Altamonte Springs

Altamonte Springs is the largest city in Seminole County, Florida.  The city is a northern suburb of Orlando and is located less than 9 miles directly to the north of Orlando.  In July 2008 the population was estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau at 39,947 residents and the city is part of the Orlando Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area.  Altamonte Springs holds many great events annually and is located in the center of Florida making it close to everything. 

The history of Altamonte Springs is nearly the same as the settlements near it.  The town began in the late 1800’s as a sparse settlement and slowly expanded until the railroad built a stop in Altamonte Springs in the 1880’s.  The railroad brought the city many visitors but few lived here the entire year.  On November 11, 1920 the town was incorporated as Altamonte Springs.  The name for the area comes from the Spanish word Altamonte meaning “high hill” for the geography of the settlement.    

The city now calls Cranes Roost Park the center of the city.  Here an outdoor town shopping center was opened and the area is called “Uptown Altamonte”.  This is the center of the business district of the city and hosts many great events entertaining residents daily.  This town center gives shoppers an urban feel and condominiums are being constructed here as the center expands.  

The city hosts many great annual events that are free.  Visitors come from all over the state to witness some of the festivals and the Independence Day festivities draw more than 150,000 people.  The events include:

• Copper ‘N Choppers – Second Saturday in March
• Uptown Altamonte Bridal Gala – Third Saturday in March
• Family Fest – First Saturday in May
• Jazz Jams Uptown – End of May
• Red Hot and Boom – July 3rd
• Jazz Jams Uptown – Middle of June
• Jazz Jams Uptown – Middle of July
• Jazz Jams Uptown – Middle of August
• Halloween at Cranes Roost – October 31st
• Uptown Altamont Art on the Boulevard – Third weekend in November
• Light up the Holidays – First Saturday in December

There are also many other events in Altamonte Springs.  You can witness daily choreographed dancing fountain shows at Cranes Roost Park, go to a free live concert every Friday night at the amphitheater, or catch one of the biweekly free shows of Streetmosphere put on by the award winning International Troupe Cirquemosphere.

The location of Altamonte Springs in the center of Florida means that many great educational institutions are in town or a close drive.  The means you can easily commute to any of the following colleges from Altamonte Springs.  The options in Altamonte Springs are:

• Academy for Professional Bartending Inc
• Seminole Community College – Altamonte Springs Campus

The colleges that are very close are:

• University of Phoenix – Orlando Campus
• Rollins College
• Seminole Community College – Sanford Campus
• Valencia Community College
• University of Central Florida
• Stetson University
• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
• Bethune – Cookman College
• Webster University
• Mountain State University
• Orlando College
• Florida Southern College
• Florida Technical College
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Warner Southern College

Besides the expansive list of educational choices available the amount of lakes and parks is just as impressive.  The activities are so expansive that the young and old share in the amount of fun they have.  The list includes:

• Lake Adelaide
• Lake Florida
• Lake Orienta
• Pearl Lake
• Late Lotus
• Lake Maltbie
• Cranes Roost
• Hermit’s Trail
• Lake Lotus Nature Park
• Cranes Roost Park
• Lake Orienta Public Boat Ramp and Recreational Area
• Sunshine Park
• Turnbull Avenue Park
• Merrill Park
• Lake Brantley Sports Complex

All of those places give opportunities for residents to get out of the house and enjoy the beauty Altamonte Springs offers. 

Altamonte Springs is located in the geographic heart of Central Florida.  The city is positioned around a network of major roads so commuting to work is hassle free.  Residents have so many choices when deciding what to do in Altamonte Springs and the major theme parks and airport are only a short drive away.  The growth has turned this small agricultural town into a cultured thriving city that still maintains the quaint feel.