Winter Garden, FL Real Estate

Located in Western Orange County, Winter Garden, Florida is a beautiful small town that is sited just 14 miles west of downtown Orlando’s endless shopping, delicious restaurants, and world-renowned theme parks including Universal Studios, Sea World, and Disney World. Winter Garden is placed about one and one half hours from Tampa’s historic Ybor City and the serene waters of Tampa Bay. Winter Garden has easy access to Highway 50, the East-West Expressway, and the Florida Turnpike. Commuters can save on the high price of gas by taking advantage of the convenient Lynx Bus that has routes throughout Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.

Known as “the land of pleasant living,” Winter Garden residents can enjoy a nature walk or bike ride down the West Orange Trail. The West Orange Trail is old railroad track beds that have been converted into miles of trails. Winter Garden also boasts two large city parks, a public boat ramp on Lake Apopka, and playground and picnic areas. Three recreational complexes create even more entertainment for Winter Parks’ children with opportunities to play little league baseball, football, softball, tennis, and swimming. Amazing shopping opportunities await the 30,065 residents of Winter Garden thanks to the Winter Garden Village at Fowler’s Grove with anchors that include a Super Target, Lowe's, Best Buy, Staples, Ross, Old Navy, Linens N Things, Sports Authority, Party City, and Marshalls.

It is uncertain how Winter Garden received its lyrical name, but some of the tales include sawmill workers in this area in the 1880s having lunch and spitting tomato seeds on the ground, the tomatoes grew throughout the mild Central Florida winter, and produced a luscious return prompting the workers to name the area “Winter Garden.” Another story is that a town resident named the area after his doctor, Dr. Gardiner, who suggested that he move to Florida for his health. However the Winter Garden received its name, its historic downtown is still flourishing with many restaurants, shops, museums, a theater, and a hotel.

Citrus companies are still a major employer here, but many new companies have taken notice of Winter Garden and have opened for business including computer and investment companies. New businesses mean more new residential communities. Winter Garden has many housing options from condos to luxury estates. Some the stunning new communities located in Winter Garden are Independence, Summerport, Stoneybrook, and Isle of Lake Hancock. The median sales price of a home in Winter Garden is around $273,800.

Winter Garden is part of Orange County’s Public School System and is home to 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools. Winter Garden is also the site of Westside Technical Center. Higher learning is available close to home with the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Valencia Community College, and Rollins College located within minutes of gorgeous Winter Park.