Maitland, FL

Maitland was initially established in 1838 under the name Fort Maitland. The fort was eventually torn down after the end of the Seminole Wars, and the city was renamed Lake Maitland. In the years that followed, the area became known for citrus production. In the late 1800s, unexpectedly cold weather devastated the orange groves, and farmers were forced to leave the area. Maitland remained popular with affluent visitors who helped to build some of the more stately homes in the area. Some of these homes, including the Hill-Stone House and Chadburne Hall, still stand as reminders of a bygone era. Today, visitors can relive the history of the area by visiting the Maitland Historical Museum.

Maitland boasts a wide variety of restaurants for locals to enjoy. Whether you're in the mood for fresh sushi or a hearty sandwich, the area's dining options are sure to please your palate. For scrumptious sushi and tasty tapas, residents head to Rangestu. Chic, modern decor sets the tone for intimate meals here, and a wall of bubbles adds to this restaurant's ambiance. On date night, share the Ring of Fire calamari and miso scallops, or go for traditional sushi with volcano and tiger rolls. For an authentic Kosher deli experience, grab a corned beef sandwich on rye at Brown's New York Deli. Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, this casual dining spot serves up everything from challah French toast to stuffed cabbage rolls. Indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at Olea Mezze Grill. This casual restaurant features a variety of traditional menu options, including spit-roasted gyros and roasted red pepper hummus. Sit down in one of the cozy booths for a quick meal with a friend, or grab your order to go when you're pressed for time. Maitland residents have convenient access to Orlando's buzzing nightlife scene, but they can also enjoy nightlife a little closer to home at Jazz Tastings. Part tapas bar, part jazz club, this luxury wine bar caters to a sophisticated crowd. Come here for a night of live music and an upscale ambiance.

Residents here tend to prefer driving to work and shopping areas. With I-4 conveniently located on the west side of the town, driving into Orlando to visit its many theme parks and stores is quick and easy. Lynx provides bus service connecting Maitland locals to Orlando and other locations within Orange County for those who prefer to take public transportation. While hailing a cab may prove difficult in this area, both local taxi cab companies and Uber service Maitland. Walking to desired destinations can also be a challenge given the layout of the city, but dedicated bike lanes and paths provide easy access for those who don't wish to drive.

Maitland offers access to many parks that are free to the public. Residents can also take advantage of the park district's many programs, including youth sports leagues, senior center programs and tennis lessons. Many of the park facilities are available to the public to rent for private events. Maitland Community Park provides a well-rounded mix of amenities, including two children's play areas, racquetball and tennis courts, jogging trails and a covered pavilion for picnics. Lake Lily Park has beautiful views, shaded picnic areas and access to the Historic Waterhouse Residence Museum. This scenic park hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Season of Light holiday event. The gazebo and boardwalk areas make this park a favorite with local couples looking for an outdoor wedding venue. For a day of fun on Lake Maitland, head to Fort Maitland park. With access to boat slips and plenty of picnic areas, this park provides a relaxing place to spend time with the whole family. Daily passes for boat use on the lake are available, and boating enthusiasts can purchase passes for the entire season. Dog lovers can head to nearby Winter Park to visit one of the city's many dog-friendly parks, such as Lake Baldwin Park.

The average cost of renting a home in Maitland runs around $1,180, which is slightly higher than the state average but well within the range of Orlando rental rates. A gallon of gas runs around 2.5 percent lower than the national average, and a Lynx bus trip from Maitland to downtown Orland costs $2. A bottle beer at a local pub runs around $3, while a nice dinner for two typically costs around $45 in the greater Orlando area.

While Maitland does not have its own shopping mall, several nearby shopping centers serve the area. For upscale shopping, head to nearby Winter Park Village in Winter Park. This shopping center features a carefully curated collection of shops, including Jos. A. Bank and White House | Black Market. Altamonte Mall in Altamonte Springs has a more traditional variety of shopping mall stores, such as American Eagle, Macy's and Things Remembered. Maitland residents can shop local at Maison Baby, which sells high-quality baby gear and toys. Beads Etc. gives locals a chance to get crafty with its selection of beads and jewelry supplies. This boutique also sells artisan jewelry and hosts jewelry classes for people who want to learn how to make beaded art treasures of their own design. Publix groceries stores are found in and around Maitland, and Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have locations in neighboring cities. The City of Maitland hosts its own farmers' market every Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lake Lily Park. Visitors to the market enjoy access to fresh produce, artisan breads, locally sourced meats and a wide range of other products.