Are you considering moving to Windermere? We’re pleased to inform you this Florida town has a lot to offer! From the luxurious lakefront homes to delicious dining options, it’s no wonder many notable celebrities call this place home. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know before moving to Windermere.
Windermere is best known for its luxurious, lake-front real estate, notable celebrity population, and quaint, quiet ambiance. This town also boasts some of the best schools in its metro area and proximity to downtown Orlando. It’s nicknamed Among the Lakes, thanks to its optimal positioning between Lake Butler, Lake Down, and Lake Bessie.
While the first post office opened here in 1888, Windermere wasn’t established as a development until 1889 and was chartered in 1925. Not much changed in Windermere until 2007, when the town proposed to annex Isleworth and Butler Bay—not all parties involved were pleased with this request, and Orange County ultimately denied it. Eventually, Windermere absorbed Butler Bay upon the approval of 90% of its residents.
Windermere, FL, is a fantastic place to live, which is likely why celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Joey Fatone, and Tiger Woods have all owned real estate here. It’s the prime Orlando suburb for anyone looking for a safe, quiet alternative to big-city living. If living in Windermere has sparked your interest, keep reading; we have more information to come!
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Where Is Windermere Florida?
Windermere is an Orange County town bordered by Isleworth, near Lake Butler, Doctor Phillips, Bay Hill, and Horizon West. It’s 12.3 miles from Windermere, FL, to Orlando, FL, making it the prime location for anyone interested in living in an Orlando Suburb; Windermere is part of the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area.
LYNX provides public transportation to Windermere and other Orange County cities. You can visit their website and browse their routes and schedules to plan a ride. Tickets are affordable—a single ride is only $2.50, and an all-day pass is $4.50. Many people traveling to Amway Center, Disney Springs, and the Florida Mall utilize LYNX bus transportation!
Windermere FL Population & Demographics
Although it is a highly desirable place to live, Windermere only has a population of 3,497. The town is about 1.5 square miles, which makes for a competitive and exclusive real estate market. Renters are rare here, as 93% of residents own their own. Most people living in Windermere are older; the median age is 52.9, and 63% of the population is 40 years old or older.
Additional Windermere demographics:
- Ethnic and racial makeup: 86% White (Non-Hispanic), 6.06% White (Hispanic), 3.37% Asian, 2.06% Black or African American, 1.17% Hispanic
- Foreign-born population: 12.7%
- Educational attainment: 97.9% have high school diplomas or higher, and 68.2% have high school diplomas or higher
- Veteran population: 4.9%
- Sex ratio: 51 males to 49 females
Is Windermere, FL, safe? According to the FBI, Windermere boasts a low crime rate! The crime rate in Windermere is 70.5% lower than the state and 72.9% lower than the country.
Additional Windermere crime rate statistics:
- Windermere crime rate per 100k people: 636
- Florida crime rate per 100k people: 2,153
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
The violent crime rate here is 78.4% lower than the state and 78.6% lower than the country.
- Windermere violent crime rate per 100k people: 83
- Florida violent crime rate per 100k people: 384
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
And the town’s property crime rate follows the same trend!
- Windermere property crime rate per 100k people: 553
- Florida property crime rate per 100k people: 1,769
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
Windermere’s property crime rate is 68.7% lower than the state and 71.8% lower than the country! If you’re looking for a safe Orlando suburb, Windermere, Orlando, is the place to buy! And if anything does happen here, take comfort in knowing the Orange County Sheriff’s Department sends their top officers to patrol Windermere and surrounding areas!
Cost of Living in Windermere
According to the Economic Policy Institute, it costs $84,950 a year for a family of four to live comfortably in Windermere, FL. The cost of living here is 42% higher than the average US city; this means the cost of living index in Windermere is 142. Its higher cost of living is likely due to its housing market; the cost of housing index here is 51% above the US average.
The average home price in Windermere, FL, is 1.1 million, and homes typically sell within 16 days. The average price per square foot has decreased by 15.2% since 2022; however, it still sits at $298, which is above the US average of $222. The market is competitive, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on any Windermere real estate you’re interested in—-you don’t want to miss out on your dream home! We suggest browsing homes for sale in Windermere, FL, sooner rather than later!
If you’re more interested in renting, here are some statistics to put the town’s rental market into perspective. Renters only occupy 7% of Windermere’s housing structures, and according to RentCafe, the average rent in Windermere is $2,303 for a 1,115-square-foot rental. 0% of structures are multi-family units, so any rentals in Windermere will be single-family homes.
