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Florida Real Estate & Relocation Guide
Oviedo, Florida
Population: 32,855
Located in Seminole County
In addition to Oviedo¹s easy access to the employment, shopping and entertainment opportunities within the Central Florida region, the residents here enjoy a small town flavor with an exceptional educational system and numerous recreational amenities. The preservation of these attributes and the creation of new economic opportunities will enhance Oviedo¹s success.
The story of Oviedo's history goes that it was first settled because of its accessibility to Solary's Wharf, a landing on Lake Jessup that provided merchants an opportunity to distribute the products of a year-round growing season. With merchants came settlers who recognized the natural beauty of Oviedo's lakes, rivers, and subtropical climate.
Today, Oviedo's beginnings are reborn. The arrival of a multitude of shopping, medical and retirement services supports the arrival of new "settlers" to Oviedo each day. Families enthusiastically enjoy Oviedo's noted beauty and charm exhibited along the Cross Seminole Trail. The Oviedo Marketplace Shopping Mall features five major department stores and more than 100 specialty stores.
Here in Oviedo, you'll find capable city management insuring planned growth, expanding recreational facilities, fire and police services and diligent protection of Oviedo's natural resources. You'll also find friendly neighbors raising families in an excellent school system, which enables a person to go from preschool to post graduate degree, all within five miles of Oviedo.
Oviedo is also home to a progressive, pro-business environment that has helped add to the unparalleled growth, both in terms of residents and new businesses. High tech and professional jobs are mainstream for Oviedo, where income demographics are tops in Central Florida. Churches, civic and social groups round out Oviedo in a way that allows a hometown atmosphere to prevail in an ever-growing environment.
Despite the recession, Oviedo is benefiting from a variety of positive characteristics, such as the following: one of the highest average household incomes in Central Florida; the positive influences of being in close proximity to the University of Central Florida (UCF), the UCF Research Park and the Kennedy Space Center; and approved plans and funding for a public/private partnership to develop a new town center - known as Oviedo on the Park.
In 2005, Oviedo was designated as a ³Florida Community for a Lifetime² by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Through this program, the City has worked with local housing providers to construct homes that can accommodate all ages. Though the Communities for a Lifetime program is focused on Florida¹s senior citizens, the City has widened the focus of its program to include all residents from infants to seniors. Oviedo has also worked with local developers to incorporate Communities for a Lifetime design concepts into new housing units.
Oviedo¹s housing values remain very stable. In 2000, the median value for housing in Oviedo was $131,300. In 2009, the median value of housing in Oviedo is $203,226. Though the 2009 value is a slight decrease from 2008, the City¹s housing value has been maintained at a level well above the 2000 median value. This is primarily contributed to the relative young age of Oviedo¹s housing units and the high rate of home ownership in Oviedo. More than 60 percent of the City¹s housing units have been constructed since 1990. In 2009, approximately 77 percent of Oviedo¹s housing units are owner-occupied, and 13 percent are renter-occupied. The City also enjoys a relatively low vacancy rate of approximately 9.7 percent.
Oviedo has experienced rapid growth in the last ten years with new planned unit developments. These homes were sold very quickly. In the older sections of town, the homes reflect the historical ambiance of the old south. Oviedo provides a variety of housing styles meeting the needs of most demographic and socioeconomic groups. Approximately 85 percent of the housing units in Oviedo are detached single family residential homes. Within this housing group, the housing styles vary from the basic starter home to the luxury estate homes including all styles in between. In recent years, the fastest growing housing style has been single-family attached housing units such as town homes. This housing style constitutes approximately five percent of Oviedo¹s current housing units, most of which are owner-occupied. However, the City has approved plans for more of this housing style, some of which include rental units. Duplexes, which are two-family housing units, constitute approximately 2.3 percent of Ovido¹s current housing units. Approximately 247 affordable apartment units were completed in 2008. The City also has plans for construction of 1,200 multi-family and town home units within the Oviedo on the Park new downtown center. These units will include both owner-occupied and rental opportunities.
