One of the things that makes Orlando such a desirable place to live or spend time in is its central location in the state of Florida, surrounded by charming communities. From the upscale neighborhoods of Lake Nona and Celebration in the south to the inviting towns of Winter Garden and Windermere in the west, these areas contribute to the allure of Greater Orlando. Although many of these communities are their own distinct cities, their close proximity to downtown Orlando often leads them to be perceived as part of the city’s neighborhoods. Most are part of the Greater Orlando area (Orlando Metropolitan Region) and provide excellent residential and investment opportunities in Florida.
In this article, we highlight the best communities and neighborhoods in Orlando, mapped out from north to south.
By reading about the Orlando communities and neighborhoods listed in this article, you will understand that the city offers much more than the tourist center of the parks. s much more than just a tourist hub with famous theme parks. Many of these areas are nestled among scenic lakes, offering a high-quality, sophisticated lifestyle synonymous with waterside living. This is only one of the many advantages of calling the Orlando area home.
These unique neighborhoods and communities, which are often overlooked by tourists, boast an exceptional quality of life, outstanding public and private schools, and a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the distinct culture of Central Florida.
Curious about which Orlando neighborhoods are best for living or investing? Keep reading to find out more.
Winter Garden
Winter Garden, located about 20 miles west of Orlando, is a city that beautifully blends its rich history with a thriving modern community. Known for its historic downtown district, which features preserved early 20th-century architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Winter Garden offers a unique charm that sets it apart. Plant Street serves as the focal point, housing a mix of boutique shops, cafes, the well-known Garden Theatre, and cultural attractions that maintain the area’s historical essence. The city is also bordered by Lake Apopka, providing scenic views and numerous outdoor activities, such as fishing and cycling along the popular West Orange Trail, which runs through the town.
The city’s appeal extends beyond its historic core, as it has become a hub for families seeking high-quality living, excelent schools, and robust amenities. With numerous parks, recreational facilities, and a top-tier weekly farmer’s market, Winter Garden fosters a close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere. The expansion of neighborhoods like Horizon West showcases its ongoing development, offering modern homes and infrastructure while maintaining the area’s community-focused values. This combination of historic preservation, outdoor recreation, and suburban growth makes Winter Garden a highly desirable place to live or invest in within Central Florida.
Learn more about Winter Garden.
Clermont
Clermont, a small city in Lake County and a suburb of Orlando, stands out for its striking natural beauty and rolling hills, a rare feature in the generally flat Florida peninsula. These hills not only create breathtaking landscapes but also provide unique settings for trails and outdoor activities, contributing to the city’s reputation as the “Choice of Champions,” a nod to its popularity among athletes and active lifestyle enthusiasts. Adding to its distinct charm is the Clermont Chain of Lakes, a network of interconnected lakes that enhances the area’s appeal with opportunities for water sports, fishing, and scenic views, solidifying Clermont’s reputation as an outdoor paradise.
The city borders Winter Garden, Groveland, Four Corners, and Minneola, and is the most populous in Lake County, with approximately 45,000 residents. Despite its size, Clermont often feels like an extension of Orlando due to its close proximity (about 35 km from downtown), making it an attractive choice for those desiring suburban living with convenient access to Orlando’s main attractions and theme parks.
Clermont’s historic downtown adds to its allure with boutique shops, local dining, and the iconic Citrus Tower, which has offered panoramic views since 1956. The city’s steady growth reflects its family-friendly atmosphere and appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, supported by trails like the South Lake Trail, which connects to larger state trail systems. This combination of picturesque lakefront properties, rolling hills, and recreation-rich environments ensures a high quality of life, making Clermont a top contender for those looking to live or invest in the greater Orlando metropolitan area.
Horizon West: New planned community near Orlando
Horizon West is a planned community still under development near Orlando. You can watch the Disney fireworks at night! The area has some of its zip codes from the neighboring cities of Windermere and Winter Garden, so much so that most of its residents still claim to live in one of these two cities.
As a new, planned and still developing community, it offers new homes and modern infrastructure, including shopping centers, dining options and recreational facilities. The region is also rich in parks, trails and plenty of real space, ideal for families. Learn more about Horizon West.
Windermere: The City Among Lakes
Windermere is a neighboring village of Orlando, also located in Orange County. With just over 3,000 residents, Windermere is a true oasis within Greater Orlando. The town is extremely charming, retaining a quaint, small-town atmosphere. The scenic beauty is enhanced by the lakes surrounding the area: the famous Lake Butler, situated at the heart of the village, is the largest in a chain of 11 interconnected lakes known as the Butler Chain of Lakes. This setting gives Windermere its nickname, the “Town Among Lakes,” offering breathtaking landscapes, a close connection to nature, opportunities for water sports, and various other benefits that lakeside living brings.
Less than a 20-minute drive from downtown Orlando, the village is ideal for those seeking a family-friendly environment with high-end gated communities and a complete infrastructure. In addition to the lush natural surroundings, Windermere attracts residents with its excellent schools, safety, and high-value properties. It’s a premium choice for those who wish to stay close to Orlando’s vibrant lifestyle without sacrificing the exclusivity and tranquility of a small community.
