My family is very new to Orlando. We have been in the Lake Nona area for a little over a month and coming from up north adapting has been a transition. Things are very different down here, and it has given my family a much needed new sense of adventure.
Are you new to Central Florida?
There is so much to explore and see on a daily basis. Playing tourist while living here has been the most fun. My children laugh when they see wildlife out and about that we used to pay to see at the zoo. I am a mom of 6 children ages 11 and under so the amazement does not end. Gatorland, is totally worth the visit, even if you are a native Floridian. We have also loved Silver Springs for their glass bottom boat ride. It is definitely fun living in what is so well known as vacationland. Orlando has so much more to offer than the amusement parks we have grown to love. I am happy to weekly pick a new adventure with my family.
If you have school aged children, registering for school was a process. If you are from out of state you should know that registration requires you to get your outside immunizations transferred into the Florida 608 form along with your physical. This sounded daunting to me but turns out you can visit any Urgent Care (I recommend making an appointment, my husband did not) and paying a small fee of $35.
Living within an HoA is also new experience for my family. It is definitely not the norm where we are from but we are taking full advantage of the amenities our community has to offer. So don’t be shy and visit your community hot spots such as, the pool, gym, and playground. It is a great way to meet people and to ease into your new community. Children are truly the bridge to new friendships.
Our neighborhood is filled with a warmness that is hard to describe and it’s not the palm trees. Everyone waves and says hello, children in our neighborhood are ringing our doorbell (like in the olden days) to have our children come out and play, and above all we have just felt welcomed. The weather alone gives us a newfound sense of peace. We left the urgency of our fast paced life behind and Florida has given us just the right pace of life.
Don’t know what to do on a weekend? Check out the Orlando Mom Collective Guide to Orlando and pick your next adventure.
