Are you tired of bundling up all winter long to brave the chilly outdoors? Consider relocating to Orlando, Florida, where you can enjoy the sun and warm temperatures year-round. Stretching over 4,000 miles, Orlando has a wide range of neighborhoods with distinct lifestyle options. From cozy, close-knit residential neighborhoods to eclectic and bustling city streets, this Floridian gem has something for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Known as “The City Beautiful,” Orlando certainly lives up to its name. To help you decide where you may want to move, we’ve put together a list of some of the best neighborhoods and areas in Orlando to live in.
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College Park
With its charming bungalows and cottages, this family-friendly neighborhood is one of the most desirable in Orlando. Don’t let the name fool you, College Park is not just for students! Founded in the 19th century and named for its university-themed streets, this neighborhood combines a tight-knit community with a vibrant, metropolitan lifestyle.
One of the best aspects of living in College Park is its walkability, allowing you to explore the neighborhood on foot and easily access some of its best amenities. The heart of the neighborhood is Edgewater Drive. This lively main street contains shops, restaurants, unique art, and community events. With some of the lowest crime rates in Orlando, you’ll feel safe navigating major streets and residential sidewalks. There are also plenty of parks and lakes strewn throughout the neighborhood.
College Park has a mix of families and young professionals, with most residents owning their homes. The median home price is $627,000, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,390.
Audubon Park
One of the best areas to live in Orlando is Audubon Park. This district is a Great American Main Street Award winner, known for its sustainable shopping and dining, nightlife, and specialty shops. Audubon Park has something for everyone: vintage shops, bookstores, cafes, craft beer, boutiques, and farm-to-table dining.
Surrounded by towering trees and luscious greenery, this district is absolutely stunning. It is famously home to the Harry P Leu Gardens, a botanic garden stretching over 50 acres. Alongside rich gardens and exotic plants, the Leu Gardens has events and specialty exhibits. Whether you’re exploring giant origami statues or listening to classical music, the gardens have something for all ages.
Audubon Park is big on community. There are various teams, including the Public Spaces and Community Engagement Teams, that focus on maintaining the neighborhood’s natural beauty and building meaningful connections. They encourage shopping at locally-owned businesses and value sustainability as an ecodistrict.
This neighborhood is highly sought-after for its quaint feel, central location, and local culture. The median home price is $499,000, and the average rent is $2,059. Whether you’re a family looking for a bungalow or a young professional in search of a luxury studio, you’re sure to find something you like in Audubon Park.
Mills 50
The Mills is a matured version of Downtown Orlando where young people in their mid and late twenties go to congregate and have fun. Lots of new businesses, restaurants, community events, cultural experiences, and general activities happen. The aesthetic is new and trendy.
Avey Jimenez, Orlando Local, MissPoppins
Mills 50 is a unique, spirited neighborhood centrally located north of downtown Orlando. Home to the most Michelin Guide restaurants in the city, it boasts an eclectic, diverse food scene from a standing sushi bar to Asian fusion tacos. The neighborhood is noted for its Asian-American and Pacific Islander influences in both its food and culture. February, the month of the Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is full of festivities. Whether you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine or modern fusions, Mills 50 is the best place in the city for Asian dining.
This colorful neighborhood features over 30 murals and quirky art installations, including painted electric boxes and dumpsters. Mills 50 has a bustling nightlife with trendy bars, nightclubs, and upscale cocktail bars lining the streets. There are also top-notch shopping options, from unique boutiques to vintage stores.
Mills 50 offers diverse housing, including historic bungalows, duplexes, and modern townhouses. Because of this wide mix of old and new construction, prices can vary significantly. The average home price is $300,000. Apartment rent ranges from $1,605 to $2,695.
Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park is a former military base that has been transformed into a master-planned, mixed-use community. Its design is inspired by traditional pre-1940s Central Florida, with a strong emphasis on walkability and green spaces. The streets follow a narrow grid pattern, contributing to the neighborhood’s quaint appeal. With 50 miles of sidewalks and designated walking and biking paths, plus over 200 acres of parks, Baldwin Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. No matter where you are in the neighborhood, you’re always within walking distance of scenic landscapes.
A defining feature of Baldwin Park is its clearly established center. The Village Center—designed to be a short walk from most homes—serves as the community’s hub. From weekly events to shopping and dining, there’s no shortage of things to do. The Village Center blends an urban vibe with small-town charm, offering a vibrant lifestyle that appeals to both families and young professionals.
Another advantage of living in Baldwin Park is access to top-rated schools. The neighborhood is part of the Orange County Public Schools district, which ranks second in the Orlando area. Baldwin Park Elementary is especially notable, ranked among the top 300 elementary schools in Florida.
With its thoughtful planning, focus on community, and wealth of amenities, Baldwin Park is an attractive option for families seeking excellent schools and green spaces, as well as for professionals who value walkability and active living. However, these features come at a premium: the median home price is $782,000, and the average rent is $2,234. Consider Baldwin Park if you want to live in one of the best places in Florida near Orlando.
The Milk District
The Milk District is a quirky, progressive neighborhood located just east of downtown Orlando. It’s known for its inclusive culture, particularly in the music and arts scene. Vibrant murals and art installations bring color to nearly every corner, giving the neighborhood a creative, energetic vibe.
A standout local event is Milk Mart, Orlando’s largest art and food festival, held quarterly. It features more than 300 local artists, chefs, and businesses. The neighborhood also hosts plenty of live music and performance events, including Spilt Milk, a performance art series, and the uniquely themed Krampusfest, inspired by the folklore Christmas demon.
