Lake Eola fountain, downtown Orlando · Photo: Chase Baker / Unsplash
Your Complete Community Guide
Living in Orange County, FL
Lakes. Culture. Main Streets.
A Letter from Alethea
Welcome to Orange County
Whether you’re moving across the country or just across Central Florida, finding the right place is about more than square footage. It’s where you grab your coffee, where you spend your Saturdays, and who you call neighbors.
My own Central Florida story started when I relocated from Nebraska to Orlando’s Hunter’s Creek. I spent years in property management, looking after homes from Poinciana and St. Cloud all the way up to Orange Park, St. Augustine and parts of Jacksonville, with our offices out in Lake Mary. That job put me on nearly every road in Central Florida, and it’s how I learned these neighborhoods from the inside.
Orange County is where it all began for me. I still miss Hunter’s Creek, especially when a meeting takes me back near Sand Lake Road or International Drive, and I’ll never forget that first summer of weekends at Wet ’n Wild. Since then I’ve fallen in love with Winter Park and parts of Winter Garden, on completely opposite sides of town, I know. This guide shares the Orange County I know, from Lake Eola’s swans to Winter Garden’s brick Plant Street. When you’re ready to see it for yourself, I’d love to show you around.
— Alethea Reyes
The Full Illustrated Guide
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Orange County at a Glance
Lakes, culture and main streets
At the heart of Central Florida, Orange County pairs Orlando's arts and dining with lake towns, citrus-era main streets and spring-fed rivers, all linked by I-4, SR 408 and SunRail.
- County Seat
- Orlando
- Population
- 1,536,045 (2025 est.)
- Founded
- 1824, as Mosquito County
- Renamed
- Orange County, 1845
- Getting Around
- I-4, SR 408, SunRail, MCO
Know Before You Go
The story of Orange County
Orange County began in December 1824 as Mosquito County, a sprawling territorial county roughly 220 miles long that covered much of east-central Florida and took its name from Spanish maps marking the Mosquito Inlet. When Florida became a state in 1845, the land was renamed Orange County, a nod to the citrus groves that would define the region for more than a century. A settlement near Fort Gatlin first known as Jernigan became the county seat by 1856 and soon took the name Orlando, incorporating as a town in 1875. Over the following decades Volusia, Lake, Osceola and Seminole counties were carved from Orange's original territory, and after the 1971 opening of Walt Disney World the county grew from citrus country into a metro of more than 1.5 million residents.
A Storied Past
- 1824Mosquito County is created by Florida's territorial council — the largest county in the territory at the time.
- 1845With Florida statehood, Mosquito County becomes Orange County, named for the region's citrus.
- 1856The settlement of Jernigan (soon renamed Orlando) becomes the county seat.
- 1875The Town of Orlando incorporates on July 31 with just 85 residents.
- 1913Seminole County is carved from Orange — following Volusia (1854) and Lake and Osceola (1887).
- 1971Walt Disney World Resort opens on October 1, transforming the county's economy.
Did You Know?
Fun facts for your first neighborhood cookout
- Mosquito County remains the only county in Florida's history named after an insect.
- Eatonville, founded in Orange County in 1887, is recognized as the oldest Black-incorporated municipality in the United States.
- No one is sure how Orlando got its name: the popular 'Orlando Reeves' soldier legend is doubted by historians, and another theory credits a pioneer who loved Shakespeare's 'As You Like It.'
- Rollins College in Winter Park, founded in 1885, is Florida's first four-year college.
- Apopka calls itself the 'Indoor Foliage Capital of the World' thanks to its many greenhouse nurseries.
What’s Happening Now
This season in Orange
The events, festivals and places locals love right now. This section updates with the seasons, so check back anytime. Dates shift year to year; confirm with Visit Orlando (visitorlando.com), City of Orlando events and Winter Park Chamber before you go.
