You are not alone. Beginning in December, when the weather gets cold in most of the northern Hemisphere, many people turn to Florida with longing in their hearts. They call me. I consult with them, determinining their needs, and help them buy their dream winter home in Central Florida.

Why Central Florida?

    OK. Why do you want to spend the winter in Florida? To get away from the snow and ice, so you can enjoy being active outside, instead of cooped up in the house for months, right? Even though the temperature can drop to around freezing for a few hours at night, cold spells usually linger for only a day or two before the temperature returns to a comfortable range. And I have never seen snow on the ground in Central Florida. Winter is a great time for playing golf on our beautiful golf courses  . Other winter sports that are popular are tennis, walking, and bicycle riding . Swimming is not a big sport for winter residents since the water is pretty cold November – May. Come back in the summer for watersports.


Keenes Pointe Golf Course

    You have health and nutrition needs right? There are numerous Hospitals and Specialist Doctors in the Greater Orlando Area. Orlando Magazine  ranks top doctors every year.  If you enjoy fresh fruit then look for strawberries, grapefruit, oranges, and tangerines ripening December to March. The grocery stores here are incredible with lots of specialty items and fantastic produce. Fresh Market and Whole Foods in the Dr. Phillips area are worth a visit, for the ultimate in grocery shopping.

    Entertainment is, of course, our claim to fame. The big names in town are Walt Disney World , Universal Studios , and Sea World . But did you know that you can see traveling Broadway shows and more at Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando. The Magic, our professional basketball team is now competing in the new Arena, which is also utilized for major music events.  Catch spring training baseball with the Atlanta Braves at Disney/ESPN Wide World of Sports. Many concerts are also held at The House of Blues at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista.

    Let’s say you just want some peace and quiet with a nice view. It sounds like you want a lakefront home in Central Florida where you can put your feet up, read a book, sip a hot coffee or a nice cold beverage, and watch a great egret fish for his dinner as the sun sets, brushing peach and crimson across the sky, reflecting in the water like a Winslow Homer painting. 


Clermont Chain of Lakes


    What about shopping and restaurants? We got you covered. Winter Garden has Winter Garden Village at Fowler’s Grove Mall, Clermont has lots of shops and restaurants and a Movie Theater. The old section of Winter Garden has unique restaurants and a small theater with live entertainment, the Garden Theater. International Drive has the Outlet Mall. East of Windermere is the Mall at Millenia  with “high fashion” and an IKEA store nearby! Sand Lake Road has Restaurant Row, with delectable food. If I tried to make a list of all of the shopping and dining available it would just go on and on.

    Oops! I forgot fishing. Lots of lakes, many are great for fishing. Just bring your boat. Oh and we have a Bass Pro Shops too!!!!

    The beach? It is only a little over an hour by car to get to east or west coast. East coast has the waves. West coast is calmer. Enjoy a day at the beach and then come home to Central Florida. When hurricanes come to visit, they are the strongest at impact on the coast. So homes at the beach suffer from the most destructive winds. When you are at the beach please notice that all of the hurricane evacuation routes take you to Central Florida. We have plenty of hotel rooms available for evacuation of people from the coast.

    Is there anything I missed? I am sure, there is so much that our area has to offer. Just let me know if there is anything specific that you are looking for in a place to buy a winter home in Florida. In the meantime, curl up by the fire, look out the window at the snow and ice, and dream of your future winter home in Central Florida. It will make you feel warmer!

Warm Wishes,

Lorraine Burch, Lakefront Homes Consultant
Because Home is More than Just a House
www.HomesCentralFL.com
www.LakefrontHomes-CentralFL.com