Orange County Information

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY

Orange County is the Central Florida's focal point of activity, forecasted to gain more jobs than any other county in Florida through at least 2010. Annually, there are approximately 8000 business start-ups throughout the county in a variety of industries, from high technology and banking to construction and tourism.

Orange County is an ideal place to raise a family, highlighted by a landscape filled with picturesque lakes and parks plus communities boasting abundant recreational amenities. Ever hear of Disney, Universal, or Sea World? Lake Eola in downtown Orlando is its most famous lake, but numerous others provide excellent spots to relax. Meanwhile, the vastness of communities is exemplified by Waterford Lakes in east Orlando. This community is the fastest growing area in Orlando and is really geared toward families.

To prepare for future expansion, the county is making an investment of several billion dollars in community infrastructure during the next few years. Orange County has a population of 803,600 and is 907 square miles.

The hub of Orange County is Orlando. The past few years have seen a marked resurgence in activity at the city's core, both in commercial and retail construction. Downtown has seen the addition of several apartment complexes, nightclubs and restaurants, plus the rise of new hotels and office buildings. City officials tout downtown as a place where residents can "live, work and play."

The city of Orlando also boasts quaint neighborhoods, many 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. And, of course, Orlando is home to Lake Eola, perhaps the most photographed locale in all of Central Florida. It's a picture-perfect setting and a chief reason Orlando has been dubbed "The City Beautiful." Orlando has a population of 184,639 and is 65 square miles.

Located in the northwest corner of Orange County, the city of Apopka is known for producing 60 percent of the world's foliage. In fact, instead of displaying a statue of a statesman or military hero, downtown Apopka is a major poultry-farming center, producing 16 million plus eggs per year. For recreation, one can find Apopka residents enjoying tubing at Rock Springs in Kelly Park or canoeing the Rock Springs Run, which ends at the Wekiva River. Apopka has a population of 22,724 and is 16.5 square miles.

Maitland is a refined bedroom community of Orlando that is known for its lakes and natural beauty. Lake Sybelia is one of the prettiest lakes in Orlando, a peaceful setting to observe unfettered wildlife and foliage.

Also, Maitland citizens are proud of their Maitland Civic Center, which was built in the 1960's from private funds, and the historic Maitland Art Center, designed and established in 1937 by famous sculptor Andre Smith. The historic center, is surrounded by lovely gardens and a quiet courtyard. It sponsors the annual Maitland Art Festival, held at Lake Lily in the fall. Maitland has a population of 10,056 and is 4.5 square miles

As one of Orange County's largest cities by area, Ocoee has the most potential for growth-and much growth is occurring. Although there are still vestiges of a one-time thriving citrus-producing center, orange groves have given way to the development of retail centers and housing. Already, there are more than two dozen luxury communities being developed nearby, as well as several retail centers along West Colonial Drive (Highway 50), including West Oaks Mall.

Yet, despite the growth, downtown Ocoee has managed to retain its roots, restoring, for example, the historical Withers-Maguire House, a winter haven for Confederate Gen. William Withers. Also, Main Street is still home to family-owned businesses, and agriculture maintains its rank as the area's leading industry. Ocoee has a population of 22,746 and is 16 square miles.

In stark contrast to the hectic pace of rapidly growing southwest Orange County, the township of Windermere continues as a reminder of the county's roots. This close-knit community strives to maintain the image of real "Main Street USA," as evidenced by antique and art shops, shady parks, historical landmarks, and low speed limits. Nestled among the spring fed Butler Chain of Lakes, Windermere offers grand estate homes. The southern end of the Windermere peninsula features the prestigious gated communities of Isleworth and Bay Hill, home to celebrities of the entertainment industry, sport stars, and tip business executives. Windermere has a population of 1,802 and is 1.5 square miles.

Winter Garden, located a couple miles west of Windermere and bordering Lake Apopka, is still an active agricultural trade center. The citrus industry employs many of the city's residents. This is a community of older, wood-frame homes, and until recent years there was relatively little movement toward the fast-paced environments of its neighbors to the east. That has now changed. A total of 15 subdivisions are active in Winter Garden, which ranks it among the fastest-growing areas in Orange County.

Yet, despite the growth, the downtown district is engaging, highlighted by red brick streets, spreading oaks and an old railroad depot. Winter Garden has a population of 13,505 and is 4.1 square miles.

The city's roadway signs say it all: "Please drive with extraordinary care." Indeed, Winter Park is a bit different and distinctive.
Winter Park is reminiscent of old-world Europe, with quaint ships on tree-lines boulevards, nestled among several chains of lakes. Although homes range up from modest two bedroom, cracker-style dwellings, the city is known to have many of the best addresses in the region, where million-dollar mansions abound.

Not coincidentally, Winter Park has a thriving cultural scene. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College houses thousands of European and American paintings. The Charles Homer Morse Museum of American Art features treasures created by Tiffany and others, while the Albin Polasek Museum is a virtual garden of classic sculpture. That's just to name three options. Then again, one can simply walk Park Avenue to enjoy restaurants and shops or the uncommon setting that helps make Winter Park special. Park Avenue also hosts the Winter Park Art Festival every year. You will also find a wonderful mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade breads and pastries and every plant and flower you can imagine at the Farmers Market held every Saturday morning.
Winter Park has a population of 24,967 and is 8.2 square miles