Wild Florida: A Hidden Gem Near Orlando for Nature & Wildlife Lovers

  Wild Florida: A Must-See Attraction Near Orlando Orlando is known worldwide for its theme parks, entertainment, and attractions like Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld—but there’s another side of Florida that many visitors (and even locals) never explore. If you’re looking for something unique—an adventure that takes you deep into Florida’s untouched wilderness—you need to visit Wild Florida. Located in Kenansville, just south of St. Cloud, this hidden gem offers a chance to experience Florida’s natural beauty up close, with incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. Let’s dive into what makes Wild Florida one of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Central Florida! Where is Wild Florida? Wild Florida is located in Kenansville, FL, about 15–20 minutes south of St. Cloud and approximately 45 minutes from Disney World. Unlike Orlando’s major tourist hotspots, this destination is tucked away in the heart of Florida’s wetlands, giving you a glimpse into the Old Florida landscape that existed long before theme parks took over. What to Do at Wild Florida Wild Florida is more than just an alligator park—it’s a full eco-adventure experience! The park is home to three main attractions, each offering something special: 1. The Gator Park: More Than Just Gators! The name might suggest it’s all about alligators, but the Gator Park is actually a mini zoo with over 200 animals from around the world. You’ll see:✔️ Native Florida wildlife (alligators, snakes, and exotic birds)✔️ Animals from Australia, South America, and Africa✔️ Close-up animal encounters (including a chance to hold a baby gator for free!)✔️ Feeding experiences and interactive exhibits One of the coolest aspects of the Gator Park is that it rescues nuisance alligators that would otherwise be euthanized. Crusher, one of the park’s largest gators, was saved from a private farm where he was at risk. Now, he has a safe home at Wild Florida! 2. The Airboat Tour: Explore Florida’s Wetlands If you want a true Florida experience, the airboat tour is a must. Wild Florida originally started with airboat tours, and they remain one of the park’s most popular activities. ✔️ Glide across Cypress Lake in an airboat✔️ See alligators, bald eagles, and native Florida birds in their natural habitat✔️ Experience unspoiled wetlands and marshlands Airboat tours run throughout the year, but during the cooler winter months, you might want to bring a jacket since the wind can get chilly! 3. The Drive-Thru Safari: A One-of-a-Kind Experience Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari opened in 2019, and it has been a huge hit ever since. This is the only safari of its kind in Central Florida, offering: ✔️ A 2.5-mile drive-through adventure through 170 acres of open land✔️ Close-up encounters with exotic animals like zebras, bison, and antelope✔️ A giraffe feeding experience at the end of the drive You can choose between the full safari experience (which takes about an hour) or a shorter version if you’re short on time. The best part? You can enjoy the animals from the comfort of your car, making this a perfect summer activitywhen the Florida heat is at its peak! Why Visit Wild Florida? Wild Florida is a refreshing change of pace from the fast-moving theme parks and bustling city life. Here’s why it’s worth the visit: ✔️ A True Taste of Florida’s Natural Beauty – See Florida as it was before modern development took over.✔️ Fun for All Ages – Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s something exciting for everyone.✔️ Great for Hot or Rainy Days – With shaded areas and indoor exhibits, plus a drive-thru safari, it’s an excellent option year-round.✔️ Unique Wildlife Encounters – From holding a baby gator to feeding a giraffe, you’ll experience animals in a whole new way. How to Get to Wild Florida From Disney World: 45-minute drive south From St. Cloud: 15–20 minutes south From Orlando International Airport: About 50 minutes Wild Florida is located off Cypress Lake, deep in Osceola County, but the drive is well worth it for an unforgettable day in nature. Final Thoughts: Is Wild Florida Worth It? Absolutely! Whether you’re visiting Florida for vacation or you’re a local looking for a unique weekend adventure, Wild Florida is an experience you won’t forget. From thrilling airboat rides to interactive animal encounters, this hidden gem near Orlando is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Florida’s wilder side. Plan Your Trip to Wild Florida Today! For tickets, hours, and more details, visit the official Wild Florida website. Would you visit Wild Florida? Drop a comment below and let me know!

