Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to settle down or need a fresh start in a new area, Orlando is full of charming and eccentric places. So, if you’re wondering where to find the best neighborhoods in Orlando to live in, then we’ve got you covered.

From endearing bungalow-style homes to luxury highrises, you’re bound to find an area that suits exactly what you need. With years of real estate experience here in Orlando, we know the city like the back of our hand. To get a little taste of everything the city has to offer, let’s explore the 10 best neighborhoods in Orlando.

Why Live in Orlando

When most people think of this city, more often than not their minds instantly associate it with Disney World or Universal Studios. However, Orlando offers much more than its world-famous theme parks, but those awesome attractions are a big plus.

One of the main draws of living in Orlando is the pleasant climate. With warm temperatures year-round and plenty of sunshine, residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and golfing.

The city also offers a diverse range of dining options, shopping centers, and cultural attractions, such as the Orlando Museum of Art and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, Orlando’s strong economy, excellent schools, and easy access to nearby beaches and other popular Florida destinations make it an ideal place to live.

The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Orlando to Live In

So, now that we discussed some of the draws of this magical city, we can elaborate on the best neighborhoods in Orlando. Let’s dive right in.

1. Downtown Orlando

It should be no surprise that this area is at the top of our list— It is the epicenter of our city after all. Downtown Orlando is a vibrant and dynamic community that offers a wealth of benefits to its residents. One of the main draws of living in downtown Orlando is its walkability. Residents can easily walk or bike to a variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions. 

Additionally, downtown Orlando has excellent public transportation options, including the Lymmo bus service and the SunRail commuter train, which provide easy access to other parts of the city. The area is also home to several beautiful parks, such as Lake Eola Park, which offers stunning views of the downtown skyline and hosts a variety of outdoor events throughout the year.

Snapshot of Downtown Orlando

• Area: 3.656 square miles
• Population: 19,804
• Median home price: $305,000
• Fun fact: Downtown Orlando is home of the Orlando Magic, Orlando City Soccer Club, and Orlando Solar Bears

2. Winter Park

Winter Park is a picturesque city located just north of Orlando and is widely considered one of the most desirable places to live in the state. One of the main benefits of living in Winter Park is its strong sense of community. The city has a charming, small-town feel, with tree-lined streets, quaint shops, and excellent schools. 

Winter Park’s lively arts scene is another highlight, with the Winter Park Playhouse and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art among the city’s top cultural attractions. For many people, Winter Park is the perfect balance of a small-town feel with big-cty amenities.

Snapshot of Winter Park

• Area: 8.7 square miles
• Population: 30,377
• Median home price: $629,600
• Fun fact: Winter Park is known for its art and museums

3. Lake Nona

As one of the fastest growing communities in Orlando, Lake Nona is a highly sought-after neighborhood located in the southeastern region of Orlando. One of the main reasons why it’s a great place to live is its exceptional quality of life. The area is known for its modern and sustainable design, which includes numerous green spaces, bike paths, and walkways. 

The community boasts an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, such as the Lake Nona Town Center, which features upscale retailers and restaurants. 

The neighborhood also has several recreational facilities, including golf courses, tennis courts, and a community pool. Finally, Lake Nona’s proximity to Orlando International Airport and major highways makes it an ideal location for those who travel frequently or commute to other parts of the city. Overall, Lake Nona offers a unique combination of modern amenities, natural beauty, and convenience, making it a highly desirable place to call home.

Snapshot of Lake Nona

• Area: 11.59 square miles
• Population: 18,238
• Median home price: $625,250
• Fun fact: the community has 40% preserved green space

4. Windermere 

Windermere is a beautiful town located just outside of Orlando and is known for its luxurious homes, pristine lakes, and excellent schools. One of the main benefits of living in Windermere is its natural beauty. The town is situated along the shores of several picturesque lakes, which provide residents with ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. 

The town’s oak-lined streets and lush greenery also make it a stunning place to explore on foot or bike. Windermere’s strong sense of community is another highlight, with regular events and festivals, such as the annual Food and Wine Festival and the Windermere Farmer’s Market.

