Orlando’s 8 Best Suburbs to Live

Orlando is more than just theme parks and tourist traps. Locals know that the City Beautiful is a great place to live with a growing economy, a top Florida school system, and beautiful weather. Not everyone wants to live in Orlando proper, and that’s okay! The metro’s many suburban neighborhoods are ideal for everyone, from families to busy professionals, retiring seniors, or college students.

That’s why we want to share our list of the top suburbs in Orlando, where you can build your career, raise a family, and retire while basking in an average of 233 days of sunshine.

Altamonte Springs

This Orlando suburb is north of downtown in Seminole County. Altamonte Springs has a reputation as a retail destination.

It houses one of Orlando’s beloved shopping centers, Altamonte Mall. Located a mere stone’s throw away from the mall, Uptown Altamonte offers an impressive outdoor “city walk” experience filled with upscale and big-brand shopping options. Plus, there’s the commercialized strip of stores along SR 436.

But shopping isn’t everything in Altamonte Springs. Parks, green spaces, and tree-lined streets add to the community’s charm. A picturesque lake is bordered by a mile-long paved walkway at the center. The Wekiva River headwaters are a short drive away in the state park.

This diverse community offers housing options for all budgets, from luxury homes to affordable condos and townhouses. In December 2022, it had 224 listings with a median price of $290,000.

Celebration

Celebration is southwest of Orlando, near the Disney parks and resorts. The Walt Disney Company purpose-built the suburb to be a model All-American city utilizing leading city planners and architects of the time. Since 1994, Celebration has been reinventing itself as an independent municipality.

Today its renowned downtown is known for its outdoor concerts and festivals, great shops, fine dining restaurants, and walking paths that meander through charming neighborhoods with manicured lawns. The master-planned community boasts an impressive list of amenities that include a world-class hospital, a golf course, and tennis courts.

Residents have a full suite of recreational amenities inside the community, including over 40 neighborhood parks, 26 miles of walking trails, and a Community Center. Multiple commercial areas such as Downtown Celebration, Shoppes at Celebration Place, and Water Tower Shoppes offer an array of restaurants and shops. Additionally, there are schools (both private schools and public schools), office complexes, and essential stores within the community’s boundaries.

The homes consist of terraces, bungalows, garden homes, cottages, villages, manors, and estates. Designs combine Classical, Colonial French, Coastal, Mediterranean, and Victorian exteriors with modern floor plans. Most residences have an inviting front porch paired with rear garages accessible via a service alley.

Celebration’s median price for December 2022 was $621,500, with 92 homes for sale ranging from $159.9K to $3.3M.

Kissimmee

This Orlando suburb was once known for its swampland and wild horses, but today it is a bustling small city on Lake Tohopekaliga with plenty of things to do.

Kissimmee sits beside some of Orlando’s most popular attractions and theme parks, such as Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. While it’s close to these highly developed entertainment venues, living in Kissimmee is more about enjoying the outdoors.

Residents can explore Kissimmee’s state parks, wetlands areas, and wildlife conservation centers. Kissimmee Waterfront Park includes a fishing pier, playgrounds, and walking paths. It boasts many outdoor activities, from fishing and boating on the lakefront to biking or horseback riding at nearby ranch trails.

The downtown area has lively nightlife options like restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, while shopping ranges from farmer’s markets to antique stores.

Kissimmee’s housing market has been booming in recent years due to its affordability compared to Orlando’s other suburbs. The median home price in December 2022 was $399,000, with 2,658 active listings ranging from $20K to $8.8M.

Oviedo

Located east of Orlando, about 20 miles from downtown, Oviedo evolved from chicken farms into a suburban community. Known for its proximity to the University of Central Florida, residents enjoy a quiet feel while living a modern lifestyle with community events, dining, and retail options.

Tucked between Orlando’s Lake Jessup and the University of Central Florida’s main campus, Oviedo attracts people because of its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods. It’s an ideal spot for raising kids or retiring comfortably.

Besides the chickens still meandering downtown, Ovedo stands out for its beautiful parks and playgrounds, glittering lakes, walking trails, and many recreational areas. Three conservation and wildlife preserves are within or a short drive from Oviedo. These natural areas have hiking, horseback riding, and fishing access.

