Windermere is a town in Orange County, Florida, within the Orlando metropolitan area, situated on an isthmus between Lake Down and Lake Butler along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Its population was about 3,000 in the 2020 census, making it one of the smallest and most exclusive municipalities in the region. The town's origins date to the 1880s, when English settlers arrived in the area. Windermere is believed to be named for Lake Windermere in England's Lake District, reflecting those early English roots. The community developed as a quiet lakeside retreat, and despite the explosive growth of surrounding metro Orlando, the town itself has remained small and deliberately low-density. The Butler Chain of Lakes is central to Windermere's identity and value. These spring-fed lakes are prized for their water quality and are popular for water skiing, boating, and fishing, and the town's lakefront and lake-access properties are among the most sought-after in Central Florida. The combination of private docks, large estate lots, and tree-lined streets gives Windermere a distinctive, secluded character. Public schools are part of Orange County Public Schools, with the surrounding area served by middle and high schools including the Chain of Lakes campus. Because the town is compact, many residents also rely on the broader Windermere area for shopping, dining, and services, while remaining within easy reach of downtown Orlando and the region's theme parks and employment centers. Windermere appeals to those seeking lakeside, estate-style living in a small, quiet town, with the conveniences of one of Florida's largest metro areas close at hand.