MFE DOZEN:Raleigh, N.C. (January) A not-so-sleepy Southern town
Houston (February) Lone Star success
Huntsville, Ala. (March) A military movement
Lexington/Louisville, Ky. (April) No blues in the Bluegrass State
Seattle (May) A city on the rise
Orlando (June) A heated market
Kansas City (July) Feeling Midwestern momentum
Colorado Springs, Colo. (August) Rocky Mountain growth
Philadelphia (September) Independent streak
Columbus, Ohio (October) The heart of it all
San Antonio (November) Big-time development
San Francisco (December) Bayside building sets sail
Yields are solid for Orlando, Fla., properties such as Northlake Park at Lake Nona, a 165-unit community with single- and multilevel residences.
Credit: Marcus + Millichap
Considering Orlando, Fla.?
Here's what you need to know
- Population: 2,046,971
- Occupancy: 92.2%
- Median Age: 36.8
- Median Household Income: $51,437
- Average Rent: $814
- Unemployment: 6.33%
NOTABLE: Orlando's city motto is “Built for Families, Made for Memories.” As a result, tourism plays a crucial role in Orlando's economy. With seven distinct theme parks, The Walt Disney World resort is the metro's largest attraction. Nearly 50 million people visit Orlando each year, spending an estimated $29.6 billion dollars annually. The area is a top vacation destination and has also become a popular site for conventions. Orlando features dozens of cultural centers and organizations, including the Civic Theatre of Central Florida, Orlando Opera Company, Southern Ballet Company, and The Bach Festival Society.