Orange County

Where Is Orange County?

Orange County sits in the geographic center of the Greater Orlando region. It is the largest county by population and contains the city of Orlando, the region's primary employment center, as well as Orlando International Airport, the Orange County Convention Center, and the northern portion of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Orange County is bordered by Seminole County to the north, Osceola County to the south, Lake County to the northwest, and Polk County to the southwest. The county covers approximately 1,000 square miles.

Major Cities and Communities

Orange County contains a wide range of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities, and master-planned developments:

• Orlando is the county seat and largest city, home to downtown, major employment centers, the medical district, and numerous neighborhoods ranging from historic to modern.
• Winter Park is known for its walkable downtown, Park Avenue shopping and dining, Rollins College, and established residential neighborhoods.
• Winter Garden has a revitalized historic downtown, the West Orange Trail, and access to new-construction communities in the Horizon West area.
• Windermere is a small town known for its proximity to the Butler Chain of Lakes and large-lot residential properties.
• Lake Nona is a large master-planned community in southeastern Orange County focused on medical, technology, and wellness-oriented development.
• Horizon West is one of the largest master-planned communities in the country, with multiple villages, builders, and price points.
• Dr. Phillips is an unincorporated community along the southern portion of the Sand Lake Road corridor, known for restaurant row and proximity to the tourist area.
• Apopka is a growing city in the northwestern part of the county with a mix of established neighborhoods and new construction.

Transportation

Orange County is crossed by I-4, the Florida Turnpike, SR 408, SR 417, and SR 429. Commute patterns vary significantly depending on where you live and work. Lake Nona residents may use SR 417 for airport and east Orlando commutes. Winter Garden and Horizon West residents often use SR 429. Downtown Orlando is accessible from most parts of the county within 15 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Housing and Development

Orange County's housing market ranges from older neighborhoods near downtown Orlando to brand-new master-planned developments in Horizon West and Lake Nona. Price points vary widely. Winter Park and Windermere tend to be at the higher end of the market. Parts of south Orange County, Apopka, and areas near the Osceola County border offer more affordable options.

New construction is concentrated in Horizon West, Lake Nona, and the area around the SR 429 corridor. Builders active in the area include Lennar, KB Home, Pulte, Meritage, and M/I Homes, among others.

Lakes

Orange County contains numerous lake systems. The Butler Chain of Lakes in the Windermere area is one of the most well-known, with 13 connected lakes supporting boating, skiing, and fishing. The Conway Chain of Lakes in south Orlando and the Lake Conway chain serve nearby residential communities. Lake Eola in downtown Orlando is a signature landmark.

Things to Consider

• Tourist-area traffic near the I-4/International Drive corridor can be significant, especially during peak tourism seasons.
• A mailing address that says "Orlando" does not necessarily mean you are within Orlando city limits. Many unincorporated areas carry an Orlando mailing address.
• Orange County property taxes fund local government and schools. Verify the specific millage rate for your area.
• Several communities are within Community Development Districts (CDDs) with additional annual assessments.