Dr. Phillips is a distinctly special place. Named in honor of the citrus baron who made an indelible mark on Orlando, the community is best described as an urban enclave.

Location-wise it is a next-door neighbor to big-city attractions. The skyline view of Orlando’s iconic 400-foot-tall observation wheel is a reminder that venues like ICON Park and the I-Drive tourist corridor are close by. So are Orlando’s theme parks. In fact, Universal is just across the street from Dr. Phillips High School. Yet, despite this proximity to bustling destinations, residents enjoy the tranquil surroundings of a scenic residential area that is home to some of Orlando’s most established neighborhoods.

One of Dr. Phillips’ claims to fame, “Restaurant Row” is another contributor to the area’s appeal. This collection of dozens of eateries along a two-mile stretch is an epicurean dream come true even if you are a foodie. And if you’ve had the occasion to frequent the establishments there, you know that they are equally popular with locals and visitors. Some of Orlando’s Who’s Who have also been spotted dining there.

Also beloved by locals and visitors alike, annual events held in Dr. Phillips offer experiences that make leisure time extra special. The Arnold Palmer Invitational, for instance, brings one of the premier events of the PGA Tour to the Bay Hill neighborhood in Dr. Phillips. For more than 12 years, A Taste of Dr. Phillips has been an excellent way for residents to connect with neighbors and old friends and to make new acquaintances over wine and an array of culinary delights.

With an enviable location on the Butler Chain of Lakes, Dr. Phillips also offers residents year-round opportunities for water recreation right in their community. The Butler Chain is a pristine paradise for boaters, bass fishers, and water sports enthusiasts. And it’s perfect for waterfront picnics too.

Besides all the enticing things Dr. Phillips already offers, new things to come also take the area’s appeal up a notch. One such addition is the Museum of Illusions set to open in ICON Park in the summer of 2020. Universal is building a new 750-acre theme park, Epic Universe. It’s based on Nintendo characters and is slated to open in 2023. Another future development is O-Town West, a 200-acre project that will bring an exciting mix of residences, shops, restaurants, and entertainment to the Dr. Phillips area.

Doctor Phillips, FL Homes for Sale

Located in Orange County, Florida, Doctor Phillips is a neighborhood offering an exceptional quality of life in a central location easily accessible to many of the best attractions and destinations Central Florida has to offer.

This sought-after neighborhood is minutes away from Orlando’s famed theme parks, outstanding shopping and dining venues, incredible outdoor destinations, and top-rated schools, providing convenience and a highly enjoyable lifestyle.

If you’re interested in relocating to Doctor Phillips, this page offers an insider’s look at this vibrant community. We’ll give you a glimpse of its history, explore real estate options, and show the lifestyle that makes Doctor Phillips such an excellent place to call home.

Table of Contents

• Doctor Phillips at a Glance
• Living in Doctor Phillips
• Doctor Phillips, FL Homes for Sale
• Activities and Destinations in Doctor Phillips
• Begin Your Search for the Finest Luxury Homes for Sale in Doctor Phillips, FL

Doctor Phillips at a Glance

• The community is named after Doctor Phillip Phillips, a prominent Central Florida magnate who pioneered several major innovations in processing and packaging for the citrus industry in the 1920s. At one point, he owned more than 5,000 acres of citrus groves in the area, most of which he eventually sold to Minute Maid in 1954.
• The original development plans for the community were revised following the announcement of the Walt Disney World Resort in 1963. Doctor Phillips became the first master-planned community in Orange County in 1969.
• Doctor Phillips encompasses approximately 4.7 square miles and is currently home to a population of over 12,000.
• Many world-class hospitals and medical facilities are easily accessible from Doctor Phillips, including the Orlando Regional Medical Center, the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Florida Hospital Orlando, and The Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

Living in Doctor Phillips

Location

Among the top benefits you can look forward to as a resident of Doctor Phillips is unparalleled convenience, thanks to its central location. Just Southwest of downtown Orlando, the neighborhood is right in the heart of Central Florida, offering easy access to all of the city’s amenities and attractions.

Residents are only a short drive away from world-class theme parks like Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando Resorts, Disney World, and the myriad attractions at International Drive, and ICON Park.

The community offers direct access to the I-4, so it’s easy to get to other major cities like Tampa and Daytona, as well as many of the finest beaches on Florida’s east and west coasts.

Employment

Doctor Phillips is far enough from the downtown area so as to remain distinct and retain its charm but close enough to make it a top choice for many professionals in the technology and healthcare industries.

The community’s prime central location also makes it a major tourism draw, resulting in positive economic growth bolstered by a robust job market providing employment opportunities across several local industries including hospitality, food, arts, and entertainment.

Education

The neighborhood also draws families due to the stellar reputation of its public schools. Public schools in the area are served by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), one of the top school districts in the state.

