Welcome to Winter Garden! A charming city in the heart of Florida, known for its old-world charm and vibrant culture. This city offers a unique blend of history, community spirit, and modern amenities that make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit. If you’re wondering “how big is Winter Garden?”, you’ll be pleased to know that it has a perfect balance of small-town charm and urban conveniences.
Winter Garden, FL is a charming city with a higher cost of living and diverse population.
It boasts numerous landmarks, green spaces, attractions and efficient infrastructure & transportation networks.
Winter Garden has different attributes compared to its neighboring region (Winter Park) in terms of population size, housing costs & amenities.
Situated on the western edge of Orange County, Winter Garden, Florida, is a city that exudes historic charm and modern appeal. Known as a charming little city, Winter Garden is located near notable Florida locations including Orlando and the airport, making it easily accessible for residents and tourists alike. With a rich and juicy past as a former citrus town, Winter Garden enjoys a humid subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 47 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 92 degrees Fahrenheit in summer.
Yet, Winter Garden’s appeal goes beyond its pleasant weather and strategic placement. The cost of living in Winter Garden is slightly higher than the national average. This can be attributed to its rich history. The average income required for a family of four to reside comfortably in this city is approximately $84,927, while the average rent for a 983 square foot area is around $2,079 per month. Despite the higher cost, residents find the city’s charm and amenities worth every penny.
Winter Garden:
Houses a varied population of around 46,169 individuals, with some residents identifying as two or more races
Has a median age of 37.9 years, showcasing a vibrant mix of young families, working professionals, and active retirees
Has a robust job market, with popular positions ranging from Directors of Operations to Graphic Designers
Is home to major employers such as Disney World, Lockheed Martin Corp, and The Walt Disney Company, demonstrating the city’s vibrant and diverse economy.
In terms of safety, Winter Garden boasts a crime rate that is 14% lower than the national average, providing a secure environment for its residents. The city also offers:
A superior education system served by the Orange County Public Schools District
Diverse demographics
A thriving job market
A strong sense of community
These factors contribute to Winter Garden’s appeal to potential residents.
Since its incorporation in 1908, Winter Garden has undergone substantial growth. The city’s growth can be traced back to its agricultural roots, with the citrus industry and citrus production, vegetable production, lumber manufacturing, and fishing being the primary industries. The construction of railroad lines passing through the city led to the establishment of a commercial district, further fueling the city’s growth.
Yet, the evolution of Winter Garden didn’t happen instantly. Over the century, the city’s economy has seen considerable transformations, shifting from a reliance on agriculture to other industries. The augmented expenses of irrigation in the 1930s resulted in a transformation in the agricultural industry, marking an important milestone in the city’s evolution.
The development and expansion of Winter Garden have been partly shaped by its closeness to nearby cities such as:
Ocoee
Windermere
Oakland
Clermont
The city’s close proximity to Orlando has been particularly instrumental in its expansion, especially in areas like Four Corners. The transformation of old citrus groves into housing and commercial developments has significantly driven Winter Garden’s growth.
The city located in a geographically advantageous position has allowed it to draw distinctive influences from neighboring regions. For instance, Winter Garden has cultivated a contemporary downtown area, constructed local attractions like splash pads and farmers markets, and provides dynamic outdoor activities, all of which are efforts to attract tourists and young families into the area.
Winter Garden consists of various neighborhoods, each providing a distinctive mix of housing choices, facilities, and community aspects. From the gated community of Stoneybrook West to the picturesque Oakland Park and the sprawling subdivision of Independence, Winter Garden offers a wide array of residential options that cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences.
Nestled in Winter Garden is the gated community of Stoneybrook West, a neighborhood that offers a selection of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. The neighborhood is meticulously designed, featuring tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and community amenities like a golf course, clubhouse, pool, and playgrounds, providing residents with a balanced lifestyle of comfort and recreation.
Stoneybrook West is not merely a residential community; it’s a destination for a certain lifestyle. Residents enjoy the convenience of having resort-level amenities right at their doorstep, including:
A large clubhouse
A Jr Olympic size community pool
A kids splash zone
A playground
Multiple lighted tennis courts
For golf enthusiasts, the community also boasts a golf course and waterfront homes on Black Lake, creating a truly luxurious living experience.
