I’m always looking for new places to explore with my family, and I recently came across some interesting developments in a neighborhood called Lake Nona, near Orlando. It used to be farmland, but it’s growing into its own destination with a lot of new things planned. I wanted to share what I found because it sounds like it could be a great spot for families looking for a different experience beyond the typical theme park trips.
Lake Nona’s Big Plans
Much of Lake Nona’s growth is spearheaded by Tavistock Development Co. They bought a large piece of land back in 1996, and since then, they’ve been building it up from scratch. It’s fascinating to see how a place that was once just fields is now becoming a place for people to live, work, and play.
The area is designed as a master-planned community, which means everything is thought out about how people will live there. In fact, Lake Nona was recently recognized as one of the top home-selling master-planned communities in the United States. The population has grown quite a bit, showing that more and more people are choosing to make this area their home.
Things to Do in Lake Nona
What really caught my eye are all the new entertainment and leisure activities being added. It seems like they’re aiming to make Lake Nona a place where you don’t have to leave the neighborhood for fun. They’re building things like an inflatable waterpark, a brewery, and even a 60-foot-tall ropes course.
There’s also plans for a wakeboard cable park, beach volleyball courts, and a new movie theater. One of the most unique ideas is a man-made crystal lagoon, which sounds like a beautiful place to relax. They’re also adding hotels, which are great for visitors who might want to stay and explore the area for a few days.
A Place for Play
I think it’s wonderful that they’re focusing on creating a “live, work, play” environment. For families like mine, having easy access to fun activities makes a big difference. It’s not just about having a place to live; it’s about having a place where you can enjoy your free time.
One of the new spots that sounds particularly exciting is Boxi Park. It’s an outdoor venue where shipping containers are being turned into food trucks, small restaurants, and bars. This sounds like a really cool and modern idea. It’s set to open with a dog park, volleyball courts, a playground, and a beer garden. They’re even hoping to have live entertainment throughout the week.
What is Boxi Park like?
I imagine Boxi Park will be a lively place for families. The idea of food trucks and casual dining in an outdoor setting feels very relaxed and kid-friendly.
It seems like a place where you can grab a bite, play some games, and just enjoy being outdoors together.
Another development is the Nona Adventure Park. This water sports park will feature solar-powered water skis, a wakeboard cable park, and an inflatable obstacle course. There’s also a climbing tower and ropes course. For families who enjoy being active, this sounds like a perfect destination.
It’s great that they’re thinking about sustainability too, with the solar-powered equipment and plans to offer discounts for those who walk or bike to the park. This is something I always look for when planning our trips.
Shopping and Dining
Beyond the adventure parks, Lake Nona is also planning a large town center with 80 specialty retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues to open in phases. By 2020, you can expect a new movie theater and a hotel to open there.
While there are already some places to eat and shop, it sounds like the town center will significantly expand the options. Right now, residents might need to drive a bit to find a larger store like Target, but that’s changing.
When will the town center open?
The town center’s development is happening in stages, with new tenants expected to open in 2020.
This means more choices for shopping and dining will be available over time.
One of the community spots that’s already drawing people in is Canvas restaurant in the Laureate Park neighborhood. It’s described as acting like a community center and is popular with families. Having a central spot like this can really help a neighborhood feel connected.
Who Lives in Lake Nona?
It’s interesting to note the kind of people living in Lake Nona. Many residents work at Medical City, which is a big health complex. This includes Nemours Children’s Hospital, the University of Florida Research & Academic Center, and the VA Medical Center.
The United States Tennis Association also has its world’s largest tennis facility here, and a major accounting firm, KPMG, is building a large training facility. This mix of healthcare, education, and business suggests a professionally active community. It’s often this type of population that drives demand for good amenities and services.
High Incomes and Retail Demand
Lake Nona has a growing population with higher-than-average wages for the Orlando area. The average household income is significantly higher than the median income in Orlando itself. This kind of demographic is very attractive for retailers and restaurants because it means there’s a strong customer base with disposable income.
I’ve found that in new communities with a strong professional presence, the demand for diverse and quality dining and shopping experiences tends to be high. It seems like Lake Nona is on the cusp of really developing that aspect of its community.
Is Lake Nona expensive for businesses?
Yes, with high demand and growing population, the cost for new retailers to secure space is quite steep.
Retail rates in some areas are comparable to more established, dense shopping districts.
Challenges of Rapid Growth
Of course, with such rapid development, there are always challenges. One of the main concerns I’ve read about is increased traffic. As more people move in and more businesses open, roads can become more congested.
Some residents have mentioned that the commute can be long if they work outside of Lake Nona. This is a common issue in fast-growing areas. However, the local government is aware of this and is planning road improvements, like widening Narcoossee Road and expanding key intersections, to help ease traffic flow.
For families, like mine with Emma and Sofia, planning around potential traffic can be a part of the travel strategy. It’s always good to know about these things in advance. My daughters, Sofia and Emma, are at ages where they appreciate having new experiences, but they also thrive on predictability and comfort, so understanding how to navigate growing areas is helpful.
Looking Ahead
It’s clear that Lake Nona is transforming itself. The goal is to become a destination where people not only live and work but also come to play and explore. The sheer number of new developments planned suggests a strong commitment to making this a well-rounded community.
I think that for families looking for something a bit different when visiting the Orlando area, Lake Nona could offer a really interesting option. It’s a good reminder that growth can bring exciting new places to discover. If you’re planning a trip to Orlando in the near future, say around 2026, keeping an eye on Lake Nona’s progress could be beneficial for finding new attractions and dining spots. While it might not yet have the same name recognition as some other Orlando attractions, its rapid development suggests it’s a place to watch. For a broader view of what Orlando offers, check out our main page on Orlando travel.
It’s always exciting to see a community evolve, and Lake Nona’s journey from farmland to a bustling hub of activity is quite a story. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and what new experiences it will offer to visitors.
