Welcome to the University of Central Florida and Central Florida

Congratulations on your new position at the University of Central Florida.

Whether you are joining UCF as a faculty member, researcher, administrator, physician, staff member, or executive leader, relocating to a new city is both exciting and challenging. Choosing the right community, understanding the local housing market, evaluating schools, and learning about commute times are important decisions that can significantly impact your quality of life.

As one of the nation's largest and most respected metropolitan research universities, the University of Central Florida is an integral part of the Central Florida community. With more than 68,000 students, over 12,000 employees, and an annual budget exceeding $2 billion, UCF serves as a major driver of innovation, education, healthcare, research, and economic development throughout the region.

Why Central Florida?

While Central Florida is known around the world for its world-famous attractions and tourism industry, residents quickly discover that the region offers far more than theme parks and vacation destinations.

The Orlando metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse regions in the United States. Major industries include higher education, healthcare, aerospace, defense, simulation and training technologies, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, and financial services.

Florida's lack of a state income tax, combined with a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas, continues to attract professionals and families from across the country.

Central Florida enjoys more than 230 sunny days per year and an average annual temperature of approximately 73 degrees. Residents enjoy year-round outdoor recreation including hiking, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, golf, and access to some of Florida's most beautiful beaches. The Atlantic Coast is less than an hour away, while the Gulf Coast offers spectacular sunsets and weekend getaway opportunities.

Finding the Right Community

One of the most common questions I receive from newly hired UCF employees is:

"Where should I live?"

The answer depends on a variety of factors including commute preferences, school requirements, lifestyle goals, housing budget, and family needs.

Some UCF employees prefer to live as close to campus as possible, while others prioritize highly rated schools, walkable neighborhoods, downtown amenities, larger homesites, or newer construction communities.

Popular communities for UCF faculty and staff include:

• Oviedo
• Winter Park
• Winter Springs
• Baldwin Park
• Waterford Lakes
• Avalon Park
• Maitland
• Lake Nona
• Winter Garden
• Clermont

Each community offers its own unique advantages, and there is no single "best" location for everyone.

Commute Times to UCF

Another important consideration is commute time.

Depending on where you choose to live, your daily commute can range from approximately 10 minutes to more than an hour.

For example:

• Oviedo: typically 10–20 minutes
• Waterford Lakes: typically 10–15 minutes
• Winter Springs: typically 20–25 minutes
• Winter Park: typically 20–30 minutes
• Baldwin Park: typically 20–25 minutes
• Lake Nona: typically 30–40 minutes
• Winter Garden: typically 35–50 minutes
• Clermont: typically 45–60 minutes

Traffic patterns, work schedules, and hybrid work arrangements can all influence which community makes the most sense for your situation.

Schools and Family Considerations

For families with children, school quality is often a primary consideration.

Many UCF employees choose communities within Seminole County Public Schools, which consistently ranks among Florida's highest-performing school districts. Popular Seminole County schools include Hagerty High School, Oviedo High School, Lawton Chiles Middle School, and Carillon Elementary School.

Others choose Orange County communities such as Winter Park, Baldwin Park, and Lake Nona, which offer highly regarded neighborhood schools as well as magnet and specialty programs.

School attendance zones, ratings, and programs can change over time, so it is always important to verify information directly with the school district.

Relocating to Florida

In addition to purchasing a home, new Florida residents should consider several important relocation tasks:

• Obtaining a Florida driver's license
• Registering vehicles in Florida
• Updating voter registration
• Establishing Florida residency
• Applying for Homestead Exemption
• Evaluating homeowners insurance options
• Understanding flood zones and flood insurance requirements
• Setting up utilities and internet services
• Identifying healthcare providers and local services

Planning ahead can make your transition much smoother and help you avoid common surprises.

How I Can Help

I have been helping buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating professionals since 2004 and have lived in the Orlando area since 2008.

Over the years, I have assisted numerous UCF faculty members, administrators, researchers, and staff members with their relocation and housing needs. I understand the unique challenges that come with moving to a new city and navigating an unfamiliar housing market.

Whether you are searching for a home close to campus, evaluating school districts, comparing neighborhoods, or exploring investment opportunities, my goal is to provide knowledgeable guidance, local expertise, and exceptional service throughout the process.

The resources below provide additional information on neighborhoods, schools, commute times, and relocation considerations that may help you determine which Central Florida community is the best fit for you and your family.

Welcome to UCF, welcome to Central Florida, and welcome home.

Jim Franklin, REALTOR®
Central Florida Relocation Specialist

Where Should I Look?