Welcome to Watercooler Wednesday, where we take off the sales pitch and talk like real people about what it’s actually like to live near Walt Disney World.
This week, let’s talk to a specific group of dreamers—the former New Yorkers, Chicagoans, Angelenos, D.C. commuters, and other big-city folks who finally traded high-rise stress for sunshine and fireworks.
I asked a few of them:
“What surprised you the most about life near Disney after living in a major city?”
Their answers? Grounded. Emotional. Unexpected.
🌳 1. “We Could Breathe Again”
– Rachel & Omar, former NYC residents
“The first morning we woke up here, we didn’t hear sirens or garbage trucks. We heard birds. We made coffee. And we breathed. It felt like our nervous systems finally caught up with our lives.”
🎯 Why it matters: When your environment supports calm, everything else shifts—your mindset, your relationships, your pace.
🚙 2. “Traffic Exists, But It’s Not Our Identity Anymore”
– Lauren T., former LA marketing exec
“Yes, there’s traffic near the parks. But not like L.A. traffic. I used to lose two hours a day commuting. Now I listen to Disney scores while driving 12 minutes to Target. That’s not traffic—that’s therapy.”
🎯 Why it matters: Your daily commute shapes your energy and your mood more than you realize. Cutting that stress adds hours—and presence—to your life.
💰 3. “Cost of Living Sanity? Yes, Please.”
– Dev & Aaron, former Chicago professionals
“We sold our 2-bed condo and bought a 4-bedroom home with a yard and a pool. Property taxes alone were 40% less. And we’re paying less for everything—from insurance to groceries.”
🎯 Why it matters: You don’t have to compromise on lifestyle to live near Disney—you might actually upgrade it and keep more of your paycheck.
🧍♀️ 4. “We Weren’t Sure We’d Belong—But We Found Our People”
– Jin & Marcus, moved from D.C.
“There’s this weird fear that people won’t ‘get’ you outside the big city. But we found neighbors who love creativity, culture, tech, travel—and Disney. It’s not small-minded here. It’s open-hearted.”
🎯 Why it matters: The Disney area draws people from everywhere. You’re more likely to find your people here than you think.
🏡 5. “We Didn’t Just Change Our Address—We Changed Our Lives”
– Daniel S., solo remote worker from Boston
“I moved for sunshine. I stayed because I got my life back. I hike. I go to the parks. I read more. I work less and create more. It’s not just location—it’s lifestyle design.”
🎯 Why it matters: Where you live either supports or suppresses the life you want. And many people don’t realize what’s possible until they leave what’s familiar.
💬 The Most Common Phrase I Hear?
“I wish we had done it sooner.”
Big city life isn’t bad.
But if it’s become too loud, too fast, too tight, or too much…
you might not need a vacation.
You might need a fresh start.
And it might be waiting here.
📲 I’ve been in your shoes—relocating, figuring out the right neighborhood, making it all work. That’s why I’m here to make it easier for you. Give me a quick call at 321-364-4844 or set up a time that works best for you, and let’s start planning your move.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter
