6 Best and Most Popular Neighborhoods To Live in Orlando, FL

So, you’re thinking of moving to Orlando, the world’s Theme Park Capital. Home to the iconic Walt Disney World Theme Park, Orlando is one of the most-visited cities not just in Florida, but in the United States. But why settle for just a visit when you can live in this exciting city? In addition to world-renowned theme parks like Universal Resort, SeaWorld, and Magic Kingdom, Orlando has much more to offer. The city has its share of great schools, museums and galleries that spark your imagination, buzzing nightlife, and abundant natural beauty. Living in Orlando means you can enjoy a diverse range of experiences and excellent quality of life. Orlando is also a large city with nearly 100 neighborhoods. If you’re not sure where to go, don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll talk about the best neighborhoods in Orlando, FL to live in and why.

ORLANDO, FL: BUILT FOR FAMILIES, MADE FOR MEMORIES

Florida is now the fastest growing state in the nation. Following a significant population growth between 2021 and 2022, the Sunshine State now has over 22.2 million residents, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Among the most sought-after places to relocate is Orlando. Orlando, the county seat of Orange County, is rapidly growing. With a population of over 307,500, it’s the fourth-largest city in the state. For parents and children, Orlando is an ideal place to call home, with a trove of family-friendly attractions, sprawling green spaces, and top-ranking schools. For retirees, the plethora of golf courses adds to Orlando’s allure and makes it an attractive retirement destination. The younger crowd is drawn by its abundant nightlife and job opportunities.

Real estate in Orlando, FL

5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home for sale in Orlando, FL

Orlando real estate is diverse – you’ll find an array of property types, including single-family homes, luxury apartments, high-rise condominiums, spacious lofts, and even townhomes. As of June 2023, the median listing price in Orlando is around $399,900. As for price range, homebuyers have a spectrum of choices. The most affordable houses in the city start at around $20,000, which are typically smaller one-bed, one-bath homes. The most expensive homes can go up to $19 million – mostly multi-acre mansions with upwards of five bedrooms and special features, such as private pools. At the mid-range, you can expect well-appointed, generously-sized properties with four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms. The average Orlando home also comes with spacious lots, ranging from 4,000 square feet to ¾ acres.

THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN ORLANDO, FL

PARK LAKE/HIGHLANDS

The quiet neighborhood of Park Lake/Highlands is one of the most popular places to live in Orlando. Its proximity to Park Lake and Lake Eola make it one of the most scenic neighborhoods in the city. Residents also get to enjoy its plethora of cafes, restaurants, bars, and parks, and both young professionals and families call it home.

Real estate snapshot

Gorgeous single-family homes line the streets of Park Lake, surrounded by mature trees and manicured lawns that give it a decidedly suburban feel. The most prevalent architectural styles in this neighborhood are Craftsman Bungalow and Mediterranean, adding a distinct curb appeal. Properties in Park Lake tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum, but are well worth it for the unparalleled quality of life afforded by the neighborhood. Homes start at around $200,000 for one- to two-bed single-family homes. Meanwhile, upscale properties are priced at $800,000 to $1 million; these are typically 3-bed to 5-bed houses situated on large lots.

Things to see and do in Park Lake

PARKS. Built around the beautiful and serene Lake Highland, Lake Highland Park is adjacent to the neighborhood and is perfect for spending time with family amidst nature. It’s also known for the Orlando Urban Trail, which loops throughout the city and is an excellent way to get your 10,000 steps in while sightseeing or trying out different cafes. 

DINING. Park Lake is home to the historic Little Saigon, a 10-block stretch that includes everything from Pan-asian food trucks and boba shops to busy restaurants and Vietnamese storefronts. You’ll be treated to authentic Asian cuisine at Tako Cheena, Hawkers Asian Street Food, and Anh Hong Restaurant.

NIGHTLIFE. Whether you’re into craft beer, live music, trivia nights, or a mix of all three, Park Lake buzzes with a dynamic nightlife. Some of the busiest bars and watering holes include The Oliv Bar, The Guesthouse, and Dirty Laundry.

SCHOOLS. Education is another major draw for residents of Park Lake. One of the top schools in the area, Lake Highland Preparatory, is located here. The prestigious preparatory school is committed to providing a well-rounded education for students in Pre-K to 12.

