Hunters Creek - Orlando, FL

Hunters Vista expanded from the development of Hunters Creek in the late 1980s. The original development began as an upscale community serving the commuters and professionals of the Orlando area. The development is ideally located near the major tourist attractions but still maintains a suburban and exclusive appeal.

Several Museum lie near the Hunters Vista area. Visitors frequent the World of Chocolate Museum and Cafe. The museum provides fascinating information regarding the history of chocolate and showcases several unique chocolate concoctions. Stop by the tasting cafe if you are in need of a snack. The Osceola County Historical Society Pioneer Museum displays the rich native American history of central Florida and how pioneers and settlers developed the area as early as the 1800s.

There are hundreds of dining options within close proximity to Hunters Vista. National Chains and restaurants line the major roadways catering to thousands of tourists daily. The Orlando area is known as a cultural melting pot, bringing together people from all ends of the country and world. The cuisine options reflect this cultural diversity.

El Inka Grill serves authentic Peruvian food and ceviche. The fresh seafood and light Peruvian spice are enhanced by classics such as beans and rice and plantains. Try the picante de mariscos for a blend of fresh seafood lightly sautéed and served with a spicy, creamy sauce. The ceviche, for those who enjoy fresh marinated fish, has excellent flavor due to the Peruvian spiced marinades. To try a little bit of everything order the ceviche mixto, which includes four types of seafood marinated in lime juice, garlic, onions, cilantro and rocoto pepper.

Padrinos Cuban Bistro invites locals to taste a bit of traditional Cuban cuisine with tostones, croquetas and empanadas starring on the menu. Try the fiesta tostones, a unique take on nachos that removes the chips and replaces them with pressed plantains topped with creole chicken, cheese and fresh cilantro tomato salsa.

At night the opportunities to get out on the town abound with numerous local bars and restaurants along Town Center Boulevard in Hunters Creek. Residents of Hunters Vista have a short trip east to reach the nightlife. Two local favorites, Tavern on the Creek and House of Beer, serve a wide variety of draught and bottled beers and a full selection of liquor and wine drinks. The drink specials can be found on most nights and the opportunity to catch your favorite sporting events make these bars essential to Hunters Vista residents.

Cars make up the majority of travel in the Hunters Vista area. Cyclists and pedestrians share the roads within the neighborhood. While roads are friendly and contain sidewalks, bike lanes do not exist. Orange County operates the Lynx system near the neighborhood. You can catch the bus service along Route 441 to the east of Hunters Vista. Taxi service is prevalent in the area due to the destination shopping plazas near the neighborhood. Uber operates in the area as well.

Public parking typically has no charge at shopping centers, and you can park along streets in residential neighborhoods. The streets see little traffic in the residential areas, which makes the roads safe for recreational activities.

Seven parks dot the landscape of Hunters Creek with Osprey Park located nearest to Hunters Vista. Osprey Park hosts several annual events including Bunny in the Park, for the fourth of July the Independence Day Celebration, and Hunters Creep Nights for the fall. The park also contains several athletic fields and courts, a walking path, and a dog park for your four-legged friends to roam free. Osprey Park is the go to park for recreation loving residents of Hunters Vista. Visitors enjoy free entrance to the park, and the community center can be rented for events of up to 90 people. Pavilion areas host family and team outings many weekends and can be reserved for larger events.

The cost of living in Hunters Vista sits 1 percent lower than the Florida average. You can expect to pay $2 to reach any major metro area, including Kissimmee or downtown Orlando by public transit and $30 or more for cab or Uber service. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the area runs around $985 per month.

You can find a pint of beer for $3 at most bars and restaurants, with daily specials and happy hours taking place most evenings. Gas prices generally sit around 2 percent below the national average.

The Orlando area has become renowned for its outlet malls and shopping experiences.

Hunters Vista places residents and guests in the heart of shopping delight. Numerous outlet and specialty stores sit nearby, and major malls lie just a few short miles from Hunters Vista. You can find some specialty boutiques within the neighborhood, however.

Rumor Boutique, located west toward Celebration, has a unique selection of accessories and women's apparel that you can't find on the outlet store racks. The beachy theme of the stores lends to the relaxed and laid-back lifestyle. Stylishly decorated jeans have become popular along with the skin-accessorizing temporary tattoos.

Publix serves as the main grocery store in Hunters Vista, with Target, Walmart and Winn Dixie in close proximity to the Hunters Vista neighborhood. East End Market, open six days a week, hosts a variety of local farmers, tradespeople and artists who display fresh meat and produce, handcrafted furniture, and other wares. East End also sponsors regular events, including yoga and cooking classes and community meals on holidays.