Another part of Oviedo’s charm is the events that bring life to the city. Starting in January with the Scottish Highland Games, locals can look forward to March’s Taste of Oviedo, where they can savor the best from local restaurants. Further attractions include Central Florida’s BBQ Blowout, Winter Springs Festival of Arts, Great Day in The Country craft fair, Jazz & Wine Festivals, and Movies In The Park for families.

The median home price in December 2022 was $479,900, with 285 active listings ranging from $50K to $3.3M.

Sanford

This suburb’s nickname is the “Historic Waterfront Gateway City.” Sitting at the head of the St. Johns River and the southern shore of Lake Monroe, it’s about 30 miles north of downtown. Residents like its strong sense of community and how it’s about halfway between Orlando’s theme parks and the beachfront at Daytona.

One of central Florida’s oldest cities, Sanford has a charming historic district filled with historic homes antique shops, restaurants, and galleries. The 19th-century architecture adds to the downtown’s character.

Locals enjoy outdoor activities like walking along the Riverwalk lined with terraced gardens and gazebos. After boating on Lake Monroe or St. Johns, you can dock a boat at the waterfront to visit the downtown shopping area. Of course, there’s access to the waterfront for all boaters around Sanford.

The area offers attractions such as the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, which houses over 400 animals and plants among its lush landscapes. The Little BIG Econ State Forest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts where they can practice canoeing and horseback riding. Lower Wekiva River Preserve is where Florida black bears still roam. And the Orlando Sanford International Airport is minutes away for those who wish to fly in.

Sanford’s median home price in December 2022 was $369,000, with 573 active listings.

Windermere

If you’re looking for upscale living, Windermere is your go-to Orlando suburb! Located beside Lake Butler, a chain of lakes in Orange County, this Orlando suburb offers luxury real estate with access to lakefront activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking at Lakeside Park. The theme here is “escape,” as those who live here feel a world apart from the touristy areas and urbanized metro suburbs.

It has only 4,000 residents, but among those are professional athletes and celebrities who prize the quiet nature of the community. The lush, natural surroundings are paired with elite sporting facilities like soccer fields and world-class golf courses. Being lakefront, of course, there’s ample access to boating, water skiing, and fishing. Another part of Windermere’s appeal is its excellent schools. One of the top-rated schools in the area is the Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School. Homebuyers can also find several gated communities in Windermere, including Keenes Pointe and Isleworth.

Windermere is one of Florida’s oldest towns and was a citrus-growing hub in the days before Walt Disney World. You can still find historic old homes in the area and exclusive custom developments. The median home price in December 2022 was $765,000, with 219 active listings ranging from $325K to $30M.

Winter Garden

Winter Garden is in western Orange County. It is located just minutes from Orlando’s theme parks and attractions. Plus, it sits along the beautiful Lake Apopka, borders Johns Lake, and is sprinkled with many other smaller lakes. Its access to its water recreation activities makes it prime for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

Residents appreciate its well-preserved downtown area full of history and trendy local restaurants. The Central Florida Railroad Museum and Plant Street Market host workshops, events, farmer’s markets, and more. Residents love the abundance of green space here, too. The West Orange Trail also runs through Winter Garden, allowing biking and hiking enthusiasts to explore nature at their pace.

Winter Garden is a vibrant cultural hub in West Orange County, with an award-winning farmer’s market every Saturday and live performances at the Garden Theatre. Immerse yourself in local art at SoBo Art Gallery or listen to live music around downtown on weekends. Each week brings unique entertainment that will leave you feeling inspired.

Founded in 1908 as a citrus town, Winter Garden is prized for its old Florida charm. Development took off in the 1960s, so you’ll find many midcentury styles. The median home price in December 2022 was $570,000, with 759 single-family homes for sale in Winter Garden.

Winter Park

Winter Park is Orlando’s original suburb, and it remains one of the most sought-after Orlando suburbs, and a top choice for families. With a chain of interconnected lakes, including Lake Maitland and Lake Virginia, this Orlando enclave offers plenty of activities for a day on the water, like canoeing or fishing, plus lots of trails for biking enthusiasts.

The city is known as “The City of Homes” because its downtown area has been carefully preserved to keep its small-town charm alive. Many lovely Victorian homes, cobblestone streets, and quaint boutiques give Winter Park an atmosphere all its own.