Snapshot of Windermere

• Area: 1.57 square miles
• Population: 3,201
• Median home price: $1.125 mil
• Fun fact: It is one of the oldest communities in Orange County

5. Baldwin Park

If you’re looking for the perfect balance of historic charm with contemporary convenience, then Baldwin Park might be the perfect place for you. Baldwin Park is a charming neighborhood located just east of downtown Orlando and is known for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and walkable community.

Baldwin Park’s central location is another highlight, with easy access to downtown Orlando, Winter Park, and other popular destinations. The neighborhood’s design also emphasizes walkability, with sidewalks and bike paths that connect residents to local amenities and attractions.

Snapshot of Baldwin Park

• Area: 1.9 square miles
• Population: 8,297
• Median home price: $642,500
• Fun fact: Baldwin Park is located where the Orlando Naval Training Center once was

The beautiful homes and lush landscaping give the neighborhood a welcoming and upscale feel that attracts residents who value a high quality of life. It is a vibrant and friendly community that offers a range of benefits for those seeking a walkable, family-friendly neighborhood in a prime location.

6. Winter Garden

Winter Garden is one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for families because of its excellent schools. One of the main benefits of living in Winter Garden is its historic downtown district, which has undergone extensive revitalization in recent years. The area is home to several boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a popular farmer’s market that takes place every weekend. 

It is also known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, such as the West Orange Trail, which provides 22 miles of scenic biking and hiking trails. The community also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Winter Garden Music Fest and the Winter Garden Harvest Festival. 

Snapshot of Winter Garden

• Area: 17.98 square miles
• Population: 46,502
• Median home price: $552,500
• Fun fact: The historic buildings in Winter Garden date between 1915 and 1940

7. Lake Mary

With a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, Lake Mary is a highly desirable suburb located just north of Orlando’s center. The town has a low crime rate, great schools, and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Florida. Lake Mary is also known for its natural beauty, with several parks and green spaces, including the popular Central Park. 

The community also boasts a range of shopping and dining options, such as the Seminole Towne Center Mall and the Colonial TownPark, which features a variety of restaurants and shops. Additionally, Lake Mary has a strong sense of community, with regular events and festivals, such as the annual Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts. 

Snapshot of Lake Mary

• Area: 9.88 square miles
• Population: 16,798
• Median home price: $475,00
• Fun fact: The lake was named for Mary Sundell, the wife Reverend J.F. Sundell who settled with him on the northernmost shores of the lake in 1894

8. Maitland

Located just eight miles from downtown is the upscale suburb Maitland. This small town is rich in history and perfect for families looking to put down roots. Maitland is also home to several beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, such as Lake Lily Park, which hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year.

Additionally, Maitland has a rich history, with several historic sites and buildings, such as the Maitland Art Center and the Waterhouse Residence Museum.

Snapshot of Maitland

• Area: 6.48 square miles
• Population: 20,680
• Median home price: $404,000
• Fun fact: During the Second Seminole Indian War, the town was named after Fort Maitland

9. Celebration

Celebration, Florida is a master-planned community located just a few miles from Walt Disney World in Osceola County. The homes, townhomes, and apartments have a personal and unique feel, and the community was designed to be a walkable and bikeable community, with a variety of parks, trails, and green spaces.

Celebration is also home to excellent schools, including Celebration School, which is consistently ranked as one of the top public schools in Florida. The town’s location provides easy access to Orlando’s theme parks, shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while still offering a quiet and peaceful setting.

Snapshot of Celebration

• Area: 10.58 square miles
• Population: 12,303
• Median home price: $580,000
• Fun fact: The town was originally designed by Disney

10. Doctor Phillips

Last but certainly not least, Doctor Phillips is an affluent and highly desirable neighborhood located in southwestern Orange County just a short drive from downtown Orlando. Doctor Phillips is also home to several top-rated schools, including Dr. Phillips High School, which is consistently ranked as one of the best high schools in Florida. 

The community also features several beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, such as the Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, which has several sports fields, a splash pad, and a dog park. The neighborhood is also known for its variety of upscale restaurants and shops, such as the Restaurant Row, which features a range of dining options from fine dining to casual eateries.

