Orlando has a population of 307,753, making it one of Florida’s largest cities and among the most visited destinations in the Southern US. Although best known as the home of the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando has plenty to offer full-time residents, including steady employment, low crime, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. It offers good schools and a low crime rate for a city of its size. Orlando is a good place to raise a family. Plus, families can explore many different neighborhoods and surrounding cities.
Even though it gets its fair share of tourist traffic, its location in central Florida means families won’t have to deal with as many rowdy Spring Breakers as other coastal cities. But there are also plenty of places to bring the kids and enjoy a family outing. If you’re considering relocating to the theme park capital of the world, here is a look at the best neighborhoods in Orlando for families.
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Baldwin Park – A Tranquil Tree-Lined Neighborhood on a Lake
- Population: 8,500
- Median Home Price: $605,500
- School District: Baldwin Park Unified School District
- Crime: 1.68 per 10,000 residents
Baldwin Park is a neighborhood in northeast Orlando known for gorgeous estates, friendly residents, and plenty of shopping. Situated on the banks of Lake Baldwin, Baldwin Park features picturesque tree-lined streets, multiple parks, and a bustling village center. It’s also home to the Naval Training Center military base.
The neighborhood is known as a haven for dog lovers, and you’ll see plenty of furry friends with their owners down at Blue Jacket Park or Cady Way Trail. Baldwin Park is often known as one of the best Orlando neighborhoods for families because it offers affordable homes, great schools and plenty of parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy. Plus it’s less than 5 miles from downtown Orlando for parents who commute to work.
Lake Nona – A Futuristic Planned Community with Family-Friendly Amenities
- Population: 64,000
- Median Home Price: $690,000
- School District: Orange County Public Schools
- Crime: 63 per violent crime: 100,000 residents, property crime: 880 per 100,000 residents
Lake Nona is a master-planned community in southeast Orlando that is recognized as one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. The community includes multiple sub-districts, businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, entertainment hubs, and so much more. The neighborhood features a family-friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with everything you need right in your backyard.
The 100-acre town center features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, business headquarters, hotels, and interactive artwork connected by pathways and green space. Boxi Park, an outdoor entertainment venue is located within the Town Center and features food and beverage options, a dog park and a shaded playground. Residents can also check out Nona Adventure Park, a high octane entertainment destination with wakeboarding/water-skiing, a 60-foot climbing tower and more. So no matter what youโre into, the Town Center offers something unique.
It also features top-rated schools, childcare facilities, and three colleges and universities. Lake Nona is recognized as one of the best family neighborhoods in Orlando because it offers everything you need right at your fingertips and a supportive environment full of other kids and parents.
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College Park – A Small Neighborhood in a Big City for Families
- Population: 11,000
- Median Home Price: $435,000
- School District: Orange County Public Schools
- Crime: 8.75 per 1,000 residents
College Park is a neighborhood located directly north of downtown Orlando. Due to its close proximity to the central business district and local schools, it’s a great area for working professionals and young families. It’s a safe, affordable area with low crime and plenty of parks and walking trails. It’s served by the highly respected Orange County Public School system, and the Orlando Science Charter School is close by, which is regarded by many as the best high school in Orlando. College Park residents report that the neighborhood has a small-town feel within a big city, offering a welcoming community with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options close by. Plus it offers cheaper housing than many other areas, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida for families on a budget.
Thornton Park – A Chic Neighborhood on Lake Eloa
- Population: 376
- Median Home Price: $489,000
- School District: Orange County Public Schools
- Crime: violent crime 1 in 342, property crime 1 in 31
Thornton Park is a small residential neighborhood on the East side of the Orlando metropolitan area. The chic neighborhood is known for its bungalow homes and large oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Residents will also find plenty of trendy boutiques, world-class restaurants, and organic juice bars walking around the neighborhood. While more urban than some of the other neighborhoods listed, Thornton Park offers a low crime rate and plenty of nearby parks and attractions, making it great for families. The neighborhood’s centerpiece is Lake Eloa, which features playgrounds, art installations, green space, and walking trails that are great for kids.
