For renters considering a move to Central Florida, Orlando presents a diverse and dynamic rental market shaped by its role as a global tourism destination, a growing technology hub, and a regional economic center. With a metropolitan population exceeding 2.5 million, the Orlando area offers a wide range of rental options, from urban apartments in the city center to suburban communities in surrounding counties.
Understanding the Orlando rental market requires familiarity with its distinct submarkets, each with its own character, price points, and lifestyle considerations. This guide provides a practical breakdown of rental prices and neighborhoods to help renters make informed decisions about where to live in the Orlando area.
Orlando Rental Market Overview
The Orlando rental market has experienced significant changes over the past decade, driven by population growth, job creation, and housing demand. As of recent data, the median rent for a one bedroom apartment in the Orlando metropolitan area ranges from approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per month, depending on location and property type. Two bedroom units typically range from $1,700 to $2,300 per month.
Rental prices vary considerably across the region, with the highest concentrations of luxury apartments in downtown Orlando, near tourism corridors, and in master planned communities. More affordable options can be found in the surrounding suburbs and in areas farther from the urban core.
Downtown Orlando: Urban Living in the City Core
Downtown Orlando has undergone substantial redevelopment over the past two decades, transforming into a vibrant urban center with high rise apartment buildings, restaurants, entertainment venues, and professional offices. For renters seeking a walkable urban lifestyle, downtown offers the region’s most concentrated urban experience.
Rental Prices
Downtown Orlando commands the highest rental rates in the region. One bedroom apartments in luxury high rise buildings typically range from $1,800 to $2,500 per month, while two bedroom units range from $2,500 to $3,500 or more. Older buildings and more modest properties offer slightly lower rates, generally starting around $1,500 for one bedroom units.
Neighborhood Character
Downtown is divided into several distinct areas. The Central Business District features high rise residential towers, corporate offices, and proximity to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Amway Center. Thornton Park, adjacent to the central core, offers a historic district with brick streets, bungalow style homes converted to apartments, and a collection of locally owned restaurants and shops. The North Quarter and Creative Village have seen significant new development, with modern apartment buildings and growing retail options.
Lifestyle Considerations
Downtown living appeals to professionals who work in the city center, young renters seeking an urban environment, and those who value walkability. The area offers access to the SunRail commuter train, which provides connections to northern suburbs, and LYMMO bus service for local transit. Parking can be challenging in some areas, with many buildings charging monthly parking fees.
Winter Park: Historic Charm and Established Neighborhoods
Located just north of downtown Orlando, Winter Park is one of the region’s most established and desirable communities. Known for its historic architecture, tree lined streets, and cultural institutions, Winter Park offers a distinct alternative to the urban core.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Winter Park reflect the area’s desirability. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month, while two bedroom units range from $2,000 to $3,000 or more. Properties near Park Avenue, the city’s main commercial district, command premium rates. More affordable options can be found in areas farther from the commercial core.
Neighborhood Character
Winter Park’s defining feature is Park Avenue, a pedestrian friendly commercial district lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The area around Park Avenue features a mix of historic homes converted to apartments and newer multi unit buildings designed to fit the neighborhood’s character. Rollins College, a private liberal arts college, adds to the area’s cultural and intellectual atmosphere.
Lifestyle Considerations
Winter Park appeals to renters who value established neighborhoods, walkable commercial districts, and a sense of community. The area has a more residential feel than downtown Orlando while still offering convenient access to the city’s employment centers. The SunRail station on the eastern edge of Winter Park provides transit connections to downtown and other destinations.
Baldwin Park: Master Planned Community
Baldwin Park represents one of Orlando’s most successful master planned communities, built on the site of a former naval training center. Located just east of downtown, this community was designed with walkability, mixed use development, and green space as central principles.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Baldwin Park are competitive with downtown Orlando and Winter Park. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,600 to $2,200 per month, while two bedroom units range from $2,200 to $3,000. Townhome rentals, which are common in the community, often command higher rates.
Neighborhood Character
Baldwin Park’s design emphasizes walkability, with a central village area featuring shops, restaurants, and services within walking distance of residential areas. The community includes a 70 acre lake, extensive parks and trails, and a mix of architectural styles. The rental market includes both apartment buildings and privately owned townhomes and single family homes offered for rent.
Lifestyle Considerations
Baldwin Park appeals to renters who value planned communities with amenities, walkable access to services, and proximity to downtown. The community’s design reduces car dependency for daily errands, though a car is still necessary for most regional travel. The area has a family friendly character with parks and schools within the community.
Dr. Phillips and Restaurant Row: Convenience and Amenities
The Dr. Phillips area, located southwest of downtown Orlando, has developed into a major residential and commercial corridor. Known as Restaurant Row for its concentration of dining options, this area offers convenient access to tourism districts, major employers, and suburban amenities.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Dr. Phillips are moderate compared to downtown and Winter Park. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,400 to $1,900 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,500. Luxury apartment communities command higher rates, while older complexes offer more affordable options.
Neighborhood Character
The Dr. Phillips area is defined by its convenience. The intersection of Sand Lake Road and Turkey Lake Road features a dense concentration of restaurants, retail, and services. The area is home to several large apartment communities, many of which offer resort style amenities including swimming pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses.
Lifestyle Considerations
Dr. Phillips appeals to renters who work in the tourism corridor, including the nearby theme parks and convention center, or who value easy access to a wide range of dining and shopping options. The area’s location provides convenient access to Interstate 4 and the major employment centers of the region. Car ownership is essential for most residents.
