Orlando has transformed over the past two decades from a tourism-focused destination into a diverse metropolitan area with thriving employment sectors, master planned communities, and distinctive neighborhoods. For renters considering a move to Central Florida, the range of options can be overwhelming. The city offers everything from urban high rise living to suburban master planned communities, each with its own character, price point, and lifestyle considerations.
This guide examines four of Orlando’s most prominent rental areas: Lake Nona, Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, and Downtown Orlando. Each represents a distinct segment of the rental market, and understanding their differences helps renters match their priorities with the right location.
Lake Nona: The Emerging Medical City
Lake Nona, located southeast of downtown Orlando, represents one of the region’s fastest growing and most carefully planned communities. The development of the Lake Nona Medical City, a cluster of medical and research facilities including the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and the VA Medical Center, has driven significant residential growth and transformed this area into a destination for professionals and families.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in Lake Nona is characterized by new construction and premium amenities. Apartment communities in the area are typically built within the last decade, featuring modern finishes, open floor plans, and resort style amenities. Studio and one bedroom units are common in multifamily buildings, while townhome rentals offer multi level living with attached garages.
Many Lake Nona apartments are designed with professionals in mind, offering amenities such as fitness centers, business centers with coworking spaces, and community gathering areas. Pet amenities including dog parks and pet washing stations are standard features. The newer construction means that units generally have modern mechanical systems, energy efficient appliances, and well designed layouts.
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. Townhome rentals command higher rates, often starting around $2,500 for two bedroom units and reaching $3,500 or more for larger layouts. The limited inventory of older properties means that renters seeking more moderate rates have fewer options.
Walkability and Lifestyle
Lake Nona’s master planned design includes a focus on walkability within its developed areas. The Lake Nona Town Center features a concentration of retail, dining, and entertainment options, including a grocery store, restaurants, shops, and a cinema. For residents living within walking distance of the Town Center, daily errands can be accomplished on foot or by bike.
The community also features extensive trail systems, parks, and recreational facilities. The Lake Nona performance campus includes athletic fields and a wellness center. The area’s design prioritizes connections between residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, creating a cohesive environment.
Considerations
Lake Nona’s distance from downtown Orlando is a consideration for renters who work in the city center. The commute typically takes 25 to 35 minutes via State Road 417 or 528, depending on traffic. Car ownership is essential, as the community’s amenities are concentrated in specific areas and regional travel requires a vehicle.
The area’s rapid growth means that construction is ongoing, which can affect traffic patterns and noise levels in some locations. Renters should consider the stage of development in their specific area when evaluating properties.
Winter Park: Historic Charm and Established Elegance
Winter Park, located just north of downtown Orlando, 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 Orlando’s newer developments. The community has cultivated a character that appeals to renters seeking a sense of place and established neighborhoods.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in Winter Park offers a mix of housing types not found in other parts of the region. Near Park Avenue, the city’s main commercial district, renters will find historic homes converted into multi unit apartments, often featuring original hardwood floors, front porches, and architectural details from the early 20th century. These properties offer a character and scale that newer developments cannot replicate.
In addition to converted homes, Winter Park has a collection of apartment buildings ranging from mid-century properties to newer developments. These are concentrated along corridors such as Fairbanks Avenue, Orange Avenue, and the areas surrounding Rollins College. The rental inventory is more limited than in larger suburbs, reflecting the city’s established character.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Winter Park reflect the area’s desirability and limited inventory. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month, while two bedroom units range from $2,000 to $3,000. Properties within walking distance of Park Avenue command the highest rates. Converted historic homes often fall at the higher end of the range due to their unique character and locations.
Walkability and Lifestyle
Winter Park’s defining feature is Park Avenue, a pedestrian friendly commercial district that runs through the heart of the city. The avenue is lined with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and galleries, creating a walkable environment that draws residents and visitors alike. The adjacent Central Park provides green space for community gatherings.
The area around Park Avenue offers the region’s most concentrated walkable experience outside of downtown Orlando. For renters living within a half mile of the avenue, daily errands, dining, and entertainment can be accomplished on foot. The neighborhood also features tree lined residential streets that invite walking and biking.
Rollins College, a private liberal arts college, contributes to the area’s cultural and intellectual atmosphere. The college hosts concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions that are open to the community, adding to Winter Park’s appeal.
Considerations
Winter Park’s rental inventory is limited compared to larger suburban communities, and available units can be competitive. Renters interested in the area should allow time in their search and be prepared to act when suitable properties become available. The city’s established character means that new construction is limited, and many properties are older, which may require more flexible expectations regarding layouts and amenities.
The area’s location north of downtown provides convenient access via Interstate 4, though traffic during peak hours can be significant. Car ownership is necessary for regional travel, though the walkable commercial district reduces car dependency for daily errands.