Winter in Orange · December - February
Spring in Orange · March - May
Summer in Orange · June - August
Fall in Orange · September - November
Things to Do
Year-round favorites across Orange
These favorites run all year. For what’s on right now, see This Season above.
Dr. Phillips Center, downtown Orlando
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando
Wekiwa Springs & Kelly Park, Apopka
Winter Park & Winter Garden
Scenic Boat Tour, Winter Park
Live Like a Local
Entertainment & Things to Do
Weekends, date nights and family days
Four theme parks, two water parks and Disney Springs — opened 1971
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and the new Epic Universe
Downtown performing arts center hosting Broadway tours, concerts and comedy
Year-round Sunday market (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) beside Lake Eola's fountain
Botanical garden near Lake Rowena with themed gardens and the historic Leu House Museum
Renowned Louis Comfort Tiffany collection, including the Tiffany Chapel
Central Florida's only full-time independent cinema and home of the Florida Film Festival
Spring-fed swimming, kayaking and hiking at the headwaters of the Wekiva River
Weekend market in historic downtown with local produce, artisans and live music
Live Like a Local
Dine & Drink
Where locals actually eat
Sorekara · Orlando (Baldwin Park)Japanese tasting-menu restaurant — the Orlando area's only two-Michelin-star spot (2026 guide)
Victoria & Albert's · Walt Disney World (Grand Floridian)Michelin-starred fine-dining tasting menu at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Antonio's · MaitlandLongtime Italian favorite overlooking Lake Lily, with a casual market café downstairs
Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi · Dr. PhillipsLively robata grill and sushi spot on Sand Lake Road's Restaurant Row
Restaurants change often; call ahead. Photos show each spot’s style of cuisine, not the restaurant itself. Food photography via Unsplash: Yosuke Ota, Mahmoud Fawzy, Luigi Pozzoli, Tyler Thomas, Mantra Media, Orkun Orcan, Jay.
Schools, Colleges & Healthcare
Learning and care close to home
Public schools are run by Orange County Public Schools. School assignments follow your home address, so always confirm your zoned schools with the district’s school zone lookup before you write an offer. Every featured city chapter below lists its schools with a link to each school’s website, its 2026 state grade, and its official Florida report card.
Colleges & Universities
- University of Central Florida (UCF) · University, Orlando
- Rollins College · Private, Winter Park
- Valencia College · State College, Orlando
- Full Sail University · Private, Winter Park
- AdventHealth University · Private, Orlando
- Orange Technical College · Technical, Orlando (multiple campuses)
Hospitals & Medical Centers
- AdventHealth Orlando · Orlando
- Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center · Orlando
- Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children · Orlando
- Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida (Lake Nona) · Orlando
- AdventHealth Winter Park · Winter Park
- AdventHealth Apopka · Apopka
- AdventHealth Winter Garden · Winter Garden
- Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital · Winter Garden
- Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital · Dr. Phillips (Orlando)
- Orlando Health Health Central Hospital (Ocoee) · Ocoee
Letter grades shown are the 2026 Florida school grades (2025–26 school year) released by the Florida Department of Education. Where a grade isn’t shown yet, tap “View state grade” for that school’s official Florida Department of Education report card. Zones change, so always confirm with the district.
Getting Around
Commutes from Orange County
I-4, SR 408, SR 417 and SR 429 tie Orange County together, SunRail stops in Orlando, Winter Park and Maitland, and Orlando International (MCO) is one of the country's busiest airports.
| From | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Park | Downtown Orlando | 15 min |
| Maitland | Downtown Orlando | 15 min |
| Winter Garden | Downtown Orlando | 25 min |
| Apopka | Downtown Orlando | 25 min |
| Windermere | Walt Disney World | 15 min |
| Dr. Phillips | Universal Orlando | 10 min |
| Downtown Orlando | Orlando International (MCO) | 20 min |
| Lake Nona | Orlando International (MCO) | 15 min |
Times are approximate off-peak drive estimates. Rush hour on I-4 can add a lot, so test-drive your commute before you buy.
