My New Blog

Davenport, Florida - the small dot on the map surrounded by other cities & towns located between Orlando and Tampa.  Why would anyone want to live here?  Many reasons, especially for the baby boomer generation.  As a resident and "boomer" myself, I have listed my own top 10 reasons for living here.

1.  Location, location, location:  being centrally located and so close to Disney World, we enjoy the many major highways that can take us in any direction - from Hwy. 27, Hwy. 192, the toll roads of the 429 and 417, and I-4, with all being 4 lane highways and easy access. 

2.  Medical facilities:  the Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center is closest, with Winter Haven, Lakeland and Celebration Hospitals only a 10 to 20 minute drive.  All are full service facilities with quality doctors and specialists.  There is also a medical center plaza nearby with a large variety of specialty services, such as cardiology, gynecology, cancer treatments, MRI and X-rays, knee & foot specialists,  just to name a few. 

3.  Affordable Restaurants:  we have the advantage of many luxury and high end restaurants living so close to Disney, but for a night out on a smaller budget, there are many choices and styles of local restaurants that offer senior discounts, special low prices, buffets, two for one dinners, early bird specials and more. 

4.  Quiet, "country" atmosphere:   we are close to the cities, but we can still hear the sounds of a passing train in the night, the cows as they "moo" in the nearby fields, the frogs, birds and owls (and yes, a few allegators) - so much nature to enjoy!

5.  Disney and other theme parks:  all friends and relatives want to go there, so why not live close by?  We are within 20 minutes to nearly every Orlando attraction or dinner theatre, with easy access on those various highways.  There is much to choose from and something for everyone.

6.  Outdoor activities:  not just the numerous golf courses near by, but many places to ride golf carts, bikes or take walks on nature trails, balloon rides, air boat rides or even horse back riding . . .  so many places to just enjoy beautiful gardens, such as Bok Tower. 

7.  Abundance of "Day Trips": we are close enough for day trips to either the Atlantic or the gulf coast beaches, Kennedy Space Center, Winery tours, Tea Rooms, Casinos, Amtrak stations, and so much more!

8.  Beautiful weather:  okay, so it's COLD!   But on average, those living south of Orlando (the dividing line) usually enjoy temperatures at least 10 degrees warmer than Florida's more northern cities.  And being centrally located, most times we are sheltered from coastal hurricanes and flooding. 

9.  Location to Airports and Cruise Terminals:   we are fortunate to have both Orlando and Tampa airports nearby, giving a chance to "shop" for the best air fare.   And for a cruise, we have easy access to the ports of Tampa, Port Canaveral, Ft. Lauderdale and even Miami. 

10.  Affordable Housing:  especially now, Davenport has some of the most affordable homes in Florida with an ideal location.  There are golf course, gated, residential or vacation home communities, all within minutes to everything listed above.  

Now, why would you NOT want to live in Davenport??