Most of Oviedo¹s housing is located within two miles of one of Oviedo¹s five elementary schools. In 2008, the City received a Safe Routes to School Grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. The $647,000 grant will be used to build new and improve existing sidewalks around Jackson Heights Middle School; demarcation of crosswalks; install warning signs and advisory speed plates along CR 419; and install additional bike racks within the JHMS campus to provide safer passage for students who walk or ride a bicycle to school. Oviedo is currently pursuing a second grant application for the area around Lawton Elementary School.
In addition to several top-rated private and parochial schools, Oviedo is also served by two high schools, five elementary and two middle schools, all of which are "A"-rated schools by the State of Florida. Approximately 85 percent of school enrollment is in the public school system. The Seminole County Public School System is among the highest rated school systems in the nation. More than 80 percent of all high school graduates go on to pursue higher education in the form of two or four year degrees or advanced technical training. Oviedo also enjoys a nearby growing state university, vibrant community colleges, and a diversity in trade and professional schools in the area.
All Oviedo neighborhoods constructed since 1990 contain a neighborhood park that is within a five- to ten-minute walk of all of the neighborhood homes. The City provides larger community parks that are easily accessible to Oviedo¹s neighborhoods. The total land area here is approximately 16 square miles. Thus, its compact shape allows for residents to access shopping and services within a matter of minutes. Most of the neighborhoods constructed since 1990 are part of large planned developments that include parks, open spaces, and commercial/office areas in addition to the residential housing units.
One of the things that Oviedo is famous for is the abundance of municipal parks and sporting facilities. Soccer, baseball, and basketball are very popular here. Ovideo has two municipal swimming centers including Riverside Park. In the summer, this center turns into a day camp for City employee¹s children and the general public. There is also a skate park attached to Riverside. The new gymnasium and aquatic center also has an indoor basketball court, rock climbing wall and full work out center. Athletics, instructional classes, and leagues as well as aquatics are the four main ways in which the Recreation & Parks Department enhances the quality of life to the residents of Oviedo. The City's facilities include the following: gymnasium and aquatic facility - including a 50-meter Olympic swimming pool, children's Splash Zone, fitness room, high school regulation basketball Court, multi-purpose room, concession, trailhead with gazebo, playground, and indoor rock climbing wall; Riverside Community Center - including a 25 meter Jr. Olympic swimming pool, two 4-wall racquetball courts, four lighted tennis courts, multi-purpose room, playground, picnic shelters, pavilions, grills and multi-purpose field; Oviedo Sports Complex - including four softball fields, six youth baseball fields, one t-ball field (all fields are lighted), one senior league field, playground, restrooms and concessions. Furthermore, Oviedo has the Rippin' Riverside Skate Park, a 30,000-square foot lighted skate park with street course and bowls. And let¹s not forget about Long Lake Park, which includes a soccer/football field, restrooms, a stocked small lake with its own walking path, and playground. Last, but not least is Shane Kelly Park - a regional soccer field complex operated by the City of Oviedo with six lighted soccer fields, restrooms, concession, and playground.
In 1996, the City partnered with the Alafaya Woods, Twin Rivers, and Big Oaks neighborhoods to purchase 34 acres adjacent to the Econlockhatchee River to prevent a 120-home subdivision from being constructed. The City secured a Florida Communities Trust Grant and established a Special Neighborhood Improvement District (SNID) over the three neighborhoods to purchase the property and develop it as a passive park. Through the SNID, the residents of Alafaya Woods, Twin Rivers, and Big Oaks assessed themselves $65 per year in order to help pay for the purchase of the land and creation of the park. In 2008, the City opened Riverwoods Park to the public. This is a passive park along the banks of the Econlockhatchee River that provides walking trails and picnic areas on land that has been preserved in its natural state. Of worthy note is the city¹s new lightning prediction system, which was installed at eight city parks to notify park users of approaching severe weather.
