Orlando Realtor Shares:
The Perks Of Living In College Park
Have you ever wondered how College Park was founded? This distinct neighborhood within the city of Orlando derives its name from the streets that were named for institutions of higher learning such as Princeton, Harvard, and Yale. Back in 1880, John Ericsson built the first home in the area that is now known as College Park. College Park is within close proximity to downtown Orlando, making it a popular place to live for people of all ages including seniors, young professionals and families.
College Park has a small community feel and allows its residents to access many restaurants and 
businesses and travel to other downtown areas without having to get on I-4. One feature that sets College Park apart from other neighboring towns is the small, quaint town, which is centered around Edgewater Drive. On this main street, residents and passersby have access to local dining establishments, dry cleaners, coffee shops and other mom-and-pop type shops.
College Park Real Estate Market
Today the Real Estate market is booming in and around College Park. With a limited amount of inventory to choose from, it is more difficult to find single-family homes, which has lead to an increase in price. There are a few options when it comes to townhomes and condos, but the majority of College Park is made up of bungalows, craftsman-style homes and single-family estates. If you are in the market for a new home or looking to sell your home in College Park, call Albin Hubscher at Central Florida Prime Real Estate for all your Real Estate needs.
My Favorite Things About College Park
Restaurants
College Park is home to some great restaurants. My favorite, by far, is
K Restaurant, with notable chef/owner Kevin Fonzo ( a nominee for the James Beard Award) at the helm, serving delicious food that focuses on locally sourced ingredients. Located in a free-standing renovated house with a fantastic wrap-around porch, K has been honored by almost every award in Orlando from “Neighborhood Gem” to “Best Restaurant in Orlando. K has been featured in “Bon Appetite Magazine”, “Nation’s Restaurant News”, “Orlando Leisure”, “Florida Trend” and “The Orlando Sentinel”. K was also honored as one of “America’s Top Restaurants” by Zagat.
Trevi Pasta is another favorite of mine. Trevi Pasta is a small storefront pasta shop with a few tables, just like you would find in a neighborhood in Italy. At Trevi Pasta, fresh pasta in a variety of shapes (fusilli, paccheri, pappardelle and tagliatelle, to name a few) and great flavors such as garlic, rosemary, and spinach, are made daily and along with four different types of sauces, and can be eaten in or taken out. Trevi Pasta also stocks a good amount of Italian groceries and has by far, the best gelato this side of Italy. Trevi Pasta is a family affair. Owners Angelo and Vanessa Falcone make the pasta, Vanessa’s mother makes the sauces and a cousin makes the gelato.
Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen is a charming, rustic restaurant that serves homey, made-from-scratch, Southern food such as fried or roasted chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, meatloaf melts, burgers and pot pies. The restaurant offers both beer and wine on tap and hosts a popular Sunday brunch that features bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys and live entertainment.
Gabriel’s Submarine Shop has been a College Park institution for over 50 years! Owner Kevin Gabriel’s father Paul, started the shop back in 1958 at a time when no one in Orlando seemed to know what a submarine sandwich was. The establishment is known for excellent service and friendly staff. Do yourself a favor and head on down to Gabriel’s Submarine Shop for authentic tasting subs and highest quality ingredients since 1958!
Coffee and Tea Shops
Credo is a non-profit coffee shop where you won’t find prices, only “suggested donations” and any extra money made off the sales is given back to the coffee farmers. Credo is a place where the community congregates – with free Wi-Fi, local artists’ work hung on the shop’s walls, and occasional live music.
Infusion Tea is a charming little organic tea café that is located in a in a little retro building on Edgewater and serves delicious vegetarian and vegan fare and baked along with their wonderful selection of teas.
College Park – Parks and Activities
Dubsread Golf Course is a historic golf club that has been an 
Orlando institution since 1924 and once hosted a number of early professional golf tournaments. The 18-hole course is owned by the City of Orlando and is still popular with locals and their guests today. Golfers are treated to beautiful scenery and a challenging course that includes narrow fairways and heavily bunkered, “postage stamp” style greens. The facility includes a lighted driving range, large putting green and two chipping and bunker areas as well as the popular Tap Room Restaurant.
College Park Community Center and Pool is a wonderful community amenity that offers a fitness center, computer lab, pool, playground and pavilion. In addition, residents of College Park can take advantage of the many programs the community center offers, such as after-school programs, vacation day camps, summer camps and senior programs. The community center also teaches classes in fitness, archery, fencing, badminton, yoga and karate.
Darmouth Park is a quiet sanctuary located on over 3 acres in the middle of College Park. Local families enjoy the park for its playground, pavilions large oak tress and open lawns. The park is a popular spot for birthday parties, local events and other celebrations.