The Central FL Cities

There are a lot of Central FL Cities so I will begin with the most central one of all. That would be Orlando Florida. Orlando is a large city and has rather unusual borders. What many do not realize is Orlando has a thriving downtown area and a lifestyle most could only dream of. True you have to have money to take advantage of all there is to offer but not as much money as you might suspect. 

List of Central FL Cities

Orlando has many smaller census designated places within it's boundaries. The most popular places to live within Orlando are no doubt Lake Nona, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park and Dr. Phillips. Some would disagree but hey, I am writing this so I get to choose. Trust me if you have the means to purchase a $500,000 home then these are the best places to look in Orlando.

There are numerous other great cities that border Orlando or come really close to it. Namely Winter Park FL (awesome), Windermere FL (pricey but still awesome), Winter Garden FL and of course Kissimmee FL. 

Many people think Orlando is just about Walt Disney World. That is somewhat true as Walt Disney World is the second or third largest employer in the area. However do not discount the local commerce and the many incredible golf courses. Many of us who live here never visit Disney unless we have visiting family or friends. You can only get stuck listen to "its a small world so many times". Trust me the park shrinks in size after you get a couple of annual passes. What is great about this area is the people's attitudes toward life. Namely in the areas I mentioned above. You just do not run into many negative people in more affluent areas like Lake Nona or Windermere. By the way Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona and Winter Park are in Orange County FL. Orange County FL is very, very restrictive on Short Term Renting. You will only find communities that allow that in Kissimmee, Davenport, Reunion FL etc.

Secret Central FL Cities

Well not exactly secret but probably just to overlooked. Those cities are Lakeland FL and the smaller cities around it. Those cities include Winter Haven FL, Auburndale FL and Plant City FL. Yes there are a few more but I would not recommend them as they are just to rural for most peoples tastes. Lakeland FL is located between Kissimmee/Davenport FL and Tampa FL on Interstate-4. Lakeland is an awesome city and very affordable. You might be surprised to find out there are not that many lakes there. It is funny really but most of the lakes are in Auburndale and Winter Haven FL. Winter Haven FL is between Lakeland and Kissimmee and has 50 lakes many of which are connected via navigable channels.

Most of Lakeland FL is on the south side of I-4. You will not get an adequate representation of it without some effort or a trip there. I live not far from it and we go there to eat and sell homes all of the time. This area and the cities I listed above are a great place to purchase lakefront homes for less than you can in most places. We also have a fairly large contingent of 55+ people in this area which is a good thing. 

Tampa FL and the surrounding Central FL Cities

Tampa is on the western side of Central Florida. The eastern side of Central FL is still somewhat sparse and feels rather rural in all but a few locations. Tampa FL offers much more than just a beach lifestyle. Many people in Tampa rarely go to the beach. There is plenty to do hear that will keep you occupied. Especially if you get to pick your part of the city to live in. Where would I choose? South Tampa, Davis Islands or Downtown Tampa possibly on Water Street. Those are my favorite places and in that order. Who am I? Just a guy who has studied and written about 3,000 communities and areas in Central FL.

If you are looking for much more information on the cities in Central FL then click the link at the top portion of this page. You will find thousands of photos, articles, video's and yes all of the homes for sale you will ever want to look at. Why am I posting this? Because I am a Realtor/Broker Associate with Wendy Morris Realty and I want to assist you with finding the perfect home to purchase in one of these Central FL Cities.