What is Orlando, Florida Known For?

Orlando, Florida, has many astounding facts that are not quite known. Of course, some know Orlando to be home to the world’s most famous theme park. Yet, this area has so much more to offer. Orlando is home to beautiful landscapes, new construction homes, shopping, and many parks and attractions.

Orlando is located in the state’s central region. It is well known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. However, Orlando is growing rapidly and becoming known for its new construction homes and businesses.

So if you are asking yourself, “what is Orlando known for?” this article will cover all of the must-know facts about the sunshine state.

Orlando’s Brief History

Orlando was founded in 1875 by General Abraham Lincoln Wilson and his group of settlers. They named it after Orlando Reeves, who was killed in the Mexican-American War. In his honor, the city was named Orlando.

A Trending City

Orlando is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. The city’s population has exploded in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Orlando’s growth is a sign of its success and vitality. The city is attracting new residents and businesses as its economy grows stronger each year.

The city’s economy is diverse, with major sectors including professional and business services, financial services, trade/transportation/utilities, education, and health services, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, government, information technology, construction, and natural resources. Not only does the metro area have many Fortune 500 companies calling it home, but it also had the second-highest rate of economic growth in 2012.

The city consistently ranks as a top tourist destination globally with its variety of theme parks and attractions.

Many of my real estate clients are new to the area, and I like to share top places to visit to get to know the city better!

Why Travel to Orlando, Florida

Among the many things that make this city unique is that it offers many places to hang out with friends or family. There are several restaurants and bars in town, beautiful parks and gardens, museums, and much more to complete your list of weekend activities.

Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are two of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With so many things to do, you’ll never be bored on this trip! Whether you want to explore some of Disney’s most iconic roller coasters or see what new attractions Universal has created for its guests, there is something for everyone at these theme parks.

One of the best parts about both parks is that they have a variety of different options. If you don’t like rollercoasters, then no worries because plenty of other activities such as shows and parades will keep your attention all day long.

Once you have decided to travel to Orlando, it’s time to book your accommodation. There are many hotels and resorts located in the area that offer different amenities depending on your needs. Some of these options include pools, shuttle services, and free breakfast.

Make sure you know which of the two parks has the rides and attractions that interest you most because there is a lot to do! You can purchase passes separately, but some hotels offer packages that allow guests to visit both locations for one price.

Related: What is Unique to Florida? 20 Unique Florida Attractions

Fun Facts About Orlando

There is a variety of places to live in Florida. If you prefer warmer weather and outdoor activities, it is a great place as well a diverse group of people can find other indoor activities. Orlando, for example, is about 42 miles inland and offers a huge variety of attractions, entertainment, shopping, natural parks, restaurants, and more.

Since the early 1970s, Orlando has been known for Walt Disney World and other theme parks like Universal Studios. I’m sure you have heard that Orlando is world-famous for its entertaining parks and attractions. Yet, this growing metropolitan area is recognized for its rising economy and technology. In fact, Orlando is home to several national and international corporations. 

Related: Pros and Cons of Living in Florida

Best Time to Visit Orlando

If you are looking to explore Orlando for your next vacation, winter is a great time to go. Of course, Florida is a phenomenal place to visit all year round. However, the summer can be very hot and rainy. At the same time, the winter is cool and sunny. The coldest months in Orlando are November, December, and January. In addition, if you have plans to visit Florida beaches, Spring or Fall would be favorable.

Related: Best Places to Hangout in Orlando: A Complete Guide for Adults

Best Beaches near Orlando

As you plan your trip to Orlando, keep in mind that the beach is just a short drive away. For example, Cocoa Beach is 1 hr or 1 hour 15 mins. St Petersburg is 2 hr 11 min (107.9 mi) via I-4 W. Daytona Beach is an hour drive time and 56 miles away. New Smyrna Beach is 55 miles out and about an hour’s drive time. While Jacksonville Beach is 2 hr 4 min (141.2 mi) via I-4 E and I-95 N.

As you can see, Orlando is near some scenic beaches. However, suppose you are in the mood to enjoy the water and sun without driving. In that case, Orlando also has phenomenal resorts with gorgeous pools or huge waterparks with plenty of water activities.

Related: 7 Best Central Florida Day Trips near Orlando

Florida Pools

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best pool for Florida. One of the most important factors is the climate. Inground pools in Florida need to withstand long periods of exposure to the sun and heat. Additionally, they should retain heat well to enjoy swimming even during the cooler months.

The average cost of a new pool in Florida is between $35,000 and $60,000.

In addition, It takes about four to eight to ten weeks to build a pool in Florida.

To maintain the pool, saltwater pools tend to be cheaper. You can estimate to pay $70 to $100 per year. If you have a chlorine pool, it will cost about $300 to $400 manually.

If you have a home in Florida and are looking to increase its value, adding a pool can increase the property value by 5 to 8 percent.

Lastly, If you ask yourself if having a pool in Florida is worth, the answer is YES! Having a pool to soak in during the hot summer months is refreshing and invigorating.

Related: Best Nurseries in Orlando, Florida

Real Estate

Orlando is a great place to live, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other major metropolitan cities in the United States. Additionally, the job market is strong in Orlando, and plenty of employment opportunities exist.

If you are thinking of purchasing a home in Orlando, rest assured that it is a phenomenal investment. Orlando is a growing metropolitan area, and new construction homes are being built all the time.

So right now is a good time to buy a house in Orlando as property values are going up!

Amongst the hottest real estate markets in Florida are Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Orlando include Baldwin Park, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona, and Winter Garden.

To move to Orlando, you would need approximately $1,350. This is based on the average cost of living in the city. Orlando is definitely cheaper to live in than Miami.

Related: Best Coffee Shops in Orlando, Florida

Relocate to Orlando

Nonetheless, if you are looking to move to Orlando, rest assured that it is affordable compared to other cities across the country. In addition, living in Orlando has many perks, including being central to some amazing cities to vacation.

For example, you can drive to Miami which is about 250 miles away from Orlando. So drive time would be approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. It just depends on the route you take. In addition, Tampa is approximately 84 miles away and will take about an hour or an hour and 15 minutes.

Bottom Line

You can clearly see that Orlando is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The city offers plenty of job opportunities, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.

In addition, the city has a strong job market, and there are plenty of places to raise a family. So, if you are thinking of moving to Orlando, it is definitely worth it!

If you are looking to relocate, Nicole Mickle is here for you. With over two decades of experience in real estate, Nicole knows the best places to live and works with you in finding the best neighborhood that fits your lifestyle needs. Contact Nicole today, and she will easily help you find what you are looking for.