By Yasmene Warren
The housing crisis is something that has been affecting Americans all across the country. For people employed at Disney and Universal in Orlando, this crisis hits pretty close to home. As of right now, these two companies are looking for ways to combat this crisis for their employees — let’s check out how!
Disney’s Affordable Housing Development
Located just mere miles from Disney’s Magic Kingdom, just west of State Road 429, lies 80 acres of what is soon to be affordable housing for Disney cast and team members.
Ground-breaking will occur next year, in 2024, and is estimated to be move-in ready by 2026. When the development is complete, it will have approximately 1,400 units available for rent.
These units will be income restricted and, according to Disney, built by The Michaels Organization, which are known to be specialists in affordable housing.
Pricing for Disney’s new apartments have yet to be announced, but this will be the first time the company has been involved in building housing specifically for its employees.
Currently, Disney offers short-term, dorm-style housing for its students in college or international programs at weekly rates of up to $250.
Images by Disney
Universal’s Housing for Tomorrow
Universal has launched an initiative called “Universal’s Housing for Tomorrow” that is dedicated to giving back to the community by offering affordable housing for people in need.
Universal has pledged 20 acres of land that will be exclusive to an affordable housing community with approximately 1,000 “high-quality apartments.”
This development will be located next to Universal’s Epic Universe at Trade Show Road and Destination Parkway, and it won’t be exclusive to Universal team members as anyone in the area in need of affordable housing can apply.
These apartments are being developed by the Wendover group, which states that, according to the Orlando Sentinel, units will be priced starting at $466 a month.
Images and Header by Universal Orlando
What is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing applies to housing that is restricted to a certain maximum income level, meaning you don’t have to make a certain amount to live there, but you can’t make more than the maximum.
Living in proximity to your workplace has been deemed a luxury these days thanks to the spike in housing costs, and some people make commutes of over an hour just to get to work, which can be costly in the long run.
Luckily, companies like Disney and Universal have begun to take these notions into consideration and are developing methods to calm the crisis for the people in their communities.
Overall
Whether you’re working for Disney or Universal and can’t find affordable housing nearby, or you’re living in the areas and have been affected by the ongoing housing crisis, you can find comfort in knowing that there are companies actively working toward ensuring a roof over your head is one less thing for you to worry about.
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
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