Meadow Woods, FL

About the City
Transport
Geography
Climate and Weather
Landmarks
Sport and Recreation in Meadow Woods
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Universities and Colleges Nearby
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions Nearby
Nature and Outdoor Activities Nearby

Meadow Woods is a rapidly growing, unincorporated suburban community in Orange County, Florida, conveniently located between Orlando International Airport and Kissimmee, and is part of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Official Name: Meadow Woods, Florida. It is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) .
Administrative Affiliation: Meadow Woods is located in southern Orange County, Florida, United States . As an unincorporated community, it is governed by Orange County and does not have its own municipal government . It is a key part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, more commonly known as Greater Orlando .
Region: The state of Florida is world-renowned for its tourist destinations, including the nearby Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, its warm climate, and extensive coastline.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Meadow Woods does not have widely known historical names or official nicknames. Its identity is primarily tied to its modern development as a suburban residential area.

Date of Foundation and Age

Unlike older incorporated cities, Meadow Woods does not have a traditional "founding date." It emerged as a suburban development and was first recognized as a CDP by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1990. At that time, its population was recorded as 4,876 .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Geographic Coordinates: 28°22′29″N 81°21′50″W (28.374852, -81.363858) .
Positioning: Meadow Woods is situated in the Atlantic coastal plain of Central Florida. It is located inland, between the Orlando International Airport to its north and east, and the city of Kissimmee to its south . The terrain is characteristically flat.
Elevation: The average elevation is approximately 23 meters (75 feet) above sea level .
Settlement Type: Suburban residential community and census-designated place.

City Type and Economic Specialization

Meadow Woods is primarily a residential "commuter town" or bedroom community . Its economic function is closely tied to the Greater Orlando area. Key characteristics include:

Residential Hub: The vast majority of its land use is for housing, serving as a home base for people who work in Orlando, Kissimmee, and the surrounding region .
Local Commerce: It features a growing commercial sector with shopping plazas, big-box stores (like Walmart), and fast-food restaurants to serve its residents .
Light Industry and Logistics: There are warehouses and distribution centers for national companies like Whirlpool Corporation, Sealy, and Siemens located within the community .

Population and Demographics

Population: According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Meadow Woods was 43,790 . This marks a significant increase from 25,558 in 2010 and 11,286 in 2000.
City Class by Population: Meadow Woods is a medium-sized community, though its rapid growth places it among the larger CDPs in the region.
Demographic Features: Meadow Woods is characterized by its rapid growth and incredible diversity. A large majority of the population, 66.06%, identifies as Hispanic or Latino of any race . Other significant groups include White (13.67%), Black or African American (10.37%), and Asian (5.52%) residents .

City's "Business Card" (in brief)

Meadow Woods is a dynamic and diverse suburban community in the heart of Central Florida. Its prime location directly adjacent to Orlando International Airport and major highways offers residents unparalleled access to the region's world-famous attractions and employment centers, while providing a quiet, residential base.

Transport

Main Airports of the City and Region

Meadow Woods' location offers exceptional access to air travel.

Full Name: Orlando International Airport.
IATA Code: MCO .
ICAO Code: KMCO.
Location and Access: The airport borders Meadow Woods to the north and east, making it one of the most conveniently located communities for air travel in the region . Travel time to the airport terminals is minimal.
Details: MCO is a major international airport and a hub for several airlines, serving as the primary gateway to Central Florida's tourist destinations .

Main Railway Stations

Meadow Woods is served by commuter rail, connecting it to the Greater Orlando area.

Full Station Name: Meadow Woods SunRail Station .
Location and Service: Opened in June 2018, this station is located at the northwest corner of the community . It provides SunRail commuter rail service, connecting Meadow Woods to downtown Orlando and other parts of Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Osceola counties. The same rail line is also used by Amtrak's Silver Service (passenger trains) and CSX freight trains .