MetroWest: Established Suburban Community
MetroWest, located west of downtown Orlando, is an established master planned community centered around a golf course and lakes. The area offers a mix of apartment complexes, townhomes, and single family homes at moderate price points.
Rental Prices
MetroWest offers some of the more affordable rental options in the west Orlando corridor. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,100. The area’s rental stock includes both garden style complexes and newer properties.
Neighborhood Character
MetroWest was developed around the MetroWest Golf Club, with residential areas arranged around lakes and green spaces. The community has a suburban character with winding streets and established landscaping. Rental properties range from older garden style complexes to newer construction, with varying levels of amenities.
Lifestyle Considerations
MetroWest appeals to renters seeking established suburban living at moderate price points. The area provides convenient access to downtown Orlando via Interstate 4 and to the tourism corridor via major thoroughfares. The community’s location balances affordability with accessibility to regional employment centers.
University Area and East Orlando: Student and Affordable Housing
The area around the University of Central Florida, located east of downtown, represents one of the region’s largest rental markets. With UCF enrollment exceeding 70,000 students, this area has developed a substantial rental inventory catering to student housing needs alongside options for non-students.
Rental Prices
The University area offers a wide range of rental prices. Student oriented apartments with individual leases typically range from $700 to $1,000 per bedroom. Traditional one bedroom apartments range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,000. Newer luxury apartments in the area command higher rates.
Neighborhood Character
The University area is defined by its proximity to UCF, which drives much of the rental market. The area features a concentration of student housing complexes, traditional apartments, and townhome communities. Recent development has added retail, dining, and entertainment options along University Boulevard and Colonial Drive.
Lifestyle Considerations
This area appeals primarily to students, faculty, and staff associated with UCF, as well as renters seeking more affordable options in east Orlando. The area has a young, energetic character with amenities oriented toward the student population. The growth of medical facilities and technology employers in nearby Lake Nona and Research Park has expanded employment options beyond the university.
Lake Nona: Emerging Medical City
Lake Nona, located southeast of downtown Orlando, represents one of the region’s fastest growing areas. The development of the Lake Nona Medical City, which includes the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and other medical facilities, has driven significant residential development.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Lake Nona reflect the area’s new construction and premium positioning. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,600 to $2,200 per month, while two bedroom units range from $2,100 to $3,000. Newer luxury apartments and townhomes command the highest rates.
Neighborhood Character
Lake Nona is characterized by master planned development with modern architecture, extensive amenities, and a focus on wellness and technology. The community includes the Lake Nona Town Center, which features retail, dining, and entertainment options within walking distance of residential areas. The rental market consists primarily of newer apartment communities and townhome rentals.
Lifestyle Considerations
Lake Nona appeals to professionals working in the medical and technology sectors, as well as renters seeking modern amenities and planned communities. The area’s growth continues, with ongoing residential and commercial development. The location provides convenient access to Orlando International Airport and major highways, though downtown Orlando is a longer commute.
Comparing Orlando Rental Areas
For renters considering options across the Orlando area, understanding the trade offs between different locations helps clarify priorities.
Urban Versus Suburban
Downtown Orlando offers the most urban experience with walkability, transit access, and concentration of entertainment, but commands premium rental rates. Suburban areas like MetroWest and parts of east Orlando offer more space and lower rents but require car ownership for most activities.
Price Considerations
Rental rates generally decrease with distance from downtown and premium commercial corridors, with exceptions for master planned communities and areas with strong employment bases like Lake Nona. Renters should factor transportation costs into affordability calculations, as areas with lower rents may require longer commutes.
Lifestyle Fit
The choice of rental area should align with daily routines. Renters who value walkability and urban energy should focus on downtown, Winter Park, or Baldwin Park. Those who prioritize space, amenities, and suburban convenience may prefer Dr. Phillips, MetroWest, or Lake Nona. Students and those seeking affordability should explore the University area and east Orlando.
Practical Considerations for Orlando Renters
Before selecting a rental property in Orlando, potential residents should consider several practical factors that distinguish the area.
Seasonality
Orlando’s tourism industry creates seasonal fluctuations in traffic patterns and, in some areas, rental availability. Renters in areas near the theme parks should consider how tourist traffic affects daily travel. Snowbird seasonal residents also influence rental markets in some communities.
Transportation
Car ownership is essential for most Orlando residents. While downtown and some master planned communities offer walkable access to services, the region’s layout makes car dependency the norm. Renters should factor parking availability and costs into their housing decisions.
Hurricane Preparedness
Orlando’s inland location reduces hurricane risk compared to coastal areas, but the region still experiences tropical weather impacts. Renters should understand their property’s hurricane preparedness, including whether the building has impact windows or shutters and what utility backup systems are in place.
Making the Decision
Orlando’s rental market offers options for a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. For renters who prioritize urban walkability and cultural amenities, downtown and Winter Park provide distinctive environments. For those seeking planned communities with amenities, Baldwin Park and Lake Nona offer modern living. For renters focused on affordability and convenience, MetroWest, Dr. Phillips, and east Orlando provide practical options.
By defining priorities around commute, lifestyle, and budget, renters can navigate the Orlando market and find a location that meets their needs. Visiting neighborhoods during different times of day and experiencing the commute to employment centers helps ensure that the chosen area aligns with daily life expectations.