Oviedo

Oviedo is a city in Seminole County, Florida located nearly 14 miles southwest of Orlando.  The city is considered part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area and has a population of 32,606 in July 2008 according to U.S. Census estimates.  The many chances for residents to get out and enjoy life are evident with placid lakes, tranquil parks and great festivals throughout the year.  Oviedo has a long history and starting out as a farming community but grown to be voted in the top 100 places to live in 2009. 

Oviedo was first settled in 1885 just after the Civil War ended.  This area was inhabited by part of the Seminole tribe of Indians before settlers first came but nearly all evidence has been lost through time.  The Native American settlements disappeared before Oviedo was settled into the present day city.  Settlers first built on the Lake Jesup shore because the land was so fertile.  Citrus and celery were the main crops grown in Oviedo and they were taken to Orlando to be sold.  Oviedo was officially named on March 13, 1879 and is named after the original Oviedo in Spain.  The two cities today are informal sister cities and continue to thrive.  In 1925 the town of Oviedo with 800 residents was incorporated but the small farming town has changed plenty since then.

Now oranges and celery are not grown in huge quantities here but rather in small gardens.  The city has grown up and became a wonderful place to live.  Today free range chickens roam the downtown and are featured on many souvenirs.  The chickens give Oviedo something different, like Key West, than no other town or city nearby can offer.  Maybe this unique atmosphere or maybe something entirely different caused Oviedo to be voted number 100 in CNN Money Magazine’s 100 Best Places to Live in 2009.  

Throughout the year Oviedo holds many great festivals.  No matter what your preferences these festivals will entertain you.  Some of the bigger festivals are:

• Citrus and Celery Cook off – Middle of April
• Taste of Oviedo – Middle of April
• 4^th of July Celebration – July 4th
• Whale of a Sale – Beginning of October
• Oktoberfest – Second weekend in October
• Great Day in the Country – Second Saturday in November

The taste of Oviedo and the Citrus and Celery Cook off held at the same time highlight the heritage of the city and keep the history alive.  The Whale of a Sale is a huge rummage sale put on by a local church and always has many great bargains.  When the Oviedo Woman’s Club holds on the Great Day in the Country the event is huge and the money raised goes for great philanthropic causes throughout Oviedo.

Oviedo has two colleges in the city and many more nearby.  The two in Oviedo are:

• Reformed Theological Seminary
• Seminole Community College – Oviedo Campus

The colleges that are easy commutes for those living in Oviedo are numerous and UCF is only one mile from the city limits of Oviedo.  The colleges nearby include:

• University of Central Florida
• Seminole Community College Main Campus
• University of Phoenix – Orlando Campus
• Rollins College
• Valencia Community College
• Stetson University
• Brevard Community College – Coca Campus

With this amount of colleges nearby students have a choice of where to go and still be close to home.  The degree options are not limited and the commute is not far for some great Florida schools.

Besides the options of higher education close to Oviedo the chance to get away and relax is right around the corner with many great parks and lakes in Oviedo.  No matter if you are looking to kayak, go hiking on a nature trail, or go fishing every possibility is available minutes away.  The amount of parks and waterways gives residents many choices to find the one best suited for their needs.  The options include:

• Lake Charm
• Round Lake
• Lake Rogers
• Lake Gem
• Long Lake
• Little Ecolockhatchee River
• Gymnasium and Aquatic Facility
• Riverside Park
• Memorial Building
• Oviedo Sports Complex
• Rippin’ Riverside Skate Park
• Boston Hill Park
• Friendship Park
• Long lake Park
• Round Lake Park
• Shane Kelly Park
• Sweetwater Park

Oviedo also has biking and walking trials that used to make up the old Orlando to Oviedo railway.  This former set of train tracks is now the Cady Way Trail and connects into the Florida Trail.  Many people take advantage of this beautiful trail daily for exercise of just to see the beauty of the area. 

Oviedo is situated near to Orlando and many residents drive to Orlando for work but the drive is short and the residents are happy since they live in a place that was voted one of the 100 best places to live.