Market Snapshot
Orange County Real Estate Market
Orange County covers everything from downtown condos to lakefront estates, so prices vary widely. Winter Park, Windermere and Dr. Phillips sit at the top of the range, while Apopka and parts of Orlando offer more room to grow. The live snapshot below updates automatically from Stellar MLS, the MLS I work in every day, so you always see current median prices, days on market and sales for Orange County.
MARKET SNAPSHOT
- ?Sold Listings
- ?Average Sales Price
- ?Average Days on Market
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Settling In
New Resident Checklist
First 30 days
- Get your Florida driver license at the Orange County Tax Collector (new residents have 30 days).
- Register your vehicles in Florida (within 10 days of starting work, enrolling kids or establishing residency).
- Set up power, water and trash; providers vary by city, so ask me for your address.
- Enroll the kids with Orange County Public Schools.
First 60 days
- Register to vote with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.
- Know your hurricane evacuation zone through Orange County Emergency Management.
- Grab a library card and find your nearest park and farmers market.
- By March 1: file for your homestead exemption with the Orange County Property Appraiser if the home is your primary residence.
Find Your Fit
Where to Live
| Orlando | Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, Downtown / Lake Eola |
|---|---|
| Windermere & Dr. Phillips | Keene's Pointe, Isleworth, Bay Hill, Vizcaya |
| Apopka | Errol Estate, Wekiva Run, communities near Kelly Park |
| Maitland & Winter Park | Dommerich Estates, Maitland Club, Park Avenue |
| Winter Garden | Horizon West, Oakland Park, the historic downtown |
I don’t rank neighborhoods. I share the facts, then tour with you so you can decide what fits your family.
Move with a Plan
Your Move in 5 Steps
- Book a strategy call with Alethea.
- Get pre-approved.
- Tour your top neighborhoods.
- Write a winning offer.
- Close and get your keys.
Featured City
Orlando, FL
Lakeside elegance, big-city culture
Mornings start with a loop around Lake Eola's swan-dotted fountain, and Sundays mean the year-round Orlando Farmers Market on the lake's edge. Weeknights bring Magic games at the Kia Center or a show at the Dr. Phillips Center, and the city's Michelin-recognized dining scene runs from Audubon Park omakase at Kadence to Mills 50 Vietnamese spots. Brick-street neighborhoods like College Park, Thornton Park and Baldwin Park sit minutes from downtown's SunRail stops.
Orlando centers on Lake Eola, with its swans, fountain and Sunday market. Around it sit Broadway at the Dr. Phillips Center, Michelin-starred counters and lake-dotted neighborhoods.
- Population
- 340,681 (2025 est.)
- Incorporated
- July 31, 1875
- County Seat
- Orange County
- Lake Eola
- 0.9-mile loop, 1957 fountain
- Arts Anchor
- Dr. Phillips Center, downtown
Neighborhoods to knowDowntown near Lake Eola, Baldwin Park and Lake Nona.
Eat & Drink
- Kadence · Kabooki Sushi · The Osprey · Park Pizza & Brewing · Foxtail Coffee
See & Do
- Universal Orlando Resort · Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and the new Epic
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts · Downtown performing arts center hosting Broadway tours, concerts and c
- Kia Center · Downtown arena home to the NBA's Orlando Magic and major concerts
- Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola · Year-round Sunday market (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) beside Lake Eola's fountain
A Perfect Day in Orlando
- Morning
Coffee at Foxtail, then a slow loop around Lake Eola.
- Midday
Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park.
- Afternoon
Wander the camellias and oaks of Harry P. Leu Gardens.
- Evening
Omakase at Michelin-starred Kadence, then a show at the Dr. Phillips Center.
