Williamsburg - Orlando, FL

Williamsburg was developed by and named after William Jaird Levitt, a prominent real estate developer credited with creating modern-day suburbia. He was on Time Magazine's list of the "100 Most Influential People" of the 20th century. What started out as a gated retirement community was opened up in 1991 to all residents, and today Williamsburg has a population of 7,646 residents, including more than 2,000 families. With its location along International Drive, this terrific area is near a wide variety of attractions, including several museums and theme parks.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, located on International Drive, examines the history and remnants from the tragic ship. One of four unique locations, the museum lets visitors walk down recreated corridors and rooms while viewing retrieved artifacts from the ship.

Regional and nationally-renowned artists unite in Lombard Contemporary Art studio to display their paintings, sculptures, and craftwork. Located 15 minutes away on Grand Cypress Boulevard, the changing exhibits present unique interpretations of all aspects of life, encouraging repeat visits.

Less than five minutes from most residences, Thai Thani on International Drive serves traditional Thai items in an extravagant setting, greeting guests with polished gold arches, carved wooden walls, private booths, and traditional pillow seating. The Penang duck, fried and topped with coconut milk, bell peppers, basil leaves, and served with Penang curry, makes for an especially memorable meal. The immersive setting and reasonable prices keep Orlando residents coming for special occasions, nights out, or intimate dining.

Charcoal Zyka on South John Young Parkway features a strange mix of traditional American and Indian dishes. Though it seems odd to see a cheeseburger and goat karahi on the same menu, the spiced sauces and wood charcoal preparation Charcoal Zyka implements into its eclectic menu put any doubts to rest. The big flavors in this humble diner-style restaurant are matched by the reasonable prices. Charcoal Zyka prepares meals to order and takes requests if the ingredients are available.

Ten minutes from most residences in Williamsburg, Howl at the Moon features live entertainment and signature drinks served in buckets. Share sweet cocktails like the Bomb Pop, a sweet concoction of blue raspberry vodka, Pinnacle tropical punch vodka, lemon-lime soda, and sour mix. Large selections of rum, vodka, and beer are available in regular glasses.

For a lively night out, check out Jack's Pub & Grub on International Drive. Bring a few quarters for the jukebox and the pool table, or stop by on the weekend to dance to a DJ or watch stand-up comedians perform live. If you desire a more upscale experience, head straight for the lounge at Highball & Harvest, where you can sip a signature cocktail like the Dill or no Dill in a calm, luxurious environment.

Cars are necessary for residents of Williamsburg, a highly residential neighborhood with major roads and nearby attractions. The only bus within the area, LYNX connects to Orlando destinations but only operates until 7:30 pm. Though bus stops offer limited service, many taxi services and Uber drivers within Williamsburg and Orlando run throughout Central Florida 24 hours a day. A SunRail station on South Orange Avenue runs north with local stops.

Route 400, on Williamsburg's northern border, connects Interstate 4 with exits to Cape Canaveral. Route 4, accessible within five minutes, has exits from Tampa to Daytona Beach. Main streets have metered parking, but no permits are required to park overnight within Williamsburg.

Osprey Park, south on Town Center Boulevard, has baseball and soccer fields, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, a walking and running path, and dog park. Osprey Park hosts several community events, including the Independence Day Festival and Fall Festival.

Dr. P. Phillips Community Park has 80 acres of open fields, hiking paths, bike paths, ball fields, and a dog park. During hot summer months, children playing on the modern playground cool off in the splash park. Community parks in Orlando remain free for all residents.

Williamsburg's proximity to amenities, an average commute times of 20 minutes, and LYNX's $4.50 all-day riding passes give this community a lower cost of living than many Orlando neighborhoods. Renting in Williamsburg costs 13 percent more than other Orlando suburbs, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $978 a month. Drivers pay 10 percent lower than the national average for gas and four percent lower than major Orlando areas, and beers at nearby bars begin at $6.

A few boutiques between Williamsburg and Orlando's resort area feature chic designer fashions and trends. RUMOR Boutique, a five-minute trip down International Drive, carries Native American, Asian, and Americana-inspired designer clothing.

Six miles north, Zou Zou Boutique offers designers including Free People and Seven for All Mankind. Ornate chandeliers drop from an exposed ceiling above a sitting area and showroom of African-inspired prints, studded leather jackets, patterned tops, dresses, and gowns. Zou Zou Boutique prides itself on serving the Orlando community with a high-fashion shopping experience close to home.

The Florida Mall sits between Routes 441 and 528, 10 minutes from Williamsburg. There are over 250 stores and restaurants inside, including Aldo, Clarks, LUSH, Apple, Michael Kors, and Sephora. While the boutiques feature more luxury apparel, the wide-ranging stores of Florida Mall have options for every wallet.

A community-focused company, Publix Super Market caters to locals with fresh meat, produce, and dairy within five minutes on Central Florida Parkway. An Aldi supermarket on South Orange Blossom Trail should complete all grocery lists. If you're looking for international products, Bombay Bazaar down the road sells Asian and Middle Eastern spices, ingredients, and produce at reasonable prices.