Not to join in on this bash florida topic but... ya... Orlando is probably only good for three things: Disney World; Virgin Megastore; and Medieval times. Night life is not too bad but most people prefer to commute to Tampa's Ybor City for that.
Transportation: Awful. Like most of florida, public transportation does not exisit or it is poorly ran. Some of the worst drivers I have seen in the US. Not to mention most people live in Orlando and commute to Tampa everyday (had a lot of friends say the housing is cheaper in the Ocala/Orlando area than in Tampa the better paying jobs are supposedly in Tampa). It is one of the biggest traveling annoyances and not friendly on gas milege. I-275 to I-4 is considered one of the worst interestate turn offs in florida and always has accidents from a long rush hour jam. Oh! And everyone flocks to this area during the winter season so there are plenty of people from fun states and Canada who are not familar with the roads.
Housing: Probably cheaper than the housing shortage fisaco going on in the Northwest and Gulf Coast areas. But housing all around has risen in prices. Cheaper living does not always mean the safest and insurance friendly areas. There will always be a consideration for purchasing both flood and wind insurance because of the risk of hurricanes, torrential rain, and all the fun tropical weather that exisits in florida.
Weather: hot just about all year round. Humidity might be killer from about late March to Early October. The winters are wet, so despite what the thermometer says, add the wind chill and it can feel pretty cold. October-November are usually the months where the weather seems to fall under perfect.
Many orange groves and produce around the area so it is a great place for grocery shopping. Continous fresh produce throughout the year and fresh strawberries from Plant City should be in soon. Farmer's markets are plentiful and usually have great deals than the big supermarkets.
Wages: Lower than most other areas. So many teachers come to florida for school and then leave for other states after graduating because of better pay. Although compared to the (pre hurricane mess) northwest areas, the price of things are a little more expensive. It is evident to tell the difference between the afluent areas and the economically depressed areas. Most people who are older do come to florida because of all the legislation (which might change soon) aimed towards them and they have good enough retirement funds to live away from snow.
I had my fun two years living central florida area and ya, was not that impressed with the standard of living or how the people acted there. Still have a few friends and a brother there who cannot wait to graduate and leave. Not too sure how the job market availbility is today (<_< I moved away from Florida lol) but it is probably going to be just as competitive if not even more so because of the tourism factor.
So... other parts... Let me be brief....
Tallahassee- state capital... only hills and government buildings... not that entertaining unless FSU and TCC stuff is that exciting. I-10 is where the cops like to find people to pull over... tons of fun! Always under construction.
Northwest Florida- Just avoid unless marrying someone in the Navy/Military services. Southern food mmm... Somewhat tend to stick to cliques and familar social groups. Northerners are for condo money RAWR. And... insert hurricane rebuilding on a smaller scale to New Orleans. Although before the condos take over all the beaches, they have some of the most gorgeous white sands in the world. About as entertaining as Delaware.
Gainesville, unless attending UF and things to do with UF, there is not much to see. Typical college town.
Miami and the Keys- Never been there so not much to say. People did talk about going to South Beach as a spring break trip all the time. Rumored to have really good Key Lime Pie.
