7 Best Neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida

Are you considering moving to Orlando and wondering about the best places to live in Orlando, FL? Here are 7 of the best neighborhoods you'll want to consider! 

If you want more information on Orlando neighborhoods, we have you covered. Whether you're moving to Orlando from another state or simply looking to move across town, we will help you better understand each neighborhood and whether or not it makes sense for you as an individual.

Named the most visited city in the United States, Orlando is a place visitors and residents flock for its exciting theme parks, natural beauty, and convenient lifestyle. Full of diverse cultures, museums, thrilling nightlife, shopping, and a world-class dining scene, Orlando has everything that anyone could ever want and need.

If you are moving to Orlando, you probably wonder what neighborhood you should live in. Some of the best places to live in Florida are in and around Orlando! From lively planned communities to gorgeous lakefront living, check out these 7 Best Neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida!

Before choosing a neighborhood that is best for you and your family, it is essential to consider what you are looking for in a home. If you ask, "Is Orlando a safe place to live?" you have come to the right place. Since safety is a top priority, this neighborhood guide only lists the neighborhoods in the area that are known to be safe and reliable. You can also check out our list of the safest places to live in Florida, in which we include some neighborhoods and areas in and around Orlando.

When buying a home, you also want to choose a neighborhood that will meet your lifestyle. Whether you want a quiet spot to raise your family or a neighborhood close to dining options and the nightlife scene, there is a place for you. If you work in the city, it might also be a good idea to factor in commuting time. Overall, no matter where you decide to live in Orlando, our team is here to help!

Here are the best neighborhoods in Orlando, FL.

Celebration

This master-planned community is outside the Walt Disney World Resort area in Osceola County. Initially developed by the Walt Disney Company, this neighborhood acts like its own independent city for well-to-do families. With a population of 10,000 people, Celebration is only 18 miles away from Disney and remains the perfect place to live for lovers of Mickey and childhood memories.

Modeled initially as an "American Neighborhood," the architecture, landscaping, parks, and landmarks are so well-groomed that they resemble a movie set. Looking like something you would see on a postcard, the homes are inspired by Mediterranean, Victorian, and Colonial styles that boast pastel colors. Thought to be the perfect suburb, Celebration is a place to work, live, and raise a family. Providing residents with a small-town feel, the area is safe and clean.

Considered one of the best places to live in all of Florida, families and young professionals want to live in Celebration. Right off of Interstate 4, travel to the rest of Orlando and nearby cities easily. Allowing pedestrian traffic, Celebration encourages locals to bike and walk around the community. If you are looking for a quiet place to live right next to the magic of Walt Disney World, this is the neighborhood for you.

Local Favorites: 

• Celebration Town Tavern: Serving up New England-style chowder, Maine lobster rolls, and fish-n-chips in a quaint tavern. 
• Columbia Restaurant: This Spanish-Cuban-inspired restaurant is set in Mediterranean-style dining rooms and features delicious food and a full bar. 
• Lake Rianhard: Spend the day along the walking trail or watch the sunset at this picturesque lake.

Orlando Central Business District

Known to be one of the largest urban areas in Central Florida, if you are moving to Florida, consider the Orlando CBD. Home to sky-rise apartments, headquarters, and tech companies, living in the Orlando Central Business District is the place to be for those who want to be near the hustle and bustle of Downtown Orlando.

Living in the CBD is excellent for young professionals and entrepreneurs, featuring eateries serving international cuisine and chic shops lining the streets, near the Amway Center, where the Orlando Magic plays, and the Dr. Phillps Center, which features showings of musicals and operas, immerse yourself in the sports and cultural scene.

Referred to as the city's beating heart, attend exciting city events or go bar hopping after a long day at work. Living in Downtown Orlando is relatively safe if residents stick near open areas and do not venture out alone at three in the morning.

Featuring modern apartments, condominiums, and a select few single-family homes, living in the Central Business District will surely cut down commute time to work with easy access to public transportation.

