Living In Orlando, The Sweet Spot Of Florida

Orlando Florida is known by some as the vacation capital of the world and it certainly is a great place to vacation with major theme parks such as Universal Studios, Sea World, Islands Of Adventure and of course the mother of all theme parks, Walt Disney World. But not only is Orlando a great place to vacation, Orlando is a great place to live.

With a population of more than 200,000 people that call Orlando home, there are some top notch cultural, sporting, dining, entertainment and shopping experiences to really enjoy. You can take in the Orlando Museum Of Art, the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Ballet, the Florida Film Festival, the Orlando Opera and more for the cultural side of your mind. The Orlando Museum Of Art is my favorite and features world class art exhibits from around the globe. It has been mentioned by Newsweek magazine as one of the top museums in the South.

Or if sporting events are your thing, come watch the UCF Golden Knights play this season's home football schedule at their new stadium known as Bright House Networks Stadium. The Orlando Magic play at Amway Arena in downtown Orlando if you are a basketball fan or if you can't get enough football, the Predators play arena football in the same stadium. Other large concert and entertainment events frequent the arena as well.

And if you want something to do at night then world famous Church Street in Downtown Orlando is the place to go. With venues such as music clubs, bars, comedy clubs, dance clubs and more, you are sure to find something to do to feed your nightlife needs.

Yes, Orlando is the vacation capital of the world, but just because you live here doesn't mean you can't participate in some of what brings millions of people here each year. International drive is bursting with fun, shopping, dining and attractions for everyone that enjoys a good time. Wet N Wild is a family fun water park good for hours of water bound entertainment. Several different water slides and thrill rides make for an enjoyable afternoon for all ages.

And the Orlando Convention Center along International Drive always has something going on. Whether it is a home show, a boat show, a car show or something else such as an educational seminar, the Orlando Convention Center has something for everyone. It is also the largest convention center and hotel complex in the world.

International Drive includes 5 of the top theme parks in Orlando including Sea World and Universal Studios, more than 30,000 hotel rooms, more than 450 stores, 3 major entertainment complexes and more than 150 different restaurants. You could spend a few days on International Drive alone and not see everything.

And if you are just moving to Orlando and need a place to live, there are nearly 300 apartment complexes and condo rentals available in the metro area to fit every budget. Some include great amenities such as clubhouses, free fitness and exercise centers, business centers with computers and internet access, beautiful swimming pools, racquetball courts and much more. And if you are in the market for a new home there are plenty being built and plenty for sale as Orlando Florida is one of the fastest growing areas in the south.

And you never have to worry about a place to work in Orlando since it is the great vacation escape, the resort and theme parks are always looking for people with many different skills. BellSouth, Lockheed Martin and Walt Disney World are major employers in Orlando with Disney World employing more than 50,000 people.

Yes, Orlando Florida is certainly one of the sweet spots of the southern United States. With everything there is to do here and great places to live and work, there isn't any reason for a single boring day in this Central Florida paradise.

Apopka, Florida - A Place To Call Home

Apopka, Florida, known as "The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World" was established in 1882, although it was inhabited as early as the 1850's as an important trading settlement in the area. Construction of the Mason's Orange Lodge #36 was begun in 1857 and the settlement later named Apopka was built around the lodge. The Lodge, completed in 1859, remains to this day at Alabama Avenue and Highway 441 as a historical site.

Apopka is 12 miles north of Orlando, Florida and approximately 7 miles west of Altamonte Springs. Here you will find shops, restaurants, medical offices, hospitals and many other small businesses. There is a Wal-Mart and the department store in Apopka Beall. The Altamonte Mall is only 15 minutes from Apopka and quaint shops of the mountain. Dora is about 20 minutes north. There is a large farming community in Apopka, and each year the festival residents are treated to the Zellwood Corn also north of Apopka. A mixture ofold-fashioned tradition and 21st Century technology combine to make Apopka a great place to live.

The City of Apopka has grown from a small trading town to its current population of 44,800 with many new residential communities surrounding the city. In fact, it's the fastest growing city in Orange County. There are 10 public elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 2 high school s serving Apopka residents. There are also private schools located near Apopka including Forest Lake Academy and Forest Lake Education Center, a pre-K through 8th grade elementary/middle school. Currently, there are 1,195 businesses in Apopka.

Although near Orlando, Apopka manages to maintain its small-town atmosphere. There are brick streets in some neighborhoods lending to the small-town feel. Many homes are registered historic sites adding to the city's charm. The main street in Apopka has stores and shops within walking distance to local residents. There is a large park on Park Avenue. "The Kitt Land-Nelson" Park is host to many events each year including the Foliage Festival.

There are currently 929 homes for sale in Apopka. There are also foreclosures and short sales available. There are numerous condos and apartment complexes in and around Apopka. If you are looking for a peaceful environment to raise your family or just a nice quiet place to retire that is close to amenities, Apopka is the place to look. Apopka has numerous quaint older neighborhoods with many large older homes. Generations of Apopka residents have raised their families in Apopka.

The average sales price of existing homes in Apopka, Florida was $126,386 in June 2010, up 0.09% from May 2010. This upward trend is expected to continue as the economy improves. If you are looking for a new home, prices begin at $156,900 to $204,300. New townhomes are also available from $109,000 to $169,900. Entertainment abounds in and around Apopka. Just a stone's throw from Apopka is the Wekiva Springs State Park. There is biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling and swimming in the park. The park is open 365 days a year from 9 am until sundown. There are 13 miles of biking and walking trails. The park gives visitors a feel of what Florida was like when the Timucuan Indians lived here.

If you are looking for excitement, the new Amway arena, home of the Orlando Magic, is approximately 15 miles south of Apopka. Or take I-4 east and the Atlantic Ocean awaits you. Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are less than an hour from Apopka. Further south of Orlando is Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. Less than a half-hour north is Zellwood Station, a manufactured home retirement community complete with amenities. Apopka is a thriving community with a diverse culture. When looking for a new or used home, check out Apopka. We think you'll be pleased at what you find.