Orlando

by The Linguist

 

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:

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: