11 Best Rental Neighborhoods in Orlando

Looking to move to Orlando and want to know the best neighborhoods in Orlando to rent? You’ve come to the right place. At McKinley, we want to help you identify the best place for you to live— not just based on some reviews or recommendations, but based on your own personal preferences and unique interests. With that in mind, we created this list of the 11 best rental neighborhoods in Orlando.

But before we get to our list, we want to explore a bit about Orlando as a city, how you can choose the right spot to live, and a bit more info you’ll find useful.

Read our quick guide to moving to Orlando.

Intro to Orlando

Lots of people have plenty of misconceptions and preconceived notions about Orlando. They think of the theme parks, the clubs, and the sports teams. But did you know that Orlando is filled with over 100 lakes within the city limits?

Orlando is also one of the nation’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting millions of people each year. But did you know that it also features one of the world’s most prestigious art film festivals, as well as some of the mildest and beautiful weather year-round?

All of this, plus too many attractions, restaurants, and parks to count, makes Orlando one of the most exciting cities in the country. But how can you choose the best place for you to live in this one-of-a-kind city?

Choosing the Right Place to Rent in Orlando

Choosing the best neighborhood in Orlando to rent doesn’t have to be a major challenge, and you don’t have to listen to what other people tell you about where to live. It’s more about understanding your unique needs and interests and choosing a neighborhood based on those personal tastes.

That said, there are some specific factors you’ll want to consider before choosing where to land. Here are some of the most important things that define a neighborhood in Orlando, as well as some tips to help you decide how important they may be to you when selecting your next rental home.

That said, there are some specific factors you’ll want to consider before choosing where to land. Here are some of the most important things that define a neighborhood in Orlando, as well as some tips to help you decide how important they may be to you when selecting your next rental home.

Nightlife

Is an active nightlife important to you? You should consider whether the neighborhoods you’re considering as the best neighborhoods to rent in Orlando have what you’re looking for when it comes time to unwind for the weekend.

Fortunately, you have plenty of choices when it comes to Orlando nightlife. The city is known for its very active clubs, live music venues, and other activities that partygoers love to take advantage of the night in and night out.

That said, if you’re looking for a more laidback environment, the city of Orlando and its surrounding area has plenty of options for you, too.

Restaurants

Whoever you are, you’ve got to eat. Whether you’re someone who hardly ever uses your kitchen or someone who just likes enjoying a meal out every once in a while, the options available to you for dining are pretty important when it comes to picking the best neighborhoods in Orlando to rent.

Orlando is known for being home to some of the country’s best restaurants, including many operated by world-class celebrity chefs. Make sure you do some research into the dining options in whatever area you’re considering moving to for your Orlando rental. The good news is that you’re sure to find delicious options just minutes away from just about any spot in the city.

Nature

Orlando might be known for its theme parks, night life, and restaurants, but did you know that it also offers plenty of beautiful outdoor parks, walking trails, and other opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors?

If you’re someone who likes to get out and stretch their legs, enjoying the fresh air, being near a park or two will probably be pretty high on your list when it comes to picking the best neighborhoods in Orlando to rent. Keep that in mind and ask around about local parks and their proximity to specific neighborhoods. You may be surprised by just how many options are available right in your little slice of the city.

Attractions

Whenever someone mentions Orlando, the first thing most people think about is the many theme parks and amusement parks in the city. From Disney World to Universal Studios, if you love roller coasters and cotton candy then you’ll have no shortage of places to go.

If you want to live close to these attractions, you have plenty of options for the best neighborhoods in Orlando to rent. If you’d prefer to be further from these tourist attractions in a more chill, locals-only environment, consider choosing a neighborhood a bit further from the costumed action. There’s a spot for everyone, regardless of whether you’re a fan of cartoon mice or not.

Neighborhood Vibe

Do you prefer purely residential areas, or do you like to be walking distance from grocery stores, cafes, and venues? Do you like lots of trees, parks, and open spaces, or that more big-city feel?

Every neighborhood has its own unique vibe. Some are better for families, some are better suited to singles looking to get out and enjoy the night life. Some are more chill, others are more active, and others fall somewhere in-between.

When possible, we recommend spending a bit of time in and around the neighborhoods you’re considering to help you find the best neighborhoods in Orlando to rent based on your personal preferences.

Commute

It’s easy to fall in love with a neighborhood based on a great restaurant, an awesome park, or a killer music venue right on the corner. But you also need to take into account some practical considerations— for example, your work. If you’re working in Orlando, you’ll probably want to choose a neighborhood with some proximity to wherever you work. That said, Orlando has plenty of public transportation options available that make commuting around town fairly easy— and quick. Do some searching to find out just how long you’ll have to travel for your commute depending on the neighborhood you select.

11 Best Neighborhoods in Orlando to Rent

College Park

College Park is just a few minutes from downtown Orlando, but it has its own open vibe that many residents love. It features homes ranging from new apartment complexes to older cottage-style condos, plus plenty of lakes to go around where adventurers can swim, wakeboard, waterski, or just walk along the trails.

The neighborhood also features the Mennello Museum of American Art and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

Lake Frederica

Everyone loves living near a lake, where you can swim, enjoy watersports, and soak up the sun. that makes Lake Frederica a perfect choice, combining urban excitement with natural beauty in a way that can’t be beat.

Lake Frederica also doesn’t skimp on the city thrills, offering great restaurants, close access to Orlando nightlife, and a whole lot more.

Azalea Park

Azalea Park is a great spot for nature lovers who want to live in Orlando. Within its borders you’ll find everything from miles-long walking trails to beautiful parks and wildlife. Birdwatching is a popular choice in Azalea Park, and it also offers a cozy and family-friendly vibe that’s also perfect for singles who like something a bit more laidback.

Azalea Park is also very close to downtown Orlando, so you don’t have to miss out on the thrilling nightlife—or commute to far to your downtown job.

Conway

For a convenient commute, it’s tough to beat Conway. It’s located near a major highway connection point that can get you anywhere in the city you need to go—fast.

But that’s not the only reason to check out Conway. It also features beautiful waterfront trails, tons of local eateries and shopping centers, and very close access to the airport for those who want to escape the city every now and then.

Kirkman South

We love Kirkman South because of just how walkable this neighborhood is. From your apartment building’s door, you can find your way on foot to great shops and boutiques, delicious restaurants, easy-access grocery stores and even a few of the city’s hottest clubs.

You’ll also love the nearby museums, library, and chances to enjoy the great outdoors while living in one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando to rent.

Windhover

Windhover is located in one of the most urban areas of Orlando, but because it’s Orlando, you’ll still enjoy open spaces, waterfront parks, and beautiful weather year-round.

You’ll also enjoy the cultural diversity of the area, and the huge list of nightclubs, restaurants, bars, cafes, and stores to check out any night of the week. Windhover’s also conveniently close to just about anywhere in Orlando you might want to go.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is located near some of Orlando’s most beloved attractions, and you’ll love the growing excitement of this neighborhood on the rise. That means new restaurants, new stores, and new ways to enjoy the city you already love.

East Orlando

East Orlando is where you’ll find one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. It’s a favorite choice of working professionals thanks to its proximity to much of downtown Orlando, and it’s also the location of the University of Central Florida. This makes it a popular choice for college students.

Frequent travelers will love how close East Orlando is to the Orlando International Airport, and everyone will appreciate spots like the Waterford Lakes Town Center, Alafaya Trail, and Marlow’s Tavern.

Celebration

The Celebration Village is located directly near Disney World, and was actually designed and built by the Disney company itself. That said, the neighborhood is no longer directly associated with Disney or the nearby park— but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy being close to the Happiest Place on Earth.

You’ll find an interesting mix of architectural styles in this neighborhood, as well as plenty to do outside of the park. You can check out Celebration Town Tavern or the delicious and famous Columbia Restaurant. The gorgeous, tree-lined streets are also an attraction in their own right.

Thornton Park

Thornton Park is a fascinating neighborhood that seems like it would be just as at-home in Brooklyn as it is in Orlando. Here you’ll find a wide range of boutiques, cafes with interesting menu items, and an overall vibe that seems straight out of a European street.

From delicious local wines to frequent art festivals and events, Thornton Park is often considered to be the artistic center of Orlando. You’ll also find a weekly farmer’s market, great food, and a range of home styles from artsy lofts to more classic apartments.

Downtown Orlando

Want to be right in the thick of it all? Then you can’t beat downtown Orlando. You’ll love the high-energy vibe of this fast-paced part of the city. That said, you won’t have to sacrifice natural beauty, as even the city’s most urban area features plenty of parks, water, and outdoor spaces.

Conclusion

Looking for the best neighborhoods in Orlando to rent? Check out our Orlando apartment listing page to find your sunny new home!