House hunting in Metro Orlando? We don’t blame you! With its warm weather, booming economy, abundant recreation and exciting nightlife, it has a lot to offer prospective residents. Let’s explore some cities in Central Florida you might want to consider during your new home search:
Haines City/Polk County
Located near some of the most popular theme parks on the planet, Haines City also boasts inviting citrus groves, notable entertainment venues and versatile public parks. The city also hosts numerous family-friendly events throughout the year such as the Ribs on the Ridge BBQ Festival and Thunder on the Ridge, Polk County’s most elaborate 4th of July fireworks show.
The cost of living in Haines City is notably lower than the national average, and it consistently ranks among the safest cities in Florida. Part of a geographic statistical area that also includes Winter Haven, Haines City has experienced significant growth in recent years and appears poised to continue along that trajectory for the foreseeable future.
Haines City communities to explore: Seasons at Forest Creek, Seasons at Heritage Square & Seasons at Hilltop
Lake Hamilton/Polk County
Centrally located in the Sunshine State, Lake Hamilton is an artery for Florida’s Scenic Highways and offers convenient access to urban and rural communities throughout the region. There are also numerous public transportation options for you to explore. The city’s eponymous body of water is among the largest lakes in the area and a sought-after destination for bass fisherman. If you enjoy taking part in athletic competitions, you’ll be able to participate in bike races, marathons and fun runs throughout the year in Polk County. A variety of recreational leagues and facilities will also be at your disposal.
Lake Hamilton community to explore: Seasons at Scenic Terrace
Lake Alfred/Polk County
Renowned for its picturesque scenery, Lake Alfred also boasts an impressive array of shops, restaurants, and tearooms. Residents can also enjoy the great outdoors at several local parks and the Mackay Gardens & Lakeside Preserve, which boasts nature trails, playgrounds, a dock and more. With easy access to US-27 and US-17, Lake Alfred is ideally situated for quick trips to nearby cities and major employment centers in both Tampa/St. Petersburg and Orlando.
Lake Alfred community to explore: Seasons at Eden Hills
Eagle Lake/Polk County
Eagle Lake’s expansive sports complex offers a large community softball/baseball field, as well as basketball, racquetball and shuffleboard courts, a skate park and a playground. There are also a multitude of breweries to visit in the region and many unique experiences to enjoy.
Retail therapy is readily available to Polk County residents, with popular outdoor and outlet malls, must-see boutiques and charming mom-and-pop stores proliferating throughout the area. There are also several hobby and specialty shops in and around Eagle Lake.
Eagle Lake community to explore: Seasons at Sutton Preserve
Dundee/Polk County
Named after the fourth-largest city in Scotland, Dundee offers a quaint, idyllic lifestyle along the beautiful Lake Wales Ridge. Antiquing is a popular activity in the town. Sites of significance in the area include the Howey Mansion, the Florida Citrus Tower and the Margaret Kampsen Historic Depot. If you’re a book worm, you’ll be pleased to know that the Polk County Library Collective has over a dozen branches for you to visit!
Dundee community to explore: Seasons at Bella Vista
Tavares/Lake County
Known as “America’s Seaplane City,” Tavares is located near several natural bodies of water, including beautiful beaches and swimming/fishing holes. Several post-secondary educational institutions can be found nearby, including Lake Sumter State College, Lake Technical College, the College of Central Florida and South Lake UCF. The Lake County School District, meanwhile, is well-regarded and has a lower student-to-teacher ratio than the state median.
Multiple parks and trails can be found in and around Tavares, as can a zoo, an aquarium and a museum showcasing the region’s history. If you’re feeling adventurous, airboat rides, helicopter tours and deep-sea expeditions are all on the table for an afternoon or weekend getaway.