Schools, commutes & hospitals in Orlando
Commutes from Orlando
| To | Drive | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center | ~6 min | 2 mi |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~20 min | 13 mi |
| Lake Eola / downtown Orlando | ~0 min | 0 mi |
| Universal Orlando Resort | ~15 min | 11 mi |
| Walt Disney World | ~30 min | 22 mi |
| SunRail Church Street Station | ~4 min | 1 mi |
| Cocoa Beach | ~55 min | 55 mi |
Featured schools in Orlando
| School | Level | 2026 State Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Boone High | High | A |
| Edgewater High | High | B |
| Innovation High | High | B |
| Jones High | High | B |
| Lake Nona High | High | A |
| College Park Middle | Middle | C |
| Howard Middle | Middle | A |
| Audubon Park School | K-8 | A |
| Bishop Moore Catholic High School | Private | Private |
| Lake Highland Preparatory School | Private | Private |
| The First Academy | Private | Private |
Orlando has dozens more public schools. See every Orlando school and find your zoned school with Orange County Public Schools.
Featured City
Maitland, FL
Lakes, art and old-Florida grace
Maitland feels like a lakeside village tucked between Winter Park and Altamonte: Lake Lily's boardwalk hosts the Maitland Art Festival, and the Maitland Art Center's Mayan Revival courtyards are a National Historic Landmark. Film buffs catch indie movies under the oaks at the Enzian Theater, home of the Florida Film Festival, and commuters hop the Maitland SunRail station on US 17-92 for an easy ride downtown.
Incorporated in 1885, Maitland is one of Central Florida's oldest suburbs. Twenty-one lakes, a National Historic Landmark art center and a SunRail stop sit just north of Orlando.
- Population
- 20,141 (2025 est.)
- Incorporated
- 1885
- Lakes
- 21, largest Lake Maitland
- Landmark
- Maitland Art Center, 1937
- Getting Around
- SunRail station, I-4 close by
Neighborhoods to knowDommerich Estates, Maitland Club and homes on Lake Maitland.
Eat & Drink
- Antonio's · Longtime Italian favorite overlooking Lake Lily, with a casual market
See & Do
- Enzian Theater · Central Florida's only full-time independent cinema and home of the Fl
A Perfect Day in Maitland
- Morning
Walk the Lake Lily boardwalk loop.
- Midday
Explore the Art & History Museums – Maitland.
- Afternoon
Meet rescued eagles and owls at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.
- Evening
Dinner at Antonio's, then a film at the Enzian.
Schools, commutes & hospitals in Maitland
Commutes from Maitland
| To | Drive | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| AdventHealth Winter Park | ~12 min | 5 mi |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~28 min | 22 mi |
| Downtown Orlando / Lake Eola | ~15 min | 7 mi |
| Universal Orlando Resort | ~20 min | 15 mi |
| Maitland SunRail Station | ~3 min | 1 mi |
| New Smyrna Beach | ~55 min | 52 mi |
Nearest hospitals
Schools in Maitland (5)
| School | Level | 2026 State Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Maitland Middle | Middle | A |
| Dommerich Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Lake Sybelia Elementary | Elementary | B |
| Lake Forrest Preparatory School | Private | Private |
| Park Maitland School | Private | Private |
Schools are assigned by address. Find your zoned school with Orange County Public Schools.
Featured City
Winter Garden, FL
Where good things grow
Life centers on historic Plant Street, where the West Orange Trail runs right through downtown past cafés, breweries, the Garden Theatre and a bustling weekend farmers market. Families bike the trail on Saturdays, grab sushi at Michelin Bib Gourmand pick Norigami, and head south to the fast-growing Horizon West area for new schools, parks and shopping at Winter Garden Village.
Built on citrus and rail, Winter Garden reinvented its brick Plant Street downtown, where the West Orange Trail, the Garden Theatre and a Saturday market meet.
- Population
- 52,479 (2025 est.)
- Incorporated
- 1908
- To Orlando
- About 14 miles west
- Landmark
- Plant Street & Garden Theatre
- Market
- Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Neighborhoods to knowHorizon West, Oakland Park and homes near the historic downtown.
