If you want a change of scenery in Florida or moving south from any other state in the country, Orlando may be the perfect place to put down roots. With year-round sunshine, high-quality of life, plenty of entertainment options (including its world-renowned theme parks and attractions), and a thriving economy, it’s no wonder so many people are buying Orlando real estate. After all, who wouldn’t want to have Mickey Mouse as a neighbor?
For those looking for a more relaxed pace of life, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the suburbs of Orlando. But which one is the best? To help you narrow your search, we’ve looked at the most recent data from several sources to give you a list of communities that are all under 30 miles from the city’s downtown. The alternatives are also great choices regarding housing affordability, quality school systems, abundant local amenities, and easy commutes.
Before considering a move to Central Florida, be sure to check out our list of the five best suburbs of Orlando.
Windermere
Directly north of Walt Disney World and nestled among the Butler Chain of Lakes (a series of 13 connected lakes and a canal system) is the quaint, family-oriented town of Windermere, Florida. Safe, upscale, and secluded, Windermere is considered one of the best suburbs of Orlando for its respected school system, tight-knit community, and pleasant and diverse selection of Central Florida real estate. In short, Windermere provides a stunning locale where life is simple, but you’re never far from the amenities and excitement of a big city.
There’s no shortage of charming homes for sale in Windermere, ranging from sprawling lakefront Mediterranean-style mansions to more modest single-family homes, Old Florida-style bungalows, and updated townhomes. Because the town is only about two square miles with a little over 3,000 residents, all homes for sale in Windermere are located on desirable lots, and many have water views. The pricing options run the gamut from $478K to $8.5M.
Windermere real estate also includes condos for sale, but in a less abundant quantity. The Windermere condos are mostly two or three-bedroom units on well-kept low-rise buildings or gated communities with open floor plans and several amenities, including 24-hour security, parking spaces, clubhouse access, community gyms, swimming pools, sports courts, and more.
Suburban Windermere is a traditional Orange County town of sophisticated residents, locally owned businesses, and colorful community events in quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods. Homeowners in the area love the moss-filled oaks that line the streets and the mature landscapes of their community, as well as proximity to the theme parks (you can see the nightly Disney fireworks from here!) while being outside of the tourist crowd. The city also offers top-notch golf opportunities, several nearby lakes perfect for boating and fishing, and lush parks with a wide array of activities and sports opportunities, such as tennis and volleyball.
Attractions & Landmarks: Pines of Windermere, Bird Island, Isleworth Golf & Country Club, Windermere Recreation Area.
Distance from Orlando: 13 miles / 23 minutes
Median Sale Price: $695K
Zip Codes: 34786
Clermont
Clermont is a thriving city in the heart of Central Florida, around half an hour west of Orlando and south of Mineola. With a population of over 36K, Clermont is the largest city in Lake County and is rapidly expanding. The city is known for its comfortable climate, gently rolling hills, abundant pristine lakes, and amiable residents. This is a popular bedroom community for those who work in Orlando but want to live in a quieter, more suburban setting with larger homes for sale and access to above-average schools and amenities.
Whether you’re looking for a place to retire or a family-friendly community to call home, Clermont is sure to have something for you. Clermont real estate is mostly made of single-family detached homes (with two and three bedrooms), condo and apartment complexes, and a few renovated townhomes. The homeownership rate in this area is a staggering 70%, and most of the construction is post-2000s.
As one of the best suburbs of Orlando, fast-growing Clermont has seen a surge in new construction trying to keep up with the high housing demand. Communities of new homes, like Crestview and Waterbrooke, have Craftsman, Ranch, and Traditional style new homes for sale in Clermont ranging between $339K and $800K. These communities (some of which are 55+ retirement communities) offer an inclusive lifestyle just a few miles away from Orlando, with resort-style amenities like clubhouses, zero-entry pools, dog parks, gyms, splash pads, and private gated entry.
Clermont gained national recognition when Travel + Leisure ranked the city among America’s 15 best lake towns in 2021. Relocators to this picturesque Orlando area will live close to Lake Minnehaha, Lake Mineola, Lake Winona, Lake Palatlakaha, Johns Lake, and Lake Apopka, among many other smaller bodies of water and canals. This means there will be no shortage of water-based activities and stunning lake views. Clermont is also within easy reach of some of Florida’s most iconic theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Attractions & Landmarks: Historic Downtown Clermont, Sky Zone Clermont Trampoline Park, Clermont Bowling Center, Clermont Waterfront Park, Florida Citrus Tower.
Distance from Orlando: 26 miles / 32 minutes
Median Sale Price: $431K
Zip Codes: 34711
Oviedo
Recognized by Niche.com as the #1 best suburb of Orlando to raise a family, Oviedo is a genuine hidden gem in Seminole County, around 19 miles northeast of Orlando’s core. Oviedo, named after the city in northern Spain, is highly regarded for its abundant outdoor opportunities due to its proximity to Lake Jesup and several wilderness areas and natural preserves, including Little Big Econ State Forest. There are also plenty of smaller local parks and trails.
Education is another major draw to this area, located just north of the University of Central Florida and home to Seminole State College and Valencia College campuses. Oviedo is also close to a campus of trade school Florida Technical College and technical college Gwinnett Institute. It also boasts top-notch public K-12 alternatives, including Lawton Elementary School and Oviedo High School.
