Orlando, incorporated in 1885, is located in central Florida's Orange County. It is the main city in the greater Orlando-Kissimmee (Greater Orlando) area, Florida's 3rd largest metro area after Miami and Tampa, home to over 2 million people.
The city is renowned as a tourist destination, home to the world famous Walt Disney World, about 14 miles southwest of the city, Sea World, and Universal Orlando Resort, which contains Universal Studios. It is also a popular destination for conventions. The Orange County Convention Center is the 2nd largest in the U.S., based on square footage. With so many attractions, it is no wonder the Orlando area gets over 50 million visitors a year.
A 2009 Pew Research Center study ranked Orlando # 4 as the most popular city to live. Orlando has over 100 neighborhoods including Baldwin Park, Hunters Creek, Waterford Lakes, Dr. Phillips, Hojin, Alaqua, Bellaria, Waterstone, Baldwin Park, Cypress Point, Turtle Creek, Tilden's Grove, Phillips Landing, Casa del Lago, The Gardens at the Village of Windermere, Chaine du Lac, Windsong, Keene's Pointe, Butler, Windermere, Pine Hills, Vista Lakes, Lake Mary/Heathrow, College Park and Winter Park.
Greater Orlando is home to many industrial, high technology, aeronautic and defense research companies including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. Central Florida Research Park is the 7th largest in the U.S. The area is one of the main U.S. military's simulation and training locations, as well as home for procurement for the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
Orlando is home to the University of Central Florida, which has the 2nd largest student population in Florida, as well as Barry University School of Law, DeVry University, Florida A&M University College of Law, Florida Institute of Technology, International Academy of Design & Technology, Florida State Medical School and Strayer University. Lake Highland Prep is rated one of the finest prep schools in the state of Florida.
