Do you want to live in Snow White’s backyard? While you won’t find magic spells and enchanted forests in Orlando, this city is definitely magical – and enchanting! Located in the heart of Central Florida near major theme parks, including Disney World, Orlando truly is the City Beautiful. Downtown Orlando wraps around Lake Eola, a crystal-blue circle in the heart of the city. The lake contains an iconic fountain and swan-shaped paddle boats cruise across the surface. Add in palm trees, sunshine, and streets almost as sparkling clean as those along Main Street in Disney (Orlando was named one of America’s Cleanest Cities by Forbes Magazine) and it’s easy to see why Orlando residents love their city.

But there’s more to Orlando than theme parks and sunshine – this is a major city with a strong economy, several major colleges and universities, and action-packed days and nights that include theaters, shops, museums, and restaurants. Rent an apartment in Orlando and discover the magic!

Things to Do in Orlando:

There’s a reason why Orlando is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations! Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Islands of Adventure, Epcot, Discovery Cove, Wet ‘n’ Wild … this is the theme park capital of the world, and those attractions bring more than 57 million visitors every year. But there’s more to Orlando than theme parks, and you’ll quickly discover all of the city’s unique destinations once you choose your new Orlando apartment.

The Orange County Convention Center is the nation’s second-largest convention center. The OCCC covers 7 million square feet and is located on the iconic International Drive. I-Drive is the main tourist strip in the city, spanning just over 11 miles. In addition to the convention center, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and outlet malls are located along the strip. Universal Orlando is located just off I-Drive.

The Orlando Science Center is a hands-on, interactive center that offers exhibits, an observatory, a domed theater, a gift shop, a café, and more. In addition to the center’s permanent exhibit halls, traveling exhibits are also featured throughout the year.

Whether you’re in the mood for a special performance, a stand-up comic, a rock concert, or a sports event, the Amway Center has you covered. This is the home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and the Amway Center is hopping during basketball season!

If you prefer college sports, Orlando is home to the University of Central Florida and the UCF Knights! To watch the Knights play football head to Bright House Networks Stadium, a 45,300-seat stadium located on UCF’s main campus.

When you want a more peaceful outing, the Harry P. Leu Gardens features 50 acres of semi-tropical and tropical gardens. Listed as a US Historic District, the gardens feature winding trails beneath 200-year-old oak trees. The property also features three historic buildings, including the Leu House Museum. The museum and gardens date back to 1888.

While you’ll find plenty of attractions and events geared toward tourists, such as the Blue Man Group, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, and Old Town, you’ll also discover many hidden treasures once you become an Orlando apartment renter. The Mennello Museum of American Art, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, the Orlando Museum of Art, and the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center are all terrific locations to explore.

If you want to go shopping in Orlando, your options are nearly endless. There are the gift shops and boutiques along International Drive, a terrific shopping district in Downtown Orlando, outlet malls, the Florida Mall (one of the nation’s largest malls and the largest mall in Orlando), the Mall at Millenia, and Orlando Fashion Square Mall.

When you feel slightly more adventurous, you’ll be able to go off-roading, try out the zip line at Gatorland, or do some indoor skydiving. The AirHeads Trampoline Arena in Downtown Orlando offers everything from children’s events to trampoline fitness classes. If you’d rather go exploring, head to the 1,000-acre Shingle Creek Regional Park and take a canoe along the creeks and waterways, which lead through a cypress swamp with a mysterious history – it was the site of a long battle during the Second Seminole War.

And when the sun goes down, Orlando heats up – be sure to check out the wide selection of nightclubs, restaurants, dance clubs, and entertainment venues that come alive in the evening. Universal’s City Walk is home to the Hard Rock Café, a Cineplex, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Emeril’s, and the Cowfish. If you enjoy classic cars and live music, be sure to spend the evening strolling through Old Town.

What to Consider When Moving to Orlando:

Orlando is a beautiful, modern city – that dates back to 1875. Most of the historic neighborhoods are located in Downtown Orlando, especially around Lake Eola. Orlando is a busy cosmopolitan area with a huge tourism industry – but that isn’t all. Considered a World City, Orlando is home to one of the nation’s busiest airports, the Orlando International Airport. It is also an education hub – home to the nation’s second-largest university, the University of Central Florida. It is also home to Florida A&M University College of Law, Seminole State College of Florida, Valencia College, and Rollins College.

As you search Orlando apartments, explore some of the city’s 100-plus neighborhoods. Some, such as Callahan, College Park, and Parramore are historic, dating back to the 1800s. The Central Business District contains the Financial District, several nightclubs, hotels, businesses, and office buildings. For a more traditional Floridian feel, the Lake Eola Heights Historic District features some of Orlando’s oldest and most historic homes. Thornton Park is also historic, but where Lake Eola Heights reflects a “Floridian-style” atmosphere, Thornton Park is a high-end, upscale neighborhood that features fashion boutiques and elegant restaurants. It is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Orlando, filled with luxury condos.

Why Orlando Apartments Are Hot:

For starters, the world’s favorite playgrounds are in your backyard! Add to that amazing weather defined by that legendary Florida sunshine, major universities, an economy that includes everything from tourism to high-tech industries, less than two hours to the stunning beaches of both the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Ocean, and fantastic nightlife – it’s easy to see why Orlando apartments get snapped up quickly. If you want to move to Orlando, you’re in good company – a Pew Research study found that Orlando is the fourth most popular city, based on where people want to live. Are you ready to live a fairytale? Make your dreams come true by renting an apartment in Orlando now!