Chuluota is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Seminole County, Florida, situated east of Orlando and near the city of Oviedo. At the 2020 census its population was 2,524, within an area of roughly 2.5 square miles. The community occupies a rural, wooded corner of a rapidly growing county, and its name — often pronounced "choo-lee-OH-tuh" — is believed to derive from a Creek or Seminole word meaning "Isle of Pines" or "beautiful place." Early developer Robert A. Mills is credited with selecting the name. Chuluota grew up around citrus groves, cattle ranches, and an early railroad that carried passengers and goods through the area. The community's agricultural past remains visible in its large lots, scattered homesites, and abundant tree cover, even as the surrounding region has urbanized. Today Chuluota functions primarily as a quiet residential community for people who work in Oviedo, the University of Central Florida, and Orlando while preferring a country setting, and most regional destinations are reachable in about thirty minutes or less. The Econlockhatchee River, a blackwater stream designated an Outstanding Florida Waterway, runs through the area and defines much of its natural character. The Chuluota Wilderness Area, a 625-acre preserve, and the Little Big Econ State Forest offer hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, while the surrounding conservation lands keep much of the community green and undeveloped. Students attend Seminole County Public Schools, with Walker Elementary located within the community. Chuluota's combination of rural atmosphere, protected natural lands, and proximity to Orlando's employment centers makes it a distinctive option for those seeking space and nature without giving up access to Central Florida's economy and amenities.