Master-planned community Lake Nona in Orlando, Fla. was designed to emphasize a healthy lifestyle, and is part of a burgeoning multibillion dollar trend in the industry.
Lake Nona residents can take part in free yoga and meditation classes and other events like gardening and live music to encourage community bonding. Alternative medicine advocate and author Deepak Chopra visits the community as part of its health forum, and Chopra offers a custom version of his app specially to residents. Tavistock Development Company president Jim Zboril tells CBS News that the community has roughly 1,000 events per year. Currently, one of the main goals for the community is building a town center.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, the international wellness real estate industry was valued at $134 billion last year. The U.S. has been a pioneer with over 350 communities that revolve around reducing stress. The industry will likely grow to $180 billion globally by 2022. With Jim Zboril leading the way, Lake Nona is cashing in on the trend. That soon-to-be-built town center will boast four million square feet of shopping, hotels, entertainment and commercial space.
