Warmer weather is often sought after for many retirees living in a cooler climate. For Disney fans, there is no better location than retiring and moving near Disney World! Below are 3 lovely locations to move to when you finally pack up and move to Disney.
1. Celebration
Have you ever wondered about Celebration, Florida? Celebration was dreamed of by Walt Disney and built by The Walt Disney Company in mid 1990’s, to be the perfect town with the era of 1950’s in mind. Celebration allows no franchises. Celebration was sold by Disney in 2004, however it still remains known as the Disney Town, even though its actually a community not a town.
The cost to buy in Celebration may be more affordable than you think. The cost actually varies greatly, depending on the village and home style. As of early 2019, there were open houses for condos (apartment style) for under $300,000 and beautiful Mediterranean inspired estates for up to $2 million. There were various price points in between as well. Plus, homeowner’s association costs apply to living in Celebration.
Then enjoy, Oktoberfest a celebration each October, and snowing in December at an annual community event for family fun. Plus, residents are given a Celebration ID card to access amenities, in various villages. This includes pools, work out areas, tennis courts, playgrounds and more. These areas are for residents only. There are also many walking and biking trails. Unfortunately, no Disney perks come with living in Celebration, Florida. However, residents can see fireworks for free with views from the Celebration Boulevard.
2. Winter Park
For a suburb in the greater Orlando area, consider Winter Park founded in the 1880s. The homes reflect this era, with beautiful late 19th century houses lining the neighborhoods and cobblestone streets in older parts of town.
However, be prepared to pay an average of $400K-$600K for a home in the median range. Your distance from Disney World would is give or take a 30-minute drive away. Population of this town is currently under 30,000 people.
Residents look forward to the yearly Winter Park Sidewalk Festival. Plus enjoy the eleven outdoor parks, shopping, cycling and walking, art culture, annual Art Festival and lake for boating and kayaking.
3. Golden Oak
The first homes at the Golden Oak community were completed in 2011, becoming the first luxury resort homes at Disney World. The name Golden Oak is named for Walt’s Golden Oak Ranch in California. The 7 private neighborhoods of single family guard-gated homes are located only 4 miles from Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida. However, living here comes with quite the price tag.
The house designs are modern-day classic with inspiration from Caribbean and European Styles. Golden Oak was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and only a select group of construction companies are permitted to build the homes. Prices for homes in this community start at $2 million dollars and go up to $10 million! This does come with many amenities, such as a private clubhouse, full service spa, event space and more. There is an HOA fee however, at $5,100 annually.
Golden Oak is 980 acres total. However, much of that total includes parks, gardens, landscapes and natural preserves. In the parks look for tasteful Disney touches such as bronze statues of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi and more. Home sizes themselves range from 3,000-9,000 sq. ft.
Each home in Golden Oak has a special Disney addition! Find a customized medallion on the outside of each home. In addition, Residents enjoy Disney perks such as Extra Magic Hours at Disney World parks, merchandise delivery (for a fee) and discounted golf green fees.
photo credit: Disney parks blog & Celebration, Florida Facebook
Thanks, Sara
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.