Where Orlando Locals Actually Live: A Renter's Guide to the Surrounding Cities
When people think of Orlando, FL, the iconic theme parks and buzz of downtown tend to steal the spotlight. While those places are certainly part of what makes the ‘City Beautiful’ famous, there is so much more to our region than tourism and tech startups. Orlando is the heart that supports some of the state's best cities. For those of us who call Orlando home, the real magic is often found just outside the official city limits.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Orlando
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,528 | $840 | $2,635 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,719 | $250 | $3,852 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,056 | $641 | $4,468 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,496 | $748 | $9,000 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,072 | $695 | $7,880 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,616 | $899 | $3,850 |
Surrounding cities like Winter Garden, Lake Mary, and Kissimmee offer a perfect balance of affordability, lifestyle, and manageable commutes—all outside the tourist hubs that make up Orlando. For many residents, these small towns are where they make their homes. They offer plenty of green spaces, quieter neighborhoods, and a sense of community. If you’re looking to find a place that actually fits in with your lifestyle, explore the best cities surrounding Orlando, FL.
Why Renters Consider Orlando’s Surrounding Cities
The decision to look outside the city of Orlando for a home is often a practical one. It’s about more than just escaping the tourist traffic. It allows them to find a lifestyle that matches their day-to-day needs.
More Space for Your Dollar
Probably the biggest reason to look at the cities surrounding Orlando, FL, is also the simplest explanation: space. Orlando is a high-energy city, but the price per square foot can be costly. You can find a great place to live in the downtown area or the nearby neighborhoods, but if you look at the surrounding suburbs, you’ll find your budget stretches a lot further. You are more likely to find amenities like sprawling floor plans, private patios, and garages in areas such as Apopka or Oviedo—luxuries that aren't always easy to come by in the urban core. The suburbs offer a refreshing change of pace with enough room for a dedicated office, hobby space, and a driveway to call your own.
A Less Stressful Commute
Traffic in Central Florida isn’t always ideal. That’s the reality of living here, especially when you’re relying on I-4 to get from point A to point B.
Living in the surrounding cities often offers access to better commuter hubs. You can easily position yourself near major arteries such as SR-429, SR-417, or the Florida Turnpike to bypass I-4 gridlock entirely. It could be the difference between a 45-minute daily traffic jam and a predictable 20-minute drive.
A Different Kind of Community Vibe
Orlando is a diverse city with a strong sense of community, but if you want a more personalized vibe and a small-town atmosphere, consider the surrounding towns. Each one has its own personality, so there is a little something for everyone.
Many of the suburban towns built around Orlando, FL have historic downtowns or master-planned parks that allow people to gather and enjoy each other’s company. There are weekend farmer’s markets, local food festivals, and quiet neighborhood streets that are hard to find in the high-rise atmosphere of the city center.
Ultimately, living in one of the many surrounding cities means not giving up the convenience of life in Orlando, just upgrading it. Greener neighborhoods, better commutes, and more square footage are found just outside the city limits.
Best Cities to Call Home Around Orlando
Let’s take a look at some of the standout cities just outside Orlando’s city limits.
1. Winter Garden
If you are looking for a place with a classic hometown feel but plenty of modern perks, Winter Garden is a hard choice to beat. Situated about 16 miles west of downtown Orlando, Winter Garden is best known for its beautifully preserved Historic Downtown district and the award-winning West Orange Trail. It is a place you can actually walk to enjoy local shopping and events like the Farmers Market. You rarely have to leave the ZIP code to find what you need.
- The vibe: Charming and community-focused.
- Commuting options: Winter Garden residents have access to key traffic routes, including SR-408 (East-West Expressway), SR--50 (West Colonial Drive), SR-429 (Daniel Webster Western Beltway), and the Florida Turnpike.
- Property types: The rental pool includes a variety of housing options, such as modern luxury apartment complexes, single-family homes, and townhomes.
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts looking for plenty of green space.
- Why Renters Love It: Stress-free commuting and peaceful streets.