Local Favorites: 

• Lake Eola Park: This public park around Lake Eola is excellent for bringing your kids or walking your dog. Rent a swan-shaped paddleboat to take out on the lake or see a concert or outdoor movie at the Walt Disney Amphitheater. 
• Sak Comedy Lab: Named as one of the "50 Best Comedy Clubs in America," catch a nightly improv comedy show most days of the week at Sak Comedy Lab. 
• Church Street Station: What was once an old historic train station and railroad depot has since been turned into a popular retail and entertainment center. Featured as a stop along with the city's public transportation SunRail, go axe throwing or grab a bite to eat.

Thornton Park

Described by locals as relaxed, hip, and trendy, Thornton Park provides residents with urban living just a few steps outside of Downtown Orlando. Featuring cobblestone streets and quiet boutique shops lining the sidewalks, pass by cute cafes and coffee shops while listening to the melody of outdoor live music. This charming residential area has classic bungalow-style homes that are shaded and offer privacy thanks to overgrown oak trees and Spanish moss.

Families love to call Thornton Park home, which is considered an extremely safe neighborhood both during the day and at night. A small area and only a block away from Lake Eola, this neighborhood is highly walkable and accessible.

Could you quickly befriend your neighbors and spend your afternoons and weekends outdoors? Admire the decorative fountain on Washington Street and dine al fresco at local cafes. With access to the best school districts in Orlando, your family will flourish in this neighborhood.

Local Favorites: 

• Orlando Sunday Farmers Market: Located at Lake Eola Park, head out every Sunday for local produce, treats, crafts, and music from 10 am to 4 pm. 
• Mason Jar Provisions: Making homemade southern food, enjoy pulled pork to hot chicken alongside fresh southern sides. Make sure to order the fried pickles and hush puppies! 
• Island Time Orlando: This neighborhood hangout is the perfect place to meet up with friends and enjoy a cocktail. They were serving southern favorites and Caribbean flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.

Baldwin Park

A great place to live in Orlando, the neighborhood of Baldwin Park offers its residents urban and suburban mixed living. Home to over 15,000 residents today, Baldwin Park surprisingly once served as a military base for the Air Force and Army from 1940 to 1968.

Now a proud American neighborhood, residents spend their days at one of the many parks or local eateries. Lined with over 50 miles of sidewalks and walking paths, Baldwin Park is extremely easy to get around and is within walking distance of restaurants, parks, and grocery stores. Ride your bike, walk your dog, or jog within your community.

Featuring many parks, including the Blue Jacket Park in town, this 55-acre park has playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball courts, baseball fields, and tennis courts. You never have to travel far for amenities close to highly-rated public schools, coffee shops, and popular restaurants. With gorgeous two-story single-family homes adorning front porches and beautiful apartment complexes, become a part of this tight knight community in the perfect Orlando location.

Local Favorites:

• The Osprey: Serving American fare and seafood in an open kitchen and central bar. Dine on small plates, including shrimp cocktails and oysters alongside craft beer in an intimate setting. 
• Seito Sushi Baldwin Park: The best place to dine on sushi with outdoor seating and daily specials. 
• Cafe 906: Get French favorites, including French pastries, sandwiches, quiches, and coffee. Make sure to try the croissants and macaroons!

College Park

Super close to Downtown Orlando, the neighborhood of College Park is relaxing and low-key. An affluent area beloved for its prominence of 20th-century cottages, the street names are inspired by famous colleges and Ivy League schools such as Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, and Cornell. A distinct community in Orlando, this subdivision is a great place to live, providing its residents with a safe and suburban atmosphere.

The locals live an active and abundant lifestyle, with many open green spaces, walking trails, lakes, and parks. Living in College Park can be described as picture-perfect, with tall, gorgeous oak trees and sidewalks lining the streets. College Park is often described as hip and vibrant, perfect for anyone wanting a small-town feel close to the Orlando Central Business District and direct access to Orlando theme parks.

