Because Orlando is experiencing record growth, it has increased demand for new home communities throughout Central Florida. Once you learn more about each of Orlando’s suburbs, you will see that Orlando is so much more than a city full of theme parks!
Looking to move to central Florida, and you don’t know where to start? Nicole Mickle, Relocation Specialist, is here to help. Nicole has extensive experience in the Orlando area and will assist you in navigating the available homes on the market to find one that is just right for you!
Best Places to Live around Orlando
Look at some of the new home communities featured below in some of the city’s best neighborhoods. We have included the median home costs to give you an idea of the cost of living in each area.
While you’re here, want to get to know Orlando more? I’m a lifelong local and will tell you about the fun things to do in Orlando. Orlando has it all: theme parks, Disney Springs, gardens, museums, coffee shops, and brunch with bottomless mimosas.
1) Winter Garden
Winter Garden is a historical city with a lot of charm and fun activities and one of the best suburbs of Orlando because it’s thriving.
The West Orange Trail is a popular hiking trail in the area. This is a 22-mile, mix-use trail that’s ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and skating. It also connects residents to the downtown area, so getting around without a car is a breeze.
In addition, Winter Garden boasts several neighborhood parks. Veterans Memorial Park contains basketball courts, a picnic area with grills, softball fields, multipurpose fields, tennis courts, a volleyball court, and a playground. Newton Park features boating, fishing, and picnic areas.
2) Sanford
Sanford is a growing city just steps away from Lake Mary. Known for its natural beauty. Any nature lover will enjoy the beauty of Lake Monroe and Lake Jesup, Historic Downtown brick-lined streets, small businesses, and close proximity to the beautiful beaches.
3) Dr. Phillips
Dr. Phillips is a residential community close to Windermere. A mix of beautiful estate homes, golf courses, shops, luxury spas, and fine dining “Restaurant Row” where you can find a mix of great restaurants, cigar bars, and live music.
4) Clermont
Clermont is one of the fastest-growing areas in Central Florida. It’s located 20 miles west of Orlando and north of Walt Disney World and has a mix of existing and new communities.
This Orlando suburb is known for its many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The city is home to several lakes, including Lake Minneola, which is popular for fishing and water sports. Clermont is also home to the South Lake Trail, a 23-mile paved trail popular for walking, running, and biking.
Be sure to check out the Clermont Historic Village, which features a collection of restored buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including a schoolhouse, church, and blacksmith shop.
5) Apopka
Apopka is a city in Orange County, and it is located about 15 miles northwest of Orlando. The city’s name is Seminole for “Potato eating place”.
It is known for its many parks, including Wekiva Springs State Park, a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The city also has a strong agricultural tradition, with many nurseries and greenhouses in the area.
Apopka is also home to the Apopka History Center, which tells the city’s history and surrounding area. Apopka is also known for its annual events, such as the Apopka Art and Foliage Festival, which is held each year in October.
6) Davenport
Davenport is a city located in Polk County, a suburban area located about 40 miles southwest of Orlando. Davenport is known for its proximity to several theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and vacationers.
The city is also home to several golf courses and lakes, providing many opportunities for outdoor activities. You can experience something rather unique in Davenport, and that’s going on a hot air balloon ride. For more information, check out Bob’s Balloons!
Davenport is a community of residential and vacation homes that are also growing in record numbers. It’s a quiet alternative compared to Orlando and some of the other suburbs, yet it’s still close to Walt Disney and hospitals.
Related: The Best Florida Day Trips near Orlando
7) Celebration
You may have heard about Celebration because it’s a master-planned community founded by the Walt Disney Company. Built by world-renowned architects focused on Education, Technology, Community, and Health.
The walkable neighborhood features many restaurants and small parks. It’s also a short drive away from Walt Disney World!
You will find a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes in Celebration. The beautiful architectural designs include colonial, coastal, and classical to name a few.
8) Ocoee
Ocoee is located about 15 miles west of the city. The city was founded in the late 19th century and has a long history of citrus production. Today, Ocoee is a rapidly growing city with a population of around 40,000.
The city is known for its many parks, including Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and picnicking opportunities. Ocoee is also home to the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, which hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
The city is also known for the Ocoee Whitewater Center, which hosted the whitewater slalom events for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The center is open to the public and provides kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities.
Additionally, Ocoee is home to several schools and colleges, including West Orange High School, Valencia College, and the University of Central Florida.
Ocoee is a community built around nature that includes several lakes and parks. It’s close to major highways and hospitals, so you can easily access the city of Orlando and the amusement parks.
9) Winter Park
Winter Park is a city in Orange County, and it is located north of Orlando and is known for its tree-lined streets, brick-paved sidewalks, and many parks and cultural institutions.
The city is home to Rollins College, a liberal arts college, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which houses the largest Louis Comfort Tiffany glass collection.
Winter Park also has a large number of shops and restaurants, as well as an active arts community. The city is a popular tourist destination and attracts many visitors, especially during winter.
10) Altamonte Springs
Altamonte Springs is a Florida city that offers various amenities and attractions for residents and visitors.
11) Windermere
Windermere is a Central Florida town known for its picturesque scenery, upscale neighborhoods, and high-end real estate. The town is situated on a chain of lakes, which provides residents with beautiful views and opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
Windermere’s vibrant community hosts events like food truck nights, farmer’s markets, movies in the park, and much more!
12) Kissimmee
Kissimmee was officially incorporated in 1883. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kissimmee experienced significant growth as a center for the cattle and citrus industries. In the mid-20th century, the city began to develop as a tourist destination, with the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 playing a major role in this growth.
Kissimmee is a major tourist destination known for its proximity to theme parks, lakes, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
13) Ocoee
Ocoee is located about 15 miles west of the city. The city was founded in the late 19th century and has a long history of citrus production. Today, Ocoee is a rapidly growing city with a population of around 40,000.
The city is known for its many parks, including Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and picnicking opportunities. Ocoee is also home to the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, which hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
The city is also known for the Ocoee Whitewater Center, which hosted the whitewater slalom events for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The center is open to the public and provides kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities.
Additionally, Ocoee is home to several schools and colleges, including West Orange High School, Valencia College, and the University of Central Florida.
Ocoee is a community built around nature that includes several lakes and parks. It’s close to major highways and hospitals, so you can easily access the city of Orlando and the amusement parks.
Moving to Central Florida?
We hope you found this list of the best areas to live around Orlando, Florida useful. Which one of these Orlando neighborhoods is catching your eye? Let me know in the comments below!
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