There's no doubt that Florida's one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States. Offering the best year-round climate and some major attractions - both natural and manmade - this state is a Mecca for those who want the best of all possible worlds. The key to finding the best real estate in the Orlando area is checking the property listings against your personal needs.

Before you jump in and buy a condo or a three bedroom single-family home, it's a good idea to do some research about the area. Orlando is a metro area with lots of little suburbs. Some areas are nice, others aren't so great. Some areas are close to all the attractions, others are a bit far. Before you buy, check into the neighborhood, the real estate values, schools and more. A little homework, even online, can net a great buy in a fantastic neighborhood and help you avoid a mistake.

In general the Orlando area is a draw for both full-time residents and vacationers for a number of reasons. Here are some of the tops:

* Proximity to parks. The Orlando area is home to Disney, MGM, Sea World and more. When it comes to theme parks few places under the sun offer more than Disney. The Kissimmee/St. Cloud area, Celebration and the outskirts of Orlando proper are all close to the major parks. This makes them ideal for everyday living and even for purchasing vacation homes for personal use or rental.

* Nightlife. The Orlando area is one of those places that almost never sleeps. Its nightclubs, including those found in Church Street Station, are hopping every night of the week.

* Dining. World class dining can be found in Orlando and its neighboring locales. From ethnic cuisines to freshly caught seafood, it can be had here.

* Cultural. A number of museums and galleries call this location home.

* Education. Orlando is home to the University of Central Florida and a burgeoning movie and television school. Here filmmakers and wannabes are taking advantage to the film industry that's growing up in the Orlando area.

* Central location. Whether you want to visit the Keys, the beaches of east or west Florida or visit the hilly locations of north Florida, Orlando's central location makes it a great homeport for a number of different day trips.

* Outdoor activities. Florida living provides lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Almost 365 days out of the year, this state is great for water sports, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and more.

Real estate in the Orlando area includes single-family homes, condos, manufactured homes and more. Prices range from the modest $100,000 well into the millions depending on what you're looking for. The property listings for this city and its immediate neighbors are perfect for finding a full-time home or even a vacation getaway.

With all there is to see and do, Orlando is a great place to visit and an even better one to settle down in. From theme parks to industrial giants, many companies make this area home, making employment opportunities varied and many. When looking at Orlando property listings check the neighborhood, look into amenities and set your price limit.