Considering living in Alafaya Florida? Alafaya FL is an unincorporated CDP (census-designated place) in Orlando, FL. Itās a suburb of the OrlandoāKissimmeeāSanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, making it a prime location for anyone who wants the charm of a smaller area and the convenience of a big city.
Alafaya is known for its proximity to Florida’s largest university, the University of Central Florida (UCF). Alafayaās name has a Native American origin and means “trail of the mighty hunter.ā
Thanks to its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and convenient location, Central Florida is a popular place to live. Living in Alafaya offers suburban neighborhoods, easy access to employment in Orlando, shopping, entertainment, and proximity to UCF. This guide covers Alafaya’s cost of living, the best restaurants, weather, jobs, schools, and things to do, and by the end you’ll see why moving to Alafaya Florida is a decision so many families and professionals are making.
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Is Alafaya a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Alafaya Florida is a good place to live for families, students, and professionals who want to be close to Orlando without living in the urban core. With a population of more than 92,000 people spread across roughly 30ā38 square miles, Alafaya offers a suburban feel, multiple masterāplanned communities, and fast access to UCF and major shopping at Waterford Lakes and other centers.
Thinking about living in Alafaya Florida? Get a free moving quote from our local Alafaya movers by calling 407ā759ā5240.
Where Is Alafaya Florida?
Alafaya is a Census-Designated Place (CDP) in Orlando, FL.
What County Is Alafaya FL in?
It is an unincorporated area on the eastern end of Orange County and part of the OrlandoāKissimmeeāSanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Alafaya, Orlando, is near cities like Fairview Shores, Conway, Pine Castle, Pine Hills, Azalea Park, and Winter Park, FL.
Alafaya is 12.4 miles from the heart of Orlando and 2.3 miles from UCF (University of Central Florida). If youāre looking to venture out of the city, look to the west, as Tampa, FL, is only 96.5 miles away, and the beautiful beaches of Cocoa Beach are only 47 miles away.
LYNX Bus Service serves the City of Orlando, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake Counties. LYNX offers bus transportation for Alafaya residents. Orlando was ranked the second-best public transportation in Florida! Check out LYNX Bus Service maps and schedules here.
If youāre moving to Alafaya from another part of Orlando or Central Florida, get a free estimate from our Alafaya moving company.
Alafaya Florida Population & Demographics
Alafaya has a population of 92,452 residents spread over 30.6 square miles, for a population density of 3,017.4 people per square mile. With a population of only 78,113 in 2010, the city has seen a dramatic increase of roughly 14,339 residents in the past ten years. Alafaya has the second-