Buying a Home in Central Florida? 3 Key Things to Know in 2025

  Don’t Buy a Home in Central Florida Before Reading This! Are you thinking about buying a home in Orlando or the Central Florida area? With rising home prices, fluctuating mortgage rates, and more inventory hitting the market, it’s important to know what’s happening before making a move. We’re breaking down three key things every homebuyer should consider in 2025, plus strategies to help you secure the best deal. Let’s dive in! 1. Home Prices in Central Florida Are Still Rising 📈 Current Market Trends: The average home price in Orange County is now $438,000—an 8% increase from last year. Inventory is up, meaning more homes are available. Despite more homes on the market, buyer demand remains strong. What Does This Mean for Buyers? 💡 Prices aren’t dropping, but they’re also not skyrocketing as they were in 2021-2022. If you’re waiting for a massive price correction, you may be waiting a long time. 📌 New Construction Is Leading the MarketMany builders in the Orlando area are offering big incentives to attract buyers, including:✔️ Lower interest rates (some as low as 4.75%)✔️ Cash incentives for closing costs or upgrades✔️ Flexible financing options If you’re open to new construction, this could be a more affordable option compared to resale homes. 2. Mortgage Rates & the Danger of Trying to "Time the Market" 🏦 Where Are Mortgage Rates Now? Rates had briefly dropped to the low 6s and even high 5s, but they’ve climbed back to 7%. Federal rate cuts don’t directly lower mortgage rates—but they do influence long-term trends. The Big Mistake: Trying to Time the Market Many buyers wait too long, hoping for the “perfect” interest rate. But by the time rates actually drop, home prices (and competition) will likely increase. 🚨 Real Example:A buyer in Fall 2024 waited for interest rates to drop before starting their home search. By the time they found a home two weeks later, rates had already jumped back up—costing them hundreds more per month. Key Takeaway: 💡 Buy when it makes sense for YOU, not when you “think” rates will be best. If rates drop after you buy, you can always refinance later. 3. Smart Strategies to Get a Better Deal Instead of waiting for a perfect market, here are strategies you can use NOW: ✔️ Consider an Assumable Mortgage Did you know that some home loans are assumable? This means you can take over the seller’s mortgage—keeping their low interest rate instead of getting a new loan. 🏡 Which Loans Are Assumable?✅ FHA Loans (most common)✅ VA Loans (only if you qualify)✅ USDA Loans (more specific qualifications) If you’re a buyer in a strong cash position, an assumable loan could save you hundreds per month on mortgage payments. ✔️ Target Homes That Have Been on the Market Longer Homes that sit on the market for 30+ days may have motivated sellers. These sellers are often willing to negotiate, offering:✔️ Seller-paid closing costs✔️ Cash incentives to lower your interest rate✔️ Flexible terms to help with your budget 💡 Tip: Ask your agent to look at listings 60-90 days old—these often present the best negotiation opportunities. ✔️ Expand Your Search to Get More for Your Money 📍 Instead of focusing only on Orlando, consider growing suburbs where home prices are more affordable: Davenport Apopka Clermont St. Cloud These areas offer larger homes at better prices while still being close to Orlando’s major attractions. ✔️ Take Advantage of FHA 203(k) Loans If you’re open to fixer-uppers, an FHA 203(k) loan allows you to finance both the home purchase and renovationsinto a single loan. 🏡 Example: You qualify for $350,000 but aren’t finding homes you love. Instead, you buy a $275,000 fixer-upper. The FHA 203(k) loan covers renovations, turning it into your dream home while building instant equity. This is a great strategy if you’re struggling to find move-in-ready homes in your budget. Looking Ahead: Where Is the Market Going? 🔮 Mortgage Rates May Drop, But Not to 3-4%Experts predict that rates could come down to 5.5-6% in 2025, but we likely won’t see ultra-low rates like in 2020 again. 🔥 Buyer Competition Will IncreaseThere are 8 million qualified buyers waiting for better economic conditions before jumping into the market. 🚀 That means when rates drop, competition will surge! If you wait too long, you could be competing against more buyers—potentially driving prices even higher. Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Now or Wait? ✅ Buy Now If:✔️ You find a home that fits your needs and budget.✔️ You can lock in a good deal (assumable loan, seller concessions, etc.).✔️ You plan to live in the home long enough to refinance later if needed. 🚫 Wait If:❌ You need more time to save for a down payment or closing costs.❌ You’re waiting for major life changes (job relocation, financial shifts). Thinking About Buying in Central Florida? If you’re planning to buy a home in Orlando or surrounding areas, let’s chat! 📩 Contact us today for a personalized home-buying strategy.🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert real estate insights.

