Orlando

It is a diverse community, with great neighborhoods and excelent educational and health systems that manage to serve this rapidly changing community and still compete with the best in the country. Orlando-Orange County and adjacent sections of other Central Florida counties are home to a number of colleges and universities which over time are helping transform this area into a center of higher education. Seminole, Volusia, Lake

Built around literally hundreds of lakes, Orlando is also an extraordinarily beautiful city. As Orlando has grown, it has enclosed old Orange County cities like Winter Park,which then become fabulous neighborhoods within the greater metro area, adding to the character of this unique city. Towns of interest in surrounding parts of Seminole, Volusia, Lake, and Osceola counties have also become part of this process

It is already an economic giant in business and job creation, and is on its way to becoming one of the world’s major metropolitan areas. The Florida Turnpike and the I-4 Corridor cross here, making Orlando the connecting hub of Central Florida and linking it to both Coasts. Its state-of-the-art, award-winning international airport is connected by dozens of carriers to every spot in North America and around the globe.

You might think that such rapid growth would create an unacceptable price in terms of poor infrastructure but you would be wrong. Central Florida counties have stayed ahead of the curve, and the roads and highways are generally excelent throughout the metro region. Some have compared this area to a growing mini-Los Angeles, but Orlando’s freeway system is better.

What else is there to say? Well, add in a great quality of life and recreational choices ranging from professional sports, outdoor activities, vibrant nightlife, excelent dining out choices, fine art and cultural events, world famous family attractions, a beautiful natural environment and nearby beaches on either the Atlantic or the Gulf. Orlando has much of what you would expect to find, and the offerings seem to increase every day. And if you’d like to explore another metropolitan area as well, Tampa-St.Petersburg are just over an hour’s drive West.

Another word about the diverse recreational options outdoors: to the North is the Ocala National Forest and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, with hiking, paddleboating, and birding. All of the Lake Country that was part of the 19th century Steamboat Era lies just to the North, and the great Citrus Ridge area lies just to the South. To the East are the great Atlantic beaches at Daytona, New Smyrna, and Cocoa Beach, not to mention Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Also East, in the Mosquito Lagoon, the Indian and Banana Rivers, and of course any number of fresh-water lakes one finds myriad opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring.

And last but not least, the cost of living in Orlando is below the national average, and compared to other areas of the United States it’s way below. In fact, Central Florida remains one of the last great bargains in the Sunshine State(see cost of living page).

General Information, Orange County:

Located in the middle portion of Florida, 85 miles northeast of Tampa, 231 miles north west of Miami and 243 miles south of Tallahassee.
Average summer Temperature 90°F, but hotter in July and August, although it tends to cool off at night
Average winter temperature is 71, with warm comfortable days and cool nights
Average yearly temperature 72
Average Annual Precipitation 53 in
Average Rain Days 116
Population projection 2005 -1 million, Orange County County
Average home cost-June 2005-$242,000
Cost of Living-99.98
Median age-33
Major Employment By Industry in order of numbers

Construction 5.1%
Education & Health Services 15.0%
Financial Activities 6.5%
Information 2.7%
Leisure & Hospitality 22.2%
Manufacturing 4.6%
Natural Resources & Mining 0.8%
Other Services 2.9% 3.2%
Professional & Business Services 17.3%
Public administration 4.4%
Trade, Transportation and Utilities 18.6%
A great quality of life amidst a rapidly growing area a vibrant and rapidly diversifying economy, good schools and medical services, safe neighborhoods and a unique lake-filled, protected natural environment are some of the things that Orlando-Orange County all about.

For specifics in other general categories, see the links to the left.

.©2006. Florida Real Estate Network Inc. All Rights Reserved

Kissimmee

Kissimmee (pronounced Kih-sih-me) is a city in Osceola County, in the south Orlando metro area. It’s right in the middle of central Florida, adjacent to a couple of big lakes called Tohokepaliga (really). It enjoys a great location for exploring Disney (right next door), the Orlando area (10 miles north), or the chain of lakes region of central Florida (everywhere). Melbourne’s excelent beaches are now less than an hour away, with the nearly complete modernizing of US 192. From a commercial perspective, Kissimmee is at Florida’s crossroads – literally, since the big “X” where the I-4 corridor crosses the Florida Turnpike is just up the road.

For driving distances throughout Florida from Kissimmee go to : http://www.ersys.com/usa/12/1236950/distance.htm

Real Estate opportunities in the area are as diverse as you’d expect in a big city, or, close by, as rural as all the books about Florida’s “Best Backroads” and small towns. You can buy classic little historic places in the adjacent old town of St. Cloud, or you can find pricier river and lakefront properties both southeast and southwest of Kissimmee. Just east of St. Cloud there is also the major new planned community of Harmony.

