Which Orlando Area City is Right for You?

There are about 400 cities in Florida so choosing the right city for your family can be a big project. How do you know which city is right for you? Are you most concerned about entertainment or a good school district? Do you want to live near some of Florida’s many attractions or do you prefer a city that is a little more peaceful? Every Orlando area city has something to offer, the choice is up to you.

Magnolia Square. Sanford Historic District

Sanford

One of the largest Orlando area cities, Sanford’s population is over 50,000. Sanford’s average yearly income is not much compared to other Orlando area cities. The average  is only about $37,000. Only 14% of Sanford’s residents over 25 years old have a Bachelor’s degree or any further education. The most popular occupations for women in Sanford are educational services and health care, while the most popular occupations for men are building and maintenance occupations. Sanford is a relatively diverse city and is home to more African American and Hispanic residents than the state average. Sanford is a city known for its diversity and its history.

Sanford’s historic district is one of the city’s main attractions. Being one of the most historic cities in Florida, Sanford’s residents take pride in the gorgeous historic district in downtown Sanford. The historic district is home to some of the oldest buildings in Florida. Small shops and restaurants are the gathering places of many of Sanford’s residents and visitors. There are unique clothing shops, used bookstores, charming restaurants and beautiful views of Lake Monroe. City Hall is mere footsteps away from Lake Monroe, which plays host to boats of all kinds and delicious seafood restaurants. Sanford’s historic district holds events for the community including a monthly street party called “Alive after 5.” Those with an interest in history would be wise to consider living in Sanford.

Winter Park

Winter Park is an urban city in Orange County. It has a population of about 28,500. Winter Park is a pretty affluent city. Its population’s average yearly income is around $60,000 and the price of houses is generally higher than in other Orlando area cities. Over half of Winter Park’s population over 25 years old has at least Bachelor’s degree. The most common occupations are professional, scientific, and health care services. While Winter Park has a lot to offer as far as art and shopping go, it is not a very diverse city. Around 82% of winter Park’s population is Caucasian.

If you’re looking for a city with a wide range of ethnicities, Winter Park may not be the place for you. However, if its art, parks or shopping you’re interested in Winter Park may be a good fit.

Park Avenue, Winter Park

For one weekend every year, the anticipated Winter Park Art Festival amazes art enthusiasts. The Winter Park Art Festival is one of the most prestigious outdoor art festivals in the nation. The festival displays a wide variety of art categories and is attended by over 300,000 people. It includes entertainment in addition to some of the most awe-inspiring art ever seen. In addition to the Art Festival, Winter Park is home to numerous art museums such as the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and the Cornell Fine Arts Museum.

Many Florida residents head to Winter Park for a day of shopping and dining. Winter Park features mostly upscale shops and restaurants and great places to gather with friends or meet fellow patrons. If you’re looking for a place to shop with a community, the Winter Park Farmer’s Market is the place to go. Every Saturday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, local vendors sell their plants, bakery goods, produce and art.

Lake Mary

Lake Mary

Lake Mary is a small Seminole County city with a population of about 15,000. An extremely affluent city, Lake Mary’s average yearly income is almost $82,000. The  median value of homes in Lake Mary is about $391,000, over $1oo,ooo greater than Florida’s median home value. Lake Mary is, however, lacking in diversity. 85% of its residents are Caucasian. About  40% of residents over 25 years old have a Bachelor’s degree and Lake Mary’s most popular occupations are professional occupations.

Lake Mary is a city for those looking for a small, quiet city with upscale houses, stores and restaurants. If you’re looking for a good education for your child, Lake Mary may be the place for you. Lake Mary is ranked 60th out of 280 Florida City School ratings.

Lake Mary is a fast-growing city. Its location is a prime choice for many businesses and features beautiful residential communities. Because of its safety, sense of community and good job and education opportunities, Lake Mary is ranked by CNN/Money Magazine as the #1 small town in which to live in Florida.

Longwood

The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes. Longwood Florida

A large Orlando area city, Longwood is home to over 60,000 people. Longwood’s average yearly income is around $61,000. The most common occupations in Longwood are in construction and health care. Longwood is not a particularly diverse city as 80% of the residents are Caucasian, however, 11% are Hispanic. Longwood boasts one of the best school districts in Florida. Out of 280

Florida cities, Longwood’s schools are ranked #49 and there are 7 private schools in Longwood. Although Longwood has 7 private schools, there are no private school for high school students.

For those interested in leisure as well as education, Longwood is the place to be. In addition to its educational excellence, Longwood has at least 10 golf courses within 15 miles of the city. There are many places for recreation including trails and parks for biking, camping and a number of other activities.

Oviedo

Oviedo is a reasonably sized city with a population of almost 33,000. Like Lake Mary, Oviedo has a very high average yearly income and median home value. The most popular occupations are professional occupations and educational services. Oviedo is more diverse than the other affluent cities. About 13% of residents are Hispanic and about 8% are African American.

UCF. Oviedo Florida

Oviedo has an abundance of choices for those who are active. There are numerous golf courses and fitness centers. At the Black Hammock Adventures on Lake Jessup, visitors can take an unforgettable airboat ride at speeds up to 45 mph. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Lucas Nursery Butterfly Encounter.

Entertainment is not all that Oviedo offers its residents. Oviedo also happens to be the highest ranked Orland area city for schools. Ranked 21 out of 280 cities, Oviedo offers a great education for kids. Not only do kids have an opportunity to be educated in Oviedo, highschool graduates have the opportunity to attend the University of South Florida

Which Central Florida City is for You?

Every Orlando metro city has its benefits and its drawbacks so how can you decide?

• If you’re interested in a historic city, Sanford is the place for you.
• If you want some peace and quiet, Lake Mary or Winter Park is where you should go.
• If you want to live in a big city with lots to do, go with Longwood or Sanford
• If you want the best education for your children, choose Oviedo, Lake mary, or Longwood.

Its a hard decision, but whichever Orlando area city you choose, you’ll be living in a great place.  Coming soon, additional suburbs covering all of Orange county!