Just west of Orlando is Winter Garden FL. Winter Garden is a surprisingly large town and generally everything in the 34787 zip code is referred to as being in Winter Garden. In Central Florida unless you have unique needs this city is probably the second best city to live in. The best place is still Windermere.
What makes Winter Garden FL so special? First lets look at the state, location of the city and of course what is located around Winter Garden.
Florida's only negative is hurricanes. The best place to avoid or minimize their affect on you is in Central Florida. South Florida has terrible traffic and to many people to close together. I lived in South Florida for quite a few years, my wife was born there, sons live there and we still visit there quite often. I know it very well and trust me, Winter Garden is Eden compared to most cities there.
Winter Garden FL a short distance from Sugarloaf Mountain. Sugarloaf Mountain is actually the highest place in all of Florida. Don't get to excited. Sugarloaf Hill would probably be a better name for it. The average elevation in Winter Garden is only 125 feet above sea level or about 4 feet higher than most local lakes.
Being to the west of Orlando FL does have it's perks. Orlando is a great place for arts, entertainment, professional sports etc. Thanks to the Daniel Webster Western Beltway aka the 429 Downtown Orlando FL is just minutes away from Winter Garden FL. Tampa FL is One hour and 20 minutes and the beaches in Clearwater FL are about 1 hour and 45 minutes away.
Another place not far from Winter Garden FL is of course Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World property actually borders many parts of Winter Garden FL's southern area known as Horizon West. To be fair I will just say that Plant Street which is in Downtown Winter Garden FL is a 12 mile drive from the Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Many, many of the communities in South Winter Garden FL witness the fireworks of hear them. Another interesting note is you cannot fly a drone in much of the southern part of the city because it is within 3 miles of the Castle.
Speaking of those lakes. Although some are not aware of this Lake Apopka is fairly well known for it's bass fishing. At one time years ago it was known as the Largemouth Bass capitol of the World. Quite a few people expect a new world record to be caught out of the lake someday. The lake has had issues in the past and some still of those challenges still remain. The median depth is only around 7 feet which is partially to blame. However this is a large and beautiful lake. Once you learn the ins and outs of it per-say it is a great lake for boating, bird watching and yes bass fishing.
Another Great Lake in Winter Garden is Johns Lake. Johns Lake is in the western part of the city and slightly south and west of the downtown area. This to is a fairly large lake but has limited public access. There is a great public boat ramp in Clermont on the lakes northern side just a few hundred feet south of Colonial Drive. This is probably the closest that Winter Garden FL comes to having a chain of lakes worthy of recreational boaters. It seems as if the parts of the lake should have different names as it is so large. Below are 3 notable features.
To the south in Horizon West is Lake Hancock and Lake Hickorynut. Lake Hancock is similar to a chain of lakes but the parts of the lake are more fitted to smaller boats and row boats. Lake Hancock is lined with many Horizon West communities and multi million dollar homes. Only one community is gated. Maybe someday I will show you which one it is. On the north side of Lake Hancock is The Hamlin area which has shopping, dining and entertainment. The area around this lake is amazing and minutes from Disney.
Lake Hickorynut is just a little further south. Now the Publix at Waterleigh Village has been built making this one of the most desirable locations in Horizon West. Like many other lakes here lake Hickorynut has no public boat ramps. Most of its shoreline is consumed by Waterleigh which is the largest single community in Winter Garden FL. It has many pools, fitness centers, parks and the lawn care there is done by the HOA which is awesome for community appearance and home values.
Downtown Winter Garden FL is evolving. The town used to be primarily focused on its history but since the advent of Horizon West the downtown area has also flourished. One side note of interest is Clark Gable used to come to Winter Garden and walk up and down Plant Street. He loved the fishing here. For those to young to remember him he starred in Gone With The Wind. Many other famous people used to come here but now most Celebrities choose Windermere.
Plant Street is the cultural Mecca of Northern Winter Garden FL. This is where the government buildings are although they are difficult to notice with everything else around them. The center of the street is more of a park area and museums, restaurants etc. line the sides of the main attraction. Once a week there is a farmers market which is a must see if you are in the area.
Winter Garden FL has a great climate. Not just culturally but also and actual climate for outdoor activities. In the spring and fall is when it is really tough to beat. However thousands of people a day traverse the West Orange Trail. You can skate, bike, jog or whatever you like along the trail. I have even picked wild grapes and eaten them.
The trail is 22 miles long and has 4 main stations and countless rest stops along the way. It also goes along Plant Street and through Downtown Winter Garden FL. You can rent bicycles etc. at several locations and it is ran by the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department. There are mileage markers incase you need to be picked up and are not sure where you are. Everyone along the trail has always been cordial and I believe most outdoorsy people will love it.
The area was first settled in the 1850's. Some of the first families to settle here have their names permanently established into the the City. Names Like Speer (Lake Speer), Reams (Reams Road) and Roper (Roper Drive). There are a few more but those are the most prominent. The town was incorporated in 1908 and later incorporated as a city in 1925.
Early on the Orange Belt Railroad was completed in 1888 connecting Sanford to Saint Petersburg. The railroad obviously helped the farmers market their produce and resupply. Not to mention passengers which boosted the areas population over time. Although the commerce has changed still the bulk of the businesses are along Colonial Drive (over 100 years old) and beautiful downtown Plant Street. Winter Garden FL now sells primarily a lifestyle second only to Windermere.
The Winter Garden Village is not a shopping mall. It is more of a shoppers' and diners' destination. There are so many shops, restaurants etc. you can easily go broke if that is your goal. This is where the LA Fitness Center is and a Lowest, Target etc. etc. Just to the south of the Winter Garden Village is the Daniel Webster aka the local turnpike. This allows customers from all over the area to commute to and from the village which helps those businesses pay their bills and stay open If you are visiting Winter Garden FL definitely drive through this destination and see what is here. See you soon in Winter Garden FL.
407-575-5392
Wendy Morris LLC
Licensed in the State of Florida
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16797 Broadwater Avenue
Winter Garden, Florida 34787
