Ventura - Orlando, FL

People began to flock to the Orlando area and its surrounding neighborhoods in the years between the Spanish-American War and World War I. Large amounts of houses were developed in the 1920s due to the Florida Land Boom; this boom ended when the Great Depression and several hurricanes hit the area. In moder-day Ventura, the area continues to grow steadily with the development of new businesses and the addition of new families every year.

No museums exist in the Ventura area, although the Club House hosts the occasional annual event, especially around the holiday times. Residents attend the Christmas Cocktail Party in mid-December in the Ventura Ballroom. Residents pre-order tickets to this upscale event that serves a multitude of drinks, food, and has live piano and harp music.

Ventura itself does not have a large number of restaurants between its boarders, but a few unique locations do exist. Many other chain restaurants lie just outside of the neighborhood, so all palates feel satisfied here. The night life in Ventura stays calm on most occasions, but clubs and bars await a short drive away into the city, as well.

Residents love dining at the 19th Hole Restaurant that stays open all week long. It serves tasty brunch on Sundays, has extremely cheap drinks and a variety of foods. Different days of the week serve different styles of cuisine ranging from Mexican, Italian and barbecue. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere on its select nights of karaoke, too.

High Tide Harry's off of Semoran Boulevard caters in seafood delicacies promised to always be fresh catches. This casual restaurant and saloon serves huge portions of blue crab, po' boys, pastas and burgers. You can always find a cheap deal on shrimp or fish tacos that keep you wanting more.

Less than 10 minutes away from Ventura lies the Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub on Curry Ford Road. The Irish owner keeps the pub feeling traditional and comfy by having live Irish music, a pool table, televisions and a dart board to play. Make sure you come hungry too, because residents rave about the rich mushroom pies.

Most residents living in Ventura prefer to drive their own vehicle as a main means for transportation. You never have trouble finding public parking in this neighborhood. Ventura has close access to the Central Florida Greeneway as well as multiple state routes, so travel into the city and other neighborhood proves easy. Sidewalks and bike lanes run throughout the area for people who love to get exercise while helping the environment.

If you need to use public transportation, the Lynx bus system runs throughout Ventura and the majority of the Orlando area. Discounts are available for children, and purchasing a weekly or monthly pass can help cut down on costs. Lynx also provides a van-pool program for residents who like to carpool with people who work in similar areas as themselves.

If you need a quick ride, Taxi in Orlando and the Taxi Orlando Cab Service can be phoned to show up to your residence as soon as possible. Uber also services the Orlando area, and it can be contacted through the Uber application on your smartphone.

This neighborhood revolves around the Ventura Country Club. This enormous facility provides entertainment to residents of all ages and hobbies. Kids love the outdoor basketball court and playground, while adults prefer to play on the bocce and shuffleboard courts. The golf course draws in both residents and people from outside neighborhoods with its 18 holes and fields right on the water. Enjoy indoor activities in the Club House with a stocked bar, televisions, banquet facilities and a community pool. An exercise room ensures that everyone in the community stays active, as well as weekly sports activities that include line dancing and crafts.

Lake Roper and Lake Fredrica provide beautiful scenery to the neighborhood and lie right next to the Country Club on opposing sides. The lakes create a relaxing atmosphere for friends or families who want to have a picnic on the water, or bring out their boat.

The cost of living in Ventura can be slightly more expensive than life in Orlando, depending on how close to the water your home lies. For a one-bedroom residence, the average cost per month is $665; however, residents never have a problem finding slightly cheaper or more luxurious options.

A perk of living in Ventura includes the fact that gas prices cost 3 percent lower than the national average. For people who rely on public transportation, a single ride on the bus prices at $2. A beer can be had for as low as $2 at the Ventura Country Club.

Ventura doesn't house a large shopping area, but residents don't mind making a short drive to find whatever items they need. Ventura lies close to a Ross, Lowe's and Wal-Mart. Most shops cluster Semoran Boulvevard just west of the neighborhood. The Ventura Country Club also has a Proshop that sells golf items. For beauty supply products hit up the local Sally Beauty Supply on South Semoran Boulevard. Travel a few blocks down for discounted goods at Dollar Tree or get your car checked at Pep Boys. Fifteen minutes away lies the Orlando Fashion Square off of Colonial Drive. This mall has large department stores as well as a few smaller boutiques and specialty stores. Coliseum of Comics sells unique comic books and game-related items perfect for collectors. Delores Jewelers sells upscale jewelry and brands, ranging from Pandora to Movado. Residents typically do their grocery shopping at Aldi, Sedano's Supermarket or the Publix in the Lake Fredrica Shopping Center. Ventura does not have its own farmers market, but residents enjoy fresh markets in the city of Orlando.