Downtown Orlando – A Family Friendly & Safe CDB Full of Opportunity
- Population: 18,731
- Median Home Price: $327,500
- School District: Orange County Public Schools
- Crime: violent crime 1 in 121, property crime 1 in 27
Downtown Orlando is the city’s central business district and most culturally diverse neighborhood. Although you won’t find as many detached homes as in more suburban areas, downtown Orlando is a surprisingly popular neighborhood for small families. It offers a low crime rate compared to most major urban areas, excellent schools, walkable streets, and plenty of family-friendly activities. While you may eventually want to upgrade to a larger space, downtown Orlando offers affordable real estate for those who are starting out.
Rowena Gardens – A Tight Knit Orlando Community on Lake Rowena
- Population: 450
- Median Home Price: $525,000
- School District: Orange County Public Schools
- Crime: violent crime 8.28 per 1,000 residents, 36.8 per 1,000 residents
Rowena Gardens is a picturesque neighborhood located alongside Lake Rowena in North Orlando. The neighborhood offers easy access to parks, playgrounds, child care centers and top pre-schools, which is a major plus for growing families. It’s a very safe, tight-knit community with plenty of places for kids to play and explore. Plus, you have easy access to downtown for more fun, making Rowena Gardens one of the best family neighborhoods in Orland.
Delaney Park – A Family-Friendly Orlando Neighborhood Shrouded in Oak Trees
- Population: 1000
- Median Home Price: $487,450
- School District: Orange County Public Schools
- Crime: 1858 per 100,000 residents
Located just south of Orlando, Delaney Park is a beautiful community full of tree-lined streets, playgrounds and public parks. It has very little crime to speak of and the total crime rate is 21% lower than the national average. Most homes in the neighborhood feature traditional architectural styles and were built in the 1920s through the 1960โs with a few modern residents here and there. The neighborhood gets its name from the eponymous park, a 7.25 acre green space with ball fields, walking paths, and picnic facilities. So, with a low crime rate, quiet streets, and an abundance of green space, Delaney Park is one of the best neighborhoods for raising a family in Orlando.
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Colonialtown North – A Gorgeous Neighborhood Overlooking Lake Rowena
- Population: 3000
- Median Home Price: $548,000
- School District: Orange County Public Schools
- Crime: 4074 per 100,000 residents
Colonialtown North is a gorgeous Orlando neighborhood overlooking Lake Rowena. Itโs a very walkable area featuring a vibrant dining scene and unique pastel painted Bungalows that give it an authentic Florida vibe. The neighborhood features excellent public schools, affordable housing, and an abundance of parks and playgrounds, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for young families. Its central location brings slightly more crime than other neighborhoods, but most residents report that as long as you take precautions, the area is perfectly safe. So those in search of a calm suburban neighborhood with plenty of things to do close by should check out Colonialtown North.
Lancaster Park – A Safe Orlando Neighborhood with Amazing Views
- Population: 600
- Median Home Price: $675,000
- School District: Orange County Public Schools
- Crime: 2,291 per 100,000 residents
Lancaster Park is a neighborhood in southeast Orlando on the shores of Lake Lancaster. Itโs also named after a Lake Lancaster park that offers a quiet place to sit and have a picnic and walking trails with gorgeous views of the lake. Visitors will also find two large ponds stocked with bass and sunfish, a playground area with swings and slides, and an observation deck for birdwatching and other activities. Itโs a quiet, residential neighborhood offering low crime, good schools, and plenty of family-friendly activities close by. Home prices are slightly higher than in other nearby areas, but if you can afford the real estate, Lancaster Park is one of the best places to raise a family in Orlando.
Family-Friendly Neighborhoods Map
Orlando is one of Floridaโs most popular cities for families for a reason. Itโs centered around one of the most popular family attractions in the world – Disney World – and offers plenty of job opportunities, world-class schools and low crime. While every city has its rougher areas, all of the neighborhoods mentioned are great for raising kids. When youโre ready to make your dream of living in Orlando a reality, trust 2 College Bros to help you make the transition. Call us today at 813-922-1529 to request a free quote.
