When people hear "Central Florida," the first thing that usually comes to mind is the myriad of the world-famous amusement parks and resorts that have become synonymous with Central Florida and Orlando: Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom and Resort, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Universal Studios Florida, Sea World of Orlando and Cypress Gardens, Florida's first theme park.
These venues secured Orlando's place on the map. Yet, as deserving as these entertainment giants are of their global reputation, there are so many more reasons to consider looking at new homes in the seven-county area making up Central Florida and metropolitan Orlando.
For starters, almost two million people spanning Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Seminole Counties agree that their tropical kingdom, speckled with orange groves, is the closest thing to paradise. And because of its central location, residents can easily access most areas of the state, including both of its coasts.
Whether you prefer the bustling city or a more relaxed pace free of crowds and lines, there is plenty to do both inside and outside city limits. There are over 5,000 unique restaurants to choose from, and with the ocean and local lakes nearby, fresh fish is a permanent fixture on regional menus. For nighttime entertainment, there is something for everyone, from intimate corner pubs to mega-complexes, like Universal CityWalk and Downtown Disney Pleasure Island-where late-night partiers club-hop into the wee hours of the morning.
Central Florida also caters to art lovers and sports fans. Theaters invite the entire spectrum of performing arts-opera, ballet, musicals and concerts. And museums, like the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center, are havens for discovery and learning. Meanwhile, athletics are revered as their own art form.
The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium welcomes its namesake event each year, while professional men's and women's basketball teams, the Orlando Magic and Miracle, are always at the forefront of Central Florida's sports world. Waterskiing has unofficially been adopted as the area's favorite pastime, but there is a laundry list of other water sports and outdoor recreation at your fingertips, including golfing at one of the area's 168 premier courses or learning to at one of two instruction schools.
With so much to do and see, it's no wonder Central Florida homebuilders are working overtime these days!