13 Reasons You’ll Love Living in Winter Garden, FL

Winter Garden real estate is hot! If you choose to move here, we know you’ll love living in Winter Garden, FL. Our wonderful little town has officially made it to one of the top 50 places to raise a family in the US. How cool is that? Winter Garden was previously acres and acres of orange groves. However, it’s transformed into a thriving, small-town community over the last decade. Families are quickly moving to town with expectations to experience the best Central Florida offers. And WOW, as locals, we know they are in for a treat!

Reasons You Should Buy Real Estate in Winter Garden, FL

#1. Location of Winter Garden, FL

Winter Garden gets major brownie points for being in the perfect location! It’s tucked far enough away from the craziness of the theme parks for comfort but close enough to take advantage of Central Florida’s attractions on a whim. Winter Garden combines stunning real estate, a rich history, and a community of locals who live life on purpose. It’s no secret that Winter Garden is the new spot for both busy professionals and growing families.

#2. Community – Living in Winter Garden, FL

Central Florida is known for its theme parks, attracting millions of visitors annually. Everyone wants to visit Central Florida for the excitement, warm weather, and Mickey Mouse. Here in Winter Garden, we have a different vibe and a small-town feel. The gorgeous real estate, locally owned businesses, beautiful parks, and community events take you away from the hustle and bustle and touristy feel. Here, you’ll get to know your neighbors and really build a community.

Although Winter Garden became a city in 1908, it doesn’t make a difference if you were born or recently moved here. Our little city has been growing over the past decade. Over 10,000 people have moved to Winter Garden since 2010; this is a growth of 37.16%, making it a diverse city for anyone to call home. Here, neighbors become friends, kids grow up together, and people wave as they pass. It’s a place where members value community, inclusion, and involvement and look for opportunities to connect with others.

#3. Downtown Winter Garden

Downtown Winter Garden is the heart of our town. It really brings the small-town feel to life. Many of the buildings have been here since the beginning of this little town. They have become unique eateries, specialty boutiques, and more. There’s also a fantastic farmers market every Saturday, rain or shine. Downtown Winter Garden has it all, whether you are out for a morning stroll or a fancy dinner date!

Some of our very favorite businesses located in Downtown Winter Garden are:

Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery
The Attic Door
The Whole Enchilada
Plant Street Market
Axum Coffee
Winter Garden Pizza

#4. Events in Winter Garden, FL

Live music, the farmers market, holiday events, and more… there’s always something going on where you can grab the family and head out for a great time. People who live in Winter Garden love to connect with others. The events in Winter Garden are just as diverse as the people in the community; there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.

#5. Nature – West Orange Trail

Winter Garden is a great place to live if you love being outdoors and around nature. While the city welcomes new neighborhoods and businesses, some of the nature preserves are protected. This ensures that the natural beauty will remain for wildlife to thrive and for us to enjoy!

The West Orange Trail is Winter Garden’s Lifeline. It’s a 22-mile paved pathway perfect for walking, running, and biking. Starting at Killarney Station in Winter Garden and ending at Rock Springs Road in Apopka, this trail winds through Downtown Winter Garden. While on the trail, you will see some of the area’s beautifully forested neighborhoods. You’ll also go right by new developments, past the adorable bungalows that have been here forever, around the water, by playgrounds and public parks.

For many Winter Garden residents, living close to the trail is a must. While locals head to the trail when they want to be active, it’s also an ideal spot to sit still. Bird watchers, photographers, and other nature lovers find the trail a calming and quiet place to enjoy the Winter Garden’s natural beauty.

#6. Local Restaurants & Businesses

Are you a foodie? Then you’re going to love Winter Garden! Locally owned restaurants are plentiful and community staples. Take a stroll down Plant Street in Downtown Winter Garden, and you’ll see what we’re talking about. Grab a coffee at Axum Coffee, bring the whole team to enjoy pizza at Winter Garden Pizza, have a girl’s night at Moon Cricket Grille, or spice things up at Thai Blossom Restaurant.

Are you worried you might still crave one of your favorite chain restaurants? Winter Garden covers that, too. At Fowler’s Grove, you’ll find Bonefish Grill, Chilis, FirstWatch, Firehouse, KFC, Five Guys, Starbucks, Jersey Mikes, Taco Bell, Planet Smoothie, Chick-fil-A, Panera, Chipotle, and more.

Do you love shopping at little boutiques with a personal touch? Would you prefer to hire a local lawn guy to maintain your yard? That’s the kind of business you’ll find throughout Winter Garden. Local businesses and services are in no short supply around here, from the stay-at-home mom making graphic tees to the neighbor down the street with his own pool service. You’ll receive friendly and quality service from those who live in your community at any local business you try.

Click here to discover more about the local Downtown Winter Garden restaurants and businesses!

#7. Education – Schools in Winter Garden, FL

Winter Garden is a highly family-focused community. People move here because it’s a safe place to raise kids, make friends, and enjoy life. It’s a huge plus for families that there are EXCELLENT schools. We’re not just talking about public schools; here, there are various options to fit your family’s needs.

