ORLANDO IS ON EVERYBODY'S LIST

By Theresa Swanson

We’re No. 1 — and No. 2, and No. 3. Well I could go on. But what it boils down to is, Central Florida ranks high on many different kinds of lists. 

It’s no surprise that we’re the No. 1 destination booked by travel agents and one of the top vacation destinations in the world. But we’re clearly more than that.

Even outside the tourist sector, our economy is thriving. Forbes ranks Orlando No. 8 in job growth, and Kiplinger tagged the region as one of only eight U.S. metro areas that will outpace the nation’s anticipated job-growth rate between now and 2017. 

In fact, over the next five years Kiplinger thinks Orlando’s job-growth rate will be 15 percent versus 7 percent everywhere else. 

Not bad for a region that was pretty much written off in 2008.

And with the amazing rebound in our economy has come an equally amazing rebound in the housing industry.  

In this issue, we will visit some of the newest communities Central Florida homebuyers have to choose from. Pick an area of town and you’ll find remarkable communities offering homes ranging from entry-level to over-the-top luxurious. 

And who wouldn’t want to live in these new communities? Builders and developers have gone all out to offer the kind of amenities usually reserved for pricey resorts. We’re talking water slides, splash parks, fitness rooms, opulent community centers and elaborate pools. 

So take a look in this issue at what the area’s builders and communities have to offer, and then go out and take a look for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.