found a job in another location, there are a few strategies that you can use to sell your home quickly and at a reasonable price. Selling a house requires a lot of work on behalf of the seller, and it can be stressful if you are crunched for time. Try a few of these tricks to help you get your home sold in time, and still get a reasonable amount for it.

Price the Home Below Market Value

The easiest way to sell your home is to sell it for less than market value. By looking at other homes in your area and asking for 10 percent less than that amount, your house looks a great value in a great part of town. In many cases, you will start a bidding war between buyers who want to snap up the best deal on the market before it goes away. Obviously, you still want to get a reasonable amount for the home, but you’ll be surprised at how much it helps to set your price at a little below market value—it will surely draw plenty of buyers in for you.

Hire a Cleaning Crew

If you’re in a rush to get your home sold, it will be worth the investment to hire a cleaning crew to come in and get the home ready for showings. You’ll be much to busy with preparing other things for the move to clean it yourself, and you’ll be surprised how much better your home will look if you leave the cleaning up to the pros. Let cleaners and movers clear the home so that you’re prepared for when people come to look at it. Getting professionals to do things like clean the carpets, spray for bugs, or fix broken window panes will truly go a long way with potential buyers. If the move is a bit unexpected, your home might be a disaster zone, and this definitely won’t help you find a buyer any faster. Presenting a clean, sanitized, and organized home for those who come to look at it gives you a much greater chance of finding a buyer quickly.

Sell When Others Are Selling

Do your best to sell the house at a time when others in the neighborhood are selling. This takes advantage of extra traffic that will be driving by your house due to the other sales in the area. If your home is priced less than the others, your home will be among the first to be sold. You may not have much of a choice if you’re pressed for time, however, if you can start looking for buyers around the same time as others in the neighborhood, you’re more likely to find interested buyers to come take a look at the house while they’re in the area.

Keep the Appliances With the House

For many buyers, furnishings and other appliances can be a huge selling point. By keeping the new refrigerator in the home or offering to leave behind some of your furniture, you sweeten the deal for a prospective buyer. You also benefit because you won’t have as much to take with you if you have a long move ahead of you. Although this may seem like a small thing, for some buyers it could really help seal the deal. If your appliances are still in good condition, consider leaving them in the home in order to draw interest from prospective buyers.

Offer Closing Cost Assistance

Coming up with the money for closing costs and a down payment is the biggest hurdle for a potential home buyer. Offering assistance with the down payment and closing costs could help you sell your home with ease. Typically, a seller is allowed to offer a rebate of up to 6 percent to help with closing costs and other fees. This could save a home buyer as much as $6,000 for each $100,000 being spent on the home. This can help if you find a buyer who isn’t in as much of a rush as you are. If you’re trying to get the home sold as soon as possible, helping with closing costs could help you find the perfect buyer.

When you need to sell your home quickly, you need to be willing to entice buyers and negotiate whenever possible. By offering closing cost assistance, pricing the house below market value and timing the sale just right, you could have an offer on your home within 24 hours of showing the property. While selling a home is stressful (especially when you’re constrained by time), if you put in a little extra effort, you’ll have the home sold in no time—allowing you to focus on moving to your next destination.

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Before You Settle In: Five Critical Details for First-Time Home Buyers

Posted on February 11, 2014May 17, 2022 by Jenny Zamora

So you found a home you love and you just closed. Finally, your dream has come true. But before you hit the closest furniture store and start picking out chesterfields and credenzas for that gorgeous little nook, you’ll want to sort a few things out. By taking a few precautions upfront, you can save yourself plenty of heartache in the future. So before you settle in, consider these five tips for first-time home buyers.

Meet the Neighbors

Although it seems like such a small thing, you never know when you’ll need a hammer or screwdriver during the moving process. Who better to help you out than your neighbors? Plus, you’ll likely be living next to them for several years, so getting on good terms early can only make your tenure in your home a much more pleasant experience.

Figure out the Circuit Breaker

File this tip under “things you don’t think you need until suddenly it’s critical.” Figuring out which outlets go to which switch on the circuit breaker is a challenge under normal circumstances, but when the lights are out, it can be nearly impossible. Consider tackling this task early on, before things get hectic. That way, the next time the power goes off, you’ll already have mapped and labeled your circuits.

Start a Maintenance Fund

Now that you’ve purchased a house, you’re in the clear, right? Time to go buy furniture? Not so fast. Even in a custom home, you’re likely to run up against maintenance issues from time to time. Start saving now and you’ll be sure to have enough cash stashed on a rainy day. It may even be worth putting off major purchases (like credenzas) in order to start saving up today.

Paint Hard-to-Reach Spots

Before you start moving things into your new abode, consider painting. Custom homes typically start off white or off-white. Estate home builders in Orlando and elsewhere aren’t sure of new occupants’ color preferences, so many homes start off neutral. If you want to inject personality, consider painting before your home is full of stuff. This is especially critical for hard-to-reach places, like ceilings and closets. Painting before you move in means you don’t have to worry about moving objects out of the way or staining your belongings.