Public Transportation System

Bus Service: The community is served by Lynx bus routes. Key routes include Route 18 along Landstar Boulevard and FastLink 418 on Rhode Island Woods Circle, which provides a connection to the Sand Lake Road SunRail station .

Major Highways and Roads

Primary Local Roads: The main thoroughfares within Meadow Woods are Landstar Boulevard, Town Center Boulevard/Rhode Island Woods Circle/Wyndham Lakes Boulevard, and Weatherbee Road .
Major Highway: The Central Florida Greeneway (State Road 417) , a toll road, serves Meadow Woods directly. Access is available at Exit 14, the intersection with Landstar Boulevard . SR 417 provides a critical link to Orlando International Airport, the University of Central Florida, and other parts of the region.

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

While Meadow Woods itself has a few small ponds and is part of a flat, low-lying area, it does not contain large, named lakes or rivers. However, the region is dotted with numerous small lakes.

Nearby Lakes: Just to the east of Meadow Woods is the Lake Nona area, named after the large lake it surrounds. Several other small lakes, such as Lake Hart, are located within a short drive in the surrounding Orange County area .

National and Natural Parks

Meadow Woods does not have any national parks within its boundaries. However, it is in close proximity to the extensive Florida state park system.

Nearby State Parks: Approximately 30-45 minutes to the east is the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area, a large state-managed preserve offering hiking, bird-watching, and fishing along the St. Johns River. About an hour's drive to the southeast, near Melbourne, is the Sebastian Inlet State Park, famous for its excellent surfing and fishing on the Atlantic coast.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Meadow Woods has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , typical of Central Florida . This climate is characterized by hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and mild, drier winters. It is known for abundant sunshine throughout the year.

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures are warm to hot for most of the year.

Hottest Months: June, July, and August. Average high temperatures during this period are around 32-34°C (90-93°F), with average lows near 23-24°C (73-75°F) .
Coldest Months: January is typically the coolest month. Average high temperatures are around 21°C (70°F), and average lows can drop to around 10°C (50°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Rainfall: Meadow Woods receives significant rainfall, averaging around 1,200-1,300 mm (47-51 inches) per year . The wettest period is during the summer months (June through September) when almost daily afternoon thunderstorms are common. The winter months (November through April) are considerably drier.
Humidity: Humidity is high year-round but is most pronounced in the summer, often making the heat feel more intense.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Summer (June - September): Hot, humid, and rainy with a high chance of afternoon thunderstorms. This is the off-season for many tourists seeking to avoid the heat, though it is a vibrant time for local pools and indoor activities.
Fall (October - November): Warm and pleasant with decreasing humidity and rainfall. Excellent time for outdoor activities.
Winter (December - February): Mild and generally dry. Daytime temperatures are perfect for being outdoors, though evenings can be cool. This is a popular time for visitors from colder climates.
Spring (March - May): Warm and progressively more humid, with increasing afternoon showers towards May. Another ideal period for comfortable weather.

The best time to visit Meadow Woods for pleasant weather is during the spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) , when temperatures are warm but humidity and rainfall are lower .

Landmarks

[Meadow Woods Recreation Center]

Full Name: Meadow Woods Recreation Center .
Location: Located within a park area in the heart of the community .
Features and Significance: This facility serves as a central hub for community activity. It includes a community gym, offices, and is situated within a larger park, providing green space and recreational opportunities for local residents .

[South Orange Youth Sports Complex]

Full Name: South Orange Youth Sports Complex .
Location: Meadow Woods, Florida.
Features and Significance: This complex is a key local landmark for families and youth sports. It includes several baseball fields and serves as a gathering place for local leagues and tournaments, fostering community spirit .

[Town Center Shopping Plaza]

Full Name: Shopping Plaza at Town Center and Landstar .
Location: The intersection of Town Center Boulevard and Landstar Boulevard.
Features and Significance: This newly expanded shopping plaza is a central commercial hub for Meadow Woods. It features major retailers like Publix and Walmart, pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, and a variety of fast-food restaurants including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panda Express, and Arby's . It's a practical landmark for daily needs and a sign of the community's growth.