Many of the public schools have received awards and are A-rated. Looking for an alternative to the public school setting? Innovation Montessori is a quickly expanding public charter school in Winter Garden, and families also love Hope Charter and Legacy High School. There are also faith-based private schools like The Foundation Academy. Some Winter Garden families homeschool and some do virtual school. At the end of the day, Winter Garden gives parents the freedom to choose the best educational setting for their children to set them up for success.

Winter Garden is also very close to Orlando’s colleges, which are only about a 30-minute drive. This is great for those with older kids who want to continue their education while saving some money by continuing to live at home. Some of the colleges are Central University of Florida, Rollins College, Florida Technical College, and more.

#8. Winter Garden Farmer’s Market

The Winter Garden Farmer’s Market is a local gem in the historic Downtown Winter Garden. It’s been named one of the BEST Farmer’s Markets in the area. Every Saturday, artists, food vendors, local farmers, musicians, and more gather to bring the community together for a unique community event. The Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 am to 2 pm. Go ahead and bring your furry friend; it’s dog-friendly.

Grab yourself some locally grown produce, then shop the rows and rows of handcrafted artisan jewelry, handcrafted signs and gifts, plants, and even pickles on a stick (this one always has a line around the block!). Kids burn off their energy at the splash pad while parents nibble on bites from the food trucks. Families end up sprawled out on the big grassy lawn, chatting with neighbors and enjoying a gorgeous Winter Garden Saturday morning.

#9. Neighborhoods – New Developments

New developments are popping up throughout the community. Renowned builders like Ryan Homes and CalAtlantic Homes are making their mark in new neighborhoods, building high-end homes close to Downtown, the trail, and expanding Winter Garden. Neighborhoods like McAllister Landing in Winter Garden give residents upscale options in real estate, offering spacious residences full of upgrades, resort-style amenities, and the security of a gated community. Families who score one of these brand-new homes can enjoy the quiet of the suburbs with the convenience and excitement of being close to downtown. Homes for sale in neighborhoods like Hickory Hammock and Cypress Reserve range from $ 300 K to $ 700 K and put residents in the middle of everything Winter Garden offers.

#10. Homes With a Story

While the sprawling residences with high-end amenities and all of the possible upgrades in a gated community appeal to some, the homes with a story appeal to others. Winter Garden has a rich history. Many homes for sale in the area are shared in its story. Charming homes that sit along the West Orange Trail still boast many of the architectural and design elements popular with the time period in which they were built. Many of these “vintage” homes aren’t part of a development but sit on large lots tucked away from the main roads. Many of them have been upgraded to meet the needs of the modern family. While others have held onto their original details and personalities. Historic homes for sale are part of what makes this old Florida town feel so authentic and welcoming.

#11. Tourism near Winter Garden, FL

Central Florida is huge in the tourism industry! People from all over the world travel here to visit top-rated theme parks and beaches. Most people who call any of the cities that make up Central Florida home work in tourism. Winter Garden is located in Central Florida, meaning Disney, Universal, huge event venues, historical places, and beaches are all very close by. Although you may work in the tourism industry, it doesn’t mean you want to live in the middle of it. Thank goodness for Winter Garden’s small-town feel that allows you to escape it all while still living close enough for a short commute.

#12. Weather in Winter Garden, FL

Weather is something to keep in mind when deciding where to call home. Many people from up north move to Winter Garden to escape the freezing winters. Some have two homes so they can enjoy the warmer winters here and still go back north to avoid the hot and humid summers we have here. Although we have hot and humid summers here, we frequently have afternoon showers to cool things down. All in all, the weather is pretty nice all year round. Just don’t forget about hurricane season. Winter Garden is pretty centrally located in the state, so we avoid most of the damage, but there’s still a chance we will have some.

#13. Retire in Winter Garden, FL

Who, you did it! You’ve lived a long life and worked hard; now it’s time for you to RETIRE! Winter Garden is the perfect place to retire. In fact, the Downtown Winter Garden is as good as it gets. With great weather, beautiful nature, and diverse local restaurants and businesses, you’ll always have something to do.

Making a move to Winter Garden, FL

We think these reasons are enough to entice anyone to move here. The small-town feel with the big-city comforts right around the corner alone makes the city’s location desirable. That, mixed with all of the local businesses, really allows you to have it all. Not to mention A-rated schools and near both historic and new-construction homes, we have to say Winter Garden truly is a hot spot!

Erica Diaz Team – 13 Reasons You’ll Love Living in Winter Garden, FL

Are you ready to call Winter Garden home? If you’re considering buying Winter Garden real estate, you need a realtor who knows the area. Erica Diaz and her team don’t just work in the area; they live here, too. They know the ins and outs of this classic Florida town and can help you find the home of your dreams. Contact the Erica Diaz Team today to start your own list of reasons for owning real estate in Winter Garden.