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, 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 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 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 where visitors can experience outdoors, 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 chain of lakes in Orange County, this community offers luxury real estate with access to the 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 attraction is the sought-after schools.

Windermere is one of Florida’s oldest towns and was a citrus-growing hub in the days before Disney. 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 lovely 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 homes for sale.

Winter Park

Winter Park is Orlando’s original suburb, and it remains one of the most sought-after Orlando suburbs. 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.

The median home price in December 2022 was $485,000, with over 327 homes for sale. Whether you’re looking for a fixer-upper or a luxury estate, there are plenty of options in Winter Park!

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 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.