MetroWest Orlando, FL

A master-planned community, the MetroWest neighborhood was developed in the 1980s with a vision of attractively landscaped neighborhoods, excellent educational facilities, thriving businesses and an overall high quality of life. MetroWest has achieved many of its goals, receiving awards from the City of Orlando and the State of Florida for the community's stellar landscaping, environmentalism and overall aesthetics. Central to its neighborhood, the MetroWest Golf Club is one of the most popular golf courses in Orlando, attracting many tourists and hosting a number of events each year.

MetroWest organizes several free annual events for community members, including Summer Smooth JazzFest, full of live music, food and drinks. SummerFest features local vendors, performances and activities for kids. During the holiday season, MetroWest celebrates with WinterFest, complete with snow, Santa accompanied by live reindeer and talent from local schools and musicians.

Nearly every type of cuisine under the sun can be found in MetroWest, including Chinese, Brazilian, and Southern restaurants. Agave Azul is a local favorite that serves flavorful Mexican dishes. Start with one of the amazing margaritas and a ceviche appetizer. For an entrée, guests cannot go wrong with the Enchiladas Cancun, Diablo shrimp, or whatever south-of-the-border dish you prefer.

When craving a burger, head to Teak Neighborhood Grill, which has received several accolades for burger quality and selection. With over 25 burgers to choose from, both purists and experimental types will find the perfect one. More unusual options include the Glazed Donut burger and the PB & J burger. Over 30 craft beers are available and Teak's has a fun, casual atmosphere with 30 TVs, a projector screen used for Friday night trivia, and patio seating. Ask your server about the "secret" menu for insiders.

Nightlife options in MetroWest are relaxed. Achilles Art Cafe is an eclectic, comfortable joint, offering fun, inexpensive weekend activities. On Fridays at 6 p.m., Achilles offers free wine tasting with free food, and on Saturdays the cafe presents a movie and popcorn at no charge. Achilles frequently features live music and other entertainment like belly dancing. Achilles Art Cafe serves coffee, alcohol, smoothies and cafe foods, including an excellent hummus plate.

Enjoy live jazz any night of the week Vines Grille and Wine Bar, featuring upscale food and drinks with lovely ambiance. Voted "Best Happy Hour in Orlando," the wine bar presents its highly regarded wine selection for half-price between 4 and 7 p.m. every day.

MetroWest rests conveniently located to greater Orlando while maintaining a small community feel. You won't find MetroWest especially walkable, nor will you see many bike lanes, making alternative transportation necessary for most errands. Drivers appreciate MetroWest's access to Interstate 4 and Florida's Turnpike., and parking is ample and convenient.

Call a local taxi company to arrange service, such as AA Orlando Cab Inc. because you won't be able to hail a cab from curbside. Residents use Uber as a popular option in MetroWest.

Public transportation is available through LYNX, Central Florida's bus system, with routes connecting the MetroWest neighborhood to the Universal Studios area and other areas of Orlando.

MetroWest residents value green space. Among the many area parks, be sure to check out the Bill Frederick Park, spanning 183 acres and directly adjacent to Turkey Lake, one of the best fishing lakes in Florida. Bill Frederick Park proffers an ideal setting for families all year long due to its playgrounds, swimming pool, nature trails and an animal farm for children. Additionally, visitors can play a round of disc golf at the extensive course. Guests are welcome to stay overnight in one of the cabin accommodations or in a tent or RV space. The entry fee to Bill Frederick Park costs $4 per car, and other amenity prices vary.

Another great neighborhood park for families is Rose Place Park. Take a walk or go for a run on the wide looped path. Plentiful green space makes it easy to kick a ball around, play group games or walk the dog. Come early in the day as it gets busy, and pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables.

The MetroWest neighborhood provides a high quality of life for residents at a relatively low cost of living, coming in slightly under Orlando's average. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in MetroWest sits at $943.

Gas prices in this area come in 6 percent lower than the national average, and adults pay $2 for a bus ride to the city center. When going out to an establishment, you'll pay around $6 for a beer.

Within the MetroWest area you'll find plenty of stores to service all of your daily needs. South Kirkman Road houses a large number of businesses, including cell phone providers, clothing shops, a Wal-Mart Supercenter and a CVS drugstore. Publix is a neighborhood grocery store and pharmacy, beloved for its deli subs. MetroWest has several ethnic food stores, including Brazilian and Indian shops.

MetroWest sits close to several shopping centers that serve as major tourist hubs. Mall at Millenia attracts visitors from around the world to its collection of upscale brands, including Coach, Burberry, Prada and many others, as well as restaurants that include The Cheesecake Factory. For those in MetroWest who want to shop 'til they drop, less than 10 miles away is The Florida Mall, which covers a whopping 1.8 million square feet with approximately 250 stores. Visitors can find everything from apparel, household goods and souvenirs at the Zara flagship store, Disney Store and M&M's World.