Get to know…Ocoee

Population35,579
Major EmployerCity of Ocoee
Main AttractionWest Oaks Mall
Public Schools6

Ocoee is arguably one of the most well-connected suburbs in the Orlando area, and on-ramps for SR-408 (East-West Expressway), SR-429, and Florida's turnpike can be found in the City's center. These well-connected toll roads make Ocoee a popular suburb for commuters searching to live near Downtown Orlando or the theme parks. Boasting a motto of "the center of good living," this suburb of Orlando prides itself on providing an established community atmosphere.

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Things to Do in Ocoee

Local Events

Ocoee has a rich local community that encourages residents to get out and enjoy events and meet their neighbors. One of the most popular events to note is the Ocoee Founder's Day Festival, which is organized to celebrate Ocoee's small town traditions with country music. The event draws 20,000+ attendees each year to Bill Breeze Park for country music, food trucks, and shopping with local vendors. Additionally, the city sponsors Food Truck Fridays at Bill Breeze Park, overlooking Starke Lake. You'll also want to check out the Central Florida Film Festival which is held in Ocoee each year at the West Orange Cinema.

Head to a Brewery

Ocoee's Downtown is in the midst of a huge development project, but until the project is complete there are just a businesses in Ocoee's Downtown. Downtown Ocoee is currently anchored by Toll Road Brewing, a local brewery with delicious local beers and indoor and outdoor seating. The brewery hosts food trucks and also allows patrons to bring in their own food, which we're thankful for because Ocoee Taco company, Fruta Mix, and Nessa's Barbeque are all close by.

Play in Ocoee

Ocoee has a few indoor play spaces that are definitely worth mentioning! First up is GameTime, a huge indoor arcade where you load credits onto a card and can play hundreds of games ranging from mini bowling to wheel of fortune. Also nearby is Defy, an indoor extreme airsports park with trampolines, a perfect way to stay active and beat the summer heat.

Shopping in Ocoee

Ocoee is located along a well-developed stretch of Colonial Drive (SR-50) where you'll find a variety of stores to satisfy any need. Depending on where you choose to live in Ocoee, we can almost guarantee there will be a Publix grocery store within 5 minutes of your place. Walmart, Sam's Club, Lowe's, Big Lots, Marshall's, Ross, and Burlington also host locations along Ocoee's stretch of Colonial Drive. The West Oaks Mall is also located in Ocoee, but over the years the number of storefronts in this mall have dwindled and there are not many popular options left. There is, however, a lovely newly renovated AMC theater in the mall that draws locals for popular showings.

Just 12-minutes southwest Ocoee you'll find the Winter Garden Village shopping center, an outdoor mall with tons of stores like Target, American Eagle, Marshall's, World Market, Ulta, and Bed Bath and Beyond. This is one of the most popular shopping centers in West Orlando, and although it does get busy during the holidays you can find everything you could possibly want to shop for.

Dining in Ocoee

When we think Ocoee, hispanic cuisine first comes to mind! The Ocoee area is home to a handful of our favorite taco joints including The Ocoee Taco Company (a food truck turned restaurant), El Alacran (small restaurant in a strip mall, but their food is authentic and so delicious), and Taco Norteno with their glorious hot sauce and toppings bar.

Not in the mood for tacos? Ocoee is also home to Texas Roadhouse, a Miller's Alehouse, and Gator's Sports Bar. If you're looking to try a local favorite, we'd suggest Rusteak Restaurant and Wine Bar. It's the perfect option for date night, with low-lighting, moderately priced food, and our favorite happy hour menu in Orlando. There is a Twisty Treat and the West Orange Cinema close by, so you might as well make an evening out of it!

Downtown Winter Garden is located just 10 minutes West of Ocoee, offering a charming strip of local restaurants and shops that are so fun to explore. This area is also home to Plant Street Market, an indoor market anchored by Crooked Can Brewery offering 10+ food and shopping vendors with both indoor and outdoor seating. They have wonderful live music on the weekends, definitely a must-see stop for Ocoee locals!

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