Snapshot of Doctor Phillips

• Area: 4.72 square miles
• Population: 12,733
• Median home price: $539,000
• Fun fact: Dr. Phillips owned over 5,000 acres of citrus groves in this area

Find Your Dream Home in the Best Neighborhoods in Orlando With Metropolitan Real Estate

Orlando’s strong sense of community and diverse population make it a welcoming and inclusive place to call home, which is why it means so much to us when we can help someone find their forever home.

Now that you know the best neighborhoods in Orlando to live in, the next step is to find the perfect place for you. Whatever your needs are and whatever the area, Metropolitan Real Estate Solutions is here to help you get you exactly where you need to be.

Contact us today to see how we can get you settled in the best neighborhoods in Orlando!

El mercado inmobiliario dio un salto en valor durante el 2022, con precios para viviendas cada vez más altos en muchos estados. Sin embargo, se vislumbra un panorama diferente para el siguiente año. 

¿Qué pasará después de las festividades? ¿Podríamos ver otros cambios? Conoce las predicciones en el mercado para el 2023 aquí.

Crecimiento del mercado inmobiliario

Según el índice de precios de la vivienda de la Agencia Federal de Financiamiento de la Vivienda (FHFA HPI), el valor de las propiedades residenciales en los Estados Unidos aumentó un 17% desde el segundo trimestre del 2021 hasta el mismo período este año. 

Además, en comparación con el primer trimestre de 2022, se ha reportado un aumento del 4% en los precios de viviendas. Sin embargo, a partir de junio, los expertos notaron que los datos mensuales empezaron a desacelerar. 

William Doerner, economista supervisor en la División de Investigación y Estadísticas de la FHFA, dijo que después que los precios aumentaron rápidamente en la mayor parte del segundo trimestre, el ritmo de crecimiento empezó a disminuir en consistencia con otros datos relacionados recientes.

Tendencias clave en los precios de las viviendas

A lo largo del 2022, estas son algunas de las tendencias principales que el mercado inmobiliario ha visto: 

• En septiembre, el precio de venta promedio de una propiedad en los Estados Unidos fue del 8,4% en comparación con el año pasado, cuando costaba alrededor de 355,100 dólares, y con el primer trimestre del 2022, donde se promedió a 428,700 dólares según datos federales. 
• El mercado inmobiliario nacional ha experimentado una apreciación anual positiva cada trimestre en la última década. 
• Se reportó un aumento en los precios de las viviendas en los 50 estados y el Distrito de Columbia entre el segundo trimestre del 2021 y el mismo período este año. 
• En los últimos cuatro meses, el valor de las propiedades residenciales ha aumentado en las 100 áreas metropolitanas más grandes.
• Los mayores aumentos en los precios de las viviendas cada año se reportaron en el área metropolitana North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, con un incremento del 36,4%. 
• El mercado inmobiliario reportó una ganancia del 23% entre el segundo trimestre del 2021 y el mismo período este año con un aumento del 5,2% en el segundo trimestre del 2022.

¿Cuáles fueron los estados que reportaron el mayor incremento en el precio de las casas?

Los últimos datos muestran que los precios de las viviendas aumentaron significativamente rápido y en gran porcentaje en varios estados. Los primeros cinco experimentaron un incremento del 24% al casi 30%. 

Florida es el estado donde las casas aumentaron con mayor rapidez en el último año, ya que se informó un incremento del 29.8% en el valor de las propiedades residenciales ahí. Le siguen Arizona con el 25.5%, Carolina del Norte con el 25,2%, Montana con el 24,9% y Tennessee con el 24,3%.

¿Qué depara el 2023 para el mercado inmobiliario en Florida?

A pesar que los datos apuntaban al extremo más alto desde el año pasado, expertos predicen que se avecina un cambio en el precio de la vivienda en 2023. 

La firma Capital Economics, que se dedica a la investigación económica, dijo que el importante aumento en las tasas hipotecarias en los Estados Unidos tendrá un impacto en el gasto promedio que un comprador debe cubrir al adquirir una propiedad. 

