10 Great Places to Live in Orlando in 2023

Winter Park residents are often seen on their front lawns and porches, which helps build a feeling of community.

Photos by Roberto Gonzalez

Orlando boasts a plethora of great neighborhoods that offer a charming and vibrant living experience. From the bustling city center to the tranquil suburbs, there is something for everyone in this diverse and thriving city. Residents enjoy a rich blend of amenities, including top-notch schools, recreational parks, shopping centers, and a lively culinary scene. Whether you prefer the cultural ambiance of Winter Park, the family-friendly atmosphere of Lake Nona, or the trendy vibe of Thornton Park, Orlando’s neighborhoods offer a variety of options to suit different lifestyles and preferences. On the following pages, discover your ideal community and embrace the warmth and charm of Orlando living.

Audubon Park

East End Market offers several hot spots.

During the lifetime of Orlando’s Naval Training Center, Audubon Park was abuzz with military families who called it home. Then in 1999, the base closed. A few years later, construction began on the neighboring high-end community of Baldwin Park. But Audubon Park would not live in its shadow. It would rise up as a destination neighborhood on its own merits. Read more.

Thornton Park

Thornton Park’s pedestrian-friendly streets make it a great place to live.

The sun doesn’t seem to set on Thornton Park, nestled on the fringe of downtown Orlando. Sights, sounds and smells abound: colorful graffiti murals, people jogging or walking their dogs, conversations among neighbors and friends, the wafting scents of fresh coffee and food being served al fresco. Read more.

Winter Garden

Downtown Winter Garden offers great shopping, dining, and room to hang.

Winter Garden began as an agricultural town nestled on Lake Apopka. Once on life support as pollution ravaged the famed fishing lake and freezes killed the citrus industry, the community rallied to revitalize its environment, economy and history to become a role model to other towns. Read more.

Lake Nona

A focus on walkability and safety is seen throughout the neighborhoods.

Ever since the Tavistock Group became the proud owners of the 600-acre Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in 1996, their focus has been on enriching the community through health, education, and technology. Rasesh Thakkar, the Senior Managing Director at Tavistock, proudly shares that every corner of the neighborhood has been meticulously planned to integrate these aspects into the fabric of Lake Nona living. Read more.

Mount Dora

Downtown Mount Dora is equal parts charming and quirky.

In the heart of Florida, away from the hustle and bustle of Miami’s nightlife and Orlando’s theme parks, lies a city that has effortlessly managed to retain its charm and beauty, Mount Dora. This enchanting locale, nestled beside Lake Dora, offers a quality of life that is rich in history, nature, and community spirit. Read more.

Oviedo

Little Big Econ State Forest offers picnic tables while the new Center Lake area boasts swan boats.

Living in Oviedo offers a unique blend of small-town charm and city convenience. Oviedo serves as a warm haven for its residents, blending a rich history, a vibrant local culture, and a welcoming community. The city is a paradise for food enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. Read more.

Winter Park

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival happens every March and draws more than 250,000 visitors each year.

Winter Park, in 2023, is a harmonious blend of the old and the new, a testament to its well-preserved history and its ambitious visions for the future. Long-standing residents cherish the town’s historic charm, while an influx of young families bring fresh perspectives to its development. Read more.

College Park / Packing District

College Park, like many areas in Central Florida, originated as citrus groves. In the late 1800s, the first person to establish a permanent residence in the region was a local grower named John Ericsson. He constructed a farmhouse on what is now Princeton Street. As the South Florida Railroad gained prominence, more settlers were attracted to the area, transforming the charming neighborhood centered around Edgewater Drive into a thriving community. Interestingly, even renowned Beat Generation novelist Jack Kerouac once resided in College Park, and his former house now serves as a nonprofit retreat for aspiring writers. Read more.

Windermere

Spanning 600 acres among Central Florida’s Butler chain of lakes, Isleworth is one of the country’s most prestigious private golf communities.

Living in Windermere is an experience that encapsulates the quintessential Floridian lifestyle, replete with the serenity of lakeside living, the comfort of a close-knit community, and the charm of meticulously planned homes. Let’s explore the unique characteristics that make Windermere an idyllic residential location. Read more.

Celebration

A family enjoys the pedestrian-friendly areas and splash pad.

In 1966, the year of his demise, Walt Disney had concentrated on his upcoming grand project: an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The establishment of an EPCOT was amongst the final ambitions of the greatest dreamer in America. Read more.