Known to host multiple annual events highlighting its local award-winning restaurants and retailers, it is no wonder why the community has a population of over 18,000 people. For those searching for prime nightlife and dining, head over to the intersection of Edgewater Drive and Princeton.

Local Favorites: 

• Lake Adair: Nestled among the breathtaking homes of the neighborhood, Lake Adair is an excellent place for walking and admiring wildlife. 
• Local Haven Park: This 45-acre park is home to three lakes, the Orlando Repertory Theatre, the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, and art and science museums. 
• College Park Cafe: This Cuban restaurant serves up classic Cuban fare with huge portions at a reasonable price. This family atmosphere is located off of the main street of Edgewater and is a must-try. 

Park Lake Highland

Another great place to live is Orlando. The neighborhood of Park Lake Highland offers beautiful views of the city skyline. Providing residents with a mixture of modern single-family homes and historic lakefront homes, the atmosphere is quiet and safe. Famous for its abundance of Vietnamese restaurants and small businesses, Park Lake Highland is located in the Mills 50 city district, a small, diverse business district.

Lined with biking and walking trails, travel around the neighborhood with ease. Appreciate and indulge in some of the area's best, highly-rated restaurants. A foodie destination, dine on all types of cuisine, from homemade southern barbeque to Spanish tapas. With fun and eccentric nightlife, spend weekends at local brewpubs and dive bars featuring live indie music.

With a population of under 3,000, this community is great for families and young professionals starting their careers. Plus, home to excellent public and private schools such as the Lake Highland Preparatory School, moving here definitely has its perks.

Local Favorites: 

• Nora's Sugar Shack: Selling an extensive range of beers, wine, cigars, and homemade gifts. 
• Quantum Leap Winery: The only sustainable winery in the entire state of Florida. This sustainable and environmentally friendly wine has a low carbon footprint and tastes even better. 
• Lake Highland Park: This lake near Downtown Orlando has miles of walking trails, open green spaces, fishing areas, picnic areas, and fantastic city views.

Lake Nona Region

This trendy and planned community next to the Orlando International Airport comprises bungalows, shiny new single-family homes, and gated communities. Nestled next to Lake Nona in the southeast corner of Orlando, the Lake Nona Region neighborhood is only 20 minutes away from Downtown and a 30-minute from Cocoa Beach. Home of the USTA National Campus, take tennis lessons and attend significant tennis events in this area.

This innovative and family-friendly community is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the Orlando metropolitan area. Providing residents with a sparse suburban feeling of living, Lake Nona is a fantastic place to raise a family due to its top safety ratings and highly rated public and private schools. As a hot spot for mansions and estates, Lake Nona is emerging as one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Orlando.

Local Favorites:

• Nona Adventure Park: This outdoor inflatable water park is an excellent place to learn how to wakeboard.
• Boxi Park Lake Nona: A great place to gather and enjoy food trucks, live music, playgrounds, and volleyball courts.
• Drive Shack Orlando: Hit some golf balls and have a good time with friends at this popular attraction.

FAQS

Is Orlando an excellent place to move?

Overall, Orlando is an excellent place for people who love the sun, the warm weather, many things to do, and a fast-paced life. As well as low taxes. 

What salary do you need to live in Orlando?

Living comfortably in Orlando is estimated to be about $65K annually. However, this number does vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. 

Is Orlando affordable to live in?

Overall, the cost of living for Orlando is 3% higher than the state average and 5% higher than the national average, so it is not considered very affordable. 

The Best Neighborhoods in Orlando, FL - The Bottom Line

Are you ready to move to Orlando? Whether you call the pristine and quiet neighborhood of Celebration Home or the trendy area of Thornton Park, there is a place for everyone in the city. Orlando awaits you if you want to be surrounded by world-class restaurants, abundant outdoor spaces, and neverending adventures. Listed as one of the best places to live in Florida, our Realty Specialists are here to help you find your new home in the city of theme parks and opportunities.

Contact us today to find a place to live in Orlando, Florida!