In my twelve years of selling real estate, I have been blessed to have met some of the top agents around the world and in the US. In fact, I have friends in fifty-seven countries and in every state in the United States. Since many of my clients that I meet working for ONE Sotheby's International Realty are interested in all parts of our nation, I decided to have some of these agents write a guest blog for me.

This guest blog is written by the Todd Schroth Real Estate Team out of Orlando, Florida. They are the number four RE/MAX team in all of Florida. Below is a short video about them. Hope you enjoy the blog.

Big City with Small Town Atmosphere

What most people love about living in Central Florida is the small town feel with all the advantages of living in a big city.

A majority ofOrlando’s population consists towns including Lake Mary, Longwood, WekivaSprings, Maitland, Apopka, Winter Park, Oviedo and several other suburban areas.

Each of these greater Orlando areas are local hot spots that many tend to become regulars at. Fortunately, each sub-city has a great community vibe just miles from their home.

Central Florida has so much to offer to locals, including visits to see Mikey Mouse at Disney. BUTthe City Beautiful should truly be valued for more than Cinderella’s castle. From foodies to nature lovers, to boaters and golfers, to sports fans and family time with the kiddos there is something for everyone.

Foodies

Locals here love their food and beer. You will find local food favorites everywhere you look including several craft breweries. If you’re looking for a quick bite or casual meet up with friends and the family, there are a plethora of opportunities to dine at the food trucks. For special occasions, there is no shortage of local fine dining choices.

Some of the local favs are 4 Rivers Smokehouse, who now have multiple locations. Be sure to get their early or find yourself in line out the door. If you’re looking for a local brew, try one of our newest up and coming breweries, Red Cypress Brewery, that was founded by a local University of Central Florida graduate.

If that’snot enough to peak your interest, check out Sand Lake’s famous restaurant row. 

Farmers Markets

You have no excuse not to live healthy in Central Florida. With a wide variety of farmer’s markets held every weekend, be sure to visit Downtown Orlando’s largest farmers market in Orlando- every Sunday rain or shine. One of our personal and more local favorites is the Sweetwater Wekiva Farmers Market.

The Sweetwater Wekiva Farmers Market is comprised of local artisans and crafters that are devoted to bringing you and your family wholesome goods that will not be found in chain stores.  EverySunday they bring the community to fill your home with local goods, provide the neighborhood with services, and to rejuvenate the small-town notion that allows their patrons to grow closer to one another.

University of Central Florida

If you are new to the area, you may not be aware but our very own University of Central Florida is the second largest college in the nation and the largest college in Florida. There’s no shortage of college spirit here. You will want to hop right on in when cheering on the UCF Knights Football team, you’re your eye out for the mascotKnightro, and don’t forget to wear your black and gold colors.

Orlando City Soccer

With one of the biggest growing fan bases in MajorLeague Soccer, our avid sports fans are serious about the Orlando City Lions. Amidst of sea of purple, the Orlando fans have had one of the highest on average attendance totals in just their first two seasons in the MLS. With a beautiful new stadium, join a good chunk of Orlando at one of the OCC games!

Performing Arts

Just recently completed the Dr. P. Phillips Center for thePerforming Arts is a high-tech state of the art hub in Downtown Orlando. This is the perfect place to be to catch a Broadway Show or a number of other music, dance, festivals or comedy shows.

Movie in the Park

Get out the blankets and grab the kids! Catch a local outdoor movie at Cranes Roost Park in AltamonteSprings or Popcorn Flicks in the Park on the Ave. Throughout the year you can watch a family friendly movie outside on the lawn with the movie showcased on a giant screen in the park for a twist on a past time favorite. Perfect for the whole family!

Beach Bums

Although Orlando is not located on the coastline of Florida, you will have your pick of beaches in about an hour’s drive. Those looking for a relaxed atmosphere we recommend Cocoa Beach and if you’re feeling a little more adventurous try driving your car down the sand at New Smyrna and Daytona Beach. We love this local guide from the Orlando Sentinel that breaks them all down.

Boaters

If you’re into wakeboarding or a casual boat cruise, you can find a home on one of the numerous Lake Front properties or put your boat in at one of the local public ramps. Many of the Orlando area lakes allow motor boats water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Travel a little farther and you can also dock your boat at one of the marinas for access to the open ocean.

Nature Lovers

Warning: Florida has more outdoors than just the beaches. Hidden right in our local hub, the perfect place to have a picnic or rent a canoe and travel down the river is in Wekiva Island. After an afternoon of paddling around and soaking up the Florida sun, you can relax and enjoy a beer at the bar or join in a game of volleyball.

So Much to Explore

Well, we went ahead and gave you a brief gist of our local favorites here in the City Beautiful. There are so many more other festivities and local events that you are sure to enjoy. If you’re thinking about making the move to our city, feel free to pick the brain of a local expert and give us a ring. You can also search our current inventory of homes for sale and find the next place to call home.