Tavares community to explore: Seasons at Lakeside Forest
Umatilla/Lake County
If you enjoy getting fresh air, Umatilla might be the perfect place for you to call home. Fishing, camping, boating and hiking are all popular activities in this exciting city, with both the Florida Scenic Trail and the Ocala National Forest offering ample space for experiencing the great outdoors to their fullest. A popular destination for golfers, several highly rated courses are located in Lake County, many of which are open to the public.
Umatilla community to explore: Seasons at Magnolia Pointe
Mascotte/Lake County
Home to several blueberry and alpaca farms, as well as impressive facilities and businesses, Mascotte and its surrounding area offer an attractive blend of small-town charm and modern convenience. Major employers in the region include Publix, AdventHealth, The Home Depot and Lowe’s. If you work at NSA Orlando or any other military installation near Mascotte, be sure to share this handy guidebook, which can be a great resource as you embark on your house hunt in cities in Central Florida. We’ve been helping veterans and active-duty military members find their dream homes for decades and are very proud to carry that tradition on in perpetuity!
Mascotte community to explore: Seasons at The Grove
Mount Dora/Lake County
Originally founded as a winter retreat for outdoorsman in the 1800s, Mount Dora experienced significant growth in the 20th and early 21st centuries. In recent years, the city’s Wolf Branch Innovation District has been a focus for future growth and is set to become a high-technology and life-sciences business area. Mount Dora is famous for its many festivals and events, including craft fairs, a storytelling festival, a Scottish Highlands festival and more. Lakes are also prominent in the area, so if you enjoy boating, fishing, swimming or kayaking, you’re sure to have ample opportunity for pursuing your passions!
Mount Dora community to explore: Seasons at Wekiva Ridge
Apollo Beach/Hillsborough County
Along with its population, Hillsborough County’s economy has grown significantly in recent years. Located in the southern portion of the county, Apollo Beach boasts a rich history and has several museums showcasing the region’s unique past and distinctive traditions. In addition to its numerous beaches and seaside attractions, the area offers many first-rate amusement centers, music venues and theaters. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a prominent local landmark, as is the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve.
Apollo Beach community to explore: Waterset
Apopka/Orange County
Apopka is home to the Hutchinson Farm Winery, as well as several cultural centers and art galleries. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll be able to regularly enjoy professional basketball, soccer and ice hockey, as well as spring training baseball and a variety of collegiate matches while living in the beautiful city. Multiple large-scale events are also held in and around Orange County annually, including tennis and golf tournaments, track & field competitions and auto races.
Apopka community to explore: Seasons at Summit Ridge
Kissimmee/Osceola County
Kissimmee’s official motto is “A community of neighborhoods for families!” and the city more than delivers on this slogan by offering beautiful parks, a delightful downtown, a busy Main Street and a lively promenade that residents of all ages can enjoy. The city regularly stages family-friendly events such as car shows, seasonal firework displays, music festivals and more, with the Kissimmee Civic Center hosting everything from boxing exhibitions to comic book conventions.
You’ll never be at a loss for finding a good place to eat in Kissimmee or nearby St. Cloud. Culinary delights that can be enjoyed range from classic Italian fare to Americana to exotic Mediterranean cuisine. The area is particularly well-known for having highly regarded Latin and Spanish/Cuban restaurants. According to BestPlaces.net, Osceola County is generally more comfortable temperature-wise than the rest of Florida, and typically receives 31 more sunny days per year than the national average.
Kissimmee community to explore: Seasons at Big Sky
We hope this list of appealing cities in Central Florida will be of use to you as you plan out your move to Metro Orlando. If you’d like to move soon, a quick move-in home could be waiting for you at one of our must-see area communities.* Our talented team of in-house designers has carefully selected fixtures and finishes to provide you with a brand-new home that is ready to be completed with personal touches, such as family photos, furnishings and artwork.
Want more information? Our knowledgeable New Home Specialists can be reached at 888.799.8322. They’re happy to help you learn all about Richmond American’s quick move-in options available in cities in Central Florida and elsewhere!
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