Unlock Your Orlando Commute: An Expert's Guide to Ideal Neighborhoods Near Major Local Employers

When I first moved to Orlando, Florida, in the 1990s, one of the things that drew me here was the remarkably low unemployment rates. There was a job for everyone. Two decades later, that fundamental appeal remains. The landscape of top-notch employers continues to expand in the dynamic hub of Orlando. 

Where do these hundreds of thousands of employees call home? The available neighborhoods to house them are just as abundant in the City Beautiful. From the makers of magic at Walt Disney World to the educators of the future at UCF, Orlando, Florida, has a neighborhood that's right for them. 

Walt Disney World

Of course, part of the magic of Orlando, FL is found at the most magical place in the world—Walt Disney World. If you ask 10 strangers where they work, at least a few of them will probably say they work for the mouse or at the mouse house. 

Walt Disney World employs an estimated 77,000 people in Orlando, making it the largest employer in the city. It is also the largest single-site employer in the country. 

Being a Walt Disney World cast member is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle. Specific neighborhoods are popular among cast members due to their availability, affordability, and easy commutes. 

Four Corners

One of the fastest-growing neighborhoods near the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts is the Four Corners area. It offers an attractive blend of accessibility, newer living options, and a variety of housing styles, including apartments near Walt Disney World. Its strategic location places it just 15 minutes west of Walt Disney World, near major roadways, and on public transportation lines. 

Kissimmee

Kissimmee is a little further away but still close enough to be an attractive home for cast members. It is about a 30-minute commute but provides access to the major roads leading into the parks. Affordability is the characteristic that stands out about Kissimmee. It offers a small-town vibe and budget-friendly housing options. 

Davenport

Davenport, primarily located in Polk County, is one of the newer housing developments in the area designed for young families. Situated just 15 miles southwest of Disney, it offers cast members with families a quiet home space outside the tourist areas. Davenport is a favored option for Disney cast members because it is a balance of affordability, apartments near WDW, and an easy commute. 

Lake Buena Vista

Lake Buena Vista is home to Walt Disney World, so living there puts you right at its doorstep. While this area is home to numerous tourist resorts, it also features a few exclusive residential areas. It is an area steeped in Disney traditions, which appeals to many cast members. It is a bit pricier than other neighborhoods, though. 

Winter Garden

To the north west of Disney is the quiet neighborhood of Winter Garden. This area provides a good balance of suburban life and historic charm. It is situated approximately 30 minutes from the Disney parks, but near major roadways. Living in Winter Garden puts you close to downtown Orlando and other areas of interest. 

Universal Orlando Resort

Disney isn’t the only titan of theme parks and resorts in town. Universal Orlando Resort also has a massive employer footprint in Orlando, FL. Universal employs significantly fewer employees than Walt Disney World, but it remains a prevalent workplace for many reasons. It offers a variety of job prospects, ranging from entry-level to corporate, and provides ample opportunities for its employees to grow. 

Opportunity is a key selling point for Universal as an employer. It started as one minor theme park, but today, Universal includes two theme parks, with another on the way, a water park, and resorts catering to all price ranges. And, the growth potential of Universal is showing no signs of slowing down. Universal Orlando Resort is also more centrally located than Walt Disney World, so the neighborhoods nearby are more diverse. 

Doctor Phillips

The Doctor Phillips neighborhood is in the backyard of Universal. It offers a mix of upscale living options and culture, including Orlando’s famous Restaurant Row. The Doctor Phillips neighborhood is also known for its top-rated schools, including Dr. Phillips High School and the Orlando Science Elementary Charter School, as well as sophisticated family homes and rental options. 

MetroWest

MetroWest is one of many planned communities in the Orlando area with apartments near Universal Orlando Resorts. It is the ideal place for Universal employees to live if they want to escape the tourists after work. It offers a strong sense of community and suburban living, complete with impressive landscaping. It is also home to some affordable rental options. MetroWest is just 25 minutes from Universal Parks and Resorts, providing one of the most direct routes to get there. That allows employees commuting to avoid I-4 traffic on the way to work. 

