Want to live in Orlando? Filled with iconic cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of outdoor recreation, The City Beautiful has something to offer everyone. From the bustling downtown area to the city’s family-friendly suburbs, here are the five best places to live in Orlando!
Baldwin Park
- Home Price: $426,000 median purchase price; $1,870 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Florida cities
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
One of the best neighborhoods in Orlando, Baldwin Park provides a safe, family-friendly atmosphere while still offering easy access to the amenities in Downtown Orlando! It’s also a great spot for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, as the area boasts over 200 acres of parks, including the scenic Harbor Park. Growing families benefit from high-quality local schools like Baldwin Park Elementary School and Glenridge Middle School, while residents of all ages appreciate Baldwin Park’s beautiful townhomes, condos, and Spanish and Colonial Revival-style homes located near Lake Baldwin. And no matter where you settle down, you’ll have no trouble finding fun things to do in Baldwin Park! Explore multiple acres of green space with your dog, get out on the water, or grill out with friends at local spots like Lake Baldwin Park and Blue Jacket Park. Lace up your rollerblades or hop on your bike to explore the neighborhood via the 7-mile Cady Way Trail. Solve puzzles in challenging escape rooms like Baldwin Manor, Dream, and Ninja at Escape Artists Orlando. Satisfy your cravings with an order of Meza Wings, Lamb Kabobs, or Salmon at Meza Mediterranean Grill. Feast on Street Tacos, Loaded Fries, and Grilled Shrimp while enjoying happy hour at Blue Jacket’s Gastropub. Or finish the day with delicious Orlando seafood dishes like Sea Scallop Ceviche, Steak Tartare, and Rainbow Trout at The Osprey.
College Park
- Home Price: $355,638 median purchase price; $1,400 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of Florida cities
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
For a great place to live in Orlando, consider moving to College Park! Here, residents will find a mix of charming ranch, Colonial, and Modern-style homes with access to diverse Orlando shopping options found along Edgewater Drive. Nature lovers can appreciate outdoor recreation spaces like Lake Ivanhoe Park, a popular spot to go kayaking and take walks by the water. Additionally, this friendly Orlando neighborhood is known for the fun events put on by College Park Main Street, such as Dog Days of Summer and College Park JazzFest. But College Park’s options for entertainment don’t stop there! Play in the game room, swim laps in the pool, or take advantage of the fitness center at the College Park Neighborhood Center. Enjoy the warm Orlando weather by spending a day at the playground or setting up a picnic at local parks like Dartmouth Park, Princeton Park, or Mathews Park. Book a tee time at Orlando’s oldest public golf course or take a lesson to improve your game at Dubsdread Golf Course. Treat yourself to some of the best breakfast in Orlando with an order of Blueberry Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, or the Vegetarian Omelet at Shakers American Cafe. Savor authentic Italian cuisine like Spaghetti Con Vongole, Filetto Al Gorgonzola, and Fettuccine Carbonara at Adriatico Trattoria Italiana. Or fill up on the Chicken Quesadilla, The House Pizza, or Club Wrap at a pub-style eatery, Ollie’s Public House.
Downtown Orlando
- Home Price: $237,200 median purchase price; $1,524 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of Florida cities
- Best For: Singles, young professionals
Downtown Orlando, also known as the Central Business District, is another one of the best areas to live in Orlando! This vibrant neighborhood features sleek apartments and condos, bike-friendly and walkable streets, and top Downtown Orlando companies like Launch That and Baker Barrios Architects, Inc., making it a perfect spot for young professionals. Plus, residents are close to a variety of great attractions in Downtown Orlando, like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Carr Theatre, and much more! Cheer on the Orlando Magic (NBA) as they slam dunk their way to victory at the Kia Center. Rent a paddle boat or go for a walk and watch the swans on the lake at Lake Eola Park. Experience the nightlife in Downtown Orlando by dancing at nightclubs like Stardust Lounge, jamming out at popular music venues like The Social Orlando, or winding down with a drink at trendy rooftop bars like AC Sky Bar. Start your morning with coffee drinks like the Nitro Cold Brew or The Wild Child paired with Avocado Toast at Craft & Common. Grab a slice of BBQ Chicken Pizza, a Meat Lovers Calzone, or create your own pizza at Cucina Pizza & Bar. Or try out the delicious Edamame before digging into a Salmon Salad or Vegetable Flatbread at The Stubborn Mule.
Lake Nona South
- Home Price: $434,000 median purchase price; $2,106 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 9% of Florida cities
- Best For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Lake Nona South is a planned community filled with townhomes, bungalows, and modern luxury homes. It’s a popular neighborhood for anyone looking for a modern, active lifestyle, offering easy access to amenities like the Laureate Park Community Garden, Nona Adventure Park, and Lake Nona Town Center. Students appreciate the area’s proximity to Valencia College – Lake Nona Campus, while young professionals in healthcare can take advantage of career opportunities at Lake Nona’s Medical City and UF Health’s Research and Academic Center at Lake Nona. Plus, residents of all ages can get around easily and affordably with Move Nona, the local public transit system! Explore 50,000 square feet of outdoor space and look at sculptures from around the world like Leda and the Swan by Fernando Botero and The Don by Philip Jackson at the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden. Stay active with a visit to Lake Nona parks, such as Crescent Park for weekly yoga, or Heroes Community Park to stroll the trails and have fun on the playground. Grab a slice of Pickled Pig, Blue Bird, or Big Island Pizza from Park Pizza & Brewing Company. Feast on some of the best food in Lake Nona with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon, and Mushroom Pot Pie at Canvas Restaurant & Market. Or enjoy outdoor dining with an order of Salmon Crudo, Street Corn Fritters, and Shrimp Orzo at Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen.
Winter Garden
- Home Price: $323,800 median purchase price; $1,268 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 57% of Florida cities
- Best For: Families, retirees
Nestled along Lake Apopka, Winter Garden’s small-town vibe, rich history, and 30-minute commute to Downtown Orlando make it one of the best places to live in the Orlando area! This quaint suburb is perfect for families, offering access to great schools like Whispering Oak Elementary School and Lake Whitney Elementary School, as well as outdoor rec spots like Newton Park. And families and retirees alike can rest assured there are quality healthcare options nearby at AdventHealth Winter Garden. Additionally, this Orlando suburb’s Historic Downtown area provides convenient shopping, local restaurants, the popular West Orange Trail, and chances to support local vendors at the Winter Garden Farmers Market and Plant Street Market. There are also popular Winter Garden events throughout the year, including Fridays on the Plaza and Arts in April. Even when there’s not an event happening, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Winter Garden! Attend live concerts and performances of Broadway shows, or catch a classic movie at the Garden Theatre. Swing by a repurposed firehouse for monthly art exhibits, art workshops, and events like Technique Tuesdays at the SOBO Art Gallery – Winter Garden Art Association. Learn the history of the railroad with photos, historical collections, and exhibits at the free Central Florida Railroad Museum. Wake up with the Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich, Liege Waffles, and Warm Feta Dip at Three Birds Cafe. Fill up on Fried Green Tomatoes, Roasted Beet Salad, and The Sockeye Burger at The Hangry Bison. Or taste fresh ingredients used in the Grass Fed Burger, Pretzel Bites, and Turkey Club at Urban on Plant Kitchen & Bar.
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Neighborhood and suburb statistics from AreaVibes
