Seminole County

Otherwise known as Orlando North, Seminole County sits atop Downtown Orlando along the I-4, making it a great place to live if you want to experience the best of city life by day and retreat to the quieter suburbs by night.

Realtors who specialize in buying and selling homes in the area will tell you that Seminole County best caters to families looking for space to spread out. And you won’t be disappointed in what you find here. There are dozens of parks and more than 2,000 waterways scattered throughout spacious communities, making it easy for residents to get outdoors and soak up the year-round Florida sunshine. Zipline through the trees, hike through the many untouched wilderness areas and parks, take an airboat ride on Lake Jessup, and swim the crystal-clear waters of Wekiva Springs—it’s all at your front door.

Being a Seminole County homebuyer means you’ll also likely get more bang for your buck when it comes to buying a property here. The houses are sizable compared to what you’ll find in Downtown Orlando, often with larger lots, more bedrooms, and front- and backyards with room for screened pools and patios. The neighborhoods that line Wekiva Springs State Park can testify to that. These one-of-a-kind waterfront homes promote the best of indoor/outdoor living in a way that feels remote and yet is just a stone’s throw from modern conveniences.

Just down the way, you’ll encounter the well-established cities of Altamonte Springs, Longwood and Casselberry, chock full of recognizable restaurant chains, retail and entertainment for all ages. The Uptown Altamonte area is especially popular with families and young professionals for its beautiful lakefront park with a boardwalk, dancing fountains and a calendar of community events, including live music, art festivals, and well-attended Fourth of July fireworks and Halloween street party celebrations.

Just a quick drive west on SR 436, Oviedo and Winter Springs offer a quiet reprieve from the daily grind with woodsy suburban neighborhoods, affordable houses, award-winning schools and a convenient commute into Orlando’s most prominent business districts. These communities are especially popular with those who attend and work at the University of Central Florida, located just a few minutes south.

If you’re looking for a fixer-upper, the city of Sanford is the place for you, with dozens of well-kept historic homes ready to be revived. These houses are often situated on larger plots of land and are located near the city’s historic downtown district, buzzing with charming antique stores, brew pubs, and trendy restaurants nestled in original brick buildings. And if waterfront living is a dream of yours, Sanford has its own marina and waterfront park. It also provides a convenient way to travel via Orlando- Sanford International Airport (SFB), with flights departing daily to a growing number of international destinations.

In the northern part of Seminole County, the more affluent communities of Lake Mary and Heathrow consist of custom-built estates and master-planned, gated neighborhoods glimmering with new construction. Just like its neighbors, they’re only a short drive on the highway from the bright lights of the big city. Seminole County truly has something for everyone.