One of the most sought-after cities in Florida, it was named in 2019 as the best city to raise a family.
Winter Garden is one of Orlando's most desirable areas thanks to its excellent location and welcoming lifestyle. Just minutes from Disney, about 40 minutes from the airport, and 25 minutes from International Drive, the city offers convenience and easy access to the region's main roads. In some neighborhoods, you can even see the fireworks from the parks right from your home.
The infrastructure is another highlight: parks, gyms, local shops, highly rated schools, and various services create an ideal environment for families, especially those with young children.
Downtown Winter Garden enchants visitors with its tree-lined streets, cafes, restaurants, and traditional Saturday market, which reinforces the atmosphere of a small, organized, and vibrant city.
With renowned condominiums such as Summerlake and Waterleigh, as well as new developments emerging in Horizon West, Winter Garden continues to grow and offer modern and comprehensive options for those seeking safety, convenience, and quality of life.
Winter Garden is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Orlando—close to everything and with that unique charm that wins anyone over.
Settlers began arriving in the Winter Garden area in the 1850s, attracted by the fertile land bordering Lake Apopka. They engaged in citrus and vegetable farming, living in small settlements along the southern shore of the lake. By the end of the 19th century, Winter Garden's commercial district had grown up alongside the two railroad lines that ran through the city.
The commercial buildings were rebuilt with bricks after two fires destroyed the wooden buildings and packing houses that stood along Plant and Main Streets.
Winter Garden was founded in 1903 and officially incorporated as a city in 1908. Winter Garden's first mayor was A.B. Newton. Winter Garden's population grew to more than 1,000 people by 1920, and the city quickly became the center of commerce and agriculture in West Orange County. The emergence of Lake Apopka as the "capital" of large-mouth bass attracted tourists, and the Edgewater Hotel opened in 1927 to accommodate these visitors. The first residents either owned or worked in the groves. As the citrus industry grew in importance and acreage, the commercial district continued to expand.
Winter Garden's rapid development slowed considerably in the late 60s. Lake Apopka became severely polluted, and the construction of the region's main highways attracted businesses from the city center.
Despite the challenges, Winter Garden's architectural heritage remained intact. The establishment of the West Orange Trail attracted thousands of visitors eager to patronize the new stores and restaurants moving into the old buildings. In 1996, downtown Winter Garden was listed on the National Register of Historic Places after concerned citizens and community leaders banded together to rescue the commercial district.
Today, the Winter Garden Historic District serves as a successful example of historic preservation. Full development, redevelopment, repurposed buildings, preservation, housing and businesses converge to create a thriving downtown that attracts people from all over the world.
Source: Winter Garden City Hall.
