Why Was Orlando Named The #1 Place to Retire?

With Florida's tax advantages, year-round recreation, warm climate, world-class attractions, easy travel, and a wide range of communities, Southwest Orlando offers an ideal lifestyle that matters most to many retirees. So, it should be no surprise that Orlando was recently named the #1 place to retire in the U.S. by WalletHub. Let's take a closer look at what makes Orlando a top choice for retirees.

What Makes Southwest Orlando a Great Place to Retire?

Southwest Orlando Golf CommunityLocation and lifestyle are two of the top reasons people choose Southwest Orlando for their retirement home base. Its Central Florida location makes it easy to travel throughout Florida to the east and west coasts for beaches and cruise ports. Port…

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An Inside Look at Horizon West Parks

With the growth of Winter Garden and Horizon West over the last several years, in addition to new construction communities, roadways, and businesses, new local parks have popped up. Horizon West Regional Park, which has been opening in phases since early 2026, and the newest, Watermark Park, which opened on August 31st, 2026. These parks give area residents more ways to get outdoors, explore, and connect with neighbors. Let's take a closer look at Horizon West's parks and see just one of the many reasons locals love calling Horizon West home.

Watermark Park: Horizon West's Newest Neighborhood Park

Watermark Park, located at the corner of Summerlake Groves St & Seidel Road, across from Panther Lake Elementary…

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A Local Guide To Dog Parks, Pet-Friendly Dining, And Communities Across Southwest Orlando

Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty

Waterbrooke Community Dog ParkRecently Orlando was named the #4 pet-friendly city in the U.S. by WalletHub. They compared 100 of the largest cities across 23 key metrics, including veterinary care costs, dog-friendly restaurants per capita, and dog parks per capita. Orlando stood out in the pet health & wellness category, as well as the number of veterinarians per capita, and dog-friendly restaurants per capita. 

Orlando’s latest pet-friendly ranking puts the spotlight on something locals already know: Southwest Orlando makes it easy to enjoy everyday life with a dog, from parks and trails to neighborhoods built…

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Trying to Decide Between Windermere and Winter Garden? 

Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty

For buyers considering neighborhoods around Orlando, especially Southwest Orlando, the conversation usually includes a comparison of Windermere and Winter Garden. This makes sense in many ways. Located next to each other, with a great selection of communities to choose from, access to Walt Disney World, and a wide range of homes, from townhomes and condos to lakefront estates. Both are also appealing to those seeking access to downtown, the I-4 corridor, and beyond. 

Windermere is known for its lake-centered lifestyle among the Butler Chain of Lakes with a small-town vibe, established communities, and close proximity…

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The Latest Openings and Upcoming Developments in Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden & Clermont

Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty

If you've been asking what's new in Southwest Orlando in 2026, this post covers the latest restaurant openings, business arrivals, and development projects across Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Horizon West, and Clermont.

From new restaurants and coffee shops to beloved re-openings and major mixed-use developments and lifestyle additions, Southwest Orlando continues to evolve in ways that make communities like Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, and Clermont some of the most talked-about cities in Central Florida real estate.

Whether you're already a local…

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A real Saturday in Winter Garden, from the farmers market to Hamlin and everything in between

Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty

There is something special about living in Southwest Orlando, and the way people spend their Saturday mornings, especially in Winter Garden, can turn an ordinary day into a weekly tradition you look forward to. So, what does one do on a Saturday in Winter Garden? It often starts with a leisurely stroll around the famous Winter Garden Farmers Market, coffee in hand, and maybe a breakfast sandwich, selecting your week's produce, and perusing the many booths. Later, life may take you south to Winter Garden Village or Hamlin for your weekly food shop or for any home project you are…

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Experience the West Orange Trail Like A Local

Your Local Guide to the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, and Apopka, Florida

Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty

The West Orange Trail has gained popularity over the years with both visitors and local trail enthusiasts, and most people in Central Florida have heard of it, but knowing of a trail and really knowing the trail are two very different things. This local guide to the West Orange Trail in Oakland, Winter Garden, Ocoee, and Apopka highlights hidden gems, food stops, and can’t-miss experiences along one of Central Florida’s most popular trails. If you're not familiar, here's a quick overview:

Quick Facts about the West Orange Trail

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Update On Newly Approved Routes & Included Communities

Blog Author: Jeffrey Funk | Co-Founder, The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty | ICON Agent

Winter Garden Golf Cart DistrictGetting around Winter Garden by golf cart has just become more accessible with the recent approval by the Winter Garden City Commission to expand the city's Golf Cart District. The expansion extends existing routes south Downtown Winter Garden and spans to the east and north of downtown. As part of the process, speed limits on several roads were lowered in November ahead of the vote, a key factor in allowing additional streets to qualify for golf cart use. The expansion adds several new communities to the district as well, adding more accessibility for area residents.

Winter Garden…

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A Closer Look At Life, Growth, and New Homes In Horizon West

Summerlake in Horizon West, Winter Garden, FloridaIf you've driven anywhere near Hamlin, Flamingo Crossing, or along the 429, you've definitely noticed just how much Horizon West in Winter Garden and West Windermere has transformed over the last 5+ years. As housing demand grew, new construction communities in Winter Garden have steadily popped up  along east and west of 429, extending almost to the 192. Since 2020, the area has expanded to include more than five schools, numerous new construction home communities, and additional dining, shopping, and medical facilities. This popular area has catapulted from quiet farmland to one of Central Florida's most popular places to live. While it has grown rapidly, what makes it special is how…

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Seeking new construction in downtown Winter Garden?

A new community is COMING SOON to downtown Winter Garden. Plant Street Commons, developed by Atrium Development Group, brings the unique opportunity to live in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden while enjoying a new construction home. This mixed-use project will include eight 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom 2-story townhomes along with 5,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space as well as apartments. Joining neighboring townhome communities Park Place Townhomes & 30 North Park, Plant Street Commons made its debut with a groundbreaking on August 27, 2025, with completion slated for late 2026.

Downtown Winter Garden Location Near Plant Street Market

West Orange Trail in Downtown Winter Garden

Plant Street Commons is located on…

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