Oviedo has a wide array of special events with the most popular being ³Taste of Oviedo² - a springtime event that attracts more than 35,000 people from around Central Florida. Other events that draw crowds from far and wide include the fireworks on July 4th, Oktoberfest, Great Day in the Country - a fall arts and crafts event that attracts thousands from around Central Florida, Snow Mountain - a winter event with real snow for children, and the Martin Luther King Day celebration. Oviedo encourages participation in these events through a collaborative effort with non-profit groups who coordinate several of the events while the City provides support in the form of fire/rescue, police and trash collection.
As far as crime prevention and safety are concerned, Oviedo¹s law enforcement agencies work overtime to ensure residents and visitors enjoy the city¹s amenities on a daily basis in a safe environment. Several community initiatives are in place to help educate Oviedo¹s citizens on crime prevention and emergency response. Some of these initiatives include buying back guns and giving out safety locks in exchange for the guns. Community awareness is promoted through a commitment to community policing which emphasizes engaging the community and residents in finding solutions to law enforcement issues. The Community Relations program provides the public with educational and pro-active crime prevention and public safety information. It also provides youth with life-skills intervention through two school-based officer taught programs offered in cooperation with the public schools: Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) and Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T). Furthermore, the School Resource Officer program is a collaborative effort between the City and the Seminole County School Board for equally sharing the cost of the Police Department providing an SRO at several schools within the City limits.
The City of Oviedo provides a full range of public safety services, including fire and rescue, which is provided from three stations with 45 firefighter/EMT's and firefighter/paramedics. The department has achieved an ISO insurance rating of 2 (on a scale of 10 with 1 being the highest rating) and is among 20 cities and counties in Florida (out of 470) with that rating.
Oviedo is also noted for its natural resources. Spectacular rivers, lush, almost tropical forests and magnificent lakes offer a plethora of choices for outdoor activities. There are dozens of world-class golf courses and some of Florida¹s famous beaches, all located within a short drive. In order to preserve water and keep all these natural amenities beautiful, the City has a variety of environmental initiatives, including water conservation through the H2Oviedo Water Conservation Incentive Program that offers financial incentives for installing xeriscaping and other types of landscaping and reclaimed water - now available in several neighborhoods with plans to serve 14 neighborhoods with average daily demand of 1.7 million gallons per day by 2013.
Oviedo is the first city in the region to have a 20 year Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) approved. The CUP mandates reduction in potable water use and continued conservation measures. A new solid waste contract with Republic Services will increase recycling, reducing the amount of solid waste delivered to the County landfill. The new solid waste contract also relies on a fully automated collection system that reduce labor and fuel costs. The new Public Works Administration facility was designed as Oviedo¹s first LEED-certified building and is nearing completion. Furthermore, Oviedo is participating in Florida¹s "Guaranteed Energy Performance Contracting" Program that evaluates energy-saving opportunities with capital investments made based on positive return on investment and a minimum guaranteed savings.
Oviedo has been committed to a "paperless movement" for the past four years through the use of document management technology and automated agenda preparation. The City has made consistent progress with electronic archiving of city records. The Legistream automated agenda preparation software allows for immediate archiving and posting of City Council agenda materials on the City's Web site.
With all these initiatives and new developments, Oviedo¹s exponential growth will continue with the City¹s current strategic plan, which is to pursue economic development and diversification of the tax base, ensure that organizational resources and physical infrastructure keep pace with the City¹s future growth, and to transform Oviedo into a medium-sized city that plays a leadership role in Seminole County and is influential in Central Florida.
As one of two remaining cities (out of seven cities) in Seminole County with real growth potential, Oviedo's vision will be reached by successfully incorporating "smart growth" concepts while striving to retain the City's family-oriented ("kids and cul-de-sac"), small town flavor and heritage. Through a long-term commitment to economic development and diversifying the tax base, residents will enjoy "value-added" job opportunities that do not exist in Oviedo today. Another component of improvement is a commitment made recently by the Oviedo City Council to improve and maintain neighborhoods through a partnership with affected residents. The program known as "Improving Oviedo's Neighborhoods" was recently initiated and is expected to have a positive long-term benefit that will improve Oviedo's quality of life.
