DEMOGRAPHICS

Winter Springs is located in Seminole County about 15 miles North of Orlando; east of Longwood and separated by U.S. Highway 17-92. About 38,900 call Winter Springs home with the median age of the residents are 37 with 35% being college graduates. The average household income is $64,000 and 65% of the workers are white collar. The city is in close proximity to major employment centers, such as the University of Central Florida and Heathrow International Business Center.

SCHOOLS

Public education is provided by the Seminole County School District.  7 of these schools are located in Winter Springs. There are also private schools in the area.

Elementary Schools (Public)

· Winter Springs Elementary School

· Keeth Elementary School

· Highlands Elementary School

· Rainbow Elementary School

Middle Schools (Public)

· Indian Trails Middle School

High Schools (Public)

· Winter Springs High School

GOVERNMENT

Winter Springs has a Council/Manager form of Government where the legislative authority is centered in an elected Board of Directors consisting of the Mayor and five Commissioners. The day to day management of the city is vested in a professional City Manager appointed by the elected body. Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 5:15PM in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. The meetings are open to the public.  

HISTORY

A New York merchant made a fortune in lumbering and trade with the Spanish that included the land that later came to be called Winter Springs. A wealthy landowner and slave driver, Henry Gee and his son, petitioned the territorial governor for part of the old land grant along Lake Jessup. The farmers brought their crops to the wharves to be exported by steam boat. The boats also brought lumbering crews and sawmills and cattle ranchers with their herds. W.W. White was the most successful merchant having everything a settler needed. In 1959 when the city incorporated, there were fewer than 600 residents.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Winter Springs has much to offer its residents and people are taking notice.  Money Magazine ranked Winter Springs 31^st on its Best Places to Live in the United States list. MSN Advisory Services also has named Winter Springs the best U.S. city to purchase a home.

Economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do, a sense of community and Winter Springs' new Town Center were some of the factors that drew the editors at Money Magazine to rank the city. The new modern Winter Springs Town Center is designed around an urban concept with residences, office space, shopping and restaurants. Pedestrian friendly walkways, gorgeous architecture and landscape are incorporated in the Town Center adding to the community closeness.

Winter Springs citizens also enjoy active lifestyle choices with 9 parks and 2 golf courses, many small lakes and waterways, youth sports activities, and year round city sponsored recreation programs. The central location also allows residents to take full advantage of all entertainment, recreation and cultural venues throughout the area.

Winter Springs has a strong history of population growth with a 20 year increase of 800 percent. A sizeable amount of undeveloped land, convenient location, a variety of amenities and the continual retail and commercial development lure the home seekers to the area.

REAL ESTATE

Local property listings include large homes, golf course homes, villas, condominiums and townhouses for sale. Quality family homes with 3 bedrooms, fenced and landscaped yards are often priced below $500,000. Lots are generally available for custom builds. Condos and Townhouses start in the 200,000’s.