Your Guide to Some of the Best Neighborhoods in Orlando

If you’ve been thinking about moving to Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that “The City Beautiful” is not just about tourists, retirees, and Mickey Mouse. For starters, Orlando is a great place for people of all ages. Sure, Florida weather is a favorite of snowbirds and seniors, but now that the housing market is expected to calm down a bit in some of the best neighborhoods in Orlando, young professionals and families are rediscovering this central Florida gem.

Best Neighborhoods in Orlando — FAQs

Q: What is the safest part of Orlando? 
A: Eagles Nest has been rated the safest neighborhood to live in Orlando for 2024, based on FBI data and other information. But there are plenty of nice neighborhoods in Orlando — just do your research and determine your comfort level.

Q: What is the nicest neighborhood in Orlando? 
A: There’s no shortage of good areas to live in Orlando. But as one of the most popular with young professionals, College Park is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando (if not the best). With above-average schools, beautiful parks, great nightlife, and lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, this is a choice spot. Bonus points: cute brick-paved streets. 

Q: What are the different areas in Orlando?
A: The sprawling greater Orlando area includes dozens (upon dozens) of neighborhoods as well as nearby cities and suburbs. Generally speaking, though, the different regions can be broken into Central Orlando (downtown and environs), Southwest Orlando (where the tourists are), and East Orlando (the ’burbs).

Q: What is the most affluent neighborhood in Orlando?
A: Lake Nona is considered one of the most well-off parts of the area — and one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando. Most homes are well over the half-a-million mark, with golfing and resort-style living among residents’ main pursuits. 

Q: What neighborhoods to stay away from in Orlando?
A: It’s all about your own comfort level. Almost every city has not-so-safe areas — it’s an unfortunate fact of life in today’s world. Being aware of your surroundings and taking common-sense precautions are always good practices — even in what you may consider to be the best neighborhoods in Orlando. That said, we recommend researching crime stats and talking to residents before you commit to a neighborhood.

Best Neighborhoods in Orlando

Now that you have a little more knowledge about the greater metro area, let’s look at some of the best neighborhoods in Orlando. Whether you’re moving within Florida or coming from elsewhere in the U.S., you’ll find lots to love about living year round in this Florida vacation mecca.

Sanford’s scenic Lake Monroe waterfront and historic downtown make it a destination for families and young professionals.

1. Sanford

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $356,800
• Great for: Families, young professionals, schools, real estate investing

Home to many young professionals and families alike, this suburb about a half-hour north of Orlando is known for its historic downtown, scenic Lake Monroe waterfront, and vibrant arts scene. You’ll find brick-lined streets full of antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques — and yes, there are plenty of tourists. But hands-down, Sanford is considered one of the best Orlando neighborhoods for families.

Dining hotspots include The Old Jailhouse, where cuisine has improved considerably since the days when the building was an actual jail. Must-have: chicken gnocchi. And for a change of pace, Hollerbach’s offers German specialties locals have been loving for years. 

With above-average schools (some of the best in the state of Florida), this lakeside town is great for families, so if you have children (or plan to have them), Sanford may be the best area in Orlando for you. Families flock to communities including Mayfair, home to beautiful, spacious estates, and Lake Forest, where gated, HOA-style living is the norm.

2. Williamsburg

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
• Average home value: $381,400
• Great for: Families, homeowners, schools, small-town suburban lifestyle

If you prefer a more suburban vibe, Williamsburg — with just about 7,500 residents — may be the place for you. This quiet community, one of the safest Orlando suburbs, is close to Orlando’s major attractions but is a peaceful place to come home to. You’ll find manicured lawns, well-maintained homes, and a family-friendly vibe that makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando. 

Green Briar Village and Montpelier Village offer a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, making Williamsburg ideal for families and retirees who enjoy Florida resort-style living.

Locals enjoy lots of area green space and recreational options at area parks — plus a bit of history at the Shingle Creek Regional Park, designated by former President Barack Obama as one of “America’s Great Outdoors.” How’s that for a reference? 

If you’re looking to buy real estate, you’ll feel especially at home: 81 percent of Williamsburg residents are homeowners. The traffic can get difficult at times, but that’s mostly because of the proximity to Sea World, Universal Studios, and all the Disney parks. Shopping is plentiful, as well, with Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets right around the corner. 

Orlando’s Central Business District (known as the CBD) is the heart of the city, bustling with office buildings, arts hotspots, and busy nightlife.

3. Central Business District 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $298,000
• Great for: Families, diversity, nightlife, walkability

As the name implies, Orlando’s Central Business District is the heart of the city, bustling with office buildings, arts hotspots, and busy nightlife. It’s home to landmarks like the gorgeous (and newly renovated) Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Kia Center concert arena, and Lake Eola Park, a gathering spot for pickup games of soccer, swan paddle-boats, and the occasional afternoon concert. 

