Neighborhood Spotlight: Celebration
Life in Orlando is full of fun and adventure, but if you’re looking for a small town feel while being only minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort, Celebration might be for you. Established in the late 90’s as a community where Disney cast members could live, work and play, Celebration has since evolved into a family friendly destination with subtle nods to Disney scattered throughout.
Where is it?
A mere 8 miles from the Magic Kingdom lies a community created by Disney with the sole purpose of being a family centered, all American town that was convenient to their theme parks. If your priorities lie outside of the parks, Celebration is just a hop, skip and jump away from a variety of other fun destinations. Tampa is just a one hour drive with tons to see and do, while everything that downtown Orlando has to offer is only around 30 minutes.
What is there to do?
Homey, small and comfortable, Celebration has done a great job of keeping big-box stores out of its downtown area and instead focused on filling its storefronts with more local offerings. Anything you need is a short bike ride away including the grocery store, pet supply store, local boutiques and various restaurants. If you’re interested in planning a date night, think about taking a stroll around Lake Rianhard and through the nearby park, over to Columbia Restaurant. This favorite among locals was started just up the road in Tampa in the early 1900’s and has now spread to six locations in the state of Florida.
How about the weekend farmers market? Every Sunday from 10 AM- 2 PM organizers shut down the town square and host a variety of vendors offering everything from local, fresh produce and honey to handmade goods. After checking out the farmers market brush up on your golf game at the Celebration Golf Club. The course is fitting for all skill levels including experts that have taken part in the U.S. Senior Open and beginners looking to take advantage of the lessons being taught at the Club.
There’s never a shortage of fun things to do and see all without ever having to leave the community.
How far is it from the other Central Florida attractions?
We already know it’s close proximity to all things Disney, but thanks to it’s convenient location right off of the FL 417 toll road Celebration is only 9 miles from Orlando International Airport. Other area theme parks such as Universal Studios is 11 miles and Sea World and Discovery Cove are 7! There’s so much to see and do within a 20 minute radius that it’s easy to see why Celebration appeals to families of all sorts.
Who is Celebration best for?
Have a young family? Retired? A cast member? Celebration is the perfect place for you! I’m not going to lie, it is one of the pricier areas to live in and around central Florida, but the amenities and conveniences it provides far outweigh the price tag. Many people get around on their electric golf carts. Retirees take advantage of the many activities geared towards them that are planned by the town events committee. The school system ranks pretty highly compared to surrounding schools with the kindergarten- 8th grade ranked 9/10 by GreatSchools.org. All in all, Celebration is a great place to call home if you can afford it and value being minutes from Disney property.
If Celebration doesn’t sound like a great fit for you, check out our other posts on the best places to live in and around Central Florida.
Posted by The Orlando Real on
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