Thinking about moving to Orlando? Not only does this Central Florida city have some of the best year-round weather in the country, but it’s also one of the best U.S. cities for starting a career. If you’re looking for top places to live in Orlando for safety and affordability, check out these five neighborhoods and suburbs!
Audubon Park
Photo via @hungrealtygroup
- Home Price: $194,700 median purchase price; $637 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Orlando neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
The Audubon Park Garden District is a trendy Orlando neighborhood that boasts tree-lined streets, and a lively art scene, and is Orlando’s first Eco-District. Often called APGD or Audubon Park for short, this neighborhood has three lakes—Lake Shannon, Lake Cay Dee, and Druid Lake—close by. Those looking to move to Audubon Park will find affordable single-family homes on large lots in addition to luxury homes with direct lakefront access. APGD features a vibrant main strip with highly coveted dining, shopping, and activities, so there are plenty of ways to spend the day.
Things to Do in Audubon Park
Freely explore a 50-acre botanical oasis, enroll in educational tours, and participate in community events at the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens. Immerse yourself in nature by admiring the unique seasonal decor, low-light plants, and succulents at Palmer’s Garden & Goods. Collect classic vinyl records and shop new indie releases in your favorite genres at Park Ave CDs. Stroll through an eclectic mix of retail shops and award-winning catering from local farmers and food artisans at the East End Market. Watch nostalgic movies, attend art galleries, or sing karaoke after grabbing an Ivy League Cuban Sandwich and West Balmer Tater Tots at Stardust Video & Coffee. Sample handmade cookies like the Original Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Crunch cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse. Eat slices of Prosciutto Arugula Burrata Pizza and Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza fresh from the oven at 1803 Pizza/Kitchen. Or partake in traditional Portuguese meals like a Quesadilla Chicken Poblano or the Mango Painted Fish Tacos at Bem Bom on Corrine.
Baldwin Park
Photo via @sotera_living
- Home Price: $280,950 median purchase price; $1,258 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Orlando neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Do you have an active lifestyle? Then check out Baldwin Park! This Orlando neighborhood is known for its suburban living near downtown. Home to Lake Baldwin, a handful of local parks, family-friendly activities, and highly-rated schools like Baldwin Park Elementary School—it’s no surprise this Orlando neighborhood is ranked among the best in the city for raising a family. Baldwin Park’s spacious Mediterranean-style houses and large properties also make it a popular destination for those wanting to buy a home in Orlando!
Things to Do in Baldwin Park
Have your pick of playgrounds or help your kids hone their soccer skills at Blue Jacket Park. Schedule a tee time or enroll the little ones in a Junior Golf League at Winter Pines Golf Club! Team up with your friends to defeat Baldwin Manor or the other exciting escape rooms at Escape Artists. Take your dog for a walk and meet your neighbors at Lake Baldwin Park. Plan a date night and enjoy great dishes like Cioppino and Creekstone Prime N.Y. Strip at The Osprey. Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine like classic Kung Pao Chicken and Sea Cucumber Soup at Taste of Chengdu. Take in the gorgeous lake view while eating Carnitas and Fish Tacos at Colibri Mexican Cuisine. Enjoy a rolled ice cream spot with delicious flavors like Biscoff Cookie & Cream and Gimme S’Mores at I.CE.NY.
College Park
Photo via @julieauclairrealtor
- Home Price: $312,278 median purchase price; $1,065 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Orlando neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you want to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando, especially for singles and young professionals, give College Park a try! College Park features a diverse bundle of Mediterranean Revival homes near the shores of Lake Ivanhoe. Ironically, there isn’t a college or university within the neighborhood—the name comes from the streets within it, which consist of Ivy League school names. So why is College Park so highly sought-after? Its proximity to Downtown Orlando means commuting into the city center is quick and easy, and College Park also has a variety of restaurants, bars, community events, and family-friendly activities that residents love!
