Stand-up paddleboarding with downtown Orlando in the background.
College Park, Orange County
Niche.com A- Grade / Median Home Value $498,700
Five minutes (or less) from downtown Orlando, College Park is a neighborhood where small-town charm meets urban accessibility. With tree-lined brick streets, picturesque lakes and a proud sense of community, College Park offers a vibrant lifestyle rooted in rich history and a forward-looking spirit.
Citrus Grove Origins
Like many areas in Central Florida, College Park began as citrus groves in the late 1800s. The first permanent settler, a grower named John Ericsson, built his farmhouse along what is now Princeton Street. As the South Florida Railroad extended through the region, the area attracted more settlers, eventually blossoming into the charming residential enclave centered around Edgewater Drive.
A Period of Growth
The 1920s marked a period of growth for College Park, fueled by Florida’s real estate boom. Prominent developers like Walter Rose, H. Carl Dann, J.P. Holbrook and Frank L. Anderson established the neighborhood’s foundational subdivisions. In 1921, Rose introduced the now-iconic tradition of naming streets after colleges and universities—a nod that gave the neighborhood its name. A few years later, in 1923, Dann helped found Dubsdread Golf Course, a public course that remains a cherished local landmark.
the College Park/Packing District YMCA. The Packing District has become a model for urban growth.
A Period of Hardship
However, the prosperity of the 1920s was short-lived. The Great Depression brought economic hardship, leaving many properties vacant. Seizing the opportunity, savvy entrepreneur Welborn C. Phillips acquired large swaths of land, setting the stage for College Park’s resurgence in the post-war era.
Lasting Legacies
The neighborhood is also notable for its literary legacy—famed Beat Generation author Jack Kerouac once lived in College Park. His former home now serves as the Kerouac Project, a nonprofit retreat that hosts aspiring writers from around the globe.
Today, College Park continues to evolve while preserving its historic roots. The community is known for its bungalow-style homes, strong local businesses, and walkable streets shaded by majestic oaks. Along Edgewater Drive, residents enjoy a mix of award-winning restaurants, cozy cafes and independent shops that capture the neighborhood’s unique personality.
Community Spirit Is Alive and Well
Community spirit is central to life in College Park. Annual events like College Park JazzFest, Holiday on the Drive and Dancing on the Drive bring neighbors together and celebrate the area’s artistic and social vibrancy. These festivities reflect the optimism, pride and shared values that define the neighborhood.
Adjacent to College Park, the innovative Packing District is rising as a new chapter in Orlando’s urban development. Located on land once used by Dr. Phillips for citrus packing, the area is being transformed into a mixed-use community with a regional park, pedestrian and bike trails, a YMCA Family Center, a food hall and residential options that complement College Park’s existing charm.
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