Start a Filing System Right Away

Now that you’re a homeowner, you’re going to have plenty of paperwork. Taxes may become slightly more complex, you may need repairs or you may just want to track how much the interest on your mortgage is. If you start a filing system when you first purchase a home, you can avoid staring down a huge pile of paperwork in the future. Plus, you’ll always know where your important home documents are.

It can be so exciting to buy your first house that it’s hard to know what to do next. Fortunately, a little preparation and work now can make owning your first home that much easier. Before you get comfy in your new home, make sure you use these five tips to prepare yourself for the future.

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Five Tips For Making Your Move As Smooth and Quick as Possible

Posted on January 30, 2014May 17, 2022 by Jenny Zamora

Moving is an enormous chore that requires extensive planning and preparation, and that’s without any hiccups or roadblocks. When complications arise, it can make your move even more tedious, which can leave you feeling physically and mentally drained. However, by taking certain steps during the process, you can make the move easier on yourself and reduce the likelihood of inconvenient hold-ups.

Pack Ahead of Time

You can never get started on your move too early, so about a week prior, start packing up everything you won’t need. Extra clothes, spare dishes, home decor, and storage items can all go into boxes where they’ll be out of the way. If you pack away all but the important things now, you’ll endure that much less stress on the big day.

Have Necessities on Hand

On the day of your move, you’re likely going to be pressed for time and energy. The last thing you’ll want to do is rummage through boxes looking for your food, utensils, or paper towels. For that reason, it’s wise to keep these things in a separate container where you can access them easily. This can be especially helpful after arriving in your new home, as you’ll probably just want to eat and go to bed.

Mark Boxes Clearly

If you want to avoid a lengthy and disorganized unpacking session, it’s essential to mark all of your boxes clearly. On each box, write which room it corresponds to and what it contains. This will also allow the movers to unload the boxes into the appropriate rooms. Unpacking is a breeze when everything is already in its place.

Hire a Reputable Company

Hiring a reputable moving company is one of the most important parts of ensuring a smooth and successful move. When looking for a moving company Surrey residents should choose movers that are experienced, professional, and properly equipped. This will help ensure the safety of both your belongings and your home.

Leave the Kids With a Sitter

Kids tend to get underfoot, especially when they’re excited about something. On moving days, you may not have the time or energy to keep them out of trouble. If you want to make things a lot easier, consider leaving the kids with a sitter until the move is over. That way, you can focus on what needs to be done.

Although moving is a large task, it doesn’t have to be so stressful. Try doing some of these things during your move and you’ll be surprised how much more smoothly it goes.

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New House: What to Check Before Moving Day

Posted on January 25, 2014May 17, 2022 by Jenny Zamora

It’s an exciting time, with moving day to a new house creeping up. As you look forward to the new house, it’s important to have a checklist of things to do to prepare. Preparations can be extensive, so a checklist really helps. These tips will help you as you begin your new home adventure.

Call to Turn on the Utilities

It’s important to have the phone, electricity, and other services turned on. Though it sounds like a pain, calling to have them put into your name is relatively easy and straightforward, with a simple call-in to service providers serving as the activation for these services. Set aside perhaps an hour to make these calls.

Hiring a House-Cleaner

Having the house cleaned ahead of time makes a lot of sense. Working with the realtor to arrange the house cleaning makes sense if you set it up for the closing day, or just afterward, as you make the final transition from your previous house or apartment. Be sure to hire someone who can do the work thoroughly, and up to standard. Simple interviews don’t always indicate the level of a person’s work. Ask for recommendations through the realtor.

Change Address

Sending out change of address cards makes sense, and will aid in making the transition smoothly. You can either make these or buy them. These cards simply announce your new mailing address to friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances.

Having a Key Made

After closing, you are going to wish to have keys made, perhaps right away, to ensure that you have backup keys available to you to avoid locking yourself out.

Meet the Neighbors

Before you move into a new house, it’s important to meet the neighbors, so you may wish to set aside time before closing, to pop over with a friendly face and some good cheer. This relationship will be central to your life while you live there, so it makes sense to take it seriously.

Take Care of Formalities

You’ll need to have your address changed, and that is something you can do ahead of time with the postal service offering change-of-address forms that make moving a cinch. Ask for their moving package, which has the form and some coupons included in it. Make sure you are ready with your finances and mortgage payments from Orlando Mortgage Companies as well. You’ll want to have everything set up formally before you move.

Last, be sure to have a good attitude. Moving doesn’t have to be boring or exhausting if you have the right attitude and break the work into manageable chunks. Look into the formalities and change addresses at reputable places like Orlando Low Mortage Rates dot com to avoid a hassle later on.

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