Have you ever dreamed of living in a charming small town with picturesque surroundings, a strong sense of community, and easy access to big-city amenities? Look no further than Windermere, Florida. Nestled in Orange County, this enchanting town offers residents a wonderful experience in a peaceful, lakeside atmosphere while still being just a short drive away from the excitement of Orlando.
On This website, we’ll guide you through the realities of lakeside living in Windermere, exploring the pros and cons, and giving you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in this idyllic Floridian haven. So, is Windermere FL a good place to live? Let’s find out.
Windermere offers an ideal quality of life with easy access to amenities, a strong sense of community and safety, plus plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Windermere provides excellent educational resources for all ages as well as attractive housing options in various price points.
With its growing job market and abundance of dining/entertainment choices, Windermere is the perfect place to enjoy a balanced lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty!
The prime location of Windermere is a major attraction. The town is bordered by:
Isleworth
Lake Butler
Doctor Phillips
Bay Hill
Horizon West
This provides easy access to major attractions and downtown Orlando. Public transportation is also readily available, with LYNX offering affordable and convenient services to Windermere and other Orange County cities. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of living in a small town while still having access to the bustling city of Orlando and its vast array of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
However, living in Windermere comes with a higher cost of living than the average US city, at 42% above the national average. This higher cost reflects the high quality of life in the area, including access to excellent Windermere schools. Yet, with thoughtful planning, affordable options aligning with your budget and lifestyle can be found.
Windermere is indeed a community that caters to families, demonstrating both a strong sense of unity and a low crime rate. Many residents live in gated communities, offering additional security and a sense of exclusivity. Children can safely play in one of the numerous parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the town, such as Town Square Park – a pet-friendly park located in the heart of Windermere, perfect for family outings.
The town actively fosters a strong sense of community by organizing events and initiatives that bring neighbors together, such as the Windermere Summer Music Festival and Fall Festival, which offer entertainment for the whole family. Also, the location of Windermere allows easy reach to major attractions in the Orlando area, rendering it an ideal place for families who want to strike a balance between small-town living and the thrill of a big city.
Windermere is akin to a paradise for those who love outdoor activities. Surrounded by beautiful lakes, the town offers a myriad of outdoor activities such as water sports, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking. Nature lovers will find solace in beloved parks like Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, Lakefront Park, and Isleworth Grove Park, where delightful picnic areas and shelters await.
If you’re seeking waterfront leisure, don’t miss out on Lake Street Park, which provides stunning waterfront access to Lake Butler. Given these ample outdoor recreation opportunities, residing in Windermere guarantees a constant supply of exciting activities to enjoy with family and friends.
Windermere is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but also a vibrant hub for cultural experiences. The town hosts various local events and cultural attractions, such as the Windermere Summer Music Festival, which showcases local talents and brings the community together to enjoy a lively musical experience. The Windermere Fall Festival is another fantastic event, featuring craft beer and wine, as well as exciting activities for the whole family.
Art enthusiasts will find an abundance of galleries and museums to visit in Windermere, including:
Windermere Fine Art & Custom Framing
Arrachme Art Gallery
The Central Florida Railroad Museum
The Winter Garden Heritage Museum
These cultural attractions and community events serve to strengthen the community bonds and make Windermere an even more appealing place to call home.
Regarding education, Windermere distinguishes itself through its dedication to academic excellence and holistic education. The town is served by the Orange County Public School District, which boasts seven public schools, including renowned institutions like Windermere High School and Windermere Elementary. These schools consistently rank among the highest in Florida, providing an outstanding educational system for children of all ages.
In addition to public schools, Windermere offers private schools and middle schools that cater to various educational needs. The town is committed to educational development and provides numerous resources for it. Select colleges offer free tutoring to students while the Windermere Library is a unique asset featuring sewing workshops and language classes. With its emphasis on education and family values, Windermere is an ideal location for families seeking a nurturing environment for their children’s growth.
Windermere presents a varied array of housing options, catering to different lifestyles and budgets. From upscale neighborhoods like Keene’s Pointe and Harbor Isle to more affordable communities like Summerport Village, there’s a perfect home for everyone in this charming town. In fact, an impressive 93% of Windermere residents own their homes, reflecting the appeal of living in this beautiful community.
