A new Forbes Magazine article has listed Orlando, Florida as the #5 best place to live in Florida for 2023. They looked at different factors such as population, home affordability, employment opportunity, community well-being scores, crime rates, estimated monthly expenses and more. Forbes’ editors concluded that Orlando is among Florida’s most desirable options for young adults and families.

We agree. There’s something magic about the area, for sure.

Several years ago, we expanded our operations to include Orlando. As Central Florida’s most prominent city, with such interesting neighborhoods and people, Orlando is a natural fit for Domain Homes and our efforts to build great places to live, near great things to do.

One of the world’s top tourist attractions

Couples, friends and families from all over the world save their money all year long for a trip to Orlando. It’s a sunny, exciting destination full of star-studded attractions and colorful entertainment.

The International Drive entertainment district is adjacent to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, and it’s only a short drive from here to SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort (which includes the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon).

The district also includes ICON Park, with colorful attractions like The Wheel — a 400-foot-tall, air-conditioned Ferris Wheel — and other delights like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and the Museum of Illusions Orlando. There’s even a Gordon Ramsay restaurant where you can try some of the famous chef’s more casual, accessible fare.

Elsewhere in the district, you can enjoy all sorts of fun, games, karting, escape rooms, indoor skydiving, zipline adventures and so much more. Outside the I-Drive, many other attractions await, such as the historic Gatorland, airboat tours, kayaking, rides, putt-putt golf, shopping and an endless array of food and drink.

Cuisine and culture

Speaking of food and drink, there’s almost an infinite variety to try in and around Orlando. From haute cuisine to adventurous fusion to roadside stand delights, there is truly something for every taste. Snapper, grouper, conch, Appalachicola oysters and fresh stone crab are Florida mainstays, here to delight seafood lovers. Fried alligator tail is also a surpringly delicious option.

There are amazing restaurants to be found in every corner, from the highly trafficked tourist centers to treasures found far off the beaten path. Chefs of all persuasions have gravitated here to concoct unforgettable dishes — just waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

Outdoor adventures galore

The Orlando area is dotted with lakes. From the 30,800-acre Lake Apopka (the fourth largest in Florida) to the smallest pond, there is ample opportunity for fishing, kayaking, birdwatching and exploration. There are also freshwater springs, creeks and rivers for tubing, diving and swimming.

There’s plenty of open space for bicycling, walking, playing outside with kids and generally enjoying the all-year “outdoor weather.”

Orlando’s powerhouse economy

As surprising at it may seem, only 20% of Orlando’s workforce is in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Industry of all kinds are abuzz in the land of magic.

Some companies have built their headquarters here, including the American Automobile Association, Darden Restaurants, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Mears Transportation Group, Tupperware Brands and the international hotel and resort chain, Travel + Leisure.

Other local industries make up an incredible — and forward-thinking — variety, including optics and photonics, advanced manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, digital media, life sciences and healthcare, telecommunications, information services, video games, consulting, aviation, aerospace, defense, biotechnology, logistics and distribution.

The Orlando area is hungry for talent, and the amazing lifestyles possible here are a strong attractor for motivated people in every stage of their careers. With no state taxes and an entrepreneurial spirit, Orlando is a natural fit for companies of all sizes.

We’re here to build your future in Orlando

As you read this, we’re in various stages of building homes in Orlando’s most exciting neighborhoods.

Based out of Tampa, we’ve recently expanded our scope to include other metros, and we’ve been building our reputation around the Orlando area by designing gorgeous homes in unexpected places. Our ability to build on your lot and complement the architecture of your unique neighborhood is one of our greatest joys.

We’re glad to see the area achieve even more national recognition — and we’re thrilled to meet, greet and help new customers who are delighted to make Orlando their new home.