Forest City, FL Utility & Living Guide

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Forest City, FL Utility & Living Guide

Forest City is a census-designated place and an area in Seminole County, Florida, United States. Its historic center is now in the City of Altamonte Springs.

Last updated: July 8, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$1413/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$350,200
📷 Live Cameras — Forest City
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🌤️ Live Weather — Forest City
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Living in Forest City, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 89.4°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 51.5°F. At just 180 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 65.1 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 26 parks, 15 groceries, 59 dining spots and 15 schools. 2 hospitals serve the area. Median household income: $81,928. With a 11.5% poverty rate and 64.4% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Casselberry (6mi E), Fairview Shores (6mi SE), Fern Park (6mi E). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 45 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Forest City, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 89.4°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 51.5°F. At just 180 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 65.1 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 26 parks, 15 groceries, 59 dining spots and 15 schools. 2 hospitals serve the area. Median household income: $81,928. With a 11.5% poverty rate and 64.4% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Casselberry (6mi E), Fairview Shores (6mi SE), Fern Park (6mi E). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 45 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Forest City
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🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Forest City Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1413/mo
2 Bedrooms$1570/mo
3 Bedrooms$1962/mo
Median Home Price$350,200
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Forest City is competitive, with steady demand due to its proximity to Orlando. Prices have risen about 8% year-over-year, but remain more affordable than downtown Orlando.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3.2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mixed Republican/Democratic voting patterns)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, retail, and tech services
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, rising housing costs, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; Lynx buses serve the area but are not stroller-optimized.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Forest City Park
  • 🎯
    Orlando Science Center
  • 🎯
    Crayola Experience

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Lakes and Oak Ridge are popular for families, offering good schools and parks. Gated communities like Waterford provide additional amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Forest City based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations. Short-term rentals under 30 days require a license.

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📊 Forest City — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$81,928
👤 Median Age
41.6
🏠 Homeownership Rate
64.4%
🔑 Renter Rate
35.6%
📉 Poverty Rate
11.5%
💼 Unemployment Rate
2.9%
📡 Internet Access
92.1%
🎓 College Educated
35.7%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use spikes electric bills by 20-30%. Winter costs are lower due to mild temperatures and no heating needs.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP 32703: Property tax millage rate 18.5, no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Decent sidewalks in newer neighborhoods, good park access, but limited elevator access in transit.

📍 Forest City City Stories

Forest City, Florida — City Overview

Living in Forest City, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 89.4°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan...

Read more →
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