So Kissimmee is much more than just the gateway city to Disney World and other world famous attractions that it once was. It still is the inexpensive version of that. But you should look past the congested and unattractive parts of US 192 that define too many people’s first impressions (City Fathers are doing something about this, and the city and county are belatedly working on creating the infrastructure to support the area’s rapid growth). Instead, see it in context. And if you are relocating to Florida, check it out.

A few facts

The estimated population, in 2003, was 54,598 and the median age is 33.
Kissimmee is adjacent to Lake Tohopekaliga and the Kissimmee chain of lakes. These destinations have always been some of the best destinations for trophy bass fishing in the country.
The area to the south and through the lake district all the way to Lake Okeechobee is one of the prettiest in Florida.
In general, recreation options are extensive, and include everything you can do in Florida
The city of Kissimmee is located in the fourth fastest growing county in the United States.
The growth has been in the areas of business, industry, tourism, and residential relocation.
Due to the rapid growth there is a constant need for quality employees and new business.
Kissimmee’s historic downtown historic districts feature unique shops, art galleries, antique shops, restaurant and sightseeing.
The area goes from a modern feel to a Western feel. (The Kissimmee silver spurs rodeo is a major event and draws competitors from around the country).
Major types of employment in the area.

Arts, Entertainment, Recreation,
Accommodation, & Food Services
Trade (Retail/Wholesale)
Education, Health,& Social Services
Construction
Professional, Management, Administrative, & Waste Management Services
Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, & Rental/Leasing
Transportation
Kissimmee sits astride the surface transportation commercial crossroads of peninsular Florida, and it’s also just minutes from the south airport entrance to Orlando International.

All the same highways, railways etc, that are on the Orlando transportation link apply here with a few additions.

US 192
A major tourist strip in the area around the Walt Disney World Resort, including "mile markers" (with a variable distance between each) to help tourists locate businesses.
Osceola parkway
In the late 1990s, the Osceola Parkway was built as a bypass of 192 around Kissimmee
192 Intersections with other U.S. and Interstate Highways
US 27 west of the Walt Disney World Resort
I-4 at the Walt Disney World Resort
US 17/US 92 (John Young Parkway) in Kissimmee begin US 17/US 92 concurrency
US 17/US 92/US 441 (Main Street) in Kissimmee end US 17/US 92 concurrency; begin US 441 concurrency
US 441 at Holopaw end US 441 concurrency
I-95 west of Melbourne. As noted, 192 has been 4-laned from about Holopaw to 95, continuing on a commercial but fast urban parkway all the way to the beaches. 4-laning west of Holopaw is under construction.
For more local information go to: http://www.floridakiss.com/
In conclusion
Kissimmee has both rural and brand new neighborhoods, and some Old Florida small town neighborhoods. You can have a home close to commercial streets in the city, in the country on a lake, or live in a rural neighborhood. Prices are very affordable.
And if you’re looking for commercial opportunity, there’s plenty of that here too. The selection here is diverse, and yet you have everything a big city (Orlando) has to offer, and ready access to all the transportation links.
For more specifics go to the Orlando general information area links.

.©2006. Florida Real Estate Network Inc. All Rights Reserved

Sanford

Sanford, Florida
Seminole County
Population: 50,634

Sanford, Florida has a shore side vista of Lake Monroe and a bird’s eye view of St. John’s River. Subtropical climate means Sanford is humid and warm with heat index’s reaching up 115 degrees! The high humidity also increases the daily thunderstorms that erupt on any day in the summer afternoons. This hot weather has a bright side to look at: mild winters with temperatures averaging around 47 degrees.

Traveling to Sanford is easy. Orlando – Sanford International Airport is available, as well as Amtrak, Greyhound bus, and Interstate 4 and Florida State Road 417 intersect Sanford in case you want to drive yourself.

Lakes and parks are a normal site in Sanford. There are 9 area parks for you to enjoy and 8 of these wonderful parks are connected in some way to a watering hole!

Other attractions include museums, boating rentals and facilities, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, golf clubs, and delicious restaurants and grills.

We look forward to our visit and thing you’ll enjoy our city enough to return time and time again!

