W inter Park, Florida is a charming city of approximately 24,000 residents, located five miles from Orlando, home to the highly acclaimed Walt Disney World resort. The city has strived to become the "Southeast's Premier Urban Village," and has been highly successful. This beautiful, temperate, affordable city is a wonderful place to work, play, and raise a family.

This city has successfully executed its plan. The city created the Department of Economic and Cultural Development to help plan a solid and progressive economic foundation. This department works to create partnerships that attract businesses and institutions coming to Winter Park. Primarily, the focus has been on growing and diversifying the downtown business district. In addition, the city has been working closely with the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau in this same endeavor.

The city already has been successful in creating a cultural feel with many attractions in this arena. There are a number of museums, such as: Cornell Fine Arts Center Museum, Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, and the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. The The Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center of Winter Park offers AARP meetings, bible studies, Rotary Club, yoga, and more.

There are recreation activities for every interest. Lake Island Park is a 28-acre park with walking paths, sports programs, two soccer fields, and a playground. Winter Park Croquet Club is a very popular pastime. The Cady Way bike trail is a 3.7-mile path stretching between Winter Park and Orlando; this path is used for biking, walking, jogging, and skating. Mead Garden's winding trails are a favorite with the locals. The trails wind through a tropical forest-like atmosphere filled with birds and plants from around the world.

Also located in Seminole County, you will find the neighboring town of Altamonte Springs. Considered to be part of the Orlando metropolitan area, Altamonte Springs residents have easy access to attractions such as Disney World and world-class beaches like Daytona and Cocoa Beach. But residents here are ensconced from the tourist hordes. Altamonte Springs maintains a homey feel that makes it an ideal place for families.

A focal point of the community is the Crane's Root district, a combination recreational, business and commercial area. Incorporating a public park and boardwalk-style walkways, this is a popular gathering sport for locals, and the site of many of Altamonte Springs' festivals, fairs, and events. Many newcomers choose to live in Altamonte Springs for its affordable cost of living. Others decided to call this community home because of its wealth of employment opportunities. Recent real estate reports indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Altamonte Springs is currently $135,200.

The public school system in Winter Park is solid, with test scores reflecting the hard work of both the teachers and students. There are also a number of private school options, for instance: Trinity Preparatory School, St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, Covenant Christian School, St. John Lutheran School and more.

There are also a number of universities in the area. Rollins College, Winter Park Tech, University of Phoenix-Orlando, Valencia Community College, University of Central Florida, Seminole Community College, and Stetson University are just some of the choices that offer post-secondary education to area residents, but also contribute to the business and cultural communities of the area.

The opportunities for dining and shopping are endless. French, Italian, Chinese, American, steak houses, seafood restaurants, fine dining and casual eateries are all in abundance in Winter Park. For the freshest fruits and vegetables all year, the Winter Park Farmers' Market can't be beat. Downtown there are plenty of shopping opportunities; specialty boutiques sell everything from cards, to clothes and jewelry. There are also popular chain stores in town, such as Restoration Hardware for home goods. And only a few miles away in Orlando, there is some of the best shopping anywhere at Downtown Disney.

Winter Park is a charming community, and a wonderful place to raise a family. The city has an extremely low crime rate, and is able to maintain a small-town atmosphere, while having all the privileges of a big city at its fingertips. The opportunities for recreation are extraordinary, and the temperate climate encourages outdoor activity all year round. Although the city is growing, it remains affordable to most families. The American Dream is alive and well in Winter Park.