With 233 sunny days a year, world-class spas, exciting sports, and thrilling theme parks, it’s no wonder Orlando, Florida was recently named by Travel Pulse as the number one most visited city in the US.
Thinking of living in Orlando? Here are the eight best neighborhoods in Orlando to check out.
1. Celebration
This neighborhood likes to think of itself as an independent city catering to well-to-do families. Modeled to be an all-American neighborhood, Celebration has a feel reminiscent of a Hollywood movie set.
The Mediterranean, Victorian and Colonial homes sprawl among postcard-worthy landmarks, and parks. To get around, locals often bike, walk or ride in electric vehicles. Celebration also allows for pedestrian traffic – a rarity in today’s suburban America.
A sampling of great restaurants includes the Celebration Town Tavern and Columbia Restaurant.
2. Dr. Philips
Directly adjacent to and east of Bay Hill, Dr. Phillips is one of the largest citrus producers in the world. Nearby attractions are the Butler Chain of Lakes, Sand Lakes, and theme parks. This suburban area overflows with waterfront estates, upscale gated communities, and the esteemed Bay Hill community.
Dr. Philips is home to a plethora of eateries and nightlife. Between the fabulous dining choices at popular hotspots Seasons 52, Rocco’s’ Tacos, Ocean Prime, and upscale shopping at Mall of Millenia, this neighborhood is one of Orlando’s most desirable neighborhoods.
The neighborhood also offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Most of its residents are well-to-do families. In fact, it’s in the top fifteen percent of the highest-income neighborhoods in the country.
According to some reports, Dr. Phillips is safer than 62% of cities in the United States, and definitely one of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando.
3. Winter Park
From its festivals and farmers’ markets to its shops and bistros, the town of Winter Park has long been a hotbed for moneyed visitors and snowbirds. Winter Park was originally created as a winter destination for wealthy northerners.
There’s a smorgasbord of shops, cafes, and boutiques housed alongside its pristine lined street – the Park Avenue. If you veer slightly off the Avenue, you can enjoy a lovely dinner at The Ravenous Pig – a nominee for James Beard Award.
There are a few noteworthy museums in Winter Park. They include Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. Opt for a leisurely and picturesque stroll near Rollins College.
4. Milk District
Milk District derives its name from the nearby T.G. Lee Dairy. This edgy little Orlando neighborhood is located east of Thornton Park. It’s known for its eclectic shops, funky bars, and its quaint World War II era homes.
Common scenes include street parties and food truck gatherings. If you miss the outdoor entertainment, there are always other well-known eateries like Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria, the long-standing Beefy King, and the Se7en Bites.
5. Thornton Park
Thornton Park is relaxed, hip and urban. It is located one city block from Lake Eola Park. Here, you’ll find craftsman-style bungalows and sidewalk shops, all just a few blocks from the heart of downtown.
Walk the cobblestone streets and pass by eateries that showcase live music. Speaking of walking, the neighborhood offers its residents walking distance to hip hangouts like Benjamin French Bakery and Café, and Dexters of Thornton Park.
This Orlando area is close to all the food and culture spots. If you’re staying at the quaint EO Inn & Urban Spa, be sure to check out the Sunday farmers market brimming with treats, music, local produce, and crafts
For shopping expeditions, be sure to explore the trendy indie boutique Zou Zou.
6. College Park
College Park packs a punch because of its low-key beauty and close proximity to downtown Orlando. Its streets are named after famous colleges such as Yale, Harvard, and Princeton.
At the intersection of Edgewater and Princeton is ground zero for nightlife, dining, and shopping. Scenic lakes inundate College Park. Many of these lakes have parks with playgrounds for kids and have paved paths for walking. Excellent parks include Lake Adair and Lake Ivanhoe.
The area manages to maintain a small-town feel. In fact, Edgewater Drive, the neighborhood’s main street, is graced by the ‘50s-era façade of the Publix grocery chain.
For some culture, head over to adjacent Lock Haven Park, home to the Orlando Repertory Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre.
College Park has a great bike and walks scores.
7. Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park is a trendy neighborhood rich in history. From 1940 to 1968, it served as a base for Air Force and Army Air Corps. Later, it was converted to a naval training center. Today, Baldwin Park is a quintessential American neighborhood home to thousands of residents.
It boasts of fifty miles of walking paths, where residents can jog or walk their dog. True to its name, Baldwin Park also has many parks. The 55-acre Blue Jacket Park is a must visit. The park is a track and field complex with two children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball courts, tennis courts, lighted baseball fields, and a huge lawn perfect for soccer and field games.
Not only that, but Baldwin Park is also a foodie haven. At the Village Center on New Broad Street, you can revel in a mix of restaurants that offer a variety of dishes. Unique treats include Marshmallow Puff Daddy and Al Cappuccino.
8. Park Lake Highland
This neighborhood is home to famous local spots. They include Nora’s Sugar Shack, Santiago’s Bodega, Will’s Pub, and the Orlando Urban Trail. According to Niche, the Park Lake Highland neighborhood is the absolute best place to live in the Orlando area.
Beautiful views of the city’s skyline serve as a backdrop to a mix of impressive modern designs and historic clapboard lakefront homes.
It’s bike and walk scores are great, as are its safety scores. The pristine campus of the affluent private schools such as the Lake Highland Preparatory School only adds to its appeal.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll certainly appreciate the many restaurants that are lined up along the nearby Mills 50 District.
North, south, east, west – all directions point to intriguing neighborhoods in Orlando. If you’re moving there, make sure to sample this list of neighborhoods.
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant looking to rent from an experienced Orlando rental manager we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for help!