This Orlando suburb has a world-class university in the private Rollins College. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, world-class art galleries, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art also draw many visitors to Winter Park. Daily needs are met with grocery stores, shopping centers, and top-rated hospitals nearby. Additional amenities of Winter Park include its proximity to Downtown Orlando and the Orlando International Airport.

The median price in December 2022 for single-family homes was $485,000 in Winter Park with over 327 homes for sale. Proof that this is one of Orlando’s upscale communities. Whether you’re looking for a fixer-upper or a luxury estate, there are plenty of options in Winter Park!

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Areas To Live in Orlando, Florida

What is the average salary to live comfortably in Orlando?

The average salary needed to live comfortably in Orlando is around $60,000 to $65,000 per year. This estimate considers various living expenses such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and discretionary spending.

The cost of living index in Orlando is approximately 106, above the national average of 100. In comparison, Florida’s overall cost of living index is 103.1. This means that while living in Orlando is slightly more expensive than the state average, it remains relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the U.S., like Los Angeles or New York.

Is Orlando better than Kissimmee?

Orlando is generally considered better for those seeking vibrant city life, diverse job opportunities, and extensive amenities. With a larger population, top employers like Walt Disney World and AdventHealth, and institutions like the University of Central Florida, Orlando offers robust economic prospects and a variety of recreational and cultural activities.

On the other hand, Kissimmee can be the ideal destination for those looking for a more affordable, community-oriented environment. With lower median home prices (Kissimmee: $352,000 vs. Orlando: $405,000), easy access to major attractions like Disney World, and numerous parks and lakes, Kissimmee provides a quieter, more cost-effective lifestyle. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal taste. It is ultimately a matter of urban amenities versus affordability and community feel.

Where do seniors live in Orlando?

If you’re a potential retiree or have already stepped away from your career, Orlando offers several communities that are perfect for seniors. One of the top favored options is Lake Nona, known for its modern amenities, high-quality healthcare facilities, including the Lake Nona Medical City, and beautiful surroundings. This area appeals to seniors who want a mix of relaxation and activity, with access to parks, walking trails, and community events.

Moreover, neighborhoods like Winter Park and Dr. Phillips offer upscale living close to cultural attractions, dining, and shopping, making them attractive to seniors looking for a blend of convenience and leisure in their golden years.

How far is Orlando from the beach?

Being located in the central portion of the Florida peninsula, is relatively easy to reach both the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast from Orlando. The closest beach on the Atlantic coast is Cocoa Beach, approximately 60 miles (about a one-hour drive) from downtown Orlando.

On the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is around 105 miles away, taking about two hours to reach by car. This central location allows residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of beach experiences within a short drive.

What are the best suburbs in Orlando to live on the lakefront?

Orlando boasts several suburbs that offer stunning lakefront living, providing residents with beautiful views and a serene environment. Some of the best suburbs for lakefront living include:

1. Windermere: Known for its luxury homes and exclusive neighborhoods, Windermere is surrounded by the Butler Chain of Lakes, offering ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. The area’s lush landscapes and tranquil ambiance characterize it.
2. Winter Park: This historic suburb is dotted with picturesque lakes, such as Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia, and Lake Maitland. Winter Park has a charming setting with tree-lined streets, upscale boutiques, and cultural attractions. It’s an ideal place for those seeking both beauty and convenience.
3. Lake Nona: A master-planned community, Lake Nona, is centered around the large and scenic Lake Nona. Kake Nona is known for its modern amenities, including top-rated schools, medical facilities, and recreational areas. It’s perfect for families and professionals who enjoy an active lifestyle.
4. Maitland: This suburb is home to several lakes, including Lake Maitland and Lake Lily. Maitland is known for its beautiful parks, cultural landmarks, and close-knit community feel. It offers a balance of natural beauty and suburban comfort.

Picking where to live in Orlando

Orlando’s suburbs offer a unique experience and something special for potential homeowners. Plus, they are some of the best places to live near Disney World, Universal Studios and other theme parks. With its family-friendly atmosphere, access to great schools or activities, and a luxurious lifestyle, Orlando is a fantastic city to live in. So if you’re thinking of making a move, Orlando’s suburbs are worth exploring! A local real estate agent can educate you on all the local neighborhoods so you can find the right place to live.