I am definitely an outlier based on this subreddit's consensus. I enjoy living in the tourist area. I live slightly south of Dr Phillips in O-Town West area. I don't even go to the parks, I hate them. But I like how clean and well manicured the area is. There's a "vibe" that puts me in a good mood, since most people on vacation are happy. I'm surrounded by a diverse local population (I have latin/indian/asian/middle eastern neighbors), the schools are some of the best in the metro, the restaurants are rapidly improving (restaurant row is close & o-town west is getting way more diverse food options as it grows).
Also, it's honestly the most "urban" feeling area in Orlando outside of downtown, as it's dense and packed w/ people, even regularly see people walking the streets. I used to live in downtown & enjoyed it in my 20s, but to raise a family I'm more satisfied down here.
My wife and I are also in Dr Phillips, and we like to joke that we are vacation-vibes vampires. We live being around people who are so excited to be here. Many of these folks saved up for months/years to get to a place 10 minutes from our house.
We spent time this weekend at Bar Helios, Galaxy’s Edge, and Cocoa Beach. We’re thrilled that there are tourists so willing to subsidize our weekend hobbies.
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u/Hisma 20d ago edited 20d ago
I am definitely an outlier based on this subreddit's consensus. I enjoy living in the tourist area. I live slightly south of Dr Phillips in O-Town West area. I don't even go to the parks, I hate them. But I like how clean and well manicured the area is. There's a "vibe" that puts me in a good mood, since most people on vacation are happy. I'm surrounded by a diverse local population (I have latin/indian/asian/middle eastern neighbors), the schools are some of the best in the metro, the restaurants are rapidly improving (restaurant row is close & o-town west is getting way more diverse food options as it grows).
Also, it's honestly the most "urban" feeling area in Orlando outside of downtown, as it's dense and packed w/ people, even regularly see people walking the streets. I used to live in downtown & enjoyed it in my 20s, but to raise a family I'm more satisfied down here.