The picturesque surroundings and high quality of life come with a price, as the average home price in Windermere is $757,625. However, more affordable options can be found in neighborhoods like Summerport Village, where home prices range from $400,000 to $800,000. While exploring the diverse neighborhoods of Windermere, you’ll notice that each has its own distinctive charm and personality, making it easy to find the perfect place to call home.
Although the cost of living in Windermere is 43% higher than the national average, one should keep in mind that this higher cost comes with a higher quality of life, including access to top-notch schools and amenities. However, it is still possible to find affordable housing options in the area with careful planning and consideration.
Windermere’s cost of living may be higher in some aspects, such as housing costs, but other factors like utility and healthcare costs are lower than the national average by 7% and 9%, respectively. By taking these factors into account and exploring various neighborhoods, you can find the perfect balance between affordability and quality of life in Windermere.
Even though job opportunities within Windermere may be limited, many residents commute to nearby cities like Orlando to take advantage of the vibrant job market. Thriving industries in Orange County include travel and tourism, modeling, simulation and training, and optics and photonics, providing a variety of career options for Windermere residents. Major employers in the area, such as Advent Health and Universal Orlando, offer promising opportunities for career growth.
With an impressive 36.5% of Windermere residents earning a median household income of $200,000 and above, it’s clear that the job market in the area is growing and providing ample opportunities for career advancement. As the area continues to develop, it’s expected that job opportunities in and around Windermere will increase, making it an even more attractive place to live and work.
Despite being a small town, but it boasts a variety of dining and entertainment options for residents to enjoy. Local restaurants like Yellow Dog Eats and Agave Azul offer delicious culinary experiences, satisfying a range of tastes and preferences. For those looking to explore shopping and dining options, The Market at Windermere and the Vineyard Wine Bar and Healthy Bistro are noteworthy establishments that cater to the town’s affluent residents.
In addition to the local dining scene, Windermere’s proximity to Orlando’s major attractions ensures that there’s never a shortage of entertainment options. From theme parks to museums, residents can easily access a world of excitement just a short drive away. With a plethora of sights and activities in and around Windermere, there will always be ways to relish your free time.
For many families considering a place to live, safety is a paramount concern, and Windermere delivers in this regard. The town is known for its low crime rates, making it a safe and secure place to call home. Property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft are the most common in the area, but Windermere also has fewer violent crimes compared to other cities.
The community’s involvement in local safety initiatives, such as the Safe Route to School Project Phase 1 and designated Safe Places, further demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a secure environment for residents. With its strong police presence and community development efforts, Windermere is a place where families can feel at ease and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from living in a safe community.
The breathtaking natural beauty of Windermere is one of its most captivating features. The town’s commitment to preserving its picturesque surroundings is evident in its stringent building codes and architectural standards, which encompass aspects such as:
Architectural styles
Materials
Design elements
Setbacks
Lot sizes
Landscaping
Building materials and finishes
With its beautiful lakes, vibrant flora and fauna, and stunning natural attractions, Windermere provides an enchanting environment for exploration and admiration. Some of the notable attractions in Windermere include:
Central Park
Windermere Lake
Orrest Head
Fell Foot Park
Wray Castle
Lakeland Motor Museum
Living in Windermere means being surrounded by the beauty of nature, offering a serene and tranquil lifestyle that’s hard to resist.
Residing in Windermere comes with both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, you’ll enjoy a strong sense of community, beautiful surroundings, easy access to big-city amenities, a high-quality lifestyle in a picturesque setting, upscale neighborhoods, and a range of recreational opportunities. However, the high cost of living, limited commercial development, and strict building codes and architectural standards may pose challenges for some residents.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the many benefits of living in Windermere often outweigh the negatives. Some of the benefits include:
Charming small-town atmosphere
Excellent schools
Abundant recreational opportunities
Close-knit community
Windermere Florida, a dream destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, offers the perfect country club experience in Windermere FL.
In conclusion, Windermere offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and easy access to big-city amenities. With its strong sense of community, excellent schools, diverse housing options, and abundant recreational opportunities, Windermere is an idyllic place to call home for families and individuals alike.
As you consider the realities of lakeside living in Windermere, remember that with careful planning and consideration, you can find the perfect balance between quality of life and affordability. Embrace the charm and tranquility of Windermere and discover the wonderful experiences that await you in this enchanting Floridian haven.
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Winter Garden, Florida 34787