Every year, schools in Doctor Phillips consistently receive high ratings from the Florida Department of Education. Public schools serving the suburb include:

Elementary Schools

• Bay Meadows Elementary School
• Dr. Phillips Elementary School
• Palm Lake Elementary School
• Sand Lake Elementary School

Middle Schools

• Chain of Lakes Middle School
• Southwest Middle School

High School

• Dr. Phillips High School

For those looking to enroll in higher education, Doctor Phillips is home to the International University of Leadership. Other nearby colleges and universities include:

• DeVry University
• Florida Christian University
• Nova Southeastern University
• South College Orlando
• Southern Technical College

Doctor Phillips, Fl Homes for Sale

There’s a varied selection of homes for sale in Doctor Phillips, FL for those interested in relocating to this sought-after neighborhood. The community features a good mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos in different price brackets. This gives prospective buyers a wide variety of options to choose from to match each homebuyer’s unique needs and preferences.

When it comes to new construction homes, there’s only a limited amount of options in recently established developments such as Phillips Grove, Parkview Reserve, and some upcoming communities along Ruby Lake. Interest in these homes tend to be high, so it’s best to move quickly if you’re after new construction property.

Luxury homes for sale in Doctor Phillips, FL

Buyers in the market for the finest homes for sale in Doctor Phillips, FL will be able to choose from a wide variety of stunning luxury residences. High-end homes in the neighborhood effortlessly combine style and comfort and many are equipped with a range of first-class features such as:

• Meticulously maintained landscaping
• Well-designed indoor-outdoor living spaces bathed in natural light
• Gourmet kitchens with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances
• Stylish living rooms and dining rooms perfect for entertaining
• Elegant spa-like baths with garden-style tubs and separate shower enclosures
• Spacious bonus rooms ideal for use as a guest room, home office, fitness studio, or theater
• Expansive primary bedrooms overlooking stunning views
• A superb selection of upscale condos is available for those looking for a relaxing, low-maintenance lifestyle. In addition to being surrounded by city and water views, luxury condo developments also offer exceptional resort-style amenities such as lake access, fishing piers, tennis courts, playgrounds, fitness centers, multi-purpose function rooms, and swimming pools.

If you’ve always wanted to live by the water, the area features a great selection of impressive luxury waterfront homes. Many waterfront residences are equipped with a range of features designed to take full advantage of the fantastic views, including oversized balconies, sundecks, patios, and screened porches, and private docks.

One of the most popular waterfront communities in the area is Bay Hill, located adjacent to Doctor Phillips. The master-planned gated community is home to the renowned Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Club and features an excellent selection of high-end homes nestled right on the Butler Chain of Lakes.

Activities and Destinations in Doctor Phillips

When you live in Doctor Phillips, every day can be extraordinary thanks to the plethora of attractions minutes away from the area. From lively shopping centers to exciting entertainment venues, renowned culinary hotspots to thrilling theme parks and recreational destinations, there’s no shortage of fun places to visit and activities to enjoy.

Restaurants

It has to be said that the dining options in the area are nothing short of outstanding. Doctor Phillips residents are just a few minutes away from a diverse assortment of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale fine dining restaurants and more. One of the most notable sections in the area is Sand Lake Road, home of the famous “Restaurant Row,” a collection of some of the most highly rated restaurants in the city.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty brunch on the weekend, celebrating a milestone, or looking to grab a quick bite, you’ll find plenty of excellent dining venues guaranteed to please your palate.

Here are some of the best restaurants located in the Doctor Phillips area:

Bartaco

7600 Dr. Phillips Boulevard, Orlando, FL

Bartaco is a small plate eatery serving up a delightful variety of tacos in a cozy setting. Diners can enjoy some of their bestsellers like their duck tacos and pork belly tacos at the restaurant’s elegant al fresco dining area surrounded by lush foliage and illuminated by string lights.

Bartaco offers a variety of refreshing cocktails and craft beers which all complement their mouthwatering dishes. The signature Bartaco margarita, however, is in a league of its own (order it “spicy” for an added kick!).

Chatham’s Place

7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL

A cornerstone of Orlando’s fine dining scene since 1988, Chatham’s Place offers a perfect balance of exceptional service, ambiance, and culinary flair.

Although Chatham’s does not have an extensive menu, the restaurant excels with its innovative twists on classic dishes like filet mignon, Cajun crab cakes, duck breast, and Florida grouper.

Chatham’s outstanding menu pairs perfectly with its small yet top-quality wine list, which features excellent wines produced by family-run vineyards.

Slate

8323 West Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL

Slate treats diners to modern American cuisine showcasing the seasons of the Sunshine State. Located along the famous Restaurant Row, this upscale-casual dining venue has a relaxed atmosphere in an open dining space enhanced by contemporary architecture, elegant gas chandeliers, a wood-fired copper oven, a cozy lounge and bar with fireplace, and windows highlighted by lush garden views.