Sport and Recreation in Meadow Woods

While Meadow Woods is a smaller community, it is home to the Meadow Woods Recreation Center, a vibrant hub for sports and fitness activities . The center offers a variety of recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.

Local Sports Facilities

The Meadow Woods Recreation Center, located at 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, is the cornerstone of the community's athletic life . The facility features a gymnasium with an indoor basketball court and a fitness center .

Basketball: The center is a key location for youth and adult basketball leagues. It hosts the Junior Magic Basketball program for ages 13/14, a co-ed league affiliated with the Orlando Magic, which includes a game jersey and a ticket opportunity to an Orlando Magic game . For adults, there is a competitive basketball league for ages 18 and older, with games played on Friday nights .
Pickleball: Pickleball has become a popular activity at the center. The Meadow Woods Magic Gym features six indoor wood courts with permanent lines and portable nets available for play on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings .
Volleyball: Adult volleyball leagues and open play are also available on Wednesday and Saturday evenings .
Fitness Center: The recreation center has a fitness room equipped with cardio machines and universal systems, available by annual or quarterly membership . While it lacks free weights like dumbbells and plates, it provides a clean and less crowded environment for workouts .

Sports Programs for All Ages

The Meadow Woods Recreation Center offers a range of structured programs:

Youth Fitness: A free youth fitness membership is available for ages 8–17, allowing access to the gymnasium and game room at designated times .
Senior Fitness: The center provides free fitness programs for seniors aged 55 and older, including Seniorcise (a mix of seated and standing exercises) and Senior Martial Arts Fitness, which focuses on coordination, balance, and flexibility . The center also hosts bingo for seniors .

The park itself is a 19-acre facility that includes playgrounds with separate areas for toddlers and older children, a dog walking area, and plenty of open space, making it a welcoming place for families and individuals to stay active .

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Meadow Woods offers accessible healthcare options, with a major new emergency facility on the horizon and an established community health center.

Emergency and Urgent Care

A significant development for the community is the AdventHealth Meadow Woods ER, which is currently under construction and slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2025 . Located off South Orange Avenue, this approximately 13,700-square-foot facility will greatly enhance access to emergency medical services for Meadow Woods and surrounding areas like Hunters Creek .

The new ER will be equipped with:

12 private patient rooms .
Diagnostic imaging, including CT scans, X-ray, and ultrasound .
An on-site, full-service laboratory and pharmacy .
A team of board-certified emergency physicians and specialized nurses .

This facility will be an extension of AdventHealth Celebration and is expected to bring up to 90 new clinical and support jobs to the community .

Community Health Centers

For ongoing primary and preventive care, residents can visit Community Health Centers – Meadow Woods . Located at 849 Greenway Professional Court, this center provides comprehensive medical and dental services for the whole family .

The services offered include:

Family Medicine: Well-visits, immunizations, physicals, and EKGs .
Pediatrics: Specialized care for children, including well-child visits and immunizations .
Dentistry: General dentistry services are also available at this location .
Low-Cost Pharmacy: An on-site pharmacy exclusive to patients helps with prescription medication costs .

The center accepts a wide variety of insurance plans and offers a 24/7 after-hours on-call service for patient needs .

Other Nearby Medical Services

Within a short drive, residents have access to the full medical resources of the Greater Orlando area. The nearby Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences (now part of AdventHealth University) is located just 14 miles away, indicating a strong medical presence in the region . For specialized care, the area is served by major hospital systems, including AdventHealth and Orlando Health.

Universities and Colleges Nearby

While Meadow Woods itself does not host any universities, its location in the Orlando metropolitan area places it within easy reach of over 25 colleges and universities . This provides residents with a wide array of higher education options, from two-year community colleges to large research universities.

