9 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Orlando, Florida

If you’re considering moving to Orlando, you might be wondering about the best neighborhoods in the city. Many great places exist, from bustling downtown areas to suburban enclaves!

Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, entertainment options, or a quiet home with lots of green space, there’s an Orlando neighborhood perfect for you.

Best Places to Live in the Orlando Area

Get to know Orlando while you’re here! Check out these articles:

• Pros and Cons of Living in Orlando
• Best Small Towns in Central Florida
• 22 Best Coffee Shops in Orlando
• 9 Best Museums to Visit in Orlando
• 87 Epic Things to do in Orlando (From a Local)

Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in the Orlando area:

1) Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park is a trendy and modern neighborhood just a few miles northeast of downtown Orlando.

It was developed on the site of a former naval training center and featured a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas.

The community is known for its New Urbanism design, emphasizing walkability, mixed-use development, and a sense of community.

Baldwin Park features a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, and is home to a diverse population of residents.

The community also has several parks, including Lake Baldwin Park, which offers fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities, and a dog park.

Additionally, it has a variety of shops and restaurants and is a popular spot for running and cycling. The Village Center is a great place to check out some local restaurants and specialty shops.

2) College Park

College Park is one of Orlando’s oldest and most distinguished communities.

The first home was built in the late 1800s, but it really began to grow during the real estate boom of the 1920s.

In the 1930s, the boom had turned to bust, but a savvy real estate businessman came along and started to purchase much of the vacant land. His name was Welborn C. Phillips, and he was a true entrepreneur of his time. As real estate picked up again, his foresight paid off in the post-World War II boom.

As you drive down the cobblestone streets, you will find various styles of architecture with abundant character. The lawns have mature trees and are meticulously kept.  Many of the streets are named after schools of higher learning, such as Yale, Princeton, Harvard, and Stetson, to name a few, thus creating the name College Park.

This community is currently home to an eclectic population and is the top pick for young professionals who want the flexibility of living so close to Downtown Orlando.    

3) Thornton Park

Thornton Park is a neighborhood in Downtown Orlando with a ton of history.  The Orlando Sentinel has reported that it was named after James Thornton in 1913 and established its name in 1915.

The community has changed over the years and flourished with growth in the 1990s. It is within walking distance of Lake Eola Park and the Amphitheater.

You will find historic cottages and bungalows initially built in the late 1800s to 1950, blended with later constructed homes with front porches, beautiful gardens, and tree-lined cobblestone streets.

4) Audubon Park

Audubon Park is a popular community and historic neighborhood in Orlando known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Audubon Park in Orlando, Florida, was established in 1911 by a group of local residents who wanted to create a park for the community to enjoy. The park was named after John James Audubon, a naturalist and ornithologist best known for his detailed illustrations of North American birds.

The park initially covered only 40 acres but has grown to include more than 100 acres of natural habitats, gardens, and recreational facilities.

The community’s best things include its tree-lined streets, charming homes, and proximity to many of the city’s major attractions. The neighborhood is also home to the Audubon Park Garden District, which features a variety of local shops and restaurants.

Additionally, the community is known for its strong sense of community and friendly residents. The park is a highlight, with a playground, lake, and many walking trails, a community garden, and a farmers market.

5) Milk District

The Milk District is a vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of Orlando. This area was initially developed as a dairy farm in the late 1800s and has been transformed into an eclectic commercial and residential district.

The best things about the Milk District include its unique restaurants, inviting vibes, and convenient location.

The best things about this neighborhood include its tree-lined streets, art galleries and cafes, as well as its proximity to the best attractions in Orlando.

The Milk District is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs ideal for socializing and enjoying a night out.

Additionally, the community hosts special events throughout the year, like Taste of the Milk District and the annual Milk District Holiday Festival.

6) Central Business District

Orlando’s Central Business District (CBD) is the best place for business and leisure. Located in downtown, this area is a hub of activity with plenty of things to do and places to explore.

This bustling metropolitan area is home to some of the best restaurants, shopping centers, offices, nightlife destinations, and more.

Downtown Orlando has historic homes, Lake Eola Park, and coffee shops. It’s a great location if you want to experience the best of Orlando. You can spend your days exploring museums, parks, and galleries or check out the best nightlife spots.

This is one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando if you’re looking to live an urban lifestyle while still having access to all Florida has to offer.

7) Laureate Park in Lake Nona

The Lake Nona community engages everyone by holding quarterly events like their “movie night” for example, where residents step outside their homes to enjoy themselves.

As for those people who enjoy a little outdoor time, there is 40% green space with community parks and pools in every neighborhood. There are also 44 miles of planned trails crisscrossing our Lake Nona neighborhoods.

8) Randall Park in Lake Nona

Randall Park is a featured community located close to Laureate Park. This neighborhood is focused on nature, technology, parks, and the arts. In this area, you will see a mix of townhomes and single-family residences.

The best thing about Randal Park is its 10,000-square-foot community center. This center includes a 24-hour fitness center, pool, and multi-purpose room for private events. The spaces feature an outdoor gathering area to enjoy with friends and family. It has over 4 acres of park space and trails throughout the community.

9) Horizon West

Horizon West is a master-planned community in Winter Garden that features a variety of single-family homes, condos, apartments, and townhomes. It also offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as parks, trails, lakes, and golf courses.

The best things about Horizon West include its variety of housing options, convenient location, and abundance of amenities. The community is close to major attractions such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

Additionally, Horizon West features plenty of shopping and dining options, including the popular town center. The community also boasts excellent schools and a variety of recreational activities.

Bottom Line

Contact me if you are curious about moving to Orlando or any other area in Central Florida. As a native of Orlando with an extensive background in the little niches in the area, I can match client lifestyles to specific communities, making me the perfect realtor to assist with relocation situations.