Blog > Moving to Winter Garden, FL? Reasons You Will Love Living Here
Located in the western part of the sunshine state, and merely 14 miles from Downtown Orlando, you will find a small but charming city of Winter Garden which is considered one of the best places to live in Florida. With a population of just over 45,000 people, Winter Garden will give you the best of both worlds - you will have a chance to live close to Downtown Orlando but at the same time, go home to a smaller city that exudes the classic and authentic Florida hometown values.
It is no secret that a lot of people who live in higher cost of living areas like California and New York are relocating to other more affordable areas in record numbers, which is why moving to Florida is an appealing choice. In thinking about where to live in Florida, Winter Garden is one of the top places on anybody’s list because of the numerous recreational activities that you can do and the many points of interest that you can explore.
Read along as we discuss the different reasons why you will love living in Winter Garden Fl, and why it is one of the best cities to live outside of Orlando.
1. There are many things to do in Winter Garden, FL
Living in Winter Garden certainly has its perks and one of the main reasons why people move out here is because of the numerous things that you can do. Whether you are looking for a park to enjoy the great outdoors or other recreational activities that you and your family can enjoy, you will find it here in Winter Garden.
Downtown Winter Garden is very historic and has a plethora of options when it comes to dining, arts, culture, and recreation. The main street is called Plant Street and is home to Plant Street Market which has approximately 20 vendors offering handmade and unique items as well as organic food.
Considered one of the best trails in Florida, the West Orange Trail is a 20-mile stretch that is ideal for biking, hiking, walking, or just exploring the outdoors. The best thing about this trail is that there are no access fees which is why it is a popular trail in Winter Garden. The trail also has playgrounds and play structures that kids can enjoy.
Disney World which is located in Orlando is 20 minutes away as well as other theme parks that are worth checking out especially if you have kids.
Here are other recreational things that you can explore in Winter Garden:
- Crooked Can Brewing Company
- Tucker Ranch
- Warrior Park
- Winter Garden Village
- Escape Goat
- Orange County National Golf Center
- Panther Lake Golf Course
- Crooked Cat Golf Course
2. Winter Garden, FL has a top-notch educational system
The city of Winter Garden is very appealing to families looking into moving to Florida because the educational system is top-rated. Families tend to move to Winter Garden because it is relatively safe and provides the opportunity to enroll their kids in an award-winning school system.
Regardless of whether you are looking for elementary to high school, there are plenty of options that you can choose from. You can find a school that will best fit your needs. Here are some of the schools worth checking out in Winter Garden:
- Tildenville Elementary School
- Whispering Oak Elementary School
- Lake Whitney Elementary School
- Lakeview Middle School
- Dillard Street Elementary School
- West Orange High School
- Cranium Academy of Winter Garden
3. Food and shopping scene in Winter Garden, FL
When it comes to the dining scene, Winter Garden offers a lot of options that you can choose from. With food ranging from seafood to exotic Turkish cuisine, your taste buds will be intrigued by the different restaurants that you can find in the area. Here are some of the best restaurants that you should try:
- Flamingo’s Bar and Grille
- Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine
- Chefs Table at the Edgewater
- Thai Blossom
- Urban Flats
- The Big Easy
- MoonCricket Grille
Winter Garden also boasts a shopping scene that you will not find anywhere else. There are plenty of shopping options that you can choose from. You will find a lot of big-name retailers in Winter Garden that will have everything you are looking for. Even if you are looking for something unique, you can likely find it in Winter Garden. Here are some of the shopping places that are worth scoping out in the area:
- Winter Garden Village
- Winter Garden Village Shopping
- Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center
- Winter Garden Plaza
- Shoppes of Winter Garden
- Stoneybrook West Village
- Tri-City Shopping Center
4. The real estate in Winter Garden is one of the best in Florida
Considered as one of the best cities to live in Florida, some homes that you will find in Winter Garden can be newer builds, as the area has seen an incredible increase in new development throughout the years. These homes are built to meet the demand of people who are moving to Winter Garden and are a testament to how desirable this community is.
The majority of the single-family homes in the area are owner-occupied and are a mix of old and newer development. The homes that can be found on the West Orange Trail are stately and reflect the architecture of the period when the homes were built, which is charming and traditional. Some historical homes in Winter Garden have been upgraded to modern trends but they still have the old-school charm and vibe that you will not find anywhere else.
5. Winter Garden is the best little city in Florida
Winter Garden is considered a small city compared to metropolitan cities such as Orlando and Miami. Because of its proximity to Orlando, you will have access to all the theme parks but still, have a chance to come home to a historical and culture-rich small town that will make you feel right at home.
The community of people who live in Winter Garden will make you feel welcome right away and the city exudes a small-town feeling that you will not find elsewhere. From gorgeous homes to locally owned businesses, people who live in Winter Garden take pride in their city and they are not afraid to show it. There are numerous community events that you can partake in and get to know your neighbor. These events are family-oriented and highlight the best asset of Winter Garden - its people.
6. Winter Garden has a rich cultural history
The first settlers of Winter Garden came in around the 1850s, mostly because they wanted to farm the fertile land. The settlers planted citrus trees and vegetables. In the 1880s, the Orange Belt Railway was built through the area which helped distribute the crops to different locations within the state. In 1908, Winter Garden was finally incorporated as a city.
Downtown Winter Garden is truly a sight to behold because it still has the old buildings that were built in the early 1900s when the city was incorporated. The buildings are now homes to restaurants and local businesses but still have the same traditional charm and richness in history.
The Downtown area has been registered with the National Registry of Historic Places which is a great feat in itself. This is a testament to the rich history of the area and the willingness of its citizens to preserve this piece of history so that the next generations can learn about it.
There is a local farmers market in the Downtown area every Saturday which is a great way to check in with the locals, get your local produce and support the community.
When it comes to performing arts, you have to check out Garden Theatre which opened in 1935. You can watch concerts, live performances, and films in this theatre that is indeed one of the most historic spots in Winter Garden.
Here are some of the museums and art galleries that are worth checking out in Winter Garden:
- Winter Garden Heritage Museum
- Central Florida Railroad Museum
- Winter Garden Art Association
- Sobo Art Gallery
Living in Winter Garden is a privilege because it is considered one of the best places to live in Florida. With its rich cultural history and no shortage of restaurants, shops, and things to do, it is no surprise why so many love living in Winter Garden. One of the best advantages of living in this city is the small community feel and family-friendly atmosphere.
If you are thinking of moving to Winter Garden, talk to our team of real estate professionals today! We are local experts who know the ins and outs of Winter Garden and we will help you land your dream home.