Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a major city located in central Florida. With a population of 307,573 as of 2022, it is the largest inland city in Florida and the county seat of Orange County. Orlando is nicknamed “The City Beautiful” and is known around the world as a top tourist destination.
History
Orlando was founded in 1857 and originally named Jernigan. The name was changed to Orlando in 1857 after a soldier named Orlando Reeves. Orlando saw growth as a farming community in the late 1800s. The arrival of the railroad system connected Orlando to other cities and helped tourism begin. Walt Disney World opened in 1971, cementing Orlando as a vacation hotspot. Today, tourism remains vital to Orlando’s economy. Learn more about the history of Orlando.
Population
The population of Orlando was 307,573 as of 2022. Orlando is the 73rd largest city in the United States by population. From 2010 to 2020, Orlando saw rapid population growth of 24.4%. Orlando attracts many new residents each year due to job opportunities, warm weather, and no state income tax.
Economy
The top industries in Orlando are tourism, hospitality, high technology, modeling/simulation technology, film, and television production. Major employers include Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, Publix Super Markets, Orlando Health, Universal Orlando Resort, Lockheed Martin, and Darden Restaurants. The unemployment rate as of December 2022 was 2.5%. Learn more about Orlando’s economy.
Attractions
Orlando is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world. Top attractions include:
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Universal Orlando Resort
- SeaWorld Orlando
- LEGOLAND Florida
Other popular attractions include the Orlando Science Center, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Repertory Theatre, and Escape Game Orlando.
Sports Teams
Orlando is home to many professional and college sports teams. Teams include:
- Orlando Magic (NBA basketball)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB baseball; plays some home games in Orlando)
- Orlando City SC (MLS soccer)
- UCF Knights (NCAA Division I sports)
Landmarks
Famous Orlando landmarks include:
- Cinderella Castle (Walt Disney World) – GPS: 28.4194° N, 81.5812° W
- Hogwarts Castle (Universal Orlando) – GPS: 28.4747° N, 81.4684° W
- Lake Eola Park – GPS: 28.5457° N, 81.3779° W
Orange County
Orlando is located within Orange County, Florida. The county seat is Orlando. Other major cities in Orange County include Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and Winter Garden.
Orange County Website: https://www.ocfl.net/
Orange County Administration Building
201 S Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-7370
School Districts
Public schools in Orlando are run by Orange County Public Schools. With over 200 schools, it is the 9th largest school district in the United States. The district website is https://www.ocps.net/.
Other school districts serving parts of Orlando include:
Additional Local Resources
Other useful resources for residents and visitors of Orlando include:
- City of Orlando Official Website
- City of Orlando Facebook Page
- Orlando Public Library – https://ocls.info/
- Orlando Police Department – 100 S. Hughey Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 – (321) 235-5300
- Orlando Fire Department – (407) 246-4444
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 1 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827 – (407) 825-2001
- LYNX Central Station – 455 N Garland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 – (407) 841-5969
- Greater Orlando Sports Commission – https://www.sportsorlando.org/
- Visit Orlando Official Tourism Website – https://www.visitorlando.com/