Orlando

Orlando, FL Real Estate

Experience the excitement of living in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Orlando, FL real estate is highly sought after for its location, craftsmanship, and value. Here’s what you need to know about buying real estate and living in this modern city. 

The City Beautiful 

Orlando is a multifaceted city – from its peaceful suburbs and family-friendly attractions to its eclectic culinary scene and vibrant nightlife, it appeals to buyers of all backgrounds. Best known for world-class attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, the city is a travel destination like no other. With pleasant weather year-round, it lends itself to a wide range of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, air boating, and golfing. 

But beyond its touristy areas, Orlando is also a place to set down roots. The city has established neighborhoods, reputable schools, and green spaces for those in search of community. Located about 85 miles northeast of Tampa, the city is home to a thriving population of 309,154 as of 2021. It’s the fifth largest city in Florida in terms of population and serves as the seat of Orange County. There are three airports within proximity to the city, including Orlando International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, and Orlando Executive Airport. 

Fun Facts

• There are over 100 lakes in and around Orlando, including the 80-foot-deep Lake Eola downtown. 
• There are four theme parks and two water parks in and around the city.
• Orlando was the main hub of the citrus industry before a deep freeze forced citrus farmers to move their crops in the late 1800s.
• The economy is buoyed by tourism, trade shows, and conventions as well as citrus production, tech, and manufacturing. 

Real Estate in Orlando, FL

Real Estate Market Overview 

According to Florida Realtors, the residential real estate market is expected to normalize after the home-buying frenzy of 2021 with supply and demand becoming more balanced. Homeownership continues to be an important goal and buyers are still intent on purchasing a home as soon as they’re financially able, particularly for those who are secure in their jobs or looking to start a family. 

Orlando, FL real estate continues to be an attractive option for buyers who want to live in an exciting city with first-rate amenities and quality homes. The demand for housing is driven by the city’s robust job market, fecund business climate, and high quality of life. Orlando has a strong market for second homes due to its renowned attractions and sunny weather. It also attracts a student population with schools like the University of Central Florida and Valencia Community College.

Common Property Types

Orlando, FL real estate offers a diverse selection of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Some of the older homes in the city were built in the 1920s. These properties include lakefront bungalows that have been updated to include modern features. Prevalent architectural styles include Ranch, Mediterranean, Modern, and Contemporary. The most desirable properties are situated on oversized lots with manicured lawns, tropical landscaping, spacious driveways, pools, and fountains. 

Neighborhoods

Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in and around Orlando include:

• Dr. Phillips
• Altamonte Springs
• Baldwin Park
• College Park
• Downtown Orlando
• Lake Nona
• Oviedo
• Sanford
• Thornton Park
• Winter Park
• Windermere

Call My New Home Outlet at 407.809.8198 for more information on communities in and around the city.

Living in Orlando, FL

Weather

Orlando has a humid climate and gets an average of 53 inches of rain each year. The most comfortable months are mid-September to early November while January is usually the coldest month. The rainy season typically lasts from May through October. 

Schools

The city is served by the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), which provides quality education and other related services to over 209,000 students across 210 schools. It’s the fourth-largest school district in Florida and the eighth-largest in the United States. It’s also one of the largest employers in Central Florida with over 25,000 staff.

Employment 

Several major companies have their headquarters and regional operations in the Orlando area. These include AAA, Darden Restaurants, Deloitte, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, Siemens, and Travel + Leisure. Top employers include Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Tupperware Brands, and Universal Orlando Resort. 

Transportation

Most residents get around by car though the city is served by Amtrak train lines, SunRail, and the LYNX bus system. Car and bike rentals are also available. Some of Orlando’s biggest theme parks are accessible via shuttles. 

Things to do 

Kayaking and paddle boating –  Rock Springs at Kelly Park has a cool and free-flowing spring just north of Orlando. Guests can explore its placid surface on clear kayaks and paddle boats for a relaxing day on the water. 

Airboat adventures –  The headwaters of the Florida Everglades are located just south of the city and are best explored on airboats. Book a day tour or night expedition for the chance to view native flora and wildlife. 

Golf – According to the National Golf Foundation, guests played over 2.6 million rounds of golf in the Orlando area in 2021. Golfers will find signature golf courses, practice facilities, and pro shops at the following locations in and around the city:

• Four Seasons Resort Orlando 
• Grand Cypress Golf Club
• Grande Vista Golf Club 
• Orange Lake Resort
• Reunion Resort
• Shingle Creek Golf Club
• The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
• Waldorf Astoria®Golf Club 
• Walt Disney World Golf

Orlando also hosts several high-profile golf events and tournaments, such as the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard, which is usually held at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge and is a key stop on the PGA Tour every March. Sports Club Orlando and Four Seasons Golf have also hosted various LPGA events and professional tournaments. 

Attractions

• Walt Disney World Resort is a vast entertainment complex spanning roughly 47 square miles. It has a wide range of attractions, including the Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and more. It also features retail centers like Disney Springs and Disney’s Boardwalk, which offer a host of shopping, dining, and lifestyle options. 
• Universal Orlando Resort has several attractions, including Islands of Adventure theme parks, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Universal CityWalk, which features shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. 
• SeaWorld Orlando features animal exhibits featuring pelicans, flamingos, stingrays, dolphins, and orcas. This theme park also offers rides, activities, presentations, and seasonal events. 
• Loch Haven Cultural Park encompasses 45 acres with three lakes and several art, science, and history museums, including the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and Orlando Repertory Theatre. 
• Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to over 500 animals. Spanning roughly 23 acres, it features an insect zoo, reptile house, splash playground, and exquisite gardens. 
• Nona Adventure Park features an inflatable water park and obstacle course as well as a climbing tower, climbing walls, wake cable course, and ropes course.
• Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park provides access to a trapeze, ropes, swings, and nets for climbers of all skill levels. The park also has trained instructors for beginners.
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts produces ballet recitals, musicals, kids’ shows, festivals, and other live performances. 
• The Orange County Convention Center is the second-largest facility of its kind in the U.S. and hosts more than 200 gatherings and events each year. It features a state-of-the-art meeting space along with several on-site restaurants and food courts.  
• The Amway Center hosts numerous sports events, concerts, and comedy shows. It is the home of Orlando Magic and the Orlando Solar Bears. 

Shopping and Dining

• The Mall at Millenia is an upscale shopping mall spanning 1.2 million square feet. It features over 150 shops and restaurants. Retailers include Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, Hermes, and Versace. 
• The Florida Mall is the largest shopping mall in Central Florida’s largest mall and offers nearly 1.7 million square feet of retail and casual dining. Retail options include Aerie, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Dillard’s, and Foot Locker. 
• Orlando International Premium Outlets feature designers brands like Marc Jacobs and Polo Ralph Lauren along with Timberland, Disney Outlet, and Columbia Factory Store.  
• Downtown Orlando is famed for its nightlife and live music venues with an array of restaurants, bars, art galleries, and nightclubs. 
• International Drive is a vibrant commercial strip with cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s also home to the Wheel at ICON Park Orlando, a 400-foot observation Ferris wheel that lights up the skyline at night.

Work with New Home Specialists in Orlando, FL 

Ready to find your dream home? Contact My New Home Outlet at 407.809.8198 or send them a message here to get started. Victor Rivera and Nuria Laso bring you more than 45 years of combined experience in real estate and financing. 

As husband and wife, they specialize in listings and new construction, they streamline the process to help you save the most time and money. Nuria is a Realtor and Victor is a Broker and Certified New Home Specialist with expertise in mortgages and home repairs. As long-term residents of Lake Nona, they have sold new homes for builders and know how the new home system works.