Something for Everyone: Central Florida shapes up as just the right place to live.

Seminole County:          Orange County:

Altamonte Springs           Apopka

Casselberry                     Maitland

Lake Mary                      Orlando

Oviedo                            Windermere

Sanford                           Winter Park

Orlando, for example – known as the City Beautiful and located in the Sunshine State. Those descriptive tags offer clues as to just what you’ll find throughout an expanse of land that is located at the very heart of Florida.

Within the region, metro Orlando lies at the core, situated roughly 150 miles from the Florida/Georgia border, to the north; 50 miles from the Atlantic coast, to the east; 75 miles from the Gulf coats, to the west; and 237 miles from Miami, to the south. Consisting of approximately 4,000 square miles, it is the state’s largest metro by land mass. Four counties comprise metro Orlando – Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake – with three other counties (Polk, Volusia and Brevard) helping to form what is defined as Central Florida.

Orange is the most populous of the counties, and led by the city of Orlando, it is also the region’s commercial focal point. The county consists of 900 square miles and eight cities, including a bustling big-city downtown Orlando.

Seminole County, located north of Orlando, consists of nearly 300 square miles. The county offers a small-town ambiance but, thanks to Interstate 4 and the Central Florida Greenway, there is excellent metropolitan access, as well. The county includes a total of seven cities, with Sanford serving as the political seat.

Searching for just the right place to live? Take a look around. Clearly the region has choices.

Seminole County: The Former sleeping giant is now awake and quite active

Seminole County once was a bedroom community of Orlando’s and, essentially, played second fiddle in terms of growth and business development. That’s not the case anymore. Seminole now attracts a lengthy roster of corporate residents while it maintains its status as an excellent place to live. At least one economic forecast calls for Seminole to rank second in the nation during the next few years in percentage economic growth. At present, corporate headquarters or major business operations include the American Automobile Association, Mitsubishi Power Systems, Siemens ICN, Veritas, Convergys, Sprint PCS, Bank One and Lucent Technologies. Continued expansion at and surrounding the Orlando Sanford International Airport offers further promise. Meanwhile, the county features numerous acclaimed upscale communities like Heathrow, Heathrow Woods, Timacuan, Magnolia Plantation, Alaqua and Alaqua Lakes. The public school system is rated the best in the state, and the median household effective buying income is the highest in the region. Click here to visit Seminole County's website

Altamonte Springs

Altamonte Springs was among the first placed to attract housing development in Seminole County. As a result of the lack of available vacant land, many choose to renovate an existing home rather than build a new one. Many subdivisions can be found in lakeside and tree-shaded communities along Palm Springs Drive, Maitland Avenue and Montgomery Road. Multifamily housing is also abundant, with no fewer than 25 rental apartment complexes located within the city confines. Altamonte Springs is in the midst of some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Central Florida. The population has increased 55% since 1984 and currently totals more than 50,000 with a daytime population in excess of 100,000. The centerpiece of the city is the Altamonte Mall and adjacent Cranes Roost Park, which underwent a renovation in the mid 1990s and has become a popular gathering spot for special events. Visit Altamonte Springs' website

Altamonte Springs Zip Code 32714:

32701

Casselberry

Casselberry lies just northeast of downtown Orlando, approximately 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport and 15 minutes from the expanding Orlando Sanford International Airport. Casselberry has evolved from a sparsely populated agricultural town tow a bustling, dynamic city that’s maintained an enviable growth rate in both residential and commercial areas. Located within the city are 15 parks and more than 25 lakes, the largest of which are Lake Howell, Lake Katherine and the Triplet Chain of Lakes. A diverse mix of fine retail establishments, restaurants, office and commercial space, and housing at all price levels, as well as the Central Branch of the Seminole County Library and other Seminole County business offices, are found in Casselberry. Visit Casselberry's website

Lake Mary

Growth is widely evident in Lake Mary, located either miles north of Altamonte Springs. Commercial development is accelerating, particularly at sites such as the Heathrow International Business Center. And it’s projected that the I-4 corridor stretching from Lake Mary Boulevard north to Sanford will eventually contain more than 13 million square feet of office space. AAA National Headquarters is close by, as are Dixon Ticonderoga, Convergys, and Mitsubishi Power Supply. Thanks to the Colonial Town Center, a mixed-use development, residents can choose from a wide variety of eateries, office condominiums, townhouses and retail stores. Included in the Town Center are a movie theater and popular restaurants, as well as upscale jewelry and clothing stores. The area has ample housing development to complement the business growth, with upscale neighborhoods such as Heathrow and Timacuan offering choice houses and retail stores. Visit Lake Mary's website