THORNTON PARK

Nestled east of Lake Eola is one of Orlando’s most stylish neighborhoods, Thornton Park. Located a mere 10 minutes from Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park has the unique appeal of being a centrally-located neighborhood with spacious, private properties. There’s always something happening at Thornton Park, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando, FL, especially for those who are used to a packed social calendar. Take a leisurely stroll along its charming cobblestone streets and you’ll be treated to live music and a delightful array of specialty stores. You can indulge in locally-sourced fare at the weekly farmers market or immerse yourself in the monthly Art & Wine Walk.

Real estate snapshot

Thornton Park offers plenty of classic Bungalow and European-inspired homes at 1,000 to 2,700 square feet. Single-family properties in this neighborhood typically have 2 to 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, with prices ranging from $300,000 to $800,000. You’ll also find a few luxury high-rise apartments in the mix, offering spectacular views and nearly 2,000 square feet of living space.

Things to see and do in Thornton Park

SHOPPING. From jewelry stores to candle making shops, Thornton Park’s Central Street District is where you’ll find a colorful selection of local retailers.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE. Thornton Park has a world of restaurants, trendy cafes, and lively bars to explore, especially since it’s close to Downtown Orlando. World of Beer offers hundreds of craft and tap beers, CoCo Cocina Mexicana has top-notch locally-sourced Mexican cuisine, and Burton’s Bar has excellent cocktails that you can enjoy alongside a game of darts or pool.

EDUCATION. For families with school-age children, high-quality education is easily available. Some of the top public schools in and around Thornton Park include Hillcrest Elementary School, Howard Middle School, and Boone High School. Among the nearby private schools are Trinity Preparatory School and Lake Highland Preparatory.

LAKE NONA

Orlando’s innovative, business-friendly culture is alive and well in the master-planned community of Lake Nona. Located in the southeast part of the city, Lake Nona is known for its cutting-edge tech industry, health and wellness focus, and abundant natural beauty. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Electronic Arts and Verizon, Lake Nona is an exciting place to live and work. It’s also home to the exclusive gated communities of Lake Nona Estates and Rose Isle.

Real estate snapshot

Properties in Lake Nona are in high demand and therefore command a higher premium. Home prices start at around $300,000 to $400,000, costing about $300 per square feet on average. In gated communities, luxury homes have a median listing price of around $3 million. Houses here are newer, mostly built after 1999. Characterized by sleek contemporary architecture, properties here often have spacious open layouts, natural materials, and features that promote sustainability, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.

Things to see and do in Lake Nona

PARKS. Several public parks can be found in and around the neighborhood. At the heart of Lake Nona Town Center is a vibrant park with a splash pad and dog play area. The thrilling Nona Adventure Park features a zip line, rock wall, and obstacle course.

SHOPPING & DINING. Lake Nona Town Center is the main shopping destination in Lake Nona featuring a variety of stores, such as Whole Foods Market, Apple, and Lululemon. For food, popular dining spots include Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen, Park Pizza & Brewing Co., and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine.

ARCHITECTURE. Lake Nona’s cityscape is ever evolving, and its vibrant architecture is a sight to behold. The Lake Nona Wave Hotel has a unique wave-like exterior that is both eye-catching and functional, providing shade and shelter from the sun. Other visually striking buildings include the Life Sciences Incubator and Lake Nona Performance Club.

AUDUBON PARK

One of Orlando’s semi-hidden gems is the award-winning Audubon Park Garden District. Diverse and bohemian, Audubon Park is a laid-back neighborhood known for its array of fringe boutiques, music stores, cafes, and bakeries, as well as the infamous Harry P. Leu Gardens. All of this has earned it the distinction of Great American Main Street Award in 2016 – one of the only three districts in the entire state of Florida to win the title. Audubon Park is an eco-friendly suburb. It’s known for its practice of fleet farming, an urban agriculture program that transforms lawns into bio-diverse, productive micro-farms and edible gardens. The bike-powered urban farming program uses a fleet of cargo bikes to deliver fresh, local produce to homes and businesses in Orlando.

Real estate snapshot

Audubon Park was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, so many of the homes reflect the architectural styles of that era. You’ll see the symmetrical facades and pedimented porches of Colonial-style houses, as well as low-slung roofs of Ranch-inspired properties. Some common home features include large open floor plans, porches or patios, and landscaped yards. Most properties are single-family homes in the $400,000 to $500,000 range.

