METROPOLITAN ORLANDO: ALL THINGS FOR ALL PEOPLE
September 6, 2022 | John J. Pasquini
Orlando, Florida, has a population of 307,573 (2020 est.). It is the 67th largest city in the United States and the fourth largest in Florida. The Orlando metropolitan area—or Greater Orlando–is the 23rd largest metropolitan area in the United States and the third largest in Florida (behind Miami and Tampa).
High-Tech
Metro Orlando is a center for high-tech. Orlando has the world’s seventh largest high-tech research facility (1,025 acres)—the Central Florida Research Park—with over 120 companies employing 8,500 people.
Greater Orlando is an innovation hub for digital media, agricultural technology, aviation, aerospace, and software design. Metro Orlando employs 53,000 plus employees and represents 150 companies from 20 countries.
Metro Orlando is home to the procurement commands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. It is home to the United States Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, the United States Army Simulation and Training Technology Center, and the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation.
Other notable firms and offices in Metro Orlando include:
- General Dynamics
- Harris
- Mitsubishi Power Systems
- Siemens
- Symantec
- Embry-Riddle
- General Electric
- AT&T
- Boeing
- Hewlett-Packard
- Northrop Grumman
- Lockheed Martin
- Raytheon
Housing
Despite increases in mortgage rates, high rents (averaging around $1,500), and high home costs (averaging over $350,000), Orlando continues to attract new residents. Central Florida claims 1,000 new residents a week. In May of 2022, 1,200 new homes hit the market.
Film, Television, and Entertainment
Universal Studios and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have made Orlando a hub for film and television.
Local universities and academies such as Full Sail University, the University of Central Florida, and the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy draw students interested in film, show production, computer animation, and game design.
Hospitality
Darden Restaurants, the largest operator of dining restaurants in the world and the parent company of Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, is found in Orlando.
The Orange County Convention Center is the second largest convention center in the United States (2 million square feet). Orlando vies with Chicago and Las Vegas in hosting convention attendees.
With 25 golf courses, including the famous Bay Hill Club and Lodge and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Orlando is a golfing destination for amateur and world-class golf enthusiasts.
Theme Park Capital of the World
Orlando is the top tourist destination in the United States, with an estimated 75 million tourists a year. Orlando is often referred to as the Theme Park Capital of the World, with five of the top ten most visited theme parks in the world and four of the most visited water parks in the United States. Orlando is the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland, and Fun Spot America.
Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando’s top attraction, consists of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Disney Springs.
Universal Orlando is a multifaceted resort that consists of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal City Walk.
SeaWorld Orlando is a combination amusement park and zoo-aquarium. SeaWorld also owns Aquatica Water Park and Discovery Cove.
Fun Spot America is the home of more traditional amusement park thrills.
Healthcare
Orlando’s healthcare industry is flourishing. Orlando Health and Advent Health are Orlando’s two non-profit hospitals. Orlando Regional Medical Center is Central Florida’s only Level I trauma center. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and Advent Health Orlando are the only Level III intensive care units for newborns. With the completion of the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine, a new VA Hospital, and an expanded Lake Nora medical district, Orlando is ready to meet a new generation of healthcare needs.
In Conclusion
Orlando is a gem within Florida. Whatever you are looking for, you are likely to find—for Orlando is all things for all people. With its strong and ever-growing economy, Orlando is an ideal place to live, work, and play.
Sources: (2022). City of Orlando. https://www.orlando.gov/Home; (2022). Visit Florida. https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central/orlando; Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2022, September 1). Orlando. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Orlando-Florida.