Best advice for renters: Winter Garden is all about striking a balance between small-town charm and suburban accessibility. For your commute, map your route via the SR-408; it’s a faster alternative, but it does mean accounting for tolls in your monthly budget. If you prioritize an active lifestyle, look for rentals near the West Orange Trail—the ability to bike to shops and restaurants is a major quality-of-life upgrade that can save you a surprising amount on gas and parking.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Winter Garden
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,603 | $1,480 | $1,724 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,810 | $1,325 | $2,515 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,261 | $1,479 | $5,956 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,819 | $1,950 | $4,399 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,657 | $2,615 | $2,699 |
2. Lake Mary
Lake Mary, Florida, is considered one of the best places to live in the state. Located about 18 miles from the downtown area of Orlando in Seminole County, it sits on the North Orlando corridor with Sanford to the north and Longwood to the south.
Called the City of Lakes, Lake Mary attracts everything from business professionals to families. The downtown development is an eclectic mix of fine dining, boutique shops, and community events such as WineART Wednesday.
- The vibe: Upscale, manicured, and family-friendly.
- Commuting options: SR-417, US 17-92, and SunRail commuter rail for those who want to park and ride.
- Property types: Trendy, amenity-packed apartments and spacious townhomes.
- Best for: Business professionals and families seeking top-rated schools and a suburban atmosphere.
- Why renters love it: Its connection to the northern corridor of Orlando makes it a dream for commuters and gives them a quiet, luxury space to come home to.
Best advice for renters: If you are looking for a car-first or transit-friendly lifestyle, Lake Mary offers versatility. It allows you to drive easily into the city, but be sure to factor in toll road costs. You also have the option to take a train into downtown Orlando as part of your daily commute.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Lake Mary
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,569 | $1,100 | $2,249 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,750 | $1,083 | $3,209 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,060 | $1,161 | $3,310 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,386 | $1,493 | $4,451 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,830 | $1,907 | $3,802 |
3. Apopka
Apopka is known as the Indoor Foliage Capital of the World because it is a major hub for greenhouse nurseries that ship plants nationwide. It is situated just 20 miles northwest of downtown Orlando and is one of the most rapidly growing cities in this area. It is a place residents go to enjoy a more laid-back home life.
- The Vibe: Natural, spacious, and steadily growing with a strong connection to the outdoors.
- Commuting options: The Wekiva Parkway (SR-429) provides Apopka residents with a much faster, more predictable commute into the Orlando area.
- Property types: A diverse rental market that includes plenty of garden-style apartment complexes alongside a large inventory of single-family homes and townhomes.
- Best for: Nature lovers, families, and renters who prioritize getting more square footage for their dollar.
- Why renters love it: Apopka offers a refreshing sense of space and immediate access to natural wonders like Wekiwa Springs State Park, making it ideal for those who prefer kayaking and hiking over high-rise living.
Best advice for renters: Apopka is the perfect choice for those who want a nature-first lifestyle. There have been significant improvements in the commuter infrastructure there, specifically the Wekiva Parkway. It does require a car, though. There are few other comfortable commuting options. The trade-off is access to springs and trails that you won’t find in other cities.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Apopka
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,462 | $1,287 | $2,349 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,664 | $392 | $2,675 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,853 | $457 | $3,616 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,170 | $512 | $4,608 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,113 | $1,878 | $5,264 |
4. Oviedo
Located 15 miles northeast of Orlando, Oviedo offers a unique blend of country and suburban. It has one of the top-rated school systems in the country and a community spirit. It is an excellent choice for those looking to be long-term residents.
- The Vibe: Suburban, welcoming, and historic—yes, you might even see the famous local chickens roaming around town!
- Commuting options: The Greenway (SR-417) provides a vital, efficient artery for reaching both downtown Orlando and the major employment hubs in East Orlando and Lake Mary.
- Property types: Contemporary apartments in planned districts like "Oviedo on the Park" alongside a wide selection of spacious single-family homes and townhomes.
