Located between Downtown Orlando and the famous theme parks is a community known as Dr. Phillips. It's a popular and thriving area with a Southwest Orlando location and encompasses unique ties to the area's history, famous dining destinations, sought-after communities, top Real Estate, and so much more.

 

Named after a Florida Citrus Hall of Famer, let's take a closer look at what makes Dr. Phillips one of the most captivating names and areas in Central Florida:

Being located between some of the top Orlando hotspots gives quite an advantage and even more appeal to the Dr. Phillips area. With over 10,000 in population, many residents enjoy easy access to area attractions and popular roadways such as Universal Studios, Disney, Sand Lake Road, I-4, Downtown Orlando, Volcano Bay, and even International Drive. 

 

There are several lakes throughout the area that add to its allure including Little Sand Lake, Big Sand Lake, and Spring Lake, along with its close proximity to the renowned Butler Chain of Lakes, which has also been known as the Windermere Chain of Lakes. The Dr. Phillips area is actually not an incorporated city but is recognized as a census-designated place.

The name Dr. Phillips is a well-recognized name in the Orlando area, but some might not know that Dr. Phillips was actually a real person or the impact Phillips's had on the area. Dr. Philip Phillips was a successful Central Florida citrus grower and doting philanthropist with a medical degree from Columbia University.

 

He was an integral part of the successful packaging and processing techniques developed for orange juice, and at one point, owned over 5,000 acres of citrus groves in the Orlando area - which is now the area known as Dr. Phillips. He is considered to be the world's largest individual grower of citrus and was inducted into the Citrus Hall of Fame in 1986. 

 

Today, his remembrance, impact, and donations to the area can be seen in various ways beyond the popular suburb name. His historic downtown area home is now a bed and breakfast and wedding and event venue, and the beloved Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts located in Downtown Orlando, pictured above, is also named in his honor. 

 

From the popular 'restaurant row' to shopping, golf, upscale communities, and more, the list can go on and on for hotspots and activities found in Dr. Phillips.

Possibly the most popular and well-known patch of restaurants in the Orlando area, Dr. Phillips' Restaurant Row is a hot commodity among locals and frequent visitors. All the way from Apopka-Vineland Road East to I-4 make up this pocket of deliciousness and versatility. 

 

 

Various choices of cuisine can be found here, including the upscale yet tropical vibe of Rocco's Tacos, or the countless sizzling steak houses such as Ruth's Chris, Fleming's, or Morton's. Saffron Indian Cuisine offers a unique and intimate experience with cozy outdoor seating options too. Sushi and Asian inspired eateries can be found throughout including the popular Nagoya Sushi spot. For seafood lovers, you can dine in bliss at several selections in the area like Eddie V's, Seasons 52, and more! 

The Dr. Phillips area provides a wide variety of options when it comes to retail, recreation, and more. Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are among some of the popular crowd-pleasers in the Dr. Phillips area. The Dellagio Town Center is described as being 'The Heart of Sand Lake' and encompasses award-winning restaurants, wellness and beauty establishments, fashion retailers, and more.

 

Dr. Phillips' central location is surrounded by top Orlando attractions including Universal, Seaworld, Walt Disney World, along with I-Drive's unique restaurants, the iconic Orlando Eye, aquarium and so much more. Orlando's Mall of Millenia is located only about 10 minutes away as well for some of Orlando's top shopping. 

 

In addition, Dr. P. Phillips Community Park has been a staple in the area since 2007 and includes areas for picnics, a playground, soccer, basketball, baseball, hiking, and more. 

 

Professionals and avid golfers have looked towards the area of Dr. Phillips for quite some time now and with good reason. The climate, natural beauty, variety of courses, and golf communities are some of the most elite. 

 

Well-known in the golfing realm, Bay Hill is ranked among the world's very best and has been a presence in the area since 1960. It was actually the first golf course with Tifway Bermuda Grass.

 

Since its beginnings, it has seen much-welcomed growth and continued to evolve into quite an impressive sight. So much so that it even caught the interest of one of the greatest, Arnold Palmer, and in 1975 Palmer became its new owner. In 1979, Bay Hill became home to one of the most popular tournaments on the PGA Tour still to this day - Arnold Palmer Invitational.

 

 

Today, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge is renowned for being the winter home to Arnold Palmer, and its exclusive club setting is described as a 'one of the world's best places to stay' and 'an experience you'll never forget." It's a private course and is only open to club members and lodge guests, but the perks are worth it. In addition to golf, guests can enjoy top of the line amenities including dining, salon & spa services, recreation, and even the use of the meeting/banquet facilities. Bay Hill is also a sought-after place to call home with some of the most beautiful homes in the area. 

 

Another course and community in the area include the Orange Tree Golf Club. It has 'some of the best greens in Florida' and one of the most challenging courses in Central Florida, but overall, the design focuses on providing all levels of play. It's a private club as well, and members can enjoy perks such as a full range of practice facilities and more. Orange Tree is also fully equipped with meeting/banquet facilities, corporate golf services, a pro shop, and, of course, a well-stocked clubhouse. Real Estate in this area is also very unique and simply put - stunning.

 

Another popular course in the area includes Isleworth, a prestigious private club, originally designed by Arnold Palmer. The popular entertainment venue of Top Golf is close by as well.

Real Estate options in the Dr. Phillips area range from upscale residential communities including lush green golf fronts, luxurious lakefronts, elegant estates, and more. The communities of Ball Hill, Bentley Park, Orange Tree, Lakeside at Toscana, Cypress Point, Turtle Creek, Windermere Heights, and Millionaires Row are just a tiny glimpse into the possibilities when it comes to all of the sought-after neighborhoods in the area. 

 

Whether you're wanting a local change of scenery or thinking about relocating to the Orlando area, Dr. Phillips is unarguably one of the top choices in Central Florida to call home and a one-of-a-kind location!