Food lovers will appreciate the area’s five Michelin-rated restaurants. A local favorite is A La Cart, a social dining venue featuring a rotating selection of food vendors, an indoor bar, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The Milk District also has a lively nightlife scene, offering everything from nightclubs to cocktail bars. It’s home to Southern Nights, the largest LGBTQ+ club in Orlando.
With a diverse population and forward-thinking culture, the Milk District attracts many young professionals. Housing options range from luxury apartments to modern townhomes. The median home price is $550,000, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,364.
Lake Eola Heights
Lake Eola Heights, designated as a national historic district, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Orlando. It’s celebrated for its diverse architectural styles, ranging from 19th-century farmhouses to colorful cottages. This residential area is known for its brick-lined streets, towering oak trees, and wide sidewalks. Walking through Lake Eola Heights feels like stepping back in time, and residents take great pride in preserving the neighborhood’s heritage.
At the heart of the district lies the iconic Lake Eola Park—a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life. Famous for its swans and abundant birdlife, the park features picnic areas, playgrounds, and a weekly farmers’ market. It also hosts regular community events, including pop-up markets and live music performances. Visitors can rent swan paddle boats or enjoy a stroll along the scenic 0.9-mile trail that circles the lake. The park is also home to the Walt Disney Amphitheater and the Orlando Shakes theater company, making it a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike.
Lake Eola Heights is one of the best places to live near Orlando, thanks to its walkability, historic charm, unique architecture, and direct access to Lake Eola Park. This quiet, picturesque neighborhood is perfect for families and anyone looking for a beautiful home within a close-knit community. The median home price is $879,000, and the median rent is $2,000.
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Best Suburbs of Orlando
If you love having close access to the city, but don’t want the hustle and bustle in your everyday life, consider moving to one of Orlando’s suburbs.
Winter Park
Just five miles north of downtown Orlando, Winter Park stands out as one of the area’s most desirable suburbs. Founded in the 19th century, the neighborhood was thoughtfully designed around its natural landscape and features a walkable grid layout. It sits along the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including paddling, boating, and miles of walking and biking trails.
At the heart of the neighborhood is the Park Avenue District, a charming, cobblestone-lined area home to over 140 shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. Bordered by lush parkland, the district is known for its upscale boutiques, fine dining options, and notable art collections. Art lovers will appreciate the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, and the two annual, high-profile art festivals.
With its tree-lined streets, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque lake views, Winter Park is an idyllic place to live. The median home price is $475,833, while the average rent is $1,708.
Oviedo
Located about 30 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando, Oviedo is a charming suburb that has retained its small-town atmosphere despite significant growth. Once a rural farming community, Oviedo is now known for its family-friendly vibe and strong sense of community.
Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area’s easy access to the Florida Trail, Cross Seminole Trail, and Little Big Econ State Forest, which offer hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing opportunities. Nearby Lake Jesup also provides stunning natural scenery and more options for recreation.
Oviedo is especially attractive to families thanks to its top-rated public schools. It’s part of the Seminole County Public Schools district, consistently rated “A” by the Florida Department of Education and ranked among the top 10 school districts in the state. Standout schools include Rainbow Elementary School and Hagerty High School, both known for academic excellence.
Combining abundant outdoor activities with exceptional schools, Oviedo is one of the best Orlando suburbs for families.. The median home price is $509,000, and the average rent is $2,366.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the artsy Milk District, the historic charm of Lake Eola Heights, or the suburban tranquility of Winter Park and Oviedo, Orlando has a neighborhood to fit every lifestyle. From walkable urban spaces with thriving food scenes to peaceful communities with top-rated schools and lush green spaces, the city’s diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone.
Families will appreciate the strong school systems and community feel in places like Baldwin Park, College Park, and Oviedo, while young professionals may gravitate toward the nightlife, culture, and creative energy of Mills 50, Audubon Park, or the Milk District. No matter what neighborhood you settle on, you’re sure to thrive in this sunny city.
FAQs
There are plenty of great neighborhoods in Orlando. Baldwin Park, Lake Eola Heights, and College Park are quaint, community-focused neighborhoods that are strong options for families or young professionals who prefer a quiet area. The Milk District and Mills 50 are quirky areas full of young people seeking vibrant culture and fun nightlife. Every neighborhood has its own unique charm, dining and shopping options, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
There are various suburbs in the Orlando area. Some highlights include Winter Park, known for its upscale shopping district, arts scene, and European design. With its grid system of cobblestoned streets, unique architecture, and stunning landscape, Winter Park is a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Another great suburb of Orlando is Oviedo, slightly further out from Orlando. It has retained its small-town charm and strong community from its rural roots. Oviedo offers access to plenty of trails and parks, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. With its excellent schools, Oviedo is a strong option for families.
Orlando, Florida, is a great place to relocate. Known as “The City Beautiful”, Orlando has some of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the country. From parks and lakes to trails and tree-lined streets, it is a perfect city for those who enjoy the outdoors. Orlando has a diverse range of neighborhood options, from eclectic urban areas to charming, brick-lined streets. It also offers a wide array of architectural styles, with European influences and colorful bungalows and cottages.
Elisa Miller grew up in Chicago and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in English and Communications. If she is not lost in a book, she can be found running, watching 30 Rock, or doing a puzzle.