Eat & Drink
- Norigami · Hand-roll and sushi bar on Plant Street, a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick
See & Do
- Winter Garden Farmers Market · Weekend market in historic downtown with local produce, artisans and l
A Perfect Day in Winter Garden
- Morning
Saturday farmers market at the Downtown Pavilion, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Midday
Bike a stretch of the West Orange Trail right through downtown.
- Afternoon
Browse the Plant Street shops, then coffee at Axum.
- Evening
Dinner at Chefs Table at the Edgewater, then a show at the Garden Theatre.
Schools, commutes & hospitals in Winter Garden
Commutes from Winter Garden
| To | Drive | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Health Health Central Hospital (Ocoee) | ~10 min | 4 mi |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~35 min | 30 mi |
| Downtown Orlando / Lake Eola | ~22 min | 14 mi |
| Walt Disney World | ~20 min | 15 mi |
| SR 429 / SR 408 expressway access | ~5 min | 2 mi |
| Cocoa Beach | ~70 min | 70 mi |
Schools in Winter Garden (19)
| School | Level | 2026 State Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon High | High | A |
| West Orange High | High | A |
| Bridgewater Middle | Middle | A |
| Hamlin Middle | Middle | A |
| Lakeview Middle | Middle | B |
| SunRidge Middle | Middle | A |
| Water Spring Middle | Middle | A |
| Dillard Street Elementary | Elementary | B |
| Hamlin Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Independence Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Lake Whitney Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Maxey Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Panther Lake Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Summerlake Elementary | Elementary | A |
| SunRidge Elementary | Elementary | B |
| Tildenville Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Water Spring Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Whispering Oak Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Foundation Academy | Private | Private |
Schools are assigned by address. Find your zoned school with Orange County Public Schools.
Featured City
Windermere, FL
A storybook town on the Butler Chain
Founded in 1887 and named for England's Lake District, the town of Windermere sits on an isthmus in the Butler Chain of Lakes, where weekends mean boating and sandbar days. Downtown keeps its small-town charm with a historic town hall, roundabouts and many unpaved roads, while gated golf communities and lakefront estates have drawn athletes like Tiger Woods and Shaquille O'Neal.
Founded in 1887 and named for England's Lake District, Windermere sits on an isthmus of the Butler Chain of Lakes. Dirt lanes and a historic town hall keep its village feel.
- Population
- 3,186 (2025 est.)
- Incorporated
- 1925
- Named for
- Windermere, England
- Lakes
- Butler Chain of Lakes
- Schools
- Windermere Elem., Olympia High
Neighborhoods to knowKeene's Pointe, Isleworth and the historic town grid near Main Street.
Eat & Drink
- Bella Tuscany · Naan Stopp · My French Cafe · Hawkers Asian Street Food · Paloma Coffee Co.
See & Do
- Ask me for my local favorites
A Perfect Day in Windermere
- Morning
Pastries and coffee at My French Cafe.
- Midday
Stroll the historic downtown and Town Hall.
- Afternoon
Get out on the water and boat the Butler Chain of Lakes.
- Evening
Dinner at Bella Tuscany.
Schools, commutes & hospitals in Windermere
Commutes from Windermere
| To | Drive | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital | ~15 min | 7 mi |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~30 min | 25 mi |
| Downtown Orlando / Lake Eola | ~25 min | 14 mi |
| Walt Disney World | ~15 min | 10 mi |
| Universal Orlando Resort | ~18 min | 10 mi |
| Cocoa Beach | ~65 min | 65 mi |
Schools in Windermere (8)
| School | Level | 2026 State Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Windermere High | High | A |
| Gotha Middle | Middle | A |
| Horizon West Middle | Middle | A |
| Bay Lake Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Keene's Crossing Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Sunset Park Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Windermere Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Windermere Preparatory School | Private | Private |
Schools are assigned by address. Find your zoned school with Orange County Public Schools.
