Welcome to UCF and Central Florida
Congratulations on your new position at the University of Central Florida.
Whether you are joining UCF as a faculty member, administrator, researcher, physician, staff member, or executive leader, relocating to a new city is an exciting opportunity. It is also one of the most important life decisions you and your family will make.
Choosing the right neighborhood, understanding local schools, evaluating commute times, navigating Florida residency requirements, and learning the Central Florida housing market can feel overwhelming—especially if you are relocating from another state.
My goal is to make that transition easier.
Why Central Florida?
The Orlando metropolitan area has become one of the nation's most desirable places to live and work. In addition to being home to the University of Central Florida, the region is a leader in healthcare, life sciences, aerospace, simulation and training technologies, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, and higher education.
Florida's lack of a state income tax, combined with a favorable climate and strong economy, continues to attract professionals and families from across the country.
Residents enjoy:
• More than 230 sunny days per year
• Mild winters and year-round outdoor recreation
• Excellent restaurants and cultural amenities
• Professional sports teams
• World-renowned attractions
• Access to both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts
• Diverse housing options and communities
Why Work With Jim Franklin?
Since 2004, I have helped buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating professionals successfully navigate the Florida real estate market.
I have lived in the Orlando area since 2008 and have worked with numerous UCF faculty members, administrators, researchers, and staff members during their relocation to Central Florida.
Prior to my real estate career, I spent more than 35 years in hospitality leadership, serving as a General Manager, Divisional Vice President, and Corporate Director of Operations for organizations including Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Kimpton, and Benchmark Hospitality.
As an active real estate investor who has personally purchased and sold more than 30 properties, I bring both professional expertise and real-world experience to every transaction.
Who I Help?
New UCF faculty and staff relocating from out of state
International hires unfamiliar with Orlando neighborhoods
Buyers who need to close fast around a start date
Dual-career couples navigating a joint relocation
Planning Your Move to UCF
One of the most common questions I hear is:
"Where should I live?"
The answer depends on several factors:
• Commute preferences
• School requirements
• Housing budget
• Lifestyle goals
• Family needs
• Desire for newer construction versus established neighborhoods
• Walkability and amenities
To help answer those questions, I have created the following relocation resources specifically for University of Central Florida employees and their families.
UCF Relocation Resources
Best Neighborhoods for UCF Faculty & Staff
Explore the communities most frequently selected by UCF employees, including Oviedo, Winter Park, Winter Springs, Baldwin Park, Waterford Lakes, Avalon Park, Lake Nona, and Maitland.
Commute Times to UCF
Compare commute times from popular Central Florida communities and understand how traffic patterns may impact your daily schedule.
Oviedo vs. Winter Park
Compare two of the most popular communities among UCF employees, including schools, housing options, commute times, amenities, and lifestyle considerations.
Seminole County vs. Orange County Schools
Learn about school districts, attendance zones, academic programs, and factors that influence many relocation decisions.
Central Florida Relocation Checklist
A step-by-step guide covering Florida residency, driver's licenses, homestead exemption, insurance, utilities, and other important relocation tasks.
Housing Near UCF
Explore housing options near campus, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, luxury properties, and investment opportunities.
Living in Central Florida
Discover what it's really like to live in the Orlando area, including climate, recreation, healthcare, transportation, culture, and quality of life.
Welcome Home
The University of Central Florida is one of the nation's premier metropolitan research universities, and Central Florida is an exceptional place to build a career, raise a family, and enjoy an outstanding quality of life.
I hope these resources help make your transition easier. If I can assist you in any way during your move to Central Florida, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Welcome to UCF.
Welcome to Central Florida.
Welcome home.
Jim Franklin, REALTOR®
Central Florida Relocation Specialist
Serving Winter Park, Orlando, Oviedo, Lake Nona, Baldwin Park, Winter Springs, Maitland, Winter Garden, and surrounding Central Florida communities.
Ready to start your UCF relocation search? Call or text Jim directly at (407) 956-0417 or email JamesTfranklin@gmail.com. Most clients are under contract within 30 days of our first call.
Where Should I Look?
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The University of Central Florida is an integral part of the central Florida region. With 12,000 employees and an annual budget of $2.1 billion, UCF is one of the nation’s premier metropolitan research university.
When people think of central Florida, our world class attractions naturally come to mind. But central Florida and UCF are so much more! With many walkable neighborhoods, excellent schools, fantastic restaurants, vibrant performing arts, and professional sports franchises, UCF and central Florida is an incredible place to live and work.
Central Florida averages 233 sunny days per year with an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees, allowing for numerous recreational activities such as biking the hundreds of miles of trails, hiking along the rivers, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Surfing on the Atlantic Ocean is just 45 minutes away, and the gorgeous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are just a 90 minute drive.
Florida has no state income tax, and Orlando is a cutting edge business location for life sciences and healthcare, innovative technologies, advanced, manufacturing, and aviation. With a very reasonable cost of living, you and your family will find many opportunities here. The Orlando Economic Partnership provides many more details on all these points: https://orlando.org/.
I hope you will choose to join the incredible faculty, staff, and students at the University of Central Florida. I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs.