Do you want to get a better idea of what you’ll spend while living in Windermere? Here are the typical Windermere living expenses broken down:
- Loaf of white bread: $4.00
- Gallon of milk: $2.50
- Dozen eggs: $2.32
- Hamburger: 5.28
- Bunch of bananas: $3.46
- Average Windermere utilities per month: $301 (per Doxo)
Source: Payscale
Groceries here cost 3% more than the average US city, whereas utilities are 7% more affordable!
Although Windermere is more expensive than the average US city, its cost of living index is similar to its surrounding cities and towns. Not to mention, you certainly get your money’s worth here. Many homes boast water-front views, unique architecture, and safe streets!
Neighborhoods in Windermere FL | Where to Live in Windermere
Here are the best Windermere neighborhoods!
Summerport Village | Ideal for Families
Summerport Village, Windermere, FL, is one of the largest communities in the town of Windermere. There are a variety of single-family homes and townhomes for sale, and the neighborhood offers proximity to useful amenities like a great school (Windermere Preparatory School), shopping centers, and parks! Many homes in Summerport Village are nestled along Lake Butler, providing optimal lake views.
If you’re looking for a Windermere subdivision with waterfront views, safe streets, and proximity to notable schools, Summerport Village is worth checking out! Prices vary from low $ 400,000 to high $ 800,000, ensuring residents in varying tax brackets can find a home within their budget.
Keenes Pointe | Affluent Windermere Neighborhood
Keenes Pointe, Windermere, FL, offers 17 pristine neighborhoods boasting luxury architecture and amenities. The homes feature breathtaking views of Lake Butler alongside access to world-class golfing; Keenes Point is the place to find luxury homes for sale in Windermere, FL.
While homes are pricey within this community (around 1 million and higher), you certainly get what you pay for. Keenes Pointe provides countless attractive attributes; expect well-maintained playgrounds, walking trails, swimming pools, a great golfing facility, tennis courts, and a clubhouse. Not to mention, all residents have lake access (some off their own property!) Keene’s Point is as luxurious as living in Windermere gets!
Harbor Isle | Water-Front Homes
Harbor Isle provides peak lake-side living. Many homes are positioned off Lake Butler, meaning you can expect eye-catching waterfront sunsets from almost any backyard in this community. Homes vary from 3,500 to 6,000 square feet that were built between the 1990s and early 2000s. Harbor Isle is an established Windermere gated community providing proximity to Doctor Phillips and Orlando. It’s also located near plenty of shopping and dining options—The Grove at Isleworth and Restaurant Row are within five miles. There are various notable parks like Dr. P. Phillips Community Park.
There is a $2,000 annual HOA fee, but that small price helps maintain the safety and beauty of your new neighborhood!
Windermere FL Weather & Climate
Here’s an in-depth look at the Windermere climate and weather. Windermere has a Koppen classification of Cfa, or Humid subtropical climate, which is best explained as long, oppressive summers and mild cool winters. Windermere has an annual rainfall of 42.6 inches and an annual snowfall of 0 inches. The temperatures here are typically hot, with lots of humidity to follow. Temperatures vary from 51 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees but rarely dip below 38 or rise above 94. The hottest month of the year is July, which has an average high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit; the coldest month of the year is January, which has an average low of 52.
June sees the most rain, with an average rainfall of 5.8 inches, whereas November is the driest month, with an average rainfall of 1.8 inches. If you don’t fancy the rain, fall may be the season to visit!
Almost anywhere you live in Florida will have humid, hot, and rainy weather most of the year. However, springtime typically provides a less damp atmosphere with cooler temperatures! The best time to visit Windermere will depend on your itinerary; mid-March to mid-May will be sunny and warm, great for outdoor activities like boat days, hiking, etc. And mid-October to early December will be cool and dry but not cold. It’s common for more people to frequent the many nearby amusement parks in the fall months.
Things to Do in Windermere
There are plenty of things to do in Windermere. While parks, landmarks, and outdoor excursions make up a majority of this list of activities, there are also plenty of shopping options here—The Grove and the Shoppes of Windermere being the two most notable.
Town Square Park
Town Square Park is located in the heart of Windermere. It’s pet-friendly and ideal for bringing your little ones to run and play! If you’re looking for things to do in Windermere, consider Town Square Park!
W 6th Ave, Windermere, FL 34786, (407) 876-2563
Lake Street Park
Many Windermere residents utilize Lake Street Park’s waterfront access to cool off (especially if they have furry friends.) This is also a popular sunset destination in Windermere!