For those who love city life and being right in the middle of everything, the CBD is undoubtedly one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando. Dining options are diverse, with The Boheme offering upscale cuisine inside the glamorous Grand Bohemian Hotel and Artisan’s Table, known for creative American dishes (try the tequila coffee — seriously). 

As for housing, the CDB is all about highrises, with only 19 percent of its residents owning their spaces — which makes it one of the best Orlando neighborhoods for young professionals not yet ready to get saddled with a mortgage. Apartments include luxury-style rentals at the Vue at Lake Eola and 55 West, which features studios up through four-bedroom apartments. 

4. Baldwin Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,300
• Average home value: $767,200
• Great for: Families, schools, restaurants, parks

Baldwin Park is a master-planned community just east of downtown, built on the site of a former U.S. Navy training center — not exactly what you might consider, at first glance, one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando. But the area features a mix of homes, retail, and restaurants, plus a generous helping of recreational space — literally dozens of parks. A local favorite for signature waterfront Florida sunsets is Harbor Park, on the banks of Lake Baldwin. 

The community is just a 10-minute commute to downtown and all its amenities, but there’s plenty to stick around home for, too. Try The Osprey, a seafood destination (happy hour oysters are a great deal), and if you have a taste for traditional Japanese dishes, you can’t go wrong with Seito Sushi, which has been in the neighborhood for more than 20 years.

Lake Eola Heights is one of Orlando’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods.

5. Lake Eola Heights 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $483,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, history, bars, restaurants, nightlife

One of Orlando’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods, Lake Eola Heights features a mix of Mediterranean Revival, Deco, and Craftsman bungalow-style homes along its tree-lined streets. And although lovingly renovated homes are plentiful, contemporary life isn’t completely absent from this enclave about a mile from the CBD — which makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for young professionals: Happy commuting!  

A local favorite for dinner and vino in the neighborhood is Eola Wine Company, a cozy spot with sidewalk dining to take advantage of Florida’s magnificent winter weather. Fun boutiques are part of the area’s charm, as well, but for bigger shopping needs The Mills 50 District and The Mall at Millenia are just a quick car ride away. 

6. Parramore

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $218,100
• Great for: Families, sporting events, street art, affordable housing, performing arts, schools, nightlife, diversity

Parramore was settled in the late 1800s as Orlando’s first African-American community, and today it’s the only Commercial National Registered Historic District in the greater metro area. As a traditionally working-class neighborhood, Parramore offers a variety of housing options — particularly in recent years as the city has focused on revitalization.

Creative Village, located on the site of the former Orlando Magic arena, is bringing new life to the area with modern apartment complexes that cater to students, professionals, and families. This development includes the Amelia Court Apartments, with modern townhomes, apartments, and mixed-use space, providing a contemporary living option in Parramore. The growth and progress make it a clear candidate for one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando.

Parramore continues to be an important center of Black culture. At the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture, once a segregation-era hotel, visitors can explore exhibits from the Civil Rights movement, local history, and memorabilia from the hotel’s past. 

Lush Florida fauna shades the streets of College Park, just north of downtown Orlando’s business hub. 

7. College Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,200
• Average home value: $519,600
• Great for: Families, fun events, spas, specialized shopping, nightlife, schools

College Park is another historic neighborhood just northwest of downtown Orlando. Well-preserved bungalows are the hallmark of this vibrant district, many featuring original hardwood floors, fireplaces, and expansive front porches — which contribute nicely to the small-town vibe here.  

College Park is a great choice for families looking for good neighborhoods in Orlando — and who like being in the middle of everything. Young professionals flock here, since it’s just north of downtown’s business hub, and it’s also a destination for retirees not ready to settle down and walk the beaches — definitely one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for all ages. A full calendar of cultural events includes November’s JazzFest and December’s Holiday on the Drive, which transforms the entire area into a festive winter wonderland.

8. Lake Nona Region 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,125
• Average home value: $603,500
• Great for: Families, schools, golf, gated communities

Lake Nona is a trendy planned community that includes multiple lakes, waterways, and several gated communities. Home to the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, the area is a great choice for golfers and country club lovers. The picturesque community also offers tasty food spots, such as Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen for tapas; the lakeside Canvas Restaurant & Market; and, for a change of pace, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine.

And schools in Lake Nona get a proud A rating from Niche — just another reason it’s considered one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for families.

Interestingly, Lake Nona is more of a region than a neighborhood and is commonly divided into the following areas: 

• Lake Nona Central
• Lake Nona Estates
• Lake Nona South
• Northlake Park at Lake Nona

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