Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village, and Colonial Town: Neighborhood Tour
Orlando, Florida, is known for its popular neighborhoods like Winter Park, Baldwin Park, and College Park. However, there are some hidden gems that are equally desirable and offer great long-term investment opportunities. In this neighborhood tour, we will explore two such neighborhoods: Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village. Situated just north of downtown Orlando, these areas have their unique charm and are becoming increasingly popular. Join us as we uncover the reasons behind their growing appeal.
Location and Surroundings:
Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village are conveniently located to the west of Interstate 4 and State Road 50, also known as Colonial Boulevard. Mills 50 derives its name from Mills Avenue, which intersects with Colonial Boulevard, while Ivanhoe Village centers around Orange Avenue and the eastern side of Lake Ivanhoe. Notably, Ivanhoe Village is one of the few walkable neighborhoods in Orlando, being just half a mile from Mills Avenue.
Proximity to Desirable Areas:
One of the remarkable aspects of the Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village neighborhoods is their proximity to highly sought-after towns in the Orlando metro area. Just a 10-minute drive away, you'll find College Park, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, and Downtown Orlando. Winter Park, particularly the 32789 zip code, where the Park Avenue main street and many of the most luxurious estates of Central Florida can be found, is directly north of the Mills 50 neighborhoods. Baldwin Park is situated a few minute drive to the east of the Mills 50 area. This is an extremely desirable planned community featuring condos, townhomes, and single-family homes with multiple amenities such as parks, pools, a dog park, its own main street, and a lake with a walking trail. This ultra-convenient location makes Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village an ideal place to call home.
Diverse Home Styles:
Many of the neighborhoods in Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village were established in the mid-1900s, resulting in a mix of architectural styles. Craftsman and bungalow-style homes, as well as block-construction mid-century ranch-style homes, can still be found here. However, over the past two decades, there has been a renaissance of replacement homes, featuring modern townhomes and newer two-story single-family homes. This diversity in housing options ensures that these neighborhoods are far from cookie-cutter and provide a range of choices for prospective residents.
Vibrant Main Streets:
The main streets in Ivanhoe Village, Mills 50, Corrine DR are buzzing with unique restaurants, boutique shops, and breweries. These neighborhoods offer an abundance of options to satisfy any culinary craving or shopping desire. New trendy restaurants continue to open up, adding to the already vibrant scene.
Ivanhoe Village
Ivanhoe Village presents an attractive option for those who want a taste of city life without residing in a downtown high-rise. Luxury rentals like the Yard and the Lake House as seen here are available and with more likely to come in the future.
Orange Avenue features quite a few restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and a public park along lake Ivanhoe. This area also offers a more affordable alternative to Winter Park and College Park while still providing convenient access to local attractions and schools. For a more comprehensive look at Orlando schools, check out our dedicated Best Orlando Schools video.
Mills 50:
Revolved around State Road 17-92, spanning from Colonial Drive to the Orlando Museum of Art, Mills 50 beckons with a myriad of offerings. Discover an array of boutique restaurants, craft cocktail bars, hair studios, fitness centers, and much more along its vibrant stretch. Some notable favorites include Pig Floyds, voted the number one BBQ in Florida, and Piggza, a new addition from the same owners. Whether you're a visitor or a resident, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Corrine Drive:
Corrine Drive connects Baldwin Park, Winter Park, and the Mills 50 area, smoothly transitioning into Virginia Drive. This route leads you through an array of boutique shops, restaurants, noteworthy breweries such as Red Light Red Light, cozy pubs, and charming diners, culminating in a seamless connection to Ivanhoe Village..
Local Attractions:
Apart from the vibrant dining and shopping scene, Ivanhoe Village and Mills 50 boast several local attractions. The beautiful Leu Gardens, one of the top five private gardens in Florida, offers a tranquil retreat. The Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum of Modern Art cater to the intellectually curious, while Lake Ivanhoe provides opportunities for watersports enthusiasts with its public boat ramp. Ivanhoe Park hosts multiple free public events, including family-friendly activities.
Quaint Neighborhoods in Between:
Between Mills 50 and Baldwin Park lie two quaint neighborhoods: Audubon and Colonial Town, sometimes referred to as Coy Town. These neighborhoods share similar qualities and offer their unique charm. Another notable street, Virginia Drive to Corrine Drive, connects Mills 50 to Baldwin Park and showcases even more dining and entertainment options.
While Winter Park, Baldwin Park, and College Park may be the more well-known neighborhoods in Orlando, however, Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village are hidden gems that are increasingly gaining recognition. Their convenient locations, diverse housing options, vibrant main streets, and access to local attractions make them ideal places to live and invest in. Whether you're looking for a walkable neighborhood or a transitional haven, Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village offer a unique blend of charm, affordability, and convenience. Explore these neighborhoods and discover the best-kept secrets of Orlando.
