Publisher Letter: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

CATHERINE WALTERS
Orlando Magazine Publisher

Hello Neighbor. It’s quite possible if you live in and around Orlando (or have in the last four decades), we’ve been neighbors, or at the very least, members of the same community. I’ve lived in Altamonte Springs and Casselberry, Lake Mary and Sanford, as far north as DeLand and as far south as Millenia and just about everywhere in between. From apartments, to townhomes, lofts, and single-family houses, I’ve called many places “home” over the years. And yet, Orlando itself feels most like “home” to me. The palm trees, the friendly people, the tranquil parks, the humidity; it all feels familiar and good. 

Although our neighborhoods, communities, and cities differ, they are all part of what makes Orlando such a great place to call home. We invite our readers to explore 10 Great Places To Live, the fourth year of our Great Neighborhoods Issue. From Mount Dora to Winter Park, you’re bound to discover something new in these wonderful places we call home. Explore our Hot 100, Hot 100 Elite, and All Star real estate professionals’ features and the Top Mortgage Professionals list, and find out who keeps Orlando’s residential real estate market moving! 

Speaking of moving, July is a great time to try one of Central Florida’s exhilarating zipline courses. We offer five recommendations with options for beginners to very experienced adventurers. From the Central Florida Zoo’s ZOOm Air Adventure Park to The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park’s incredible ride over a limestone canyon. Rather thrill your tastebuds? In Food & Drink, discover Brendan O’Connor’s neighborhood restaurant recommendations for chill spots to relax, unwind and feel at home. For readers who want something even more casual, and perhaps a nostalgic and low-key setting, check out the Old Diners and Drive-Ins story. Hint: there may be some road tripping involved! 

Lastly, our neighborhood restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks and pop-ups need YOUR help in the 2023 Orlando magazine Dining Awards. Voting ends August 1st, so head to orlandomagazine.com/vote to cast your ballot for the best of the best. Winners will be announced in the November 2023 Issue and online November 1, 2023.