Featured City
Dr. Phillips, FL
Restaurant Row and lakeside luxury
Named for citrus magnate Philip Phillips, this unincorporated community lives along Sand Lake Road's 'Restaurant Row,' where date nights mean robata and sushi at Dragonfly and dozens of chef-driven spots. Residents golf at Bay Hill, paddle the Butler Chain and Sand Lake chain of lakes, and are minutes from both Universal and I-4.
Named for citrus pioneer Dr. Philip Phillips, this community southwest of Orlando is known for Sand Lake Road's Restaurant Row, Big Sand Lake and the Bay Hill golf address.
- Population
- 12,328 (2020 Census)
- Status
- Unincorporated Orange County
- Named for
- Citrus pioneer Dr. Philip Phillips
- Dining
- Sand Lake Road's Restaurant Row
- Schools
- Dr. Phillips High School
Neighborhoods to knowBay Hill, Vizcaya and Phillips Landing.
Eat & Drink
- Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi · Lively robata grill and sushi spot on Sand Lake Road's Restaurant Row
See & Do
- Ask me for my local favorites
A Perfect Day in Dr. Phillips
- Morning
Coffee and a walk at Dr. P. Phillips Community Park.
- Midday
Lunch and shopping at Dellagio Town Center.
- Afternoon
A round of golf or lakeside time near Big Sand Lake.
- Evening
Dinner on Restaurant Row at Eddie V's or Seasons 52.
Schools, commutes & hospitals in Dr. Phillips
Commutes from Dr. Phillips
| To | Drive | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital | ~4 min | 1 mi |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~20 min | 15 mi |
| Downtown Orlando / Lake Eola | ~18 min | 11 mi |
| Universal Orlando Resort | ~10 min | 4 mi |
| I-4 (Sand Lake Road interchange) | ~5 min | 2 mi |
| Cocoa Beach | ~55 min | 55 mi |
Schools in Dr. Phillips (5)
| School | Level | 2026 State Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Phillips High | High | B |
| Southwest Middle | Middle | A |
| Bay Meadows Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Dr. Phillips Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Sand Lake Elementary | Elementary | A |
Schools are assigned by address. Find your zoned school with Orange County Public Schools.
Featured City
Apopka, FL
Indoor Foliage Capital of the World
Known as the 'Indoor Foliage Capital of the World,' Apopka mixes greenhouse nurseries and new neighborhoods with serious outdoor access: spring-fed swimming and kayaking at Wekiwa Springs State Park, wildlife spotting along Lake Apopka, and miles of the West Orange Trail. The John Land Apopka Expressway (SR 429/414) puts downtown Orlando and the theme parks within easy reach.
Apopka grew among greenhouse nurseries that earned its nickname. Today it is the gateway to Wekiwa Springs, Kelly Park's Rock Springs and the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
- Population
- 66,580 (2025 est.)
- Incorporated
- 1882 (city 1919)
- Nickname
- Indoor Foliage Capital
- Nature
- Wekiwa Springs State Park
- To Orlando
- About 16 miles northwest
Neighborhoods to knowErrol Estate, Wekiva Run and newer communities near Kelly Park.
Eat & Drink
- Back Room Steakhouse · Caffe Positano · The Nauti Lobstah · Rock Springs Bar & Grill · Fancy Q
See & Do
- Wekiwa Springs State Park · Spring-fed swimming, kayaking and hiking at the headwaters of the Weki
A Perfect Day in Apopka
- Morning
Swim the 72°F spring at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
- Midday
Tube the clear run of Rock Springs at Kelly Park.
- Afternoon
Drive the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for birds and gators.
- Evening
Dinner at Back Room Steakhouse.
