The Best Areas to Live in Orlando
According to the yearly Forbes list of best place to live in Orlando ranks #4, with 34% of Americans saying they need to move here. The most popular city was Denver, CO, and the least famous - no prizes for guessing - Detroit MI.
With four Disney theme parks, Universal Studios and Sea World all right outside of town, Orlando, Florida, is known around the world as a family trip spot. The constant influx of visitors can make it a busy city to live in, though. Orlando does have a few neighborhoods where you can manage to avoid the crowds and traffic. A couple of these neighborhoods have even been nationally recognized as best place to live in Orlando location.
Lake Mary
Dubbed one of the "Top Ten Best Places to Live" by Money Magazine, Lake Mary is regarded as one of Orlando's most desirable suburbs. Located just moments from downtown Orlando, Lake Mary lies north of the city, making it easy to avoid the slew of tourists that take over places to the south of the city throughout the year. There's also several major companies based in Lake Mary, like Convergys, Mitsubishi Power Techniques and AAA's World Headquarters.
Oviedo
Another Orlando neighborhood that has obtained notice as a best place to live is Oviedo. Northeast of downtown Orlando, Oviedo is closer to the city center than Lake Mary and easily a couple of miles from the University of Central Florida's main campus. Recognized as the most effective locations to live in the United States by Relocate America, Oviedo was touted for its proximity to the city, its shopping and recreation options, employment choices in the area and its school system.
Other Neighborhoods
While Lake Mary and Oviedo could be the most highly praised Orlando neighborhoods by national publications, there are other neighborhoods in town that have won over area residents. Winter Park is a neighborhood that is very near downtown Orlando. This highly self-contained neighborhood offers clean streets with shopping, restaurants, movie theaters and supermarkets. The Mead Botanical Gardens are placed in the Winter Park neighborhood. Windermere and Baldwin Park are also famous Orlando neighborhoods, with many of the same qualities as Winter Park, though all of these areas have more luxurious rent prices than most of the rest of the city.
If you are seeking for a truly out of the ordinary spot to stay and easy access to Disney's theme parks, Celebration, Florida would be the place for you. Developed by the Walt Disney Co., Celebration has a street that leads directly to the Disney theme parks. Celebration is south of downtown Orlando.
Downtown Orlando
An Orlando vacation means visiting the theme parks and exquisite attractions that this location has to supply. Most likely, you'll not enjoy the traffic hassles of long trips from downtown to the theme parks - not to mention the time that you'll be wasting touring 30 minutes or more to and from Disney World each day. There are just too many nice alternatives to staying downtown.
South of Disney World (Kissimmee area - Highway 192)
The historic town of Kissimmee has been a well-known place to go for many tourists visiting Orlando. With its numerous restaurants, bed & breakfasts, vacation condos, golf courses, and family attractions, many vacationers think about this area a wonderful one for finding lodging. Hotel prices here are less expensive when compared to hotels in the other areas. However, most of the structures are aging as most were built in the late seventy's. Few of the hotels here are linked to national chains.
North of Disney World
Commonly known as the Lake Buena Vista area, this is the newest location for best place to live in Orlando County and is handled by the Walt Disney Corporation. The hotels here were built starting in the early 1990's to the current so are mainly associated with the national hotel chains. The Lake Buena Vista area hosts excellent shopping and dining within a few miles radius.
Disney World's Resort Properties
For Disney fanatics, the resort itself is could possibly be the greatest option for a good hotel. By definition, it'll be nearest to Disney World attractions and the free shuttle service to the parks runs at least every half hour. All Disney World hotels are managed to the greatest standards, therefore there is a high probability for an excellent stay. On the downside, these hotel rooms only allow up to four people to just one room and the cost compared to hotels outside Disney World confines can be almost double. There's always a cost to be paid for place and convenience.
Universal Studios Area
While there's also some good selections for lodging in the Universal Studios area, there are not virtually as many options as other areas of Orlando County. The lack of competition results in prices that aren't truly that attractive.
Orlando County Convention Center Region
A short time from SeaWorld, this place can be a good option for those who will be going mainly to that park. However, the prices here are a bit more expensive while the facilities offered by the hotels are mainly geared for business travelers than for families. This place is a natural choice for those combining business with a holiday.
SeaWorld (International Drive) Area
The International Drive location near SeaWorld is our favorite place to stay in when travelling with young children. The amount of quality "villa resorts" in the area is the reason. For the same charge as an upscale hotel room, you can be in a two bedroom villa with full kitchen, living room, whirlpool bath and screened-in veranda. These resorts have lakes, pools, activity centers and other amenities that children (and adults) love. You will be especially appreciative of these resorts if you have some non-park days on your itinerary.
The Greater Orlando area supplies a large variety of hotel and lodging options. By reviewing the different selections explained in this strategies, you will be well on your way to making the right choice for a fantastic Orlando vacation!