Windermere is near to the fun and excitement that all of the amusement and theme parks have to offer in the Orlando metropolitan area, while offering all that nature has to enrich our lives. Located amidst the chain of sand-bottom lakes known as Butler’s Chain, the 1,958 residents enjoy all of the outdoor activities afforded the entire family all year round.
Location
Windermere is located in the southwest corner of Orange County, Florida. This town is considered to be part of the greater Orlando metropolitan area, just a ½ hour’s drive northeast to the city of Orlando. The wonderful Walt Disney World is just over a 15-minute drive away. And the greater Tampa Bay area is just 1½ hour’s drive southwest from Windermere.
Geography/Terrain
Windermere is fortuitously located amidst several beautiful sand-bottom lakes, which together make up the Butler Chain. Lake Butler is on the town’s west, Lake Down on its east and Lake Bessie on its southeast side. Encompassing a total area of 1.1 square miles of land and sitting at 125 feet above sea level, the small town of Windermere offers fresh marine air and beautiful panoramic lake views.
Jobs
The residents of Windermere work very hard to retain its small-town feeling, in spite of the major growth this town has seen with the establishment of major amusement and theme parks all around. Now more than ever, nearby residents and visitors alike flock to the town of Windermere to enjoy all that nature has to offer at the lakes, making tourism and the retail industries a mainstay to the town’s economy.
Housing
Windermere has benefited from the recent urban sprawl that Orange County has seen. New homes are being developed at a very fast pace in order to keep up with the ongoing population spurt. Apartments, condominiums, single- to multi-family homes and even large estates are made available to the great and growing demand of prospective residents.
Parks and Recreation
Enjoy the great outdoors at any one of the sand-bottom lakes known as Butler Chain surrounding Windermere. There are plenty of on-the-water activities for the entire family to enjoy including fishing, boating, water skiing or simply sunning on the lakeside. Admire the lush greenery while also taking in gorgeous lakeside views along the miles of paths and trails available to those taking a leisurely stroll, an exercise bike ride or an equestrian ride.
If you’re looking to get in touch with the animal kingdom, Sea World is the place to go. Enjoy the animals amidst fun rides and entertainment galore. Sea World is best known for its killer whale show where you can get up close and personal with these giant, gentle beasts, but the entire family will enjoy petting the dolphins and feeding the seals as well.
The town of Windermere has a whopping 88 golf courses within a 20-mile radius, including 3 courses within its town limits: Isleworth County Club offering an 18-hole course featuring 7,544 yards of golf from the longest tees with a par of 72; Windermere Country Club offering an 18-hole course featuring 6,603 yards of golf from the longest tees with a par of 72; The Golde Bear Club at Keene’s Point offering an 18-hole course featuring 7,173 yards of golf from the longest tees with a par of 72.
Special Attractions
While the Caribbean Islands are nearby, Discovery Cove is even closer for those with fast-paced lives, unable to get away to the real thing. Discovery Cove is a luxurious simulation of a Caribbean Isle offering all the amenities you would find on these islands: swimming, snorkeling and sunning on white sand beaches.
Interesting Facts
Windermere was named after England’s largest lake, and was the filming site for the original “Jaws” (1975).
This small town was once the home of professional golfer, Tiger Woods.
Orange County was formerly Mosquito County.