Slate delivers a chef-driven menu executed to perfection with wood-grilled meats, fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and pizza fresh from their wood-burning copper oven. Among their standout entrees is their smoked lamb rack, a melt-in-your-mouth delight served with parsnip, Brussels slaw, tomato emulsion, and caramelized shallot jus.

In addition to their mouthwatering culinary creations, Slate features an extensive beverage program with made-from-scratch cocktails, a sommelier-curated wine list, and a great selection of local craft beer. Patrons can also enjoy a terrific happy hour menu on weekdays, from 5pm to 6:30pm.

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano

7600 Doctor Phillips Boulevard, The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, Orlando, FL

Open for more than 40 years, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano treats guests to an amazing gourmet fine dining experience highlighted by traditional recipes that perfectly combine the flavors and textures of northern Italy.

Christini’s is among Restaurant Row’s most acclaimed restaurants, garnering numerous distinctions and accolades including the Millennium International Award of Excellence, The Ivy Award, The Florida Restaurant Hall of Fame Award, and The Epicurean Award for Outstanding Cuisine and Service.

Lisbon

7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 12, Orlando, FL

Located in Dr. Phillips Marketplace, Lisbon is a Portuguese restaurant serving an enticing array of seafood and meat dishes, together with a wide selection of traditional “bacalhau” (dried and salted cod). Diners can savor authentic flavors from Portugal in a cozy and elegant setting adorned with beautiful Azulejo décor.

For dessert, be sure to try their best-selling “pasteis de belem,” Lisbon’s own version of the world-famous Portuguese egg custard tart.

Water activities

Doctor Phillips borders the Butler Chain of Lakes, a network of natural lakes, canals, and waterways offering fun water activities for all ages. The lakes that make up the Butler Chain are known for their exceptional water quality and picture-perfect scenery and are recognized by Florida’s Department of Environmental Regulation for Outstanding Florida Waters.

Consisting of nearly of nearly 5,000 acres of freshwater, the lakes are ideal for a wide range of activities like kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and tubing. One of the most popular activities to enjoy at the lakes, however, is bass fishing. In certain lakes like Lake Butler, Lake Down, and Lake Blanche, lucky anglers can catch largemouth bass weighing upwards of four to five pounds.

For non-boat owners who want to enjoy the Butler Chain of Lakes, there are many locally owned and operated boat companies offering sightseeing and fishing tours on the lakes.

Outdoor Recreational Venues

Dr. Phillips Community Park

Encompassing roughly 80 acres on the shores of Big Sand Lake, Dr. Phillips Community Park is a favorite destination for locals looking to unwind, soak in the views, and enjoy quality time outdoors with family and friends.

Features of the park include a large playground, a splash pad, water features, soccer and baseball fields, beach volleyball courts, a basketball court, a hiking trail, and a picnic area with covered pavilions.

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Golfers living in Doctor Phillips have easy access to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, a renowned 27-hole golf course designed by top golf course architect Dick Wilson. The entire course encompasses over 270 acres and is located between Bay Hill and the Butler Chain of Lakes, treating players to a picturesque yet challenging playing experience.

In addition to its award-winning golf course, Bay Hill Club & Lodge also features a 70-room lodge, a spa and fitness center, a marina, and luxurious guest accommodations.

Annual events

When you’re a resident of Doctor Phillips, you can look forward to a stellar lineup of signature annual events each year such as:

A Taste of Doctor Phillips

For more than a decade, A Taste of Doctor Phillips has provided terrific opportunities to bring residents closer together while celebrating the area’s outstanding cuisine.

Many of the best dining venues from the neighborhood – including the most popular spots on Restaurant Row – treat guests to an enticing array of mouthwatering dishes and award-winning wines.

PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is an annual professional golf tournament held every March at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. The tournament is one of only five tournaments with given “invitational” status by the PGA Tour and features a limited field of only 120 players.

Originally known as the Florida Citrus Open Invitational, the prestigious tournament changed its name and moved permanently to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in 1979. After Palmer passed away in 2017, winners of the invitational received a red cardigan sweater in honor of the seven-time major winner.

Begin Your Search for the Finest Luxury Homes for Sale in Doctor Phillips, FL

With so much going for it, Doctor Philips could be the perfect spot for you to call home. The Christensen Team is ready to help you find the finest luxury residences that perfectly match all your unique requirements and preferences. Tell us your vision and we’ll bring our experience and expertise to make it a reality.

As one of the most successful luxury real estate teams in Central Florida, we have provided first-class service to countless buyers and sellers through our unparalleled customer service and extensive knowledge of the area’s most prestigious communities.

Find the perfect luxury home in Doctor Phillips! Get in touch with us at The Christensen Team by calling 407.312.8003 or sending an email.