Sunset Lake Orlando, FL

With the development of the citrus economy in the 1880s, transportation needs spurred development in the greater region of Orlando. In the early 20th century, the city underwent its second, more gradual growth spurt, and it lasted until 1971, when the globally renowned and iconic Walt Disney World opened less than 15 miles south of the central streets of Orlando. Wealth in the form of tourism has followed in the decades since.

Only on the outskirts of town, residents of Lake Sunset can enjoy the amenities of the tourist hotspot that is Orlando. The Dr. Phillips Center plays Broadway shows, concerts and the like with regularity. Improv Comedy Club arranges appearances from stand-up comedians, many of whom have been seen on Comedy Central.

Being near the heart of Orlando has its perks. Within just a few blocks, dozens of restaurants present themselves, both franchises and independents, with plenty of spots to enjoy good old Southern cooking.

For some soul food by the books, Chef Eddie’s on the west end of Orange Center Boulevard warrants a visit. Family-recipe chicken and waffles, served in generous portions and by the velvety waffle-topped stacks, bring the locals back time and again. The homey environment and comforting, affordable food guarantee that first visits are hardly ever the last.

Golden Krust Restaurant and Bakery offers a different, more exotic dining experience. With its informal backdrop, Golden Krust's fresh beef patties, tender oxtails and other Jamaican cuisine proclaim island origins. Be prepared to wait in line during heavier lunch and dinner hours; Golden Krust is a popular choice.

After the sun goes down, nightlife begins. For those looking for the bar and club scene, Sunset Lake lies less than a mile west of the city lights and one-way streets in the heart of Orlando. On the near side of the city, Cowboys Orlando gathers country lovers of the area into one spot each night. Thursdays are ladies nights, when Cowboys serves cheap drinks to women all night long. For a party atmosphere without line dancing, Universal’s CityWalk is just a 20-minute drive away, with thousands attending nightly.

The streets of Lake Sunset remain, by and large, relaxed. Traffic flows loosely in and out of downtown Orlando on the west side, resulting in a convenient commute for daily trips. Bordering the Sunset Lake community runs State Road 408, a relaxing toll road that connects through Interstate 4 a mile east and the Florida Turnpike four miles west. With a Florida Sun Pass, tolls are discounted, and troublesome stops at booths are bypassed.

For an alternate to driving, the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority provides the Orlando LYNX system. Dozens of buses roam the Lake Sunset area. Bus 36, in particular, takes only 20 minutes to reach the Amway Center, home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. For those familiar with Uber, service is provided through the Lake Sunset area and far beyond.

Within the neighborhood, sidewalks line most streets on both sides with few exceptions. Bikers and joggers should find the streets more than accommodating.

Thanks to the gorgeous and consistent Floridian climate, in a city where the average low in January is 48 degrees F, the great outdoors can be taken advantage of year round.

Gilbert McQueen Park meets the southeast edge of Sunset Lake, and a pavilion, playgrounds, grills and public bathrooms for all-day family fun. Toss a football, nosh on some hot dogs and hamburgers, and watch the kids navigate the jungle gyms pretty much any time of year.

George Barker Park, a lakeside neighborhood space with two docks, a playground, a scenic bridge, bathrooms and pavilions, provides a beautiful setting for a half-day outing. A basketball and volleyball court also draw athletes in for a lively time in good weather.

Leashed pets are welcome but not accommodated at both facilities.

Overall, life in Lake Sunset comes in at 85 percent of the national median. Although residents tend to spend more on things like groceries and transportation, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is only $600. Gas prices tend to remain 5 percent less than the national average. A domestic draft beer costs $4.50 at Harp & Celt Irish Pub, four miles from Sunset Lake – a bit expensive for what one would expect to pay in other parts of the country.

Hopping on State Road 408 has more perks than an easy commute to downtown. Resident shoppers are in for a pleasant surprise in the west and southwest Orlando area. More than 350 combined shops, stalls, restaurants and stores wait patiently between two of the area’s local malls: Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall. Whether you're looking for electronics at Gamestop, Gucci Italian fashions, a lawn mower at Sears, each mall is individually a one-stop shop for all things shopping, each kept pristine despite traffic from the crowds of locals and tourists.

A 10-minute drive north provides the locale for an afternoon shopping date at A&T Antiques. The store presents a large selection of traditional and refurbished furniture. A charming display of patio furniture on the sidewalk of State Road 527 marks the shop's location.

For groceries, residents of the Lake Sunset community can visit the local Walmart, which lies less than a mile south. As with many Floridian communities, Publix remains a competitor for sales and buy-one-get-one deals on daily foods and fresh produce.