Las tasas hipotecarias se dispararon después que la Reserva Federal (Fed) anunció un aumento en la tasa de interés de referencia. Por lo tanto, ahora, quienes piensan invertir en propiedades residenciales deben gastar más de una cuarta parte de sus ingresos anuales solo en pagos de hipotecas, Capital Economics mostró.

Otros factores que pueden influir

Expertos dicen que las tasas de interés más altas y los elevados costos de construcción excluyen a muchos posibles compradores. 

En consecuencia, tanto la industria de la construcción como la industria inmobiliaria verán una fuerte caída el próximo año. 

Además, según la Asociación Nacional de Constructores de Viviendas (NAHB, por sus siglas en inglés), la oferta de propiedades unifamiliares disminuirá en 2023 para hacer frente a la presión de los precios al alza, ya que se predijo que la construcción también experimentará una disminución el próximo año. 

Muchos compradores se han retractado y no han invertido como esperaban debido a los altos precios. 

Si bien el mercado parece estar más equilibrado, analistas creen que la tasa de adquisición de viviendas caerá debido a las crecientes tasas de interés y a los costos de construcción en constante aumento, ya que ambos factores continúan alejando a una porción sustancial de compradores de propiedades. 

El economista jefe de la NAHB, Robert Dietz, dijo que este sería el primer año desde 2011 que se vería una caída en las estadísticas relacionadas con viviendas unifamiliares. 

¿Qué ha pasado con la tasa de interés de la hipoteca fija?

Según el sitio web de análisis y perspectivas del mercado hipotecario, Mortgage News Daily, la tasa de interés de una hipoteca fija a 30 años se estimó en 7,29% el lunes, convirtiéndose en la tasa de 30 años más alta en las últimas dos décadas. 

Expertos dijeron que nadie había anticipado un giro de acontecimientos de esa magnitud, ya que se había pronosticado una tasa de interés de no más del 5%. 

Zillow, la empresa de mercado de bienes raíces, mantuvo el mismo pronóstico en el valor de la vivienda en octubre. Sin embargo, según su pronóstico mensual, el índice nacional del costo por propiedad residencial aumentará sólo un 1,3% en el próximo año a pesar que subió un 12,9% desde septiembre de 2021 hasta el mismo período en 2022. 

Analistas anticipan que el precio de la vivienda nacional se desacelerará al 1,4%, pero habrá variaciones en cada mercado regional. 

En agosto, los expertos de Zillow dijeron que 123 mercados inmobiliarios regionales podrían experimentar una disminución en el valor de las viviendas en 2023. Luego, en septiembre, el número fue revisado a 259. 

Ahora, los analistas de la empresa creen que el valor de las viviendas caerá en 271 de los 896 mercados inmobiliarios regionales de los Estados Unidos entre septiembre de este año y el mismo mes en 2023. 

Las últimas predicciones de la compañía mostraron que se espera que los precios de las viviendas caigan al mínimo en las siguientes áreas: 

• The Villages, Florida (6,9%)
• Punta Gorda, Florida (6%)
• Reno (5,57%)
• Honolulu (5,56%)
• Spokane, Washington (5,52%)

¿Cuánto podrían bajar los precios de las viviendas en 2023?

De acuerdo a las últimas proyecciones de los analistas inmobiliarios, se espera una caída del 5% a mediados de 2023 a pesar que las predicciones anteriores sugirieron que el valor de las propiedades se mantendría sin cambios durante ese período.  

Pero los precios no es lo único que podría disminuir. Con una tasa hipotecaria de préstamos a 30 años que dobló su porcentaje desde enero, el volúmen de solicitudes de hipotecas también ha alcanzado un mínimo de más de dos décadas.

Pensamientos Finales: Lo que el mercado de Florida podría experimentar

Florida registró los aumentos en los costos de la vivienda más altos de todo el país en el último año. Sin embargo, esos altos costos han tenido una influencia en el mercado inmobiliario, especialmente a medida que alejan a los potenciales compradores. 

En consecuencia, analistas han revisado sus predicciones y proyectan que Florida también tendrá las áreas donde se alcanzarán los mínimos en cuanto al valor de las propiedades para uso residencial.