Central Florida Description/Overview
Central Florida extends from Ocala in Marion County southward to Lake Okeechobee. It consists of cities such as Leesburg, The Villages, Mount Dora, Orlando, Winter Park, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Sebring and Lake Placid. The area spans twelve counties, though most of the population resides in the northern half of the region in Marion County, Lake County, Sumter County, Orange County, Osceola County and Polk County. The Central Florida area is now home to numerous age-restricted active retirement communities and active adult communities.
Much of Central Florida has often been considered the "other" Florida because the rolling hills, dense forests, meadows and lakes provide a stark contrast to the typical Florida coastal communities. Largely unnoticed for many years, Central Florida has gained popularity amongst retirees in recent years. Now, many retirees are flocking to the area to take advantage of more open space and lower prices. The quaint, small towns and thousands of lakes that dot the region are a major draw. Many residents of Central Florida feel that life is more peaceful and laid-back than the busy coastal regions of Florida. The people who have made Central Florida their home seem to relish in the fact that the area has gone largely unnoticed, as they prefer the quietness that the region offers them.
Real estate prices throughout Central Florida tend to be some of the lowest in the state; however, prices in Orange County around Orlando are slightly higher than Florida state averages. Some of the lowest prices are typically in and around the smaller towns in the southern half of the Central Florida region. The ambience and peacefulness of the region combined with the larger lot sizes attracts many Midwesterners to the region, as it tends to be reminiscent of their hometowns.
Central Florida has experienced a recent surge in the building of age-restricted active retirement communities and active adult communities. The abundance of land at reasonable prices has drawn many active adult community developments to the region. A number of large-scale active retirement communities, such as On Top of the World outside of Ocala and The Villages, have redefined the concept of active adult communities. The Villages, for example, is an entirely self-sustaining 55+ age-restricted active adult community that will eventually be home to over 100,000 residents. The community is fully equipped with retail stores, upscale shops, restaurants and movie theaters, all of which are accessible by golf carts instead of cars. The community spans 3 counties, offers 279 holes of golf, twenty-one pools, thirty-six tennis courts and the weekly newsletter contains a list of activities and events that is 45 pages long!
The climate of Central Florida is considerably different than the coastal regions. Without the moderating effects of the warm Gulf waters, temperatures in Central Florida tend to get warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. By comparison, Miami typically experiences 30 days of 90+ degree temperatures annually, whereas Central Florida averages over 100 days with 90+ degree temperatures. Average temperatures in July are in the low 90's with nightly lows only dipping into the low 70's. In winter months, average temperatures in the region reach highs in the upper 60's to low 70's and nighttime lows that drop into the 40's. On rare occasions, lows in the northern part of this region can drop below freezing. The area experiences close to 50 inches of rain per year. The warmer temperatures and humidity are sometimes complaints of Central Florida residents and many find comfort in returning to their home state further north to escape the summer heat.
The Central Florida area provides ample recreational opportunities for active adults. Obviously, the theme parks around Orlando provide for days of fun when the grandkids visit. However, residents of the area tend to avoid the tourist traps around Orlando and instead partake in other activities such as golfing, biking, fishing and sailing on one of the many lakes in the area. Around Ocala, residents can visit the Ocala National Forest or the Rainbow Springs State Park. In addition, sports enthusiasts can travel to Orlando to catch a Magic basketball game.
The Central Florida area is renowned for its focus on the arts. Every year, Mount Dora hosts an art festival that attracts nearly 300,000 visitors. In addition, there are numerous other festivals, plays and art shows throughout the region. Residents can also attend a myriad of events at venues such as the Appleton Museum of Art of Central Florida Community College, the Ocala Civic Theatre and Orange Blossom Opry in Lake County. Residents can also visit one of the many museums in Winter park or catch a Broadway show at the Youkey Theatre in Lakeland.
For retirees looking for some extra money or just a way to stay active, the area offers a variety of part and full-time employment. In addition, the University of Central Florida and numerous community colleges cater to active adults who want to engage in lifelong learning by attending classes and lectures. For healthcare needs, the area is home to over a dozen respected hospitals.
