Living in Central Florida
Central Florida runs on tourism, but the draw of this place was felt long before a mouse ever got into the act. It’s a land of tremendous natural beauty, riddled with glassy lakes that teem with water birds, century-old oak trees that take up half a city block, and a climate that is ideal about 80 percent of the time — and it’s better than most other places when it’s not postcard-perfect. The region is a mix of former agricultural towns (quaintly preserved) and planned communities (luxuriously appointed), and in between are gardened lots along shady streets and long docks stretching into blue waters. Tourism fuels more than the economy here, which thrives with a vibrant food scene and a healthy arts community. Rich with parks, trails, and other recreational opportunities, Central Florida is a paradise al fresco for most of the year. The rest of the time? Well, that’s why everyone seems to have a pool.