Windermere is home to one of Florida’s most exclusive and refined communities: Isleworth. This luxurious residential area is renowned for its stunning estates, many of which are owned by celebrities. The neighborhood is surrounded by lakes and golf courses, including the prestigious Isleworth Golf & Country Club.
Winter Park
Winter Park is a very charming and quiet city close to Orlando (30 minutes by car). Still little known by tourists, the city preserves the local characteristics and culture of a small city in central Florida.
Wide, tree-lined streets, small shops and local businesses are an invitation for those who want to explore Orlando beyond the parks. Winter Park also offers a wide variety of restaurants, sweet shops, cafes, a chocolate factory and the famous The Wine Room, for wine lovers! Recently, the city has been rivaling other neighborhoods in Orlando by offering great homes for sale in condominiums.
Winter Park is a recommended region for those who want to live in Orlando or have a second home in Florida. It is not a neighborhood that offers many options for Vacation Homes. It is a more residential and quiet area, which offers an excellent quality of life. Learn more about Winter Park.
Doctor Phillips – One of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Orlando
The Doctor Phillips neighborhood in Orlando is known for its safety, good schools and location. The condominiums of houses in Doctor Phillips are highly sought after, especially for those who want to settle in Orlando. It is one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando to live in. Learn more about Doctor Phillips.
Lake Nona
Lake Nona is a planned community within Orlando, also known as Medical City because it is a reference in healthcare in the region. The neighborhood has been attracting investors because it is rapidly developing and offers great potential for appreciation. It is a little more secluded and reserved, towards the east. It is closer to Orlando International Airport. Because it is closer to the east coast, the nearest beach is only 30 minutes away. Learn more about Lake Nona in Orlando.
Lake Nona is also on the list of the best neighborhoods in Orlando to live in.
Hunters Creek – Orlando Neighborhoods
Hunters Creek was once considered the 21st best place to live in the US! In addition to being in a prime location (close to the parks), the area is one of the safest in Florida, with great schools, restaurants, shopping malls and supermarkets. Many Brazilians choose to live in Hunters Creek, since the neighborhood is more residential and quiet. Learn more about Hunters Creek.
Celebration – One of the most premiers neighborhoods near Orlando
Celebration is a meticulously planned community within the city of Kissimmee, designed to embody Walt Disney’s vision of a modern, ideal town. True to its roots, Celebration features an impeccable level of organization and upkeep, with aesthetics that could be straight out of a movie set. The community enforces strict housing regulations (such as maintaining well-groomed lawns to avoid fines), and the real estate market boasts some of the most premium properties in Florida, drawing in celebrities and notable figures. The community is renowned for offering an exceptional quality of life, setting a benchmark in the region.
Developed by the Disney Development Company in the 1990s, Celebration was intended to bring Disney’s concept of a “City of Tomorrow” to life—a place where living, working, and leisure blend seamlessly within an idyllic small-town setting. Its streets, shaded by tree canopies and framed by diverse architectural styles inspired by 19th-century and European designs, create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and modern. The strong sense of community, complete with annual events and social gatherings, further elevates the unique charm that Celebration offers.
The centerpiece of the town is its bustling Town Center, where boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes offer residents and visitors a pedestrian-friendly hub for dining, shopping, and events. The scenic surroundings, including trails and Lake Rianhard, provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities like biking, walking, or simply enjoying a picnic. During the holiday season, Celebration transforms into a magical winter wonderland with artificial snow, ice skating, and festive events, embodying the legacy of Disney’s touch and making it a year-round delight for both residents and visitors. Learn more about Celebration
Kissimmee
If you’re considering areas near Orlando for living or investment, then you should look for houses in Kissimmee.
Part of Osceola County and located just south of Orlando, Kissimmee is known for its strong appeal among tourists and international visitors who are drawn to its Vacation Homes—resort-style properties near the main attractions of Orlando. The city’s close proximity to Disney World and other major attractions makes it a sought-after destination for seasonal rentals, creating one of the best markets in the world for property investment.
But if you want to settle down and raise a family in Kissimmee, the community is also a nice location in Central Florida, once it combines acess to nature, scenic lakes, and good schools, making it an ideal choice for families. Residents benefit from a lifestyle that includes outdoor activities, green spaces, lakesite living (Kissimmee belongs to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes) and a great community atmosphere. However, due to its popularity as a tourist hotspot, it’s important to choose residential neighborhoods that offer tranquility away from the busy areas frequented by visitors. Opting for more family-oriented and peaceful communities, such as Hunters Creek, Celebration and The Oaks, Shingle Creek Reserve, can provide a quieter and more residential living experience while still being close to all the conveniences Kissimmee has to offer.
Want to know more about the best neighborhoods in Orlando to live or invest in?
Are you researching neighborhoods in Orlando to buy a house or apartment? We are a real estate agency specialized in Florida and aimed at the Brazilian public. To learn more about Orlando’s neighborhoods and surrounding communities, contact me now and chat with me on WhatsApp: click here to access my WhatsApp: +351 91 252 9601 (Carlos Barros).