Rich History and Small-Town Living in Windermere, FL

If you have been looking into Central Florida real estate, it's likely you have heard good things about the small town of Windermere. It's no surprise that the community has garnered such a high reputation when you look at the history and small town charm the area has to offer. Let's take a look at what has drawn so many to move and look for homes for sale in Windermere and what makes it such a sought after real estate destination.

Where It All Began

Before the “giant freezes” of the 1890s and 1980s Windermere was a heart of the Florida citrus region. Founded in 1889, the small town is one of the oldest communities in Orange County and by 1910, the Windermere Improvement Company built numerous homes all around the area. Many of these old homes and buildings have been preserved and add to the charm of this little place nestled among the old oaks and clear lakes of Central Florida. This charm has not been overlooked and is now called home by roughly 2,000 residents.

Disney Connections

In the early days of the construction of Walt Disney World, the 1960's and 1970's, many Disney executives lived in Windermere, including Don Edgren, Bob Allen and Admiral Joe Fowler. The town’s location made it an easy commute for those working on and in the Disney campus and given the pros and cons of living near Disney, the proximity to the Orlando attractions remains one of Windermere’s biggest selling points for many. Even today the connection continues as living in Windermere allows residents to have that small town feel, while still being able to enjoy the local tourist attractions such as Walt Disney World.

Rub Elbows With Famous Neighbors

The luxurious reputation of the homes for sale in Windermere FL has garnered the attention of many celebrities and professional athletes who have chosen to call the small town home. Actors and actresses including Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown and Miami Vices’ Philip Michael Thomas have called Windermere home as well as many athletes like professional golfer Tiger Woods, Hall of Fame baseball player Ken Griffey Jr., and NBA star Vince Carter. If you prefer musicians as neighbors, you will be excited to hear that former lead guitar player and songwriter for Creed and Alter Bridge, Mark Tremonti, has spent many years as a Windermere resident. 

Looking Ahead

If you ask current residents of Windermere what they love most about living there, you will most likely hear, “It’s safe, small, quiet and clean.” It is a highly sought out place to live in Central Florida, thanks to these qualities and the school system that is one of the highest ranked in the area. Living in Central Florida can be loud and stressful due to the high amount of tourism the area sees every year, but this little oasis remains nonetheless. Thanks to Windermere’s humble beginnings, this town will be able to continue to pride itself on having a small, tight-knit community.

It's no wonder that those looking to move to Central Florida are drawn to the quiet tranquility of Windermere. Its small town charm and luxurious residential opportunities make it an ideal destination no matter your price range or housing preference. With so many options in the community, there is certainly something for anyone and everyone in Windermere Florida.