I'm planning to move to Orlando Florida next year, any tips?

Question

I'm 22 and from the UK, It has always been my dream to move to Orlando since my first visit when I was 9, i'm looking to make that a reality in Feb/Mar 09, but not sure where to get started, I'm looking to rent an apartment/house, and willneed to work, I do not drive so will need to rely on public transport, does anyone have any tips or usefull links I should check out?

Answer 1

Your first step will be to obtain the type of Visa that will allow you to stay in the U.S. for an extended period of time AND allow you to work. Temporary visitor Visas may not allow you to work; you will need a special Visa to work, or an Immigrant Visa (green card). Most of the time, you'll need to already have an employer in order to come here to work unless you have a relative here that can sponsor you.

You can contact the US Embassy in the UK to find out which type of Visa you will need:

Embassy of the United States

London, UK

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/vis...

U.S. Department of State

Temporary Worker Visa

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/busines...

U.S. Department of State

Immigrant Visa

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/permane...

It is not easy to find a job in Central Florida that pays enough to live on your own. College educated professionals and some trades are in high demand, but it may take time to obtain certifications here in the US. If you do not already have a profession, then it will be tough to find work with decent wages, this is true for US citizens as well as immigrants. Your best bet is to find a job before you get here.

Have you considered trying the Disney Cultural Representative or College Programs? The Cultural Representative Program is a one year program, you would work at Walt Disney World and have the support of Disney in finding housing, etc.

Disney International Programs

Cultural Representative

http://www.disneyinternationalprograms.c...

Once you have the Visa issues worked out, and have found an employer, then you can find an apartment near where you work and near public transportation. I will caution you that public transportation here is inadequete. It is very difficult and time consuming to get around using only public transportation.  

Answer 2

answers to these questions about  Florida.

Do you know what Florida's "Move Over" law means?

Florida’s “Move Over Act," passed in 2002, requires drivers to move over to the next lane or slow down (at least 20 miles below the posted speed limit) while approaching emergency vehicles that are stopped on interstate or other highways

Florida law requires all children five years of age or younger be restrained in a proper child restraint system

Do NOT drink and drive! Florida has one of the toughest DUI laws in the U.S. Before you get behind the wheel of a vehicle in Florida,

Do you know what information you'll get by calling 511?

In an emergency, do you know how to call the Florida Highway Patrol from your cell phone?

Do you know what SunPass is?

A SunPass is an electronic gizmo (transponder) that attaches to your windshield, allowing you to drive through designated SunPass, E-Pass and O-Pass lanes. The tolls are automatically deducted from a prepaid account.

Also, now visitors to Orlando International Airport can pay for their airport parking with SunPass.

There is no need to have exact change or wait for the tollbooth operator to give you change. SunPass allows you to cruise by at speeds of up to 25 m.p.h. while others wait in the cash lanes.

Once attached to your windshield, the transponder transmits a radio signal to sensors mounted on the SunPass toll lanes themselves. Instantly, the transponder relays the proper toll amount and deducts it from your prepaid account.

The original transponder has three lights: red, yellow and green. It also has an audio buzzer. Specific combinations of the lights and audio let you know when a toll is paid, when you have a low balance or when the transponder needs a new battery.

Answer 3

You have to secure the necessary documents to enter & work here lawfully.

There are many college aged foreign visitors who work at parks.

The local paper post job/apartment ads.

http://orlandosentinel.com

You can also find some ads for roommates at http://orlandoweekly.com

You'll want to consider being on a bus route between work & home.

Bus info

http://golynx.com/

Answer 4

craigslist.com is the best place to find an apartment.  they also have job listings too. orlandosentinel.com is also a good place to finda job. it's the city's major newspaper.  public transportation here is terrible, so not driving may be a problem.  it's not so much that it takes a long time to get somewhere, its that the bus routes aren't that extensive.  check out orlando's transit system website at golynx.com that will give you and idea of how to get somewhere without a car.

Answer 5

CONTACT DISNEY FOR A JOB THEY HAVE A VAST ARRAY OF PROGRAMS THAT MAY BE BENEFICIAL TO YOU OR ASSIST IN YOUR SEARCH.

ALSO A GOOD AREA TO LIVE IF YOU WILL BE IN THE ORLANDO AREA IS

METRO WEST

WINDERMERE

WINTER PARK

LAKE MARY

Answer 6

I'm a realtor that works in the Central Florida  - Orlando area, I actually have a number of rentals in this area.  When you are ready to make a move, I would be more than happy to help you find something close to public transportation.  Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Thanks again,

Ray Glenn

"Mr. Real Estate"

Lakeside Realtors

407-285-1936

[e-mail]