
St. Cloud: Why We’re Smitten With Our Hometown
Wimberley, TX. New Hope, PA. Davidson, NC. What do these places have in common? They’re small-town gems offering a welcome break from the bustle of their big-city neighbors. Laid-back, full of character and perfectly situated near thriving metro areas like Austin, Philadelphia and Charlotte.
St. Cloud, FL—the place Sunbridge proudly calls home—fits right in on this list.
In the last few years, St. Cloud’s infectious charm, welcoming vibe and natural beauty have drawn well-deserved attention. It’s just a short 30-minute drive from Orlando, but a visit feels like you’ve been transported to a quaint, out-of-the-way destination—picturesque and no shortage of things to do.
Take a stroll with us as we dive into all the reasons St. Cloud is quietly stealing the spotlight and why it’s the perfect hometown for Sunbridge.
Sleepy? More like dreamy!
Once considered “bedroom communities,” towns like St. Cloud have shed their sleepy image and become highly sought-after places to live.
And St. Cloud doesn’t disappoint. It’s got that small town magic where visitors and residents alike can trade the shimmering landscapes of Orlando’s edge cities for historic architecture surrounded by pastoral, open spaces.
Lake Life, Anyone?
One of St. Cloud’s top draws is its stunning lakeside setting. East Lake Tohopekaliga (affectionately called East Lake Toho, IYKYK) is a freshwater paradise. Whether you’re casting a fishing line, paddling a kayak, or touring by airboat, this sprawling body of freshwater wonder offers a natural retreat that’s as scenic as it is tranquil.
Prefer to enjoy the views from land? The Lake Runnymede Conservation Area abounds with easy hiking trails and plenty of chances to explore the lakefront’s lush, resplendent beauty.
Saturday Farmers Market
Every Saturday, 13th Street in Downtown St. Cloud turns into a parade of fresh produce, handcrafted goods and unapologetically friendly vendors.
This isn’t your average grocery run. This is mingling, sampling seasonal goodness and supporting the local artisans who have turned this weekly gathering into a staple of St. Cloud’s community event calendar. You’ll find families wandering the breezeways, tote bags in hand, while vendors share their recipes, DIY gardening tips and a little passion with every exchange.
Pro tip: Shopping for a Valentine with a sweet tooth? Hit up the St. Cloud Nuts & Stuff booth—they’ve got the goods.
Main Street Magic
St. Cloud’s historic downtown is where the city’s charm reaches a fever pitch. Over the past decade, it’s transformed into a walkable, bike-friendly entertainment district. Herringbone patterned red-and-gray brick streets guide you through unique shops, cozy cafes and a food scene that keeps growing.
It’s the absolute ideal location to embark on a self-guided culinary bike tour. Wend your way around town, make pit stops at local gems (brunch at Loading Gastropub is chef’s kiss) and discover your new guilty pleasure pairing delectable seafood with live music at Crabby Bill’s.
Downtown also hosts monthly Movies in the Park, the Downtown Food & Art Festival and a 4th of July celebration with fireworks over East Lake Toho.
Speaking of movies, don’t miss the February screening of “Ghost,” which consistnely tops our list of all time swoon-worthy films. Bring a blanket, get ready to say “ditto” and we’ll see you there!
The Perfect Place for Sunbridge
St. Cloud isn’t just our hometown—we think we’re the perfect match for one another. We both share a love for nature, a passion for preserving it and a commitment to building strong community connections. And we’re wildly optimistic to see how we’ll grow together.
Ready to fall in love with St. Cloud and Sunbridge? Explore our new home options now.