What Makes North Orlando Special
With miles of flowing rivers and acres of scenic parks, North Orlando is a beautiful area for exploring the natural beauty of Central Florida. You can enjoy an airboat ride with Black Hammock Adventures or bike around the quaint town of Sanford. Of course, there’s art and culture too, thanks to places like the Enterprise Heritage Center and Museum and Gallery on First. With golf courses, shopping centers, spas, and restaurants galore, North Orlando is sure to offer something for the whole family.
Favorite Spots in Northeast Orlando
Now, let’s take a closer look at five of our favorite spots in Northeast Orlando.
Winter Park
Maitland
With a population of 21,000, Maitland is one of Northeast Orlando’s most attractive cities, thanks to its active art and history community, friendly neighborhoods, growing downtown area, and beautiful, tree-filled parks.
Altamonte Springs
Altamonte Springs is an Orlando suburb in Seminole County with just over 43,000 residents. Less than 15 minutes from downtown and only 45 minutes from Daytona Beach, locals appreciate the quieter but still convenient location.
Casselberry
Another popular spot in Seminole County, Casselberry is located less than 15 miles from Orlando and home to nearly 28,000 residents who appreciate the city’s dedication to the arts, highly-rated public schools, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Sanford
Halfway between the hustle-and-bustle of Orlando and the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Sanford lies on the shore of Lake Monroe. Enjoy the charm and ambience of the historic downtown’s 19-century buildings, beautiful waterfront, and unique shops and restaurants.
The History of Orlando
In 1838, in the midst of the Seminole Wars, the United States Army built Fort Gatlin in an effort to protect the people who had settled just south of present-day Orlando. A small community soon developed there, called Jernigan in honor of the Jernigan family, who established the area’s first permanent settlement. By 1856, as the community grew into the northern territory, the name was changed to Orlando. The town, with 85 residents, was incorporated in 1875.
There are four stories told about the inspiration behind the name Orlando. In the first tale, Judge James Speer, who played an important part in securing Orlando as the county seat, named the city after a man who previously worked with him. The second story claims that Judge Speer used a character in Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It for inspiration. The third anecdote argues that Mr. Orlando, during a trip to Tampa, got sick, died, and was buried in the community. Following his death, travelers would say, “There lies Orlando” as they passed through the town. In the fourth and final story, during the Seminole Wars, after fighting back the Indians near Lake Minnie (now Cherokee), soldiers spent the night in the area. Sentinel Orlando Reeves was standing guard when he noticed a floating log and realized it was a disguised Indian. He fired his gun, warning his fellow soldiers of the ambush, and then died by the Indians’ arrows. He was buried near Lake Eola, which is now part of a public park in Downtown Orlando.
For more information about North Orlando and surrounding areas, check out our blog series,
Thinking About Relocating to Central Florida? Find the Right Neighborhood for You!
Part 1: West Orlando
Five Reasons to Get a Dog
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You’ll benefit from an increase in oxytocin and endorphins. Think about it: You pet your dog. Your dog wags his tail and leans into you. You feel relaxed and content. You pet your dog some more.
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Pets give you a sense of purpose and responsibility and provide you with companionship and love.
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Pets make kids smarter! One study suggests that children with pets have better verbal skills than their pet-less peers.
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Pets make you healthier. They lessen your likelihood of stress, anxiety, and depression and also lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Plus, they encourage you to squeeze in those 10,000 steps each day.
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You can save a life. Make the world a better place when you rescue a dog or cat from an organization like the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. At The Urban Dog Group, we donate a portion of our proceeds from each transaction to an animal rescue charity. So when you find a home, homeless pets in our community do too!
Pet Owners in Central Florida
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Many cities in Central Florida are pet-friendly, a factor that 86 percent of dog owners consider when moving. In fact, 84 percent of owners are willing to spend more on a home with puppy necessities like a fenced-in backyard, nearby walking trails, and more.
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In Orlando, there are 11 pet-focused businesses for every 10,000 people.
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Whether you need a vet, a groomer, or a good spot for playing fetch, Orlando has got you covered! There are just as many veterinarians as public parks, with more than 80 vet practices and 30 pet hospitals. Plus, there are 45 pet washing and grooming facilities.
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You have to check out the pet-friendly beaches! One of our favorite spots is Vero Beach Dog Park, an off-leash, five-acre green space along the Indian River Lagoon.
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Another one of our must-visit spots for pet owners is Park Avenue in Winter Park, which is filled with dog-friendly restaurants and stores.