- Best for: Families, students, and professionals who want a stable, community-driven neighborhood with plenty of local amenities.
- Why renters love it: The city’s thoughtful suburban planning puts restaurants, parks, and social spots right within reach, offering a high quality of life that feels both relaxed and connected.
Best advice for renters: Oviedo is a practical choice for commuters, but keep the school calendar in mind. It can be a game-changer. Traffic near the Alafaya Trail and Mitchell Hammock Road shifts when classes are in session. You can avoid the I-4 bottleneck by taking SR-417, but make sure to factor the tolls into your budget.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Oviedo
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,745 | $1,700 | $1,790 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,861 | $1,224 | $3,096 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,079 | $1,060 | $2,915 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,214 | $931 | $4,056 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,292 | $949 | $2,354 |
5. Kissimmee
Of all the cities surrounding Orlando, Kissimmee is best known for its proximity to the major Disney attractions. It is a popular living choice for Disney cast members and tourist industry professionals. It is also a budget-friendly option that offers a vibrant and culturally rich place to call home.
- The Vibe: Energetic, diverse, and incredibly budget-friendly.
- Commuting options: Residents have access to major routes like the Florida Turnpike and I-4, as well as the SunRail commuter rail, which offers a stress-free transit option into the heart of Orlando.
- Property types: A massive inventory of rental options, ranging from modern, amenity-rich apartment complexes to spacious, affordable single-family homes and townhomes.
- Best for: Thrill-seekers, international food lovers, and renters looking for the best possible value in a large, well-connected city.
- Why renters love it: Kissimmee offers an unmatched variety of rental choices and a convenient "hub" location, providing easy access to the theme parks, the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and everything else that makes Orlando a beautiful place to live.
Best advice for renters: Kissimmee is a budget-friendly hub, but your proximity to tourist corridors will heavily influence your daily drive. Before signing a lease, drive the area during the weekend or peak tourist season to ensure your commute doesn't get tangled in vacation traffic. Also, take advantage of the local gems like Shingle Creek and the Promenade at Sunset Walk—these areas offer a fantastic local experience away from the theme park crowds.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Kissimmee
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,377 | $859 | $2,034 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,746 | $580 | $3,931 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,084 | $846 | $3,826 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,417 | $1,064 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,426 | $1,668 | $10,000+ |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $6,516 | $2,324 | $10,000+ |
Things to Consider When Looking for Rentals in Cities Surrounding Orlando
It is easy to get caught up in floor plans and amenities when searching for rentals. However, because this area is so spread out, your quality of life is dependent on much more than that. Here are some things to consider when rental shopping around Orlando:
Commute-First Rule
Often, your quality of life is linked directly to your daily commute, so make it a priority. Consider how easy it is for you to get from home to work or shopping each day. How likely is it you will have to travel on I-4, and what are some alternative routes? Also, tolls are a major consideration in this area. Calculate the cost of your commute.
Lifestyle
Don’t make proximity to work the only thing you look at when rental shopping. Each city offers something a little different. Do you want green spaces and a walkable community? How about privacy and quiet streets? Do you need to factor in the potential of tourists in your home area?
Consider Potential Hidden Costs
Rent is a critical component of choosing a rental property, but it is only part of the equation in Central Florida. Look closely at any potential hidden costs of a property, such as:
- Pest control
- Local utilities
- Tolls or commute charges
These can mean lower rents have higher overall expenses.
Finding Your Home Base in the Greater Orlando Area
Orlando is one of those cities that is always evolving. It’s part of what makes it a place worth living. When choosing to rent in the greater Orlando area, the key is to find the right apartment, something that fits with your daily rhythm. It can be a balancing act, though.
You’ll have to consider your practical needs, such as commute times, and weigh them against what makes your home feel like a home. Do you love to take a jog in the morning? Do you look forward to a Saturday farmer’s market? Do you want to stay local for nights out or shopping? The perfect spot to call home around Orlando is that one city that meets all your unique needs.