Things to Do in College Park
Enroll the kids in educational programs or check out Kidstown for hands-on learning experiences at Orlando Science Center. Tune up your golf game or play 18 holes at the historic Dubsdread Golf Course. Learn about Art of the Ancient Americas or see rotating photography exhibits while visiting the Orlando Art Museum. Pick up a bouquet of beautiful flowers, planting materials, and outdoor accessories at Apenberry’s Gardens. Join the Digression of the Month Wine Club and relax with a glass of wine at Digress Wine. Order a Honey Nut Cheerio Latte or Cafe Con Leche along with a cup of whip cream for your four-legged friend at Cups and Pups. Visit one of the best restaurants in Orlando for breakfast dishes like Spinach & Mushroom Quiche and the Southwestern Omelet at Shaker’s Cafe. Or sample Chef Turci’s signature Fresh Fettuccine & Meatballs and King Mushroom Pappardelle at old-world Italian restaurant Turci Pasta.
Delaney Park
Photo via @juliebowyerrealtor
- Home Price: $252,733 median purchase price; $1,024 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Orlando neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Less than ten minutes from Downtown Orlando, Delaney Park is perfect for young professionals and families who want the convenience of a quick commute with a break from city living. This is one of the best areas to live in Orlando for buying a home because there are a number of affordable single-family houses with outdoor recreation spaces like baseball fields and tennis courts. In addition to a suburban setup, Delaney Park provides families with Boone High School, a highly-rated public school that makes this Orlando neighborhood an ideal spot for raising kids.
Things to Do in Delaney Park
Watch your little ones play baseball, swing and slide through playgrounds, or sit under oak-shaded areas in Delaney Park. Take a boat out or enjoy a family picnic at Lake Lancaster Park. Appreciate internationally-acclaimed jazz artists, avant-garde improvisation, and site-specific theater at the Timicua Arts Foundation. Just south of Downtown Orlando, relax under a tree or play in an open space at Al Coith Park. Start your day with a hot cup of Joe at the modern SoDo North cafe, Foxtail Coffee. Enroll in sourdough baking courses and munch on delicious pastries at Nomad Bakehouse. Dine on refined specialties like Almond Crusted Salmon and Champagne Risotto along with a wide selection of wines at Delaney’s Tavern. Or chill out with homemade Butter Pecan, Ore-Dough, and Banana Pudding ice cream at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Ventura
Photo via @robin.yourrealtor
- Home Price: $85,300 median purchase price; $917 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Orlando neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful home away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Orlando, look no further than Ventura! Miles of stunning, green acres with traditional housing styles, including American Foursquare and Bungalow—with winding suburban streets bursting with multi-family homes perfect for budget-friendly living. This family-friendly neighborhood offers trails, quality schools like Ventura Elementary School, and even amenities like the Orlando State Driving School. Whether enjoying Ventura outdoor recreation or celebrating fun community events, this safe, affordable neighborhood in Orlando has everything you need for comfortable living.
Things to Do in Ventura
Book a tee time at the challenging Mark Mahanna-designed 18-hole course at Ventura Country Club—or bring your little one to practice teeing off at the Bad Dog Driving Range. Show off your creativity with airbrush tattoos and waterproof body and face painting at Colorful Day Events! Plan a picnic and take in beautiful lakeside views at LeRoy Hoequist Park. Pick up Egg Rolls, Fried Shrimp, and Tostones at Chinese-Puerto Rican fusion restaurant Chirico Fast Food. Reel in seafood combos like The Hungry Harry or The Big Alaskan Crab Feast with a side of Fried Oysters at High Tide Harry’s. Try authentic Colombian dishes like Bandeja Paisa and Peruvian dishes like Chaufa Rice and Jalea at Pio Pio Latin Cuisine. Or drive down Goldenrod Road for Queso Frito Con Guayaba and Pescado Boca Chica at The Chimi Spot.
***
Moving to Orlando? Extra Space Storage has several storage facilities throughout the Orlando metro that can help with your transition. Find self storage near you!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
