Stay connected to sun and fun in a bustling, family-friendly city 

Ever wish for endless summers? Vacation meccas like Phoenix and Orlando can deliver that experience. But while living in a popular tourist destination is different than just visiting, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the many perks available to residents. Find out what you need to know before leaving the Valley of the Sun for The City Beautiful and discover a great option for simplifying your cross-country move.  

 

Get to know your new home 

At only 119 square miles, Orlando is a about one-quarter the physical size of Phoenix, but O-Town packs a lot of punch when it comes to entertainment. This central Florida city is home to some of the world’s top theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and LEGOland.  

Here are some other fun facts about Orlando: 

• It’s No. 9 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Fastest-Growing Places in the U.S. 
• More than 70 million tourists visit each year 
• Walt Disney World Resort occupies 42 square miles 
• Atlantic Coast beaches are within an hour’s drive 

Pro tip: Just because you live there doesn’t mean you should avoid theme parks. Be sure to check out the discounts available to Orlando residents! 

 

Not into theme parks? Take your pick of other options 

Attractions like the Orlando Film Festival, the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center offer a taste of big-city amenities. And while Orlando isn’t as sports-obsessed as Phoenix, there are lots of options to enjoy. The NBA’s Magic are a popular draw, along with the Orlando City Soccer Club of MLS and the Orlando Solar Bears, a minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Football fans can enjoy a unique experience at the University of Central Florida, where the Knights’ stadium is known as the “Bounce House” because it vibrates and shakes when fans jump in unison. 

If you enjoy hitting the links, Orlando (like Phoenix) is filled with highly rated golf courses. 

 

Orlando vs Phoenix weather 

Ideal weather conditions come down to personal preference. Yes, Phoenix has a “dry heat,” but 120 degrees in the shade still tops the high-90s subtropical humid temps common in Orlando. Winters are pleasant in central Florida and the rainy season runs from June through September. 

 

Choose among diverse educational options 

Orange County, FL has a highly-rated school system with a wide range of public and private options. Looking to start college or transfer to one in the Orlando area? Like Arizona State, the University of Central Florida is large, popular and highly acclaimed. UCF is the second largest college in the U.S. with more than 66,000 students (behind Texas A&M-College Station) and offers more than 230 degree programs from its 13 colleges. It also earns high marks for research and community engagement. For private schools with a more intimate setting, check out Rollins College in Winter Park or Stetson University in nearby DeLand. 

Need help getting settled on or near your new campus? This college moving resource can help! 

 

Discover a thriving community for professionals 

Tourism/hospitality is a massive sector in Orlando — it has the second most hotel rooms in the country behind Las Vegas. Health care and technology are also major industries, and the city is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies. Top employers include Walt Disney World Resort, UCF, JetBlue Airways, The Golf Channel, NBC Universal, Orange County Public Schools and Oracle Corporation. 

 

Let U-Pack take the stress out of your cross-country move 

Driving more than 2,100 miles east from Phoenix to Orlando can be a great adventure. But wouldn’t it be better with more time to explore and less stuff to haul? U-Pack® can help lighten your load, providing the equipment and the driver to transport your belongings across the country. All you do is pack, load and leave it to our nationwide network to do the rest. Get a free quote today and learn more.