Oviedo

Nowhere is growth stronger than in Oviedo, which has doubled in size during the past decade. Numerous new communities have sprung up, as well as a sprawling mall, the Oviedo Marketplace. The growth is no unchecked, however, as city officials have been careful to ensure that Oviedo maintains its rural posture by adhering to growth-management plans. The arrival of a multitude of shopping, medical and retirement services supports new “settlers” to Oviedo each day. Families enthusiastically enjoy Oviedo’s noted beauty and charm, exhibited along the Cross Seminole Trail. Because of the city’s close proximity to the University of Central Florida, Central Florida’s Research Park, and Lockheed Martin, residents who hold high-tech and professional jobs are typical of Oviedo. Visit Oviedo's website

Sanford

Sanford, the county seat, perhaps best defines the entire county of Seminole. A downtown historic district offers a glimpse of nostalgia, with quaint shops lining the streets. The nostalgia is part of the reason Sanford is enjoying renewed vigor as a housing market, where many new residents embrace Sanford’s historical roots. Home to the Central Florida Zoo, Sanford is situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Monroe and touts an international airport. Sanford is also the southern terminal of Amtrak’s Auto Train, which runs daily between Sanford and Lorton, Va. Additionally, the Seminole Towne Center Mall – a major employer- has added economic vitality. Sanford is also a rapidly growing waterfront community with a hometown atmosphere, thanks to its many parks, such as Memorial Park overlooking Lake Monroe. Visit Sanford's website

Sanford 32771 Zip Code Map

Sanford 32773 Zip Code Map

Seminole County Fast Facts

Square Miles 298

Population 403,335

2010 Projected Population 430,098

Per Capita Income $32,110

Municipalities

Orange County: The hub of the region is alive with action.

With its diverse neighborhoods and downtown business district, Orange County serves as the vibrant hub of metro Orlando. Orange boasts the largest population of the region’s four counties, as well as the most business startups and overall employment. In terms of business, no county in Florida will gain more jobs through 2010. Plus, there already exists an array of employment opportunities in industries that range from technology, simulation and banking to construction and tourism. Click here to visit Orange County's website.

Orlando

While much of the county is often labeled “Orlando,” the actual city limits enclose only 65 square miles, with downtown Orlando being the focal point. There, quaint neighborhoods are rich in history, such as the Cherokee district, Thornton Park and Eola Heights. They stand out by virtue of their Victorian and colonial architecture on shady, brick-lined streets. There are five historic districts in and around downtown Orlando. Within the five districts there are nearly 1,400 historically significant buildings, both commercial and residential. Orlando is highlighted by Lake Eola, perhaps the most photographed locale in Central Florida. In recent years, developers set a priority to complement the city’s commercial district by building a vibrant housing sector, marked by upscale condominiums such as Waverly Place, The VUE at Lake Eola and the Sanctuary. A focus on family living helped spur residential developments at the edges of downtown. One of them is Baldwin Park, a traditional neighborhood with architecture reminiscent of the pre-1940’s era in Central Florida. Visit Orlando's website

Apopka

The city of Apopka is located 12 miles northwest of Orlando. With a population of more than 31,000 citizens, it’s the second largest city in Orange County. In 1912, ferns became the industry for Apopka, and the town soon developed the name “Fern City.” More tropical plants were introduced to the growers in the area, and this influx of foliage took over the fern industry. Visit Apopka's website

32703

32712

East Orange County

Although considered unincorporated Orange County, this section of town near the University of Central Florida features sprawling communities such as Avalon Park, an 8,000-acre development surrounded by protected wilderness and wildlife, and arranged so residents can walk to the community center for shopping, recreation or entertainment. Other popular developments include Waterford Lakes and Eastwood, both mixed-use communities that offer the best of both residential and retail. The Waterford Town Center provides a wide array of retail and restaurant choices, including Super Target, Orlando Ale House, Macaroni Grill, Best Buy and more.