General Information

• 19.1 square miles of landmass
• 2650 people per square mile
• Average age: 32
• Average Household income: $36,709
• Median house or condo valued at $162,488
• Cost of living index: 87.1
• 14 % of residents have completed a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Average travel time to work: 26 minutes
• Over 44% of residents are married
• Time zone: Eastern Time
• Average property taxes: $729
• Average summer temperature: 92 degrees
• Average winter temperature: 47 degrees
• Average precipitation: 55 inches per year

Employment Industries

• Construction (15%)
• Accommodation and food services (7%)
• Administrative and support and waste management services (6%)
• Educational services (6%)
• Public administration (4%)
• Professional, scientific, and technical services (4%)
• Motor vehicle and parts dealers (3%)

Employment Opportunities

• Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (6%)
• Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (5%)
• Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair occupations including supervisors (5%)
• Other sales and related workers including supervisors (5%)
• Laborers and material movers, hand (4%)
• Other management occupations except farmers and farm managers (4%)
• Construction trades workers except carpenters, electricians, painters, plumbers, and construction laborers (4%)

Area Hospitals include Central Florida Regional Hospital, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, The Summit, and Florida Hospital.

Seminole Community College and Comair Aviation Academy are located in the city limits, while 7 other universities and colleges are close enough for a daily commute.

28 are high schools and elementary and middle schools are in the city, and include 8 private academies.

.©2006. Florida Real Estate Network Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Winter Garden

Winter Garden
Orange County
Population: 29,385

If you are looking for a modern day Mayberry community to raise your children, then winter Garden, Florida anticipates your visit. Vacationers know Winter Garden as a Florida destination, but residents know it as a vibrant, fast growing suburb of Orlando. We endeavor to reverence the past at the same time we welcome the future.

Parks, walking trails, and nature facilities are a number one attraction to local residents. You will find swimming, baseball, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts are available.

Two museums are open to the public. The Heritage Museum and the Central Florida Railroad Museum showcase thousands of artifacts and exhibits to enlighten your knowledge of our history.

Winter Garden has two major seasons: hot and rainy, and moderate and less rainy.

Winter Garden is a rural community that is developing quickly. It’s a place you will be glad you raised your children in and a place the kids will enjoy coming home for visits during the holidays.  It’s a place to belong.

General Information

• 12.1 square miles of landmass
• 2437 people per square mile
• Average age: 35
• Average Household income: $45,612
• Median house or condo valued at $205, 043
• Cost of living index: 87.8
• Over 18% of residents have completed a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Average travel time to work: 25 minutes
• Over 54% of residents are married
• Time zone: Eastern Time
• Average property taxes: $877
• Average summer temperature: 91 degrees
• Average winter temperature: 48 degrees
• Average precipitation: 51.7 inches yearly

Employment Industries

• Construction (18%)
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation (12%)
• Accommodation and food services (7%)
• Administrative and support and waste management services (7%)
• Educational services (5%)
• Public administration (5%)
• Repair and maintenance (3%)

Employment Opportunities

• Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair occupations including supervisors (6%)
• Other management occupations except farmers and farm managers (6%)
• Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (5%)
• Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (5%)
• Other sales and related workers including supervisors (5%)
• Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers (4%)
• Other production occupations including supervisors (3%)

Hospitals/medical centers near Winter Garden

• HEALTH CENTRAL (about 4 miles; OCOEE, FL)
• LAKSIDE ALTERNATIVES HOSPITAL (about 9 miles; ORLANDO, FL)
• SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL (about 12 miles; CLERMONT, FL)

19 elementary, middle, high school, colleges and universities provide for your educational needs.

.©2006. Florida Real Estate Network Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Winter Park

Winter Park, Florida
Orange County
Population: 28,391

Winter Park, Florida has undergone many changes since it’s beginnings at the turn of the century. Once known as a wealthy resort of the upper class of New England, it is a city rich in history. This city celebrates the heritage and culture it has come to know in a big way. The historic downtown emphasizes all the glory of it’s past with quaint, brick sidewalks and oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. You will also find many art galleries and museums, a wonderful park, a golf course, a train station, and even a beach and boat launch area.

Art and Music Festivals draw in thousands of visitors each year.

Winter Park, Florida offers many outdoor activities, such as paddling on quiet, peaceful lakes or strolling a nature trail in absolute solitude.

Whether you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sunny weather, or want to seep yourself in the arts and classic music and literature, Winter Park is the answer you are looking for. Outdoors fun, education and humanities, and simple, old-fashioned fun are yours to embrace in Winter Park. What are you waiting for? Visit us today!

