Moving to Central Florida? What to Know Before You Relocate

Quick Answer

Before you relocate to Central Florida, decide the everyday lifestyle you want, compare areas such as Winter Garden, Horizon West, and Windermere, and learn the Florida specific costs: HOA and CDD fees, insurance, flood zone information, and property taxes. Give yourself time to visit a few communities before you choose.

What questions come with relocating to Central Florida?

Relocating can be exciting, but there are also plenty of questions that come with it. Where should you live? How close do you want to be to work, schools, shopping, recreation, or Orlando attractions? Would you prefer an established neighborhood or newer construction? How will your lifestyle change once you are here?

I have been on the other side of those questions. I relocated my family from Naperville, Illinois to Winter Garden, Florida, which gives me a personal understanding of what it is like to make Central Florida your new home.

Which Central Florida area fits the lifestyle you want?

Before focusing on individual properties, think about what you want everyday life to look like. Rather than choosing a community based solely on a map, consider your priorities and how often you will travel to the places that matter to you.

Winter Garden offers a combination of established neighborhoods and growing communities, anchored by a historic downtown on Plant Street. Browse homes for sale in Winter Garden, or spend a Saturday morning at the Winter Garden Farmers Market.

Horizon West has seen extensive residential development and provides a more contemporary suburban environment. See what newer planned neighborhoods look like in Summerlake and Waterleigh.

Windermere offers another distinct residential setting, with established communities near the Butler Chain of Lakes. Browse homes for sale in Windermere, and compare the three areas side by side in Winter Garden, Horizon West, or Windermere: Which Area Fits Your Lifestyle?. The wider Central Florida area, from Orlando to Clermont, gives buyers an enormous range of options.

What is different about buying in Florida?

Florida real estate can introduce considerations that buyers relocating from other states may not have encountered before. Depending on the property, you will want to understand:

• HOA and CDD fees: homeowners association requirements and, in some communities, a community development district assessment on the tax bill.
• Insurance and flood zone information: get quotes early, since cost and coverage vary by home and location.
• Property taxes: use the county estimators in my calculators rather than the seller's current bill. If the home will be your primary residence, ask your county property appraiser about the homestead exemption and its March 1 deadline.
• Inspections: your inspection period and the AS IS contract work differently from many other states.
• New construction: it comes with its own process, warranties, and upgrade decisions.

These details are one reason having local guidance can be especially valuable when you are buying from outside the area. My Florida home buyer's guide walks through the full process in order.

Can you buy a home in Florida from out of state?

Yes, many buyers do. Plan a visit to see the areas in person, ask for video walk-throughs of homes you cannot see yet, and confirm with your closing company what can be handled remotely. Know how your earnest money deposit works, and do not skip the final walk-through before closing. Check the zoned schools for each address with my school zoning and grades page.

Why should you give yourself room to explore?

You do not have to know exactly where you want to live before beginning your search. Sometimes seeing a few different communities is the best way to understand what feels right. A home that looks perfect online may feel completely different once you understand its surroundings, while an area you had not initially considered might check nearly every box. That is where local insight becomes useful.

Making Central Florida home

Relocating is a major decision, and you should not feel pressured into making it before you are comfortable. My approach is simple: listen to what matters to you, help you understand your options, and give you the information you need to make a confident decision.

Considering a move to Winter Garden or Central Florida? I have made the relocation myself. Let's talk about your move and what you are looking for in your next home.

Where should you read next?

• Buying a Home in Central Florida: What to Look Beyond the Listing Photos
• Why Winter Garden, Florida Feels Like Home
• Winter Garden vs. Windermere: Which Is Right for You?

Frequently asked questions

What should I know before moving to Central Florida?
Decide the lifestyle you want, compare areas, and learn Florida specific costs such as HOA and CDD fees, insurance, flood zone information, and property taxes.

Which area is best for someone relocating to Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. Winter Garden offers a historic downtown, Horizon West offers newer planned neighborhoods, and Windermere offers established communities near the Butler Chain of Lakes.

Can I buy a Florida home without living here yet?
Yes. Many relocating buyers visit once or twice, tour homes by video, and work with a local agent. Ask your closing company what can be handled remotely.

How long is the Florida inspection period?
It is the number of days written into your contract, so check the number before you sign. Use that window to inspect the home and decide whether to move forward.

Do I need flood insurance in Florida?
It depends on the flood zone for the address. Lenders generally require it in designated flood zones. Ask your insurance agent for a quote before you go under contract.

How do I apply for the Florida homestead exemption?
Apply with your county property appraiser for your primary residence. The deadline is March 1. Ask the property appraiser or your closing company what documents you need.

Mike Vein | Orlando | REALTOR
eXp Realty
(407) 612-2722
Realty@MikeVein.com

Mike Vein, REALTOR® | eXp Realty | Florida license SL3610199