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Insiders Guide to the Top 15 Communities to Call Home in Orlando, FL

Written by The Real Estate Reporter | Feb 8, 2022 8:53:00 PM

Orlando, Florida is a world-famous city known for its top attractions and never-ending entertainment. It's brimming with opportunity, top Florida nature, and sought-after recreation year-round. It's also filled with a wide variety of charming and historic neighborhoods, each with a unique atmosphere and way of life for the residents who choose to call them home.

If you're thinking of moving to The City Beautiful, or are already here and considering a local move, there are so many different neighborhoods and communities to choose from. Your interests, hobbies, and desired Florida lifestyle all come into play when choosing the one that's just right for you.

Here's a closer look at some of Orlando's top Communities and why they are such sought-after places to call home:

Dr. Phillips

Home to world-class shopping, dining, and recreation, Dr. Phillips is one of Orlando's most sought-after neighborhoods for many reasons. For those who love a variety of cuisines available right in their neighborhood, Dr. Phillip's 'Restaurant Row' offers some of the city's top dining options! Dr. Phillips is also the perfect place for the avid golfer, offering Arnold Palmers Bay Hill Club and Lodge right in the community and a number of other courses nearby.

Complete with an ideal location just minutes from the Orlando Eye and Universal Studios, and about ten minutes to Walt Disney World and the Mall at Millenia, this community offers convenient access to the endless entertainment that Orlando is so famous for. Click here to see more on the Real Estate options and all there is to love about Dr. Phillips. 

Downtown Orlando

In the heart of 'The City Beautiful' lies Downtown Orlando, filled with exciting energy and unique entertainment. Downtown boasts a historic charm and many popular hotspots, including delicious local dining. Its iconic Lake Eola is loved for getting outdoors, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and the weekly farmers market. Plus, Downtown is home to Orlando's exciting sporting events and a variety of venues for music events and more.

Downtown also has a number of smaller neighborhoods that locals love to explore and call home from Thornton Park to The Milk District and more. Each of these neighborhoods offer their own distinct feel and local establishments and help Downtown Orlando so popular - see more on 'Orlando's Boroughs' here.

One of the most popular communities near the Downtown area is the Mills 50 neighborhood known for sprawling murals and some of the most eclectic combinations of cuisine this city has to offer. Click here to keep exploring Mills 50.

Overall, the walkable living Downtown offers is an exciting way of life for those who call it home! Click here to watch a quick video on life in Downtown Orlando.

College Park

Another community located nearby Downtown Orlando is the loved College Park area. Adjacent to the north side of Downtown Orlando, College Park is home to a number of sparkling lakes and a charming, welcoming atmosphere. It's home to top recreation including Dubstread Golf Course and nearby Country Club of Orlando, and its main street of Edgewater Drive offers local shops, delicious restaurants, coffee shops, and beyond.

It conveniently offers a location nearby the heart of the city and I-4 for easy access to the rest of Central Florida, all while offering a number of hotspots right in the neighborhood! Click here to see more on some of Orlando's top communities, including College Park.

Winter Garden

The charming town of Winter Garden, Florida is loved and well-known for its historic and unique downtown area: brick-paved streets, local dining, delicious cuisine, popular events, and a welcoming atmosphere remnant of the city's historical past. Life in Winter Garden is complete with a weekly farmer's market, recreational trails, and scenic parks for getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of life in Florida. It offers one-of-a-kind local hotspots for shopping and dining, plus over 80 retailers and restaurants in the popular Winter Garden Village.

Winter Garden is also loved for its number of popular neighborhoods and beautiful new construction communities, including popular master-planned communities. Click here to see more on life and Real Estate options in Winter Garden. Its located just about 30 minutes or less to Downtown Orlando, the Orlando International Airport, and Walt Disney World, offering convenient access to top Orlando amenities while living tucked away in a unique community. Watch a 90-second video exploring Winter Garden Florida here.

Altamonte Springs

Head north on I-4 from Downtown Orlando for just about 15 minutes to find the community of Altamonte Springs. This area is known for its variety of shopping options, top dining, and popular recreation opportunities.

It's home to a number of sporting complexes and local parks, including a community favorite, Cranes Roost Park with its 1-mile walkway and loved outdoor events! Also complete with a nature preserve and sought-after Real Estate options, Altamonte Springs is a popular location for Orlando living! Learn more about life in Altamonte Springs here.

Winter Park

Winter Park is brimming with boutique shopping, upscale eateries, and a cozy, historical atmosphere. This well-established, one-of-a-kind community offers top Real Estate options ranging from lakeside luxury estates to cozy condos nearby the area's famous Park Avenue. Whether you're looking for an ice cream cone, luxury shopping, delicious dining, an outdoor art festival, or a stroll through an art museum, Park Avenue offers a variety of local activities to enjoy along its beautiful brick road.

Winter Park is also home to Rollins College, founded in 1885, adding to the area's charming and artistic feel. Complete with modern conveniences for today's homeowner and located about 15 minutes outside of Downtown Orlando, Winter Park is known for being one of Orlando's most unique and most popular places to call home. Click here to see more on popular Winter Park. 

Lake Nona

Where green spaces, top recreation, technology, and beautiful Real Estate meet - welcome to Lake Nona, Florida. Located just about ten minutes from the Orlando International Airport, Lake Nona is a forward-thinking community focused on healthy living and modern conveniences.

