It's hard not to think of Disneyworld instantly when the name Orlando is mentioned. While Mickey and his cronies certainly attract their share of fans young and old, however, Orlando has a lot more to offer the tourist and the relocator. In fact, Orlando is one of the country's top 10 hot spots for relocating businesses. And the Mortgage Bankers Association of America calls metropolitan Orlando one of the top five lending markets in the United States for growth potential.

Being such a popular choice for relocators has generated a vital housing market for the city, as well. Home buyers may choose from among every conceivable price range and style -- historic or modern, from stucco to colonial -- in Orlando. Condominiums and vacation home rentals are other common choices. The city has been ranked among the country's top 10 most affordable housing markets in the U.S. Housing Market's Annual Costs of Housing Special Reports. Buyers find prices to be generally reasonable simply because there is such a diversity of price ranges; although if it's luxury you're looking for, Orlando certainly will accommodate you.

Throughout the next several years, metropolitan Orlando is expected to maintain its standing near the top in national housing construction levels, which will continue to make the city a hot buyers' market. In fact, by the year 2000, approximately 50,000 single-family and multifamily housing units will have been built in greater Orlando. For renters, apartment construction remains high in and around Orlando, and occupancy rates have stabilized at high levels.

In addition to its affordable housing, Orlando has attracted relocators and kept them here with its high quality of life. That comes from a good transportation system; a strong education system, including the university levels; a good tax structure; and plenty of cultural and recreational activities ? bolstered by pleasant year-round weather. National business publications, including Inc. and Fortune, have called Orlando one of the country's best places to live and work, weighing such additional factors as the city's moderate cost-of-living index and its health-care facilities. The city enjoys one of the Southeast's lowest levels of direct taxation on businesses because the sales tax faced by Orlando's countless tourists contributes a significant amount to the state's piggy bank.

The city's population base is among the youngest in Florida. Its influx of high-tech industries is in part responsible. These companies attract the best and brightest talent; many candidates come directly from the wealth of local universities. In addition to high-tech industries, Orlando has experienced significant growth in the manufacturing, warehouse/distribution, construction, financial, and business and professional services sectors, as well, contributing to a diverse economy. The services industry -- led by business, medical, and financial positions -- represents approximately one in every three jobs in Orlando. And of course, the hotel industry never ceases to boom. Sunny days throughout the year guarantee a steady flow of tourists from throughout the world.

Beyond the obvious Disneyworld, Epcot Center, and Universal Studios Florida, some of the city's other draws include Church Street Station in downtown Orlando, a major shopping, restaurant, and entertainment complex; Cypress Gardens, a 200-acre natural preserve bordered by lakes and cypress swamps and serving as home to 8,000 varieties of plants and flowers from more than 90 countries; Gatorland, a bona fide alligator farm that serves as a breeding and research facility for gators; and the Kennedy Space Center, about an hour's drive from Orlando.

If a transfer to Orlando is on your horizon -- or if you're merely exploring one of America's most tourist-friendly cities -- head to this Web site, for a little inspiration. It's a good place to begin your agenda if you plan to do any exploring. And you'll quickly discover - as many relocating families have - that Orlando is much more than Disneyworld.

Published: September 7, 1998

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