Winter Garden

Making it's second appearance on our list, Winter Garden has real family appeal for employees of Universal. If historic charm and suburbia were to have a baby, it would be Winter Garden. It offers affordable home values compared to other exclusive areas around Universal, as well as a variety of housing options. That would include single-family homes and apartments. It’s the quality of life that draws people to this area, though. It has plenty of green space, fun community events like farmers' markets, and even a vibrant nightlife. 

Ocoee

Right alongside Winter Garden is the suburban community of Ocoee. It offers a mix of housing styles and a quiet residential atmosphere, along with a budget-friendly cost of living compared to other neighborhoods. It provides older single-family homes that make good starter homes and apartments. Although Ocoee is a little longer commute, about 30 minutes on major highways, the affordability factor makes up for it. 

Downtown

If you want the best of all worlds, then you want to live in the downtown area of Orlando. Downtown Orlando is a vibrant hub of urban living at its best. As residents of downtown, you have your choice of green spaces, fine dining, and entertainment options. It is also packed with cultural attractions and nightlife. Downtown Orlando offers primarily vertical housing, too, with exciting amenities. The prices are more upscale than those in other areas around Universal, but not as pricey as you might think. Downtown sits just 15 to 30 minutes from Universal, but it does mean travelling on I-4 South, so you have to plan for traffic. 

University of Central Florida (UCF)

As one of the largest universities in the U.S., based on enrollment, UCF is a significant employer in the area. From faculty to groundskeepers, it employs about 13,000 people. Their impact doesn’t stop at the employees who work for them directly; the university also supports an additional 112,000 jobs in the area, including those of local businesses and third-party organizations in fields such as healthcare and research.  

East Orlando

East Orlando is the area surrounding the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus. It offers a blend of East Orlando apartment options and residential areas, along with an energetic lifestyle. This region has numerous green spaces to enjoy. There are multiple dining options available at various price ranges, as well as a field of entertainment venues, including movie theaters and live theaters. Housing costs range from extremely affordable apartments, primarily aimed at the student population, to family-oriented rentals with amenities, and single-family homes.

Oviedo

Just northeast of the UCF campus is the suburban community of Oviedo. It is an area that appeals to families with a mix of older, affordable homes and newer developments. The relaxed atmosphere of Oviedo boasts a small-town charm that stands out among the nearby neighborhoods. Oviedo residents with apartments near the UCF campus also have access to an impressive school system. Kids attend the top-rated Seminole County Public Schools. The cost of living is middle-income. 

Waterford Lakes

Waterford Lakes is another master-planned community in Orlando. Located just 20 minutes from the UCF campus, this is a practical choice for employees with families. It offers a mix of moderately priced single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Waterford Lakes is a nature lover’s dream, too. It features lots of parks, public lakes, and recreational facilities. It’s all the amenities you could want away from the hustle and bustle of the campus. 

Avalon Park

To the east of the UCF campus is Avalon Park, a master-planned community with a small-town feel. Employees of UCF drive approximately 30 minutes to work when they live in Avalon Park, with the option to take easy-access backroads or the 408. Avalon Park boasts its own downtown area, complete with a main street and numerous community events. It also features lots of green spaces and recreational activities. Housing is primarily comprised of houses and townhomes, with the occasional apartment complex available at affordable prices.

Lake Nona

Just a bit further south is what has become an employment hub for the life sciences community. That makes it an attractive option for UCF College of Medicine employees. It's a drive to the main campus of UCF, but this community is close to the medical school. As you might expect, Lake Nona is also an area with a wellness-focused theme. There are innovative, state-of-the-art fitness and sports facilities, along with numerous walking trails and green spaces. It is an amenity-rich option for UCF employees seeking a luxury apartment complex or a modern home. 

The economic vibrancy of Orlando, thanks to these and many other leading employers, ensures that this city will continue to be a hub for business, entertainment, and technology industries. Rest assured that the city will offer not only great places to work but also affordable housing for employees in the area.