Happy Wife

Winter Park, Florida, is an affluent city north of Orlando in Orange County with a population of approximately 30,000. Happy Wife takes place in Winter Park, and much of the drama of the novel depends on the town’s quirks. Founded in the 1880s as a winter resort for wealthy Northern industrialists and incorporated in 1887, Winter Park retains a reputation for exclusivity, charm, and cultural sophistication. The city is known for a chain of scenic lakes connected by a network of canals. These lakes are a central part of Winter Park’s identity, offering opportunities for boating, kayaking, and scenic tours that showcase the city’s historic homes and lush landscapes. The lakes and canals of Winter Park feature prominently in Happy Wife, as Will is murdered on his private dock and later found by tourists in a canal.

Winter Park is one of the wealthiest cities in Central Florida, and the city is home to some of the region’s most expensive real estate. However, the city’s wealth contrasts sharply with income levels in nearby communities, including parts of Orlando and unincorporated Orange County. Winter Park also faces internal income disparities, particularly between its historically Black west side and the more affluent eastern neighborhoods.