E 4th Ave, Windermere, FL 34786, (407) 876-2563
Isleworth Golf & Country Club
Isleworth Golf & Country Club provides some of the best golf in its metro area!
6100 Payne Stewart Dr, Windermere, FL 34786, (407) 909-2000
Additional Attractions in and Near Windermere
The Windermere Parks and Recreation Department maintains the 12 Windermere parks. Although the town is less than 2 square miles, there are countless areas to enjoy Florida’s lovely outdoors. This town has a tight-knit community, and the parks department often hosts community events, which you can keep track of with their special events calendar!
Windermere Restaurants
Here are a few of the top restaurants in Windermere, FL.
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Hawkers Asian Street Food is a top-rated Asian fusion restaurant in Windermere, FL! Notable dishes are their boa buns and steak skewers.
9100 Conroy Windermere Rd Suite 110, Windermere, FL 34786, (407) 583-6334
Yellow Dog Eats
Yellow Dog Eats is one of the most-reviewed Windermere restaurants! Indulge in their craft burgers and sandwiches inside their unique patio-style structure.
1236 Hempel Ave, Windermere, FL 34786, (407) 296-0609
Agave Azul Windermere
Agave Azul has various locations, but their Windermere restaurant is one of the most popular. You can travel to Mexico without leaving your neighborhood by trying their famous street corn appetizer or Birria tacos entree!
5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd Suite 100, Windermere, FL 34786, (407) 395-8350
Windermere Jobs
Windermere is an affluent community with various exclusive neighborhoods and gated communities; 36.5% of residents here earn an impressive median household income of $200,000 (and above.) The key industries in Orange County are travel and tourism, modeling, simulation and training, and optics and photonics. The biggest employers for Orange County and Windermere residents are Walt Disney World Resort, Advent Health, and Universal Orlando.
Windermere’s impeccable economy can be accredited to the numerous nearby theme parks and tourist attractions! The unemployment rate is 0.5% below the US average, and Windermeres is projected to see a 50.1% job market increase by 2033. The average hourly wage of people living in Windermere is $19.55, and the average salary is $77,000. You should have no issue finding jobs in Windermere, FL hiring. Whether you’re a hospitality professional through and through or prefer the laid-back environment Windermere city jobs can provide, there are certainly plenty of positions to choose from.
Windermere Schools
Windermere is part of the Orange County Public Schools District; there are 264 schools in the district and 13 public schools in Windermere. One hundred ninety-nine thousand eighty-nine students are in the district, and 35.4% are economically disadvantaged.
Here are the district’s diverse racial and ethnic demographics:
- 43.3% Hispanic/Latino
- 24.6% White
- 24.4% Black
- 4.7% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander
- 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native
- 0.3% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
- 2.4% Two or more races
99.7% of the teachers here are certified, and 215 full-time counselors serve the students. 58% of elementary students test above the proficiency level for mathematics, likely due to the dedication of the teachers and staff here.
The most notable schools in Windermere are Windermere High School (91.89/100 rating by U.S. News) and Windermere Elementary (rated in the top 500 in Florida.)
Windermere High School also boasts diverse demographics:
- 45.5% White
- 38.8% Hispanic
- 6.7% Black
- 6.6% Asian
- 2.0% Two or More Races
- 0.3% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
- 0.2% American Indian/Alaska Native
Windermere doesn’t just provide top-notch adolescent education—the town is miles from the notable University of Central Florida and Valencia College! Take comfort in knowing after you or your loved ones graduate, a prosperous economy with countless job opportunities awaits you. The town of Windermere provides all the right resources to foster educational development—from select colleges offering free tutoring to students to the Windermere Library offering unique services like sewing workshops and language classes!
Windermere Statistics & Information
- County: Orange County
- Windermere area: 1.571 mi²
- Windermere zip code: 34786
- Windermere area code: 407
- Windermere elevation: 121’
- Windermere time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
- Closest airport to Windermere: The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 22 miles from Windermere
Windermere FL Map
Explore more fun things to do here with this map of Windermere!
If moving to Windermere has caught your attention, we can see why! This affluent town nestled on the outskirts of Orlando provides the ideal balance between quiet suburbia and lake-side living. 2 College Brothers has years of experience helping people relocate to Windermere, Florida, and we’d be happy to extend our experience and expertise. Contact us at 813-922-1528 to receive a free estimate!
