List of neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida facts for kids

Orlando, Florida, is a big city, and like many large cities, it's divided into smaller areas called neighborhoods. Think of neighborhoods as different communities or sections within the city, each with its own unique feel and history. These neighborhoods help people understand where they live and how the city is organized.

Exploring Orlando's Neighborhoods

Orlando has officially defined many neighborhoods that cover the entire city area. These official neighborhoods help the city manage services, plan for the future, and keep track of its different parts.

What Are Official Neighborhoods?

Official neighborhoods are like the building blocks of Orlando. The city has given each area a specific name and boundaries. This helps everyone, from city planners to residents, know exactly which part of Orlando they are talking about. It's a way to keep things organized in a growing city.

How Orlando Grew: Annexation

You might see dates next to some neighborhoods, like "1968" or "1981." These dates show when a neighborhood was annexed. Annexation means that an area that was once outside the city limits officially became a part of Orlando. It's how the city has grown bigger over time, adding more land and people. For example, some neighborhoods were annexed way back in 1875, which is when Orlando was just starting to become a city!

Special Neighborhoods in Orlando

Some neighborhoods have interesting stories or special features:

• Baldwin Park was once a big Navy training base. After the base closed, it was redeveloped into a modern neighborhood with homes, shops, and parks.
• Central Business District is the busy downtown area. It includes the Downtown Historic District, which means it has many old, important buildings.
• City of Orlando/GOAA is mostly empty land near Orlando International Airport. It's being kept for future development, possibly related to the airport.
• Some neighborhoods, like Azalea Park or Conway, are only partly inside Orlando. This means a part of the neighborhood is in the city, and another part might be in a different county or an unincorporated area.
• Many neighborhoods, such as College Park or Lake Eola Heights, are known for their historic districts. These are areas where special rules help protect old buildings and keep the neighborhood's original look and feel.

Discovering Other Unique Areas

Besides the official neighborhoods, people often talk about other areas in Orlando that have their own identities. These might be larger areas that include several official neighborhoods, or places known for a specific vibe or purpose.

Downtown Orlando: The City's Heart

When people say Downtown Orlando, they are usually talking about the city's main center. This big area includes several official neighborhoods like Callahan, Central Business District, and Lake Eola Heights. It's where you'll find tall buildings, businesses, entertainment, and many of Orlando's famous landmarks.

Historic Places and Modern Hubs

• Lake Lawsona Historic District is a special area that includes parts of Lawsona/Fern Creek and Thornton Park. It's recognized for its historical importance and beautiful old homes.
• Mills 50 is a lively area named after the intersection of Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive. It's known for its unique shops, restaurants, and street art, and it covers parts of several official neighborhoods.
• Ivanhoe Village is another popular spot, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and beautiful lake views. It's located in parts of Lake Formosa and North Orange.

Big Areas and Special Plans

• Lake Nona is a very large, fast-growing area in southeast Orlando. It's known for its focus on health, education, and technology, and it includes several official neighborhoods like Education Village and NorthLake Park at Lake Nona.
• Southeast Orlando is a broad region east of the airport. It includes Lake Nona and other neighborhoods, and it's part of a special plan for how the city will grow in that direction.
• Traditional City is a special zoning term used by the city. It describes a large area that includes many of Orlando's older, established neighborhoods like College Park and Thornton Park. These areas often have a classic city layout with tree-lined streets and a mix of homes and local businesses.