Is Doctor Phillips Safe, Pros and cons of living in Doctor Phillips
Doctor Phillips, an affluent Census Designated Place (CDP) in Orange County, Florida, is known for its upscale lifestyle, excellent dining, and proximity to major Orlando attractions. Named after citrus farmer Dr. Phillip Phillips, this community offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. It is a highly desirable area for families, professionals, and retirees alike, boasting beautiful homes, well-regarded schools, and a strong sense of community.
The area is characterized by its lush landscapes, including several lakes, and offers abundant recreational opportunities. Its reputation as a prime location is further solidified by its “Restaurant Row,” a stretch of high-end dining establishments, and its highly rated public schools. Doctor Phillips provides a luxurious living experience with a focus on quality of life, making it a sought-after destination within the greater Orlando metropolitan area.
Is it Safe to Live in Doctor Phillips?
Doctor Phillips is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below both state and national averages. The overall crime index in Doctor Phillips is 70% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 72% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 156 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Doctor Phillips, making it safer than 73% of cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department patrols Doctor Phillips, with select officers dedicated to the area. While specific crime statistics for Doctor Phillips are not always detailed separately by the FBI, data from nearby Windermere, which shares similar characteristics, indicates a much lower crime rate than state and national figures. Crime in Doctor Phillips is generally considered to be concentrated away from the core CDP and closer to the heart of Orlando, with residents typically viewing the southwest portion of the CDP as the safest (as reported by DoorProfit and AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Doctor Phillips
Doctor Phillips presents a cost of living that is higher than the national average, largely driven by its housing expenses. The Cost of Living Index (COLI) for Doctor Phillips is 115, meaning it is 15% more expensive than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs, in particular, are significantly higher, with a cost of living index of 136.3, making homes approximately 36.2% more expensive than the average U.S. home (as reported by AreaVibes).
The median home value in Doctor Phillips is approximately $570,800 (as reported by Niche and Doctor Phillips, FL Housing Market Trends). However, other sources indicate a median home price around $575,000 (as reported by neighborhoods.com) or even $576,892 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). For renters, the median gross rent is $2,393 per month (as reported by Point2Homes), with average rents for apartments ranging from $1,947 to $2,900, and houses averaging around $3,550 per month (as reported by Zumper and Time and Date). The median household income in Doctor Phillips is $103,950 (as reported by Point2Homes), which helps to offset the higher cost of living, though the rent-to-income ratio can be around 34.4% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Housing Market and Real Estate
The real estate market in Doctor Phillips is characterized by its upscale nature and competitive demand, particularly for well-priced homes in desirable locations. The median home value is around $529,900 (as reported by Niche), with prices ranging from $275,000 to $4,700,000 for current listings (as reported by neighborhoods.com). Homes are typically newer, with many built in 2000 or later, though some residences date back to between 1970 and 1999 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
The market sees a healthy number of homes sold, with 21 homes sold in March of this year, an increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes generally sell relatively quickly, with a median of 41 days on the market, though this has decreased from 61 days last year (as reported by Redfin). The area features a mix of owners and renters, with 67.1% of residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche and Point2Homes). The vacancy rate in Doctor Phillips is notable, standing at 20.3%, which is higher than the U.S. average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Job Market and Employment
Doctor Phillips has a robust job market, with a significant portion of its working population employed in professional and administrative positions. The area is home to approximately 5,900 working residents, with 88.2% engaged in professional or administrative roles and 11.8% in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Doctor Phillips is reported at 10.3% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is higher than the typical 4-5% considered average, suggesting potential challenges in job security for some residents.
Major employers in the broader Orlando area include large healthcare systems like Orlando Health, as well as companies in hospitality and technology sectors. While specific major employers within Doctor Phillips itself are not detailed, the proximity to Orlando provides access to a diverse range of industries. The Dr. Phillips Orlando Chamber of Commerce actively supports businesses in the region, fostering economic development and networking opportunities for its members.
Climate and Weather
Doctor Phillips experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summers are long, hot, and humid, typically lasting from May to October, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 86°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 92°F and lows of 74°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Winters are short, mild, and generally partly cloudy. The coolest month is January, with average lows around 49°F and highs near 72°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Annual precipitation averages about 54 inches, with the wettest month being June, receiving around 5.8 inches of rain, and the driest month being November with approximately 1.8 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months.
Education and School Ratings
The Doctor Phillips area is served by highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal for families. Dr. Phillips Elementary School is recognized as a highly-rated public school, with 79% of students proficient in math and 75% proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). This elementary school ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for overall test scores, math proficiency, and reading proficiency (as reported by Niche).
Dr. Phillips High School also receives strong ratings, holding a B+ grade on Niche and a 4/10 GreatSchools Rating. It is recognized for its diversity and college preparatory programs, ranking among the top high schools in Florida for the arts and diversity (as reported by Homes.com and Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Dr. Phillips Elementary is 15 to 1, which is lower than the Florida state average (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Population
Doctor Phillips is home to a population of approximately 12,984 residents, with a median age of 45.3 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Reporter). The population is diverse, with 55.6% identifying as Caucasian, 14.2% as Asian, and 9.9% as African American (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of residents are US-born citizens, though a notable percentage, 30.1%, were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
The gender distribution is slightly more female, with 53.4% of residents being female and 46.6% male (as reported by Point2Homes). The age demographics show a significant portion of the population in the 25-64 age range, with 29.1% between 25-44 and 27% between 45-64. Around 23.4% of residents are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income is $103,950, which is considerably higher than the national median (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Doctor Phillips are not extensively listed, the broader Orlando metropolitan area hosts a diverse range of significant employers. These include major healthcare providers such as Orlando Health, which operates numerous hospitals and clinics throughout the region (as reported by Orlando Health). The region’s economy also benefits from a strong presence in the hospitality and tourism sectors, given its proximity to theme parks and entertainment venues.
Additionally, companies in professional and business services, education, and technology contribute to the employment landscape. The Dr. Phillips Orlando Chamber of Commerce plays a role in supporting and promoting businesses in the area, indicating a dynamic business environment that attracts various industries and corporate presence.