Things to see and do in Audubon Park

SHOPPING. East End Market is the beating heart of Audubon Park. The marketplace features some of the best local vendors, chefs, and artists selling everything from fresh produce and gourmet pastries to handmade jewelry. Another open-air marketplace worth visiting is the weekly Audubon Park Community Market, which features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, breads, and handmade crafts.

DINING. Audubon Park has an award-winning food scene. The Japanese eatery Domu, which serves up modern Japanese cuisine, was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Audubon Park is also home to the One-Michelin Star sushi restaurant Kadence, known for its delicious omakase featuring fresh seasonal ingredients.

PARKS. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical garden nestled in the northwest edge of Audubon Park. The gardens feature a wide variety of plants, including orchids, camellias, and bamboo, as well as scenic walking trails and the picturesque Lake Rowena. The vibrant Audubon Park and Dickson Azalea Park also beautify the neighborhood.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

Downtown Orlando is a great place to live if you’re looking for a vibrant, convenient, and walkable neighborhood with a lot to offer. Apart from being the heart of the city, It’s also a major employment hub with several Fortune 500 companies; a cultural epicenter with plenty of museums and art galleries; and home to an exciting nightlife with dozens of bars and restaurants.

Real estate snapshot

Downtown Orlando has a mix of residential properties, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes. While there are more apartments here, you’ll also find a few single-family homes, usually with three to five bedrooms and large lots. Prices start at around $200,000 and swing to $1 million. Some popular home features include dazzling views of the city skyline, high ceilings (especially in apartments), open floor plans, and modern amenities, such as stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

Things to see and do in Downtown Orlando

SHOPPING & DINING. The neighborhood is within a short distance of many of the city’s prominent shopping and entertainment centers, including The Mall at Millenia, The Florida Mall, and Fashion Square Mall. Also nearby are the East End Market and Church Street Station, both home to a diverse mix of food, drink, and retail options.

CULTURE. If you want to live close to cultural attractions, Downtown Orlando is perfect. The famed Orlando Museum of Art is in nearby Colonialtown South and has over 2,400 pieces on display. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway musicals and live concerts.

EVENTS. The annual Music Fest Orlando takes place in nearby Lake Eola Park and features a variety of musical acts, from local bands to national headliners. You’ll also get to enjoy Taste of Orlando, which gathers more than 100 of the city’s finest local restaurants and food entrepreneurs, and Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, a prestigious cultural showcase of over 200 artists.

COLLEGE PARK

College Park is one of the best places to live in Orlando, FL for those looking for well-established, high-end properties. Characterized by a blend of charm, history, and a tight-knit community, College Park makes for a great place to call home. Its proximity to the University of Central Florida, downtown Orlando, and several parks and green spaces adds to its appeal.

Real estate snapshot

With a median home price of nearly $750,000, the neighborhood offers a range of housing options, from charming bungalows to sprawling estates. Some of the most exquisite and expensive homes can be found along the scenic shores of Lake Ivanhoe. Property prices start at $300,000 and can go as high as $2 million for larger homes. Many of them have expansive lots, which appeal to residents who value privacy. For pricier homes, expect upscale features such as pools, hot tubs, or a home theater, as well as high-end finishes like granite countertops and hardwood floors.

Things to see and do in College Park

SHOPPING & DINING. College Park is home to and near a variety of shopping districts, including Edgewater Drive and Ivanhoe Village, where you can explore a premier selection of local restaurants, independent boutiques, and entertainment.

EDUCATION. College Park is a hub of educational excellence. Just west of town is the esteemed University of Central Florida (UCF), a top-ranked research university with over 65,000 students. For students in Grades K-12, Edgewater High School and Princeton Elementary offer a diverse range of programs, including arts education and AP courses.

PARKS. College Park Neighborhood Park features a playground, splash pad, and walking trail, making it a family-friendly destination. Lake Ivanhoe Park, situated along the shores of Lake Ivanhoe, is a sought-after spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. Just north of College Park, Lake Underhill Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, biking, and birdwatching.

DISCOVER ORLANDO, FL WITH ROBERT SLACK LLC

If you’re ready to explore the best neighborhoods in Orlando, FL, FL, turn to the trusted team at Robert Slack LLC. Since 2014, we have been serving clients in Florida and Texas, facilitating more than 24,000 transactions and achieving a total sales volume of $8 billion. With our dedication to personalized care, industry expertise, and strong values, we’re committed to making your home buying experience a smooth and enjoyable one. Contact us today at 407.271.4341 or reach us through email to get started on finding your perfect Orlando home.