General Information

• 7.34 square miles of landmass
•  3867 people per square mile
• Average age: 42
• Average Household income: $60,053
• Median house or condo valued at $453,797
• Cost of living index: 99.9
• Over 50% of residents have completed a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Average travel time to work: 22 minutes
• Over 50% of residents are married
• Time zone: Eastern Time
• Average property taxes: $2,177
• Average summer temperature: 92 degrees
• Average winter temperature: 49 degrees
• Average precipitation: 52 inches per year

Employment Industries:

• Scientific and technical 18%
• Construction 8%
• Health care 8%
• Food services 6%
• Real estate 5%
• Arts and entertainment 5%

Employment Opportunities

• Other management except farming 8%
• Top executives 7%
• Sales representatives 6%
• Lawyers 6%
• Physicians 4%
• Business operations 3%

Hospitals in the area:
  *Florida Hospital
  *Orlando Regional Medical Center
  * Lakeside Alternatives Hospitals

Schools and Colleges:

• Rollins College
• Full Sail Real World Education
• Avanti Hair Tech
• John Casablanca’s Modeling and Career Center
• 23 other schools and universities

Oviedo

Formally incorporated as a City in 1925 with a population of 800, Oviedo has roots that date back to just after the Civil War in 1865 when homesteaders came to the area along the shores of Lake Jesup to begin new lives.
Prior to the arrival of these adventurous souls, including former slaves, and immigrants from Europe, primarily Sweden, the area that is now Oviedo was populated by the Timucua, a clan of native Americans who were a part of the Seminole tribe. No evidence of the early Timucuan settlements remains today; their hunting grounds and villages disappeared just prior to the establishment of the Lake Jesup Community, which decades later gave way to modern housing developments, shopping centers, parks, recreation facilities, conservation areas and interstate roadways that can take travelers across the state.

Early settlers to the area relished the fertile land. They grew crops of celery and citrus and traveled to Orlando and Sanford to sell their produce. Orlando was reached via a wagon-wheel rutted road, but the primary means of travel from the area were steam ships like the Volusia or the Hattie Baker and small boats, which docked at Solary’s Wharf and Mitchell dock. Mail arrived in the area via riverboat twice a week and soon a post office was established. Andrew Aulin, a Swedish immigrant who spoke four languages and loved to read, was appointed postmaster. He was asked to name the new post office.
On March 13, 1879 the name Lake Jesup Community faded into history as Aulin chose the name Oviedo, pronounced O-vee-a-dough in those days, to be the name of the post office and soon the surrounding town. Aulin liked the idea of giving the post office a Spanish name to go along with the Spanish heritage of the state of Florida. The original Oviedo is a city in northern Spain established in the 8th century and known for its architecture, a magnificent ancient cathedral and its dedication to higher education through the University of Oviedo. Today we pronounce Oviedo differently, O-vee-dough, but the City’s link to Oviedo, Spain still exists. The two cities have established an informal sister city relationship that promises to be mutually beneficial to both communities.
Oviedo in 2007 only vaguely resembles Oviedo of 1925. Citrus and celery are no longer produced here in large quantities, but are still found in many backyard gardens.

Courtesy of http://www.cityofoviedo.net/node/68

Demographics
Incorporated: 1925

Location: Seminole County, Florida

City limits: 16 square miles

Current population: 32,855
75% white non-Hispanic, 12% Hispanic, 8% Black non-Hispanic, 6% various other races
49.5% males, 50.5% females
Education: 98% High School graduates, 41% college graduates
Median age: 34.8
Median Household income: $68,874
Average Home Price 2006: $348,260 for 2,096 sq ft. home
Expected population in 2010: 40,000
Major Employers: A. Duda and Sons, Oviedo Marketplace Mall, Seminole Community College, Publix supermarkets, Seminole County Public Schools

The city of Oviedo's public schools are a part of Seminole County Public Schools. Wintin Oviedo City limits are 4 public elementary schools (K-5); 2 others outside City limits also serve City residents; 2 public middle schools (6-8); and 1 public high school (9-12); 1 public high school outside City limits also serves City residents.

Elementary Schools (Public)
Evans Elementary
Lawton Elementary
Marguerite Partin Elementary
Douglas Stenstrom Elementary
Carillon Elementary (outside City limits)
Walker Elementary (outside City limits)
Middle Schools (Public)
Jackson Heights Middle School
Lawton Chiles Middle School
High Schools (Public)
Oviedo High School
Hagerty High School (outside City limits)
Closest Airports: Orlando Sanford International 8 miles, Orlando International 19 miles, Orlando Executive Airport 13 miles

Closest Hospitals:
Winter Park Memorial Hospital (Winter Park) 10 miles
Florida Hospital Altamonte (Altamonte Springs) 11 miles
Orlando Regional South Seminole Hospital (Longwood) 12 miles
Central Florida Regional (Sanford) 12 miles
Florida Hospital East (East Orange County -Orlando) 13 miles
Orlando Regional Medical Center (Orlando) 16 miles
Closest City with population 50,000+: Orlando, FL
Closest City with population 200,000+: Tampa, FL
City of Oviedo Data Sheet, courtesy of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.