Seminole County

Where Is Seminole County?

Seminole County is located directly north of Orange County. It is smaller than Orange County but densely developed, particularly along the I-4 corridor and the State Road 434/SR 436 corridors. The county covers approximately 247 square miles.

Seminole County is bordered by Orange County to the south, Volusia County to the north and east, and Lake County to the west. Lake Monroe, a large lake along the St. Johns River, forms part of the county's northern boundary near Sanford.

Major Communities

• Lake Mary is one of the most popular suburban communities in the region, with strong schools, established neighborhoods, and a growing downtown area. It sits along the I-4 corridor north of Orlando.
• Oviedo is located in the eastern part of the county, known for its family-oriented neighborhoods, proximity to UCF, and a mix of master-planned and established communities.
• Sanford is the county seat and one of the oldest cities in Central Florida. Its historic downtown along Lake Monroe has undergone significant revitalization. Sanford offers a mix of historic homes and newer developments.
• Altamonte Springs is a developed suburban city along the I-4 corridor, home to the Altamonte Mall, Cranes Roost Park, and a variety of residential neighborhoods.
• Winter Springs is an established residential community with multiple subdivisions, parks, and access to the Seminole County trail system.

Transportation

Seminole County is served by I-4, which runs north-south through the western part of the county. The Central Florida GreeneWay (SR 417) also serves the eastern portion. SunRail commuter rail has stations in several Seminole County communities including Lake Mary, Longwood, and Sanford. Commute times to downtown Orlando range from roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and specific origin.

Housing

Seminole County's housing market includes established neighborhoods from the 1980s and 1990s, newer master-planned communities, and some active new-construction areas. Price points are generally moderate compared to premium Orange County communities, though Lake Mary and parts of Winter Springs command higher prices.

Things to Consider

• Seminole County Public Schools are generally well-regarded, which is a significant factor for many relocating families.
• The county is smaller geographically than Orange, which means shorter drives to most destinations within the county.
• Some communities along the St. Johns River corridor may be in flood zones. Check FEMA flood maps for specific properties.
• The Sanford downtown area has a distinct character with restaurants, breweries, and the Sanford RiverWalk along Lake Monroe.