Pros and Cons of Living in St. Cloud, FL: What You Need to Know Before Moving

  Thinking About Moving to St. Cloud, FL? Read This First! If you’re considering a move to St. Cloud, Florida, there are a few things you should know before making your decision. Located just southeast of Orlando, St. Cloud offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to major attractions. However, no place is perfect! In this guide, I’ll share five pros and five cons of living in St. Cloud so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you. Cons of Living in St. Cloud, FL 1. Distance to Major Attractions St. Cloud is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your lifestyle. While daily necessities are close by, many jobs, major shopping centers, and entertainment hubs are at least 30 minutes away. If you work in Orlando or other suburbs, be prepared for a commute. 2. Limited Public Transportation & Walkability St. Cloud isn’t the most walkable city. While Downtown St. Cloud has a charming, pedestrian-friendly feel, the rest of the area is spread out, meaning a car is necessary for most errands. Public transportation options are also very limited, so if you rely on buses or trains, this may not be the ideal location. 3. Florida Heat & Weather Yes, Florida is hot—but St. Cloud summers can be brutal. From May through September, expect high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and temperatures well into the 90s. And don’t forget about hurricane season, which runs from June through November. 4. Traffic & Infrastructure Challenges With St. Cloud’s rapid growth, traffic congestion has become a concern, especially during rush hour. Road expansions and improvements are underway, but they take time. Additionally, schools are near capacity, and while new charter schools have helped ease overcrowding, the city is still playing catch-up. 5. Fewer Entertainment & Dining Options Unlike other Orlando suburbs known for their vibrant food, craft breweries, and arts scene, St. Cloud is quieter when it comes to nightlife and entertainment. While you can drive to other areas for more variety, St. Cloud itself doesn’t yet have the same level of options as places like Winter Park or Lake Nona. Pros of Living in St. Cloud, FL 1. Convenient Access to Central Florida & Beyond One of the biggest perks of living in St. Cloud is its proximity to everything Central Florida has to offer. You’re just a short drive from: Theme parks: Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld Beaches: Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and the Space Coast Major cities: Orlando, Tampa, and even Miami (via the new Brightline train) You get small-town living while still being within reach of all the excitement! 2. More Affordable Housing Compared to nearby areas like Lake Nona, Winter Park, or Winter Garden, St. Cloud real estate is significantly more affordable. While prices are rising due to development, homes here still offer better value than many other Orlando suburbs. 3. Small-Town Charm with Rich History St. Cloud has a unique history and deep agricultural roots. Fun fact: The city was founded in 1909 as a retirement settlement for Civil War veterans, who could purchase five-acre lots for just $50—imagine that return on investment! To this day, St. Cloud maintains a close-knit community feel, with local events like monthly farmers' markets and Rodeo Day, a beloved tradition that gives kids a day off from school! 4. Outdoor Living & Recreation If you love the outdoors, St. Cloud has plenty of parks, lakes, and trails to explore. Popular activities include: Boating, fishing, and skiing on large lakes Hiking and biking trails Community parks perfect for families With warm weather year-round, outdoor recreation is always an option. 5. Strong Community Feel Because St. Cloud retains its small-town atmosphere, it’s easy to make connections and build a sense of community. There are frequent local events, farmers’ markets, and family-friendly activities where you can meet neighbors and get involved. Final Thoughts: Is St. Cloud, FL Right for You? St. Cloud offers affordable housing, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm, but it also comes with longer commutes, limited entertainment, and rapid development challenges. If you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle with easy access to Orlando and Florida’s best attractions, St. Cloud might be the perfect fit! But if you prefer walkability, public transit, or a more vibrant nightlife, you may want to explore other nearby areas. Thinking About Moving to St. Cloud? If you’re considering making the move, let’s chat! I’d love to help you find the perfect home in St. Cloud, FL. Drop a comment below or reach out to me directly!

Inside Saint Cloud Florida’s Newest Community | Crossprairie

  Crossprairie is one of the most exciting new communities coming to Central Florida, located in Saint Cloud, nestled between Lake Toho and the Turnpike, this is really a prime location. We are 30 minutes away from downtown Orlando, Disney World, Lake Nona, Kissimmee's Neocity and even the Orlando Airport. Now, even though these are early days, you can tell this neighborhood is going to be beautiful. They have a huge emphasis on outdoor living with lots of green spaces, linear parks, hiking trails, and nature preserves throughout the community. Right now, we're in early phases with an anticipated buildout of 2032, so we have a little bit of time before we're completely built. Crossprairie is a 1400 acre mixed use master plan community. Onsite, we're going to have about 5,200 homes, a million square feet of commercial space, nearly 2 million square feet of office space and 600 hotel rooms. Additionally, plans call for a brand new high school and boat lifts for lake access.Now, for all the promise in Crossprairie, there is one major pain point that I see still standing, and that's the traffic. Now, there is one primary entrance into St. Cloud, and that is through Kissimmee Park Road, which goes over the turnpike with a northbound entrance and a southbound exit. Now, that area gets pretty congested during morning and evening rush hours, but to be fair, there has been some recent work done on it to increase the traffic flow. Now, the good news is that a new turnpike interchange has been approved and fully funded, and that is going to be on the north side of the property at the new Nolte extension, which is scheduled to start construction sometime in 2024. Now, right now, Kissimmee Park Road is really the only way in and out of St. Cloud. So any shopping, restaurants, groceries, all of that is going to take place on that side of town, and some of that is going to be resolved as the commercial space is developed, bringing groceries and restaurants here into Crossprairie. Jones Homes is building town homes, bungalows, and single family homes. The town homes here are starting the low three hundreds. The bungalows are starting in the high three hundreds, and the single family homes are starting in the low fours. Now, if you're not familiar with what a bungalow is, think townhome size, townhome footprint, but it is a single family home. It's completely detached. So if you are looking for a single family home, you don't want the townhouse shared wall life, but you do want a lower price point, bungalows are a great option for you. MI Homes has town homes and single family homes from the three to 400 thousands, and they're also building right across from the model. This is the community resort center. So in this is going to be the resort style pool, kiddy pool. You're going to have cabanas, an indoor outdoor clubhouse and a playground. We also have Meritage Homes building three to four bedroom single family homes, starting at a price point of 435. There are plenty of floor plan and pricing options throughout the community with a variety of builders and a variety of home style. There really is something for everybody here. All in all, if you're looking for a promising new community here in central Florida to live, work, and play, you should consider Crossprairie.