Each year, 65 to 75 million tourists flock to Orlando, and the city is rightfully famous for its resorts and amusement parks. But Orlando is far more than a vacation spot.
Many of the same qualities that draw visitors also make Orlando a great place to plant roots: year-round pleasant weather, endless outdoor recreation options, and fantastic shopping, from world-famous outlet malls to upscale destinations like The Mall at Millenia. And with flourishing industries like biotech, aerospace, and the healthcare field, the city attracts a steady stream of young professionals looking to advance their careers, a trend reflected in the city’s median age of just 35.
From the waterfront properties of Baldwin Park to the gated communities of Lake Nona, the best neighborhoods in Orlando make it easy to imagine staying for the long haul.
Orlando Neighborhoods: Quick Facts
- Number Of Neighborhoods: 115
- Median Orlando Home Value: $407,000
- Average Orlando Monthly Rent: $1,785
- Fun fact: Orlando boasts over 100 lakes
Orlando is a city of distinct regions, each with its own character: The tourist areas are largely contained in Southwest Orlando. Central Orlando, home to downtown, offers a more urban vibe. And East Orlando leans suburban. While there can be some overlap between the areas, keeping this general layout in mind can help you stay oriented.
On average, homes in Orlando sell for about $407K, while one-bedroom apartments rent for $1,785 per month. To learn more about life in Orlando, be sure to check out our guide to moving to Orlando.
The 7 Best Neighborhoods In Orlando
If you’ve visited Orlando, you’re probably familiar with International Drive. This major commercial corridor is home to the majority of tourist attractions, including a whopping six theme parks and the Orange County Convention Center. But beyond the busy I-Drive area, Orlando offers many residential neighborhoods well-suited for everyday life.
Below, we highlight some of the best neighborhoods in Orlando to consider settling into.
1. Lake Nona: Forward-Thinking Gated Community
- Average Home Value: $780K
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,017
- Commute to Downtown: 30 minutes
- Neighborhood Vibe: Health-forward, wealthy, innovative
Lake Nona began as a golf-focused community, but its recent shift toward health and wellness has made it one of the fastest-growing and best neighborhoods in Orlando.
This affluent planned community is home to Lake Nona’s Medical City, which includes some of the country’s top hospitals and research centers, making it a hub for cutting-edge innovation. But there’s more to Lake Nona than its medical core. Sports complexes, great schools, and a strong public arts program make the neighborhood a lively, family-friendly place to live. Unique attractions like Boxi Park, a food hall made of shipping containers, also add character.
Lake Nona is 10 minutes from Orlando International Airport, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for jet-setters who want easy access to flights. Amenities in Lake Nona communities vary by neighborhood, with HOAs ranging from more modest monthly dues to around $7,000 in luxury enclaves.
2. Winter Park: Historic Charm Meets Modern Living
- Average Home Value: $765K
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,666
- Commute to Downtown: 15 minutes
- Neighborhood Vibe: Artsy, upscale, rich with parks
While Winter Park is technically a suburb, it’s still considered one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando. Winter Park began as a getaway for snowbirds from the north looking to escape the cold. Now, it’s a peaceful, upscale neighborhood with an artsy vibe. Winter Park is tucked away from the touristy areas of Orlando, but it’s still less than half an hour from Disney and other attractions.
Its brick-lined streets and beautiful lakes make Winter Park one of the most scenic places to live in Orlando. There are 70 parks, and plenty of space for nature walks. The area has a strong sense of community and a thriving arts scene, which includes the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art.
If you’re wondering what to do in Orlando, Park Avenue, the center of Winter Park, is known for its local shops, art galleries, and trendy dining. Properties in Winter Park also tend to hold their value, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando to invest in.
3. College Park: Small-Town Feel in an Urban Setting
- Average Home Value: $580K
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,600
- Commute to Downtown: 9 minutes
- Neighborhood Vibe: Affordable, small-town, active
Despite what it might sound like, there aren’t any universities in the neighborhood of College Park. Rather, the name derives from the fact that its streets are named after Ivy League schools.
While it’s close to the central business district, the area still has a small-town feel and a close-knit community, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for families. College Park is affordable, which makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando to rent.
A highly walkable area offering much to do, College Park also happens to be one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for young professionals. Golfing aficionados have access to Dubsdread Golf Course, which has been in operation since the 1920s.
