The city of Orlando is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. According to the 2006 U.S. Census, the city’s population was estimated at 220,186, making it the sixth largest city in Florida. Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, which is the second largest university in Florida and has the sixth largest campus in the nation. A scenic two- hour drive north will take you to the University of Florida, home of the Gators -- two time national basketball and football champions.
The city is best known for the many tourist attractions in the area, in particular the nearby Walt Disney World Resort, located about 20 miles south of Orlando city limits. Other notable area attractions include SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort. One hour north of Orlando is Daytona International Speedway. If you’re in the mood for sun ‘n surf then take a short drive on either side of Orlando to get to some of the best beaches in Florida.
The Orlando region sees an estimated 52 million tourists a year. It is the second largest city in the country for number of hotel rooms and one of the busiest American cities for conferences and conventions, with the Orange County Convention Center the country's second largest in square footage.
Orlando is also known for its array of golf courses, with numerous courses available for any level of golfer. Despite being far from the main tourist attractions, downtown Orlando is undergoing major redevelopment with a number of residential and commercial towers, plans for a new performing arts center, arena and the refurbishment of the Florida Citrus Bowl, home of the Capital One Bowl games.
All of this and more has contributed to Orlando’s recent top five ranking for Quality of Life and Business Friendly investment climate in the 2007/2008 North American Cities of the Future competition by fDi magazine, April 2007. Similarly, Forbes magazine also listed Metro Orlando among the "Best Places for Business and Careers."
Orlando has produced a long list of celebrities, many of whom still call Orlando and surrounding neighborhoods – home. Come to Orlando and experience the remarkable quality of life!
