Orange County – Where Life Is Always in Season
Located in the central region of Florida, Orange County is known for its major attractions, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, which draw millions of visitors every year. In addition, the county also features world-famous beaches and lakes, including Cocoa Beach and Lake Buena Vista. However, beyond the tourist attractions, Orange County makes a brilliant place to call home.
The county boasts a population of over 1.5 million people. Featuring diverse and vibrant neighborhoods surrounded by small businesses, hotel chains, restaurants, and even citrus fruits and vegetable farms, it isn’t surprising why a lot of people want to relocate to one of Orange County’s cities. If you are also eyeing a home in this county, here’s everything you should know.
Brief Overview of Orange County
Orange County boasts a housing market that is relatively diverse and offers a wide range of options for buyers. The median home price in the county is around $313,800. However, prices can vary widely depending on the location and type of property.
Winter Park is an upscale neighborhood with tree-lined streets, historic homes, boutique shops, and restaurants. Similarly, Dr. Phillips is an affluent community known for its large, upscale homes and proximity to theme parks and major attractions. A house in either of these communities can cost you over $500,000. Whereas areas such as Pine Hills and Taft have homes that cost around $200,000.
If you are okay with paying a heftier price for your home, there are two more neighborhoods you should consider–Lake Nona and College Park. Lake Nona is a master-planned community featuring modern homes, top-rated schools, and abundant amenities such as golf courses, parks, and shopping centers. On the other hand, College Park is a historic neighborhood that boasts charming bungalows, arts and crafts-style homes, and proximity to the University of Central Florida.
When it comes to amenities, Orange County has a wide range of options for residents. The county is home to many world-renowned theme parks and attractions, as well as several large shopping centers and malls, like the Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall. The county is also home to many lakes and beaches, which provide ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming
Homes for Sale
Education in Orange County
The Orange County Public Schools system is the primary provider of public education in Orange County, serving over 200,000 students in more than 200 schools. The school district is known for its strong academic programs and has been recognized for its high graduation rates and student achievement.
In addition to public schools, Orange County has several private, parochial, and charter schools. These schools offer a diverse range of educational options for families, including religious-based education and alternative approaches to teaching and learning.
Students seeking higher education can take advantage of the many institutions in Orange County, including the University of Central Florida (UCF), one of the largest universities in the country known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and education, Valencia College, Full Sail University, or Barry University.
The Climate in Orange County
Orange County is known for its relatively warm and sunny weather throughout the year. On average, there are 236 sunny days in the county compared to the national average of 205 sunny days.
During summer, the temperatures rise to 92 degrees. However, rainfall is common during the warmer months, with thunderstorms frequently occurring in the afternoon and evening. In winter, the temperatures dip to around 49 degrees. Though the county gets occasional cold fronts, snowfall is extremely rare, and frost is even more uncommon.
Public Transportation in Orange County
The Lynx bus system and the SunRail commuter rail system are the two main public transportation providers in Orange County. The former operates bus routes throughout the county and provides transportation to major destinations, including downtown Orlando, the University of Central Florida, and the Orlando International Airport. The Lynx bus system also offers connections to neighboring counties, such as Seminole and Osceola counties.
The SunRail commuter rail system is a regional rail service that connects Orange County to neighboring counties such as Volusia, Seminole, and Osceola. It provides service to 12 stations in the region, including downtown Orlando and the Orlando International Airport.
Both the Lynx bus system and the SunRail commuter rail system offer a convenient and reliable way for residents to get around Orange County and the surrounding area. In addition, both services offer various fare options and discounts for students, seniors, etc.
Make Your Home in Orange County
Many people consider Orange County the perfect place to call home due to its warm climate, abundant recreational opportunities, diverse neighborhoods, and excellent educational opportunities. The county also has a well-developed public transportation system making it easier for residents to get to major destinations throughout the county and neighboring areas. Though the median home price is slightly higher than the state average, shopping around will help you land a great deal in Orange County. So, begin your home search today!