Closest Colleges

The nearest institution to Meadow Woods is Johnson University Florida, a private four-year college located just 5.2 miles away in Kissimmee . Other nearby options include:

Ana G. Mendez University (8 miles) .
Valencia College (12 miles): A large public college with multiple campuses, known for its associate and bachelor's degree programs and high acceptance rate .
Politechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando (13 miles) .
AdventHealth University (formerly Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences) (14 miles) .

Major Universities in the Region

The Meadow Woods area is also a short drive from some of Florida's largest and most prominent universities:

University of Central Florida (UCF): Located about 18 miles away in Orlando, UCF is one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment, with over 69,000 students . It is a major public research university offering a vast range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Rollins College: Situated about 15 miles away in Winter Park, Rollins is a highly regarded private liberal arts college, consistently ranked among the best in the South .
Full Sail University: Located 16 miles away in Winter Park, this private university is well-known for its programs in entertainment, media, arts, and technology .

Community College Options

For those seeking more affordable options or two-year degrees, several community colleges are within driving distance. Eastern Florida State College in Cocoa, about 36 miles away, offers the lowest tuition in the area and has an open admission policy . Seminole State College of Florida is another public option located 26 miles from Meadow Woods .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions Nearby

Meadow Woods is a primarily residential community, and its immediate dining scene is reflective of Central Florida's diverse, family-oriented suburbs. While it doesn't have a singular, historic culinary identity of its own, its location near Orlando and Kissimmee puts a world of flavors within easy reach. For a more distinctive culinary experience, residents and visitors often look to the charming historic towns that surround Orlando.

One such destination is Winter Garden, located about 20-30 minutes west of Meadow Woods . This revitalized lakeside city offers a walkable downtown historic district with a growing reputation for upscale dining and local flavors .

The Deli Downtown is a local favorite for hearty, classic sandwiches .
The Hangry Bison has earned awards for its creative and knockout burgers .
For a more refined meal, Market To Table offers American cuisine with dishes like braised beef short rib and filet mignon .
Matthew’s Steakhouse provides an upscale steakhouse experience, featuring cuts like the New York strip with garlic herb butter .
Adventurous diners can visit Chef’s Table, which offers a less standard menu with dishes such as foie gras and elk chops, or its more casual counterpart, the Tasting Room, which serves tapas and craft cocktails .

Winter Garden also hosts a popular Saturday Farmers Market year-round, where visitors can find fresh, local produce and artisanal treats, offering a taste of the region's agricultural bounty . The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation even organizes food tours, like the Happy Hour Tour or Saturday Brunch Tour, for those wanting to sample a variety of local flavors .

Nature and Outdoor Activities Nearby

Meadow Woods is ideally situated for exploring the natural beauty of Central Florida. While the community itself has the 19-acre Meadow Woods Park with its playgrounds and sports facilities, the region surrounding it is home to numerous stunning state parks . A short drive in almost any direction reveals Florida's wild side, from crystal-clear springs to rolling hills.

State Parks Within an Hour of Meadow Woods

Lake Louisa State Park (35 minutes west): This park offers a different landscape than the typical Florida flatlands, with picturesque rolling hills and three major lakes . Visitors can enjoy over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding, and eco-tours .
Wekiwa Springs State Park (25 minutes northwest): Known for its emerald waters, Wekiwa Springs is a local favorite for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking . The springs maintain a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, and the park features diverse trails through hardwood hammocks and sandhill uplands .
Blue Spring State Park (45 minutes north): This park is famous as a winter refuge for the Florida manatee . From mid-November through March, visitors can observe these gentle giants from a boardwalk and elevated platforms. The park also offers river cruises on the St. Johns River and, in the summer, tubing, snorkeling, and diving in the spring run .

Further Adventures

For those willing to drive a bit further (about 1 to 1.5 hours), even more spectacular natural areas await. Lake Griffin State Park is home to the second-largest live oak tree in Florida . Silver Springs State Park offers the iconic glass-bottom boat tours, allowing visitors to see the artesian springs and underwater wildlife . For the ultimate Florida wilderness experience, the Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is about a four-hour drive south .