Though the city is known worldwide for its household name resorts and theme parks, Orlando is more than just an ideal vacation destination. “The City Beautiful” has a fantastic mix of fun things to do that make it a great place to live and work.
There are numerous state parks and natural springs in the greater Orlando area which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, paddling, and other recreational activities. Wekiva State Park is one of several popular locations that features refreshing 72-degree spring water all year round for swimming and fishing. Orlando is only an hour from the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, and less than two hours from the outdoor attractions of Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast.
Sports fans of all kinds can watch the NBA, professional men’s and women’s soccer, and professional hockey all in downtown Orlando. Camping World Stadium and the Amway Center are frequent hosts of major sporting and entertainment events. The arts are also well represented in Orlando; the Dr. Phillips Center is a hub for musical theater, symphonic performances, ballet, and comedy.
Of course, Orlando features world-class attractions, many of which offer residential discounts. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and SeaWorld are all within 90 minutes of RTS Orlando’s campus. Being an international center of the hospitality industry means Orlando also has superlative restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and entertainment.
RTS is located in Oviedo, twenty miles northeast of downtown Orlando. Oviedo is a historic town that dates back to the mid-19thcentury, and is developing into an up-and-coming city in central Florida. Downtown Oviedo hosts a monthly farmers’ market and is known for its historic houses and buildings. “Oviedo on the Park” is a newly developed community area minutes away from RTS that features cultural events and festivals at its large amphitheater with beautiful lake views. Surrounded by pockets of agricultural land, Oviedo maintains its small-town ethos while still being near to the larger attractions of the Orlando metro.
Finally, the greater Orlando area is home to several large para-church ministries and sending organizations, with whom RTS enjoys friendship and partnership. Cru, Wycliffe, Pioneers, Third Millennium Ministries, and Ligonier are all headquartered in close proximity to RTS. Orlando is also a recurrent host city for ministry conferences, workshops, and missions-related events due to its strategic location.