The Oviedo, Florida, real estate market is a great place to invest in a new house for those looking to settle in a suburban-rural area in Central Florida. This historic community has a population of just over 41K people and a median home price that’s slightly over $500K. The single-family detached homes in Oviedo, both existing and new, dominate the market. There are also a few condos for sale in Oviedo.
Oviedo On The Park, a desirable community of newly-built, Contemporary-designed townhouses, offers units priced between $800K and $1M and is located within three miles of the University of Central Florida. Each unit has three stories, one of them designed to be a completely independent one-bedroom guest house, ideal for generating rental income. This project is currently in the pre-construction phase.
Families and mature professionals appreciate Oviedo’s small-town life, rural charm, and unique character, all while being located just minutes from downtown Orlando and its many services and attractions. Founded in the mid-19th century, Oviedo is filled with old buildings and sites along tree-lined streets, and almost everywhere you turn, there is a park that provides a delightful place to stroll or relax. The city also has many thriving local and brand-name businesses and stores along Mitchell Hammock Rd, offering residents plenty of shopping and dining options.
Attractions & Landmarks: Twin Rivers Golf Club, Center Lake Park, Shane Kelly Park, Econ Corridor Project, Oviedo Bowling Center, Florida Trail/Flagler Trail Trailhead.
Distance From Orlando:19 miles / 22 minutes
Median Sale Price: $507K
Zip Codes: 32765
Maitland
Moving to the north Orlando area? Maitland, FL, is worth considering. Known for its scenic lakes, abundant sunshine, cultural attractions, and wide range of historic and modern housing, Maitland is one of the best Orlando suburbs for families, empty-nesters, and young professionals. This Orange County city provides abundant parks and recreation opportunities, including beautiful lakeside parks perfect for picnicking, fishing, or just enjoying a leisurely stroll. There are also excellent public schools in Maitland. A highlight in the community is Winter Park High School, the second-best public high school in the Orlando area, according to Niche.com.
The Maitland real estate market is highly competitive, and properties tend to receive multiple offers. So, if you’re thinking of buying real estate in Maitland, prepare to act quickly and pay above the asking price. The median home value in Maitland is currently over $500K, and the average days on the market for homes for sale in Maitland is just eight days. Housing options range from apartments and condos to spacious single-family homes.
The homes for sale in Maitland range from cozy bungalows and Ranch-style properties to luxurious lakefront estates of Mediterranean design and desirable family-focused features. Some carefully renovated historic homes in Downtown Maitland are also available for wealthy buyers. On the other hand, the Maitland condos for sale are mostly in low-rise buildings and gated communities, with prices starting at $125K for a one-bedroom condo.
Home to more than 17K residents, Maitland is a city of high-quality life, low crime rates, and convenient living costs situated less than 15 minutes north of Orlando’s business district. The city is home to a variety of cultural and recreational activities, from the Art & History Museum of Maitland and the Telephone Museum with charming displays of local history to RDV Sportsplex Ice Den, a public ice rink offering public skating and hockey competitions.
Attractions & Landmarks: Kraft Azalea Garden, Waterhouse Residence Museum, Art & History Museums of Maitland, RDV Sportsplex Ice Den, Homer Hough Park at Sybelia Point.
Distance from Orlando: 7 miles / 13 minutes
Median Sale Price: $506K
Zip Codes: 32751
Kissimmee
Located on the southern shore of scenic Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee is Osceola County‘s seat and one of Orlando’s best suburbs. One of the main reasons people are attracted to this area is its affordability. Some may believe that Kissimmee is a long way from Orlando, but Downtown Kissimmee is a mere 35 minutes away from Disney and only 30 minutes from Downtown Orlando and the airport. Kissimmee also has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, a variety of attractions and entertainment venues, natural beauty, and a friendly, laid-back character.
Kissimmee real estate comprises most of Osceola County but also sections of Orange County, occupying around nine zip codes. That means homebuyers will find a plethora of conveniently-priced housing options in over 190 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own dwelling designs, services, amenities, and schools.
The median sale price for homes for sale in Kissimmee is $383K, lower than both the state and national average. There are plenty of dwellings on the market in Kissimmee, from single-family detached homes to attached options like townhomes and condos in low and mid-rise buildings and communities. And with the region’s strong economy and growing population, new construction in Kissimmee is also abundant. The largest homes in Kissimmee average about
2500 sq. ft. and were mostly constructed in the 2000s.
Kissimmee is one of those Florida cities where home buyers can still purchase newly built housing in a top-notch location for a fraction of the price they would be paying elsewhere in the state. A property worth $900K for acreage and square footage in Kissimmee can sell for up to $2-3 million in Celebration or Orlando.
Attractions & Landmarks: Give Kids The World Village, Ice Factory of Central Florida, Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum.
Distance from Orlando: 23 miles / 31 minutes
Median Sale Price: $383K
Zip Codes: 34741, 34743, 34744, 34746
The Best Suburbs Of Orlando, FL
So there you have it, the five best suburbs of Orlando, FL. If you want to live in a stunning area but still be close to Disney World and all the action of downtown Orlando, any of these communities would suit you well. If you need help finding your dream home in one of these areas, don’t hesitate to contact a local real estate agent. Whether you’re looking for a large suburban property or downsizing from a house to a condo, an expert can provide more help in making a successful deal.