Culture lovers will appreciate the Orlando Shakespeare Company, the Orlando Science Center, and the Mennello Museum of American Art. College Park is also one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for local dining, featuring independent restaurants like The Tap Room at Dubsdread.
4. Golden Oak: Disney Meets Luxury Living
- Average Home Value: $11 million
- Average Monthly Rent: N/A
- Commute to Downtown: 30 minutes
- Neighborhood Vibe: High-end, resort-style living with Disney at your doorstep
What is the richest part of Orlando? Golden Oak is among the richest neighborhoods in Orlando. A gated, master-planned community developed by Walt Disney and located within the resort boundaries, Golden Oak is a luxurious, exclusive community. It’s fewer than 300 homeowners, including H. Lee Scott, the former CEO of Wal-Mart, and NBA player Brook Lopez.
Golden Oak residents have access to top-tier amenities, including the Golden Oak Club, which features restaurants and concierge services. Some residents can even see the nightly fireworks from Disney’s theme parks.
5. Audubon Park: Hipster Haven
- Average Home Value: $770K
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,979
- Commute to Downtown: 12 minutes
- Neighborhood Vibe: Hipster, laid-back, conveniently located
Audubon Park has grown from a lackluster intersection into a vibrant shopping district. Known for its artsy and eco-friendly culture and mellow, laid-back feel, the area is packed with locally owned shops, cafes, breweries, and restaurants that top lists of where to eat in Orlando.
With formerly overlooked commercial spaces transformed into some of the city’s most well-loved restaurants, Audubon Park has emerged as one of Orlando’s best neighborhoods for local dining.
What was once an abandoned public school is now East End Market, a food hall featuring artisan products such as cheeses and baked goods, and it houses several standalone restaurants. Nearby, a former car repair garage sells gourmet doughnuts, and what used to be a gas station has become a coffee shop.
When you’ve had your fill of the great food, you can enjoy some of the neighborhood’s frequent pop-up events or escape into nature at the Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Audubon Park is also well located, just a short drive from some of the other best neighborhoods in Orlando, including Downtown, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, and College Park.
6. Celebration: Old-Fashioned Charm Meets Modern Amenities
- Average Home Value: $595K
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,113
- Commute to Downtown: 35 minutes
- Neighborhood Vibe: Small-town, pedestrian-friendly, quiet
Celebration is a stunning example of New Urbanism, a design style that organizes communities around parks and a walkable town center to encourage walking and biking. In this way, the neighborhood mimics a small town from the early 1900s. This makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for families seeking an idyllic childhood where their kids can run around freely, play with neighborhood friends, and spend time outdoors.
This quiet Orlando suburb is also great for retirees. Because the area was literally designed to be bikeable and walkable, it allows retirees to stay active. Celebration has a strong HOA, lush golf courses, and numerous community events, bringing a quaint lifestyle into the 21st century while remaining just a short drive from Disney World’s theme parks.
7. Baldwin Park: Active Living Near Downtown
- Average Home Value: $730K
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,317
- Commute to Downtown: 15 minutes
- Neighborhood Vibe: Active, scenic, waterfront
Baldwin Park is a top choice for young professionals seeking a walkable, active lifestyle near downtown Orlando.
Lake Baldwin offers plenty to do, including visiting local favorites such as the veteran-owned Tactical Brewing Company and Broad Street, which is lined with shops and restaurants. Baldwin Park’s Village Center hosts a rotating calendar of events, including a farmers market and holiday activities. Lake Baldwin is also just 20 minutes from the major theme parks, making it perfect for annual passholders.
Featuring direct access to Lake Baldwin, Baldwin Park is also one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for its scenic views. While it’s far from Florida’s famed beaches, the neighborhood offers waterfront properties as well as 20 parks and two lakes for strolling, jogging, biking, and other outdoor recreation.
Make Space for Orlando Living
Whether you want a quiet gated community to retire in or you’re a young professional looking to be in the heart of the action, you can find what you’re looking for in the best neighborhoods in Orlando featured above.
Once you decide which spot is right for you, it’s time to start planning your move. Keep in mind that most homes in Orlando neighborhoods don’t have basements, so Orlando self-storage might be necessary when you get there. CubeSmart offers climate-controlled storage units* in various sizes at locations all across Orlando, Florida. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