Schools, commutes & hospitals in Apopka
Commutes from Apopka
| To | Drive | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| AdventHealth Apopka | ~8 min | 3 mi |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~35 min | 32 mi |
| Downtown Orlando / Lake Eola | ~25 min | 14 mi |
| Walt Disney World | ~30 min | 28 mi |
| Maitland SunRail Station | ~20 min | 12 mi |
| New Smyrna Beach | ~65 min | 65 mi |
Nearest hospitals
Schools in Apopka (15)
| School | Level | 2026 State Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Apopka High | High | B |
| Wekiva High | High | C |
| Apopka Memorial Middle | Middle | B |
| Piedmont Lakes Middle | Middle | B |
| Wolf Lake Middle | Middle | A |
| Kelly Park School | K-8 | A |
| Apopka Elementary | Elementary | B |
| Clay Springs Elementary | Elementary | B |
| Dream Lake Elementary | Elementary | B |
| Lakeville Elementary | Elementary | B |
| Lovell Elementary | Elementary | C |
| Phillis Wheatley Elementary | Elementary | C |
| Rock Springs Elementary | Elementary | C |
| Wolf Lake Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Forest Lake Academy | Private | Private |
Schools are assigned by address. Find your zoned school with Orange County Public Schools.
Featured City
Winter Park, FL
Brick streets, oaks and a chain of lakes
Winter Park days revolve around brick-lined Park Avenue and Central Park, where the weekend farmers market, boutique shopping and sidewalk cafés set the pace. Neighbors take the Scenic Boat Tour through the canal-linked chain of lakes, visit the Morse Museum's celebrated Louis Comfort Tiffany collection, and dine at Michelin-recognized spots like Soseki and The Ravenous Pig. Rollins College and a SunRail station right in Central Park round out the college-town feel.
Founded in 1881 as a winter resort, Winter Park still feels like one: brick-lined Park Avenue, Rollins College, oak canopies and lakes linked by canals.
- Population
- 30,600 (2025 est.)
- Incorporated
- 1887
- College
- Rollins, founded 1885
- Signature
- Morse Museum's Tiffany collection
- Transit
- SunRail station downtown
Neighborhoods to knowhomes near Park Avenue and along the Chain of Lakes.
Eat & Drink
- Soseki Modern Omakase · One-Michelin-star modern Japanese omakase on Fairbanks Avenue
- The Ravenous Pig · Beloved gastropub and brewery, a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick
See & Do
- Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art · Renowned Louis Comfort Tiffany collection, including the Tiffany Chape
A Perfect Day in Winter Park
- Morning
Saturday Farmers' Market in Central Park, then Foxtail Coffee.
- Midday
The Tiffany chapel at the Morse Museum, then lunch on Park Ave.
- Afternoon
Glide through the Chain of Lakes on the Scenic Boat Tour.
- Evening
Dinner at The Ravenous Pig, a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick.
Schools, commutes & hospitals in Winter Park
Commutes from Winter Park
| To | Drive | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| AdventHealth Winter Park | ~4 min | 1 mi |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~22 min | 15 mi |
| Downtown Orlando / Lake Eola | ~12 min | 5 mi |
| Universal Orlando Resort | ~20 min | 14 mi |
| Winter Park SunRail Station (Central Park) | ~2 min | 0.2 mi |
| Cocoa Beach | ~55 min | 55 mi |
Nearest hospitals
Schools in Winter Park (8)
| School | Level | 2026 State Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Park High | High | A |
| Glenridge Middle | Middle | A |
| Aloma Elementary | Elementary | C |
| Brookshire Elementary | Elementary | A |
| Killarney Elementary | Elementary | B |
| Lakemont Elementary | Elementary | A |
| The Geneva School | Private | Private |
| Trinity Preparatory School | Private | Private |
Schools are assigned by address. Find your zoned school with Orange County Public Schools.
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Questions I Hear Often
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Orange County
Is Orlando a good place to live?
Orlando and greater Orange County offer a large and growing job market (healthcare, tech, simulation, aviation and tourism), no state income tax, year-round outdoor living, an international airport and neighborhoods that range from downtown condos to lakefront estates. Traffic and insurance costs are the trade-offs to plan for.
What are the best suburbs of Orlando for families?