The community is home to UCF Health Sciences Campus, the largest tennis facility in the nation, miles of trails, a number of neighborhood parks, and so much more. It also offers the popular Lake Nona Town Center as the hub of the community, complete with dining, shopping, events, and beyond. The perfect combination of opportunity, nature, recreation, entertainment, and top homes for sale can be found in the community of Lake Nona. Click here to read more on life in Lake Nona.

Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park is a modern neighborhood with a variety of home options to choose from and a convenient location about 15 minutes from Downtown Orlando. The walkable community is loved for having everything you may need right within the neighborhood itself, including a Publix, CVS, a Veterinarian, and even schools.

Situated on the shores of Lake Baldwin and complete with parks, trails, and relaxing, natural scenery, this community offers a little bit of everything! Watch this quick video on life in Baldwin Park.

Audubon Park

Less than three miles outside of Downtown Orlando lies the quaint community of Audubon Park. Featuring an eclectic mix of local hotspots, this area offers anything from bakeries to record shops and popular eateries. It's also home to the neighborhood staple, East End Market, with one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, and even events.

Here you can also find historic Leu Gardens with 50 acres of garden varieties to explore. This adorable community just on the outskirts of the city is one of the most loved in the Orlando area - click here for a video tour of Audobon Park and experience the area first-hand! 

Windermere 

The city of Windermere, Florida offers a variety of upscale communities brimming with luxurious homes. Find the prestigious Lake Butler Chain, noteworthy neighborhoods known for famous residents, and sought-after recreation. Golf, watersports, and communities with resort-style amenities encourage an active lifestyle for Windermere residents.

Whether you're looking for a master-planned community or a lakeside estate, Windermere's Real Estate is some of the most loved in the Orlando area. The area also offers a great location about 30 minutes to Downtown Orlando and just about 20 to Walt Disney World. It features delicious dining within the community itself, and is also just about 15 minutes from the famous Restaurant Row. Plus, it's less than 20 minutes to world-class shopping at the famous Mall at Millenia. Click here to see more on life in Windermere, FL.

Celebration

It's no secret that Orlando, Florida is most known for its most famous resident - Mickey Mouse. So the city of Celebration is of course on the list of Orlando's top communities, as it was originally developed by the Walt Disney Company. While it's no longer owned by Walt Disney, it still offers a unique living experience that is well-loved in the area, and is located less than 10 minutes away from Walt Disney World.

However, it's not just its nearby Disney location that makes this town such a top place to call home. It offers a special atmosphere within the community itself, complete with events, restaurants, shopping, and recreation all within the neighborhood. Enjoy walking trails, an array of beautiful Florida nature to enjoy, and some of the most picture-perfect Real Estate options in the Orlando area. It's also known to be a great walkable neighborhood - click here to see more about Orlando's Walkable Communities, including Celebration!

Lake Mary

Less than 20 miles north of Downtown Orlando you'll find the lovely community of Lake Mary, Florida. The city is filled with peace and serenity found in local lakes, trails, and beautiful nature to enjoy. Its downtown area is home to delicious dining and loved local shopping, along with a weekly farmer's market to get outdoors and enjoy life in this charming city.

Lake Mary also boasts scenic Markham Woods Road, lined with notable neighborhoods and an elegant atmosphere. Click here to experience Markham Woods Road in a quick video. Also home to a number of top recreation centers along with business headquarters, including Verizon, this community offers a variety of opportunities for its residents. Click here to explore more on life in Lake Mary, FL.

Heathrow

Heathrow is an impressive master-planned community situated in the picture-perfect location between Lake Mary, Florida, and the acclaimed Markham Woods Road.

It offers easy access to top area amenities and recreation, and life in a serene atmosphere for those looking to live among the peaceful setting of Florida's natural beauty. With a variety of top Real Estate options to enjoy, it's certainly one of the top options for Orlando living. Learn more about Heathrow here. 

Wekiva Springs

Wekiva Springs is another sought-after community for those who love the great outdoors. With convenient access to the Wekiwa Springs State Park, golfing, and The Wekiva River to name some of its popular hotspots, residents enjoy immersive living among some of the best outdoor recreation the area has to offer.

The area is also complete with schools and top Real Estate options from lakeside to country club living and beyond. Click here to see more on life in Wekiva Springs. 

Avalon Park

Avalon Park sits a little over 15 miles east of Downtown Orlando and offers a variety of modern conveniences and top amenities, making it another great community option in the Orlando area. Being just about 20 minutes to the airport and 45 minutes to the theme parks makes it a sought-after location. However, right within the community, you can also find schools shopping, top dining, parks, and a variety of Real Estate options to choose from.

Above all, its atmosphere is one of its most attractive features. After seeing the welcoming front porches and the hub of the community, Downtown Avalon Park, with its local hotspots and events, you'll feel right at home. Click here to learn more about life and Real Estate in Avalon Park.

You may be looking to live near the action of the theme parks or prefer the atmosphere of a charming, historical town. Access to outdoor recreation or lakeside living may top your Orlando home wishlist. No matter your perfect Florida lifestyle, you'll find just the right fit among one of Orlando's top communities. Which sounds like the best fit for you?

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