ORLANDO

The Attractions of Life

Orlando is among the world’s biggest tourist destinations, with theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, but it’s also a hometown for millions of working families and retirees. They’ve found a lot to love in the upscale communities surrounding the downtown area, with 77 city and neighborhood parks, fresh-from-the-farm markets, and a sunny year-round climate that puts resortstyle recreation on the daily calendar.

Population: 2,510,000 (metro area)

Transportation: Orlando International Airport

Healthcare: AdventHealth, Orlando Health, and HCA Healthcare are the leading provider networks in central Florida. The Orlando VA Medical Center opened in 2015.

Culture: The Orlando Museum of Art is among the nation’s best. The Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts symphonies and ballets. The Orlando Shakespeare Theater is one of several local companies with shows every weekend.

Recreation: There are more than 100 golf courses in the Orlando area plus kayak excursions on the Indian River, nature hikes at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and soaking-wet fun at the Orlando Watersports Complex.