Dr. Phillips: Convenience and Suburban Amenities
The Dr. Phillips area, located southwest of downtown Orlando, has developed into a major residential and commercial corridor. Known for its concentration of dining options along Restaurant Row, the area offers a blend of suburban convenience and access to tourism and employment centers. Dr. Phillips appeals to renters who prioritize accessibility to services and a central location.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in Dr. Phillips is dominated by garden style apartment complexes and newer luxury communities. Properties range from older complexes built in the 1980s and 1990s to recently constructed buildings with contemporary finishes and amenities. The variety of housing stock provides options across price points.
Many apartment communities in Dr. Phillips are designed with amenities that appeal to renters seeking a resort style experience. Swimming pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, and outdoor gathering spaces are common features. Some complexes offer garages or covered parking, while others provide surface lot parking.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Dr. Phillips are generally moderate compared to Winter Park and Lake Nona, though they vary based on the age and amenities of the property. 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 communities command the higher end of this range, while older complexes offer more affordable options.
Walkability and Lifestyle
Dr. Phillips is primarily designed around automobile access, with retail concentrated along major corridors including Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips Boulevard, and Turkey Lake Road. The area’s dining options are extensive, with Restaurant Row featuring a dense concentration of restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. For residents, this means a wide variety of dining choices within a short drive.
The area lacks a centralized, walkable commercial district comparable to Winter Park’s Park Avenue or Lake Nona’s Town Center. While some apartment communities offer walkable access to adjacent retail, most errands and activities require a vehicle. The trade off is convenience for those who prioritize easy access to services over walkability.
Considerations
Dr. Phillips’s location provides convenient access to major employment centers. The area is close to the tourism corridor, including Universal Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center, as well as to downtown via Interstate 4. For renters who work in these areas, Dr. Phillips offers a central location with reasonable commute times.
Car ownership is essential, and residents should consider parking availability at their chosen property. Traffic along Sand Lake Road and other major corridors can be significant during peak hours. The area’s popularity means that rental demand is steady, and well maintained properties rent quickly.
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 with transit access and cultural amenities, downtown offers the region’s most concentrated urban experience.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in downtown Orlando is characterized by high rise apartment buildings and newer mid rise developments. Many properties feature contemporary architecture, floor to ceiling windows, and rooftop amenities that take advantage of the urban setting. Units range from studios to three bedroom layouts, with finishes including quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in unit washers and dryers.
Amenities at downtown buildings often include rooftop swimming pools, fitness centers, resident lounges, and concierge services. Some properties offer ground floor retail, integrating residents into the street level activity of the city. Parking is typically provided in attached garages with monthly fees.
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 less centrally located properties offer slightly lower rates, generally starting around $1,500 for one bedroom units.
Walkability and Lifestyle
Downtown Orlando is the region’s most walkable environment. The city center 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.
The city’s transit infrastructure supports the urban lifestyle. LYMMO, the free downtown bus service, circulates through the core, providing connections between districts. The SunRail commuter train, with a station at Church Street, provides connections to northern suburbs. For residents who work downtown, walking or taking LYMMO eliminates the need for a car for daily commuting.
Considerations
Downtown Orlando’s rental rates are the highest in the region, and renters should evaluate whether the urban lifestyle justifies the premium compared to other areas. Parking is an additional expense in most buildings, with monthly fees ranging from $50 to $150. Street parking is limited and metered in most areas.
While downtown offers walkability for daily life, car ownership remains necessary for regional travel, including trips to suburban shopping, the airport, and the tourism corridor. Residents should consider the costs of car ownership and parking when evaluating affordability.
Comparing the Four Locations
For renters considering these four Orlando neighborhoods, 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 and often requires paying for parking. Winter Park offers a more residential urban experience with its walkable Park Avenue district and established neighborhoods. Lake Nona and Dr. Phillips offer suburban environments with master planned amenities and convenient access to services but require car ownership for most activities.
Price Considerations
Rental rates generally follow a pattern, with downtown and Winter Park commanding the highest prices, followed by Lake Nona, then Dr. Phillips. Renters should consider not only monthly rent but also associated costs such as parking fees, transportation expenses, and the cost of amenities included in rent.
Lifestyle Fit
The choice of rental area should align with daily routines. Renters who value walkability and urban energy should focus on downtown or Winter Park. Those who prioritize new construction, master planned amenities, and proximity to medical employment should consider Lake Nona. Renters who value convenience, dining options, and central location may prefer Dr. Phillips.
Making the Decision
Orlando’s rental market offers distinct options across these four areas. For renters who want an urban lifestyle with walkable access to entertainment and transit, downtown provides the region’s most concentrated experience. For those seeking historic charm, established neighborhoods, and a walkable commercial district, Winter Park offers a distinctive character. For renters prioritizing new construction, master planned amenities, and proximity to the medical city, Lake Nona presents a compelling option. For those focused on convenience, dining options, and central location, Dr. Phillips provides practical suburban living.
By defining priorities around commute, lifestyle, and budget, renters can navigate Orlando’s diverse neighborhoods and find a location that meets their needs. Visiting each area during different times of day, experiencing the commute to employment centers, and touring available properties help ensure that the chosen neighborhood aligns with daily life expectations.