Another gem within Winter Garden is the Oakland Park community. This neighborhood provides a selection of amenities, including:
A clubhouse
Swimming pool
Fitness center
Playground
Walking trails
The architectural styles of homes in Oakland Park vary, showcasing custom builds and lake view properties, offering residents a taste of luxury in a serene setting.
Oakland Park is not merely a living area; it’s a place for flourishing. Residents enjoy the convenience of the community’s proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options. Additionally, the community is served by esteemed educational institutions such as Tildenville Elementary, Lakeview Middle School, and West Orange High School, making it a prime location for families.
Independence is another noteworthy neighborhood within Winter Garden. This master-planned community features a wide variety of housing options that include single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums, all nestled within a meticulously designed residential area. Homes in Independence reflect various architectural styles such as Mediterranean, French Country, and more, adding to the uniqueness of the community.
Yet, Independence provides more than just a variety of housing choices. The community boasts amenities like:
Resident clubs
Arcade games
Fitness centers
Bike paths
Business centers
Spas
Resort pools
An on-site team
These amenities provide residents with a vibrant and active lifestyle.
Winter Garden is more than a city of residences; it’s also a city filled with landmarks and green spaces. Notable attractions include:
Plant Street
The Central Florida Railroad Museum
The Sobo Art Gallery
The Garden Theater
Newton Park
Centennial Plaza
Newton Park, a lakeside park in Lake County, features a fishing pier and a picnicking pavilion, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities.
The city of Winter Garden offers a variety of attractions and green spaces, including:
West Orange Dog Park: an outdoor space for residents to enjoy quality time with their furry friends
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden: a notable landmark showcasing art and sculptures
West Orange Trail: a scenic trail for outdoor enthusiasts
Lake Apopka: a beautiful lake that is perfect for nature lovers
These attractions, including theme parks, make Winter Garden a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Winter Garden is also a hub for lively commercial and cultural activities. The city is renowned for its popular restaurants, shopping centers, and attractions like the Garden Theater and Central Florida Railroad Museum, providing residents and visitors with a wide array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The Garden Theatre provides a vivid showcase of the city’s culture. Downtown offers plenty of vibrant live music every weekend for everyone to enjoy. SoBo Art Gallery displays stunning visual art which makes it an enriching experience..
From Caribbean Sunshine Bakery to Market To Table, Taco Norteño, Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine, Matthew’s Steakhouse, Harrell’s Hot Dogs and Cold Cones, The Deli Downtown, Chef’s Table at the Edgewater, Thai Blossom, The Whole Enchilada, Rosallie, and Michael’s, the city offers a range of culinary delights to satisfy every palate. These unique offerings, combined with the city’s cultural landmarks like the Garden Theatre and the Winter Garden Farmers Market, further enrich the city’s cultural footprint.
Though closely situated, Winter Garden and Winter Park are two separate cities, each with its distinct attributes. Winter Park is often perceived to be more established and upscale than Winter Garden, which offers more options for an invigorating lifestyle and slightly lower housing costs. Notably, Winter Garden has a larger population size than Winter Park, reflecting its growing popularity among residents.
In contrast, Winter Park was established in 1887 as a winter retreat for affluent Northerners and is renowned for its art galleries, gardens, and picturesque boat tours. However, both cities offer their unique appeal and a variety of residential options, making them both attractive options for those looking to reside in Orange County, Florida.
Winter Garden prides itself on its well-established infrastructure and transportation system. Highways 50 and the Western Beltway make it convenient to get to Winter Garden. There you can find a variety of accommodations, shopping centers, museums, and other attractions. For those looking to travel to or from Winter Garden, the city is accessible via plane, train, or bus, making it a convenient destination for both residents and tourists.
The city’s infrastructure extends to its residential neighborhoods, where the average number of vehicles per household is 2, reflecting the city’s suburban lifestyle. With navigation applications like Google Maps and Waze readily available, getting around Winter Garden is not just convenient, but also effortless.
Winter Garden, a charming city nestled in the heart of Florida, offers a unique blend of historic appeal, vibrant community life, and modern amenities. From its diverse neighborhoods to its rich cultural scene, landmarks, and green spaces, Winter Garden presents a lifestyle that is both enriching and fulfilling. Whether you’re looking to settle down or visit, Winter Garden welcomes you with open arms and a promise of an experience that is uniquely its own.
The poverty rate in Winter Garden, Florida is 10.33%.