Families often look at Winter Garden and Horizon West, Windermere, Winter Park, Maitland, Dr. Phillips and Lake Nona inside Orange County, plus Lake Mary and Oviedo just north in Seminole County. The right one depends on commute, school zone and budget.
What is the median home price in Orange County, FL?
Prices vary a lot by city and neighborhood in Orange County. The live market snapshot on this page updates automatically from Stellar MLS with current median prices, days on market and recent sales, and I am happy to pull a custom report for any neighborhood.
What is the cost of living in Orlando, FL?
Orlando's cost of living is close to the national average, with housing as the biggest swing factor. Florida has no state income tax. Budget carefully for homeowners insurance, flood coverage where needed, HOA dues and any CDD fees in newer communities.
Is Winter Park, FL expensive?
Winter Park is one of the higher-priced areas in Orange County because of its walkable Park Avenue, brick streets, chain of lakes, Rollins College and SunRail access. Nearby Maitland and parts of Orlando can offer a similar feel at different price points.
Which Orange County towns have SunRail stations?
Orlando, Maitland and Winter Park all have SunRail stations, making the commute into downtown Orlando easy.
Where can you swim in a spring near Orlando?
Wekiwa Springs State Park and Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka both offer clear, 72-degree spring water northwest of Orlando. Both fill early on warm weekends, so arrive early.
Do I need flood insurance in Orange County, FL?
Requirements depend on the flood zone. Lenders require it in high-risk zones, and many lakefront and low-lying homes carry it even when it is optional. Look up any address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and review the elevation certificate before you buy.
What are the best places to live in Orange County, FL?
Orlando offers city life around Lake Eola, Baldwin Park and Lake Nona; Winter Park and Maitland offer walkable, lake-lined neighborhoods with SunRail; Windermere and Dr. Phillips offer lake and golf living near the theme parks; Winter Garden has a charming Plant Street downtown; and Apopka offers space and springs.
Moving to Florida: general questions
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida has no state personal income tax, which is one reason so many people relocate here. Property taxes, insurance and sales tax are the costs to budget for instead.
What is the Florida homestead exemption?
If the home is your permanent residence as of January 1, you can file for homestead with the county property appraiser by March 1. It can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $50,000 and unlocks the Save Our Homes cap, which limits yearly increases in assessed value to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
When is hurricane season in Florida?
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 and usually peaks from mid-August through October. Inland Central Florida typically sees less storm surge risk than the coasts, but every buyer should review wind-mitigation, roof age and flood-zone information before closing.
How much is homeowners insurance in Central Florida?
It varies widely with the roof's age and type, the year the home was built, wind-mitigation features and the flood zone. I connect buyers with local agents for quotes on the exact address before they are under contract, so there are no surprises.
What are HOA and CDD fees in Florida?
An HOA (homeowners association) fee pays for shared amenities and rules in a neighborhood. A CDD (Community Development District) fee shows up on the property tax bill in many newer communities and repays bonds for roads and utilities. Both affect your monthly payment, so I flag them on every home we tour.
Do I need a Realtor to buy a home in Florida?
You are not required to, but a local Realtor helps you price an offer correctly, negotiate repairs, read Florida contracts and insurance disclosures, and catch issues like flood zones, roof age and CDD fees. In Florida, your agreement with a buyer's agent is put in writing before touring.
How long does it take to buy a house in Central Florida?
Once you are under contract, most financed purchases close in about 30 to 45 days, and cash purchases can close faster. Getting pre-approved first and lining up insurance early keeps the timeline smooth.
Meet Alethea
Your next move starts with a conversation.
Buying, selling, relocation tours and home value reports
Bilingual Central Florida REALTOR® and Area Leader with Epique Realty. The Key to Your Next Move. I guide buyers, sellers and families across Volusia, Seminole and Orange counties. Se habla español. Call or text 407-529-9858.
Details verified September 2026; please confirm before relying on them. Alethea Reyes, REALTOR®, Epique Realty.