Maitland

One of the oldest incorporated municipalities in Central Florida, Maitland is a city steeped in history. A “historical corridor” has been established that encompasses old residences still occupied in the Lake Lily-Lake Catherine area and extending through the central portion of the city. Also, the Florida Audubon Society was founded in Maitland and continues in its protection of wild birds on Lake Sybelia. Lake Sybelia is one of the prettiest lakes in the Orlando area, a peaceful setting for observing unfettered wildlife and foliage. The Maitland Art Center, designed and established in 1937 by famed sculptor Andre Smith, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Yet, Maitland is also a burgeoning business area, home to the sprawling Maitland Center Business Park, located adjacent to Interstate 4. Since the 1960's, Maitland has been a quintessential bedroom community. Some of the area's first suburbs were built there to attract young families looking for large lawns and good schools. In the late 1970s a sprawling office park called Maitland Center was built near the I-4 interchange, giving the city a distinctive business identity as well. The 190-acre development contains a hotel, 45 office buildings and 400 businesses. More than 12,000 people work here. Numerous big projects are in the works that promise to give Maitland's somewhat nebulous downtown district a more cohesive look. On the south side of downtown, The Morgan Group plans to build the Village at Lake Lily, a nine-acre, mixed-use project encompassing condominiums, apartments and 45,000 square feet of retail space. Clearly, Maitland is a thoroughly modern place. Ye tit has actually been in existence longer than most Central Florida communities. It was established in 1838 as Fort Maitland, named in honor of Captain William S. Maitland, a hero of the Second Seminole War. In 1937 sculptor Andre Smith founded the Mayan themed Art Center at Maitland, which was originally intended to be a compound where artists could live and work. The center, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features an open-air chapel that has become a popular spot for weddings. Today Maitland is home to the Enzian Theatre, the regions's only art-house cinema and the setting for the annual Florida Film Festival. And two large art festivals are help in Maitland: One in October, sponsored by the Maitland Rotary Club, and one in April, sponsored by the Maitland/South Seminole Chamber of Commerce. Adjacent to Maitland is Eatonville, founded in 1887, which is thought to be the oldest city in the country incoporated by African-Americans. Folklorist Zora Neal Hurston lived in Eatonville for a time and wrote about the community in books such as Their Eyes Were Watching God. Visit Maitland's Website

Windermere

The town of Windermere is located in southwest Orange County, approximately six miles north of the Walt Disney World Resort. Nestled amidst a pristine chain of lakes, this quaint town is a luxury community that has retained its small town charm. Today, residents enjoy the town hall and surrounding area, which includes the Chase Memorial Library, basketball courts, a municipal office building and the Cal Palmer Memorial Building, named after a founding resident. The town hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Literally set on a small strip of land in the middle of the Butler Chain of Lakes, the town offers glorious vistas. Surrounding land, once rich with orange and other citrus groves, is now dotted with lush estate homes. Since the 1980’s Windermere has found fame through its residents, as many of Central Florida’s rich and famous live just east and south of town in Bay Hill or in the private Isleworth Community, which overlooks Lake Butler. Visit Windermere's website

Winter Park

Winter Park, located just north of Orlando, has roughly 27,000 residents. The city is famous for its bricked streets, towering oaks, vibrant lakes, abundant parks, fine shops, Rollins College, art museums and galleries, Winter Park Farmer’s Market and town impressive art festivals. Winter Park is reminiscent of old-world Europe, with quant shops on tree-lined streets such as famous Park Avenue, nestled on a chain of lakes. One of the most European aspects of the town is the picturesque Central Park, with an Amtrak train station running through the center. The city, particularly downtown Winter Park, is known to have many of the best addresses in the region, where estate homes and executive mansions can be found. There’s also been a recent boom in condominiums and rental apartments. Lack of available vacant land has led to renovation of area homes. Winter Park is steeped in culture, thanks to respected sites such as the Morse Museum, which contains a world-recognized collection of Tiffany art. It’s a town famous for its annual Bach Festival and known for its tremendous community spirit. Visit Winter Park's website

32789

32792

Orange County Fast Facts

Population 1,033,047

2010 Projected Population 1,109,877

Per Capita Income $27,647

Square Miles 907

Municipalities

Apopka, Bay Lake, Lake Buena Vista, Edgewood, Maitland, Town of Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden, Winter Park

Orange County Moving Guide

General Information 407.836.3111

School Board 407.317.3200

Electric Service

Progress Energy 407.629.1010

Orlando Utilities Commission 407.423.9018

Cable Service

Bright House Networks Central Florida 407.291.2500

Telephone Service

Bellsouth 888.757.6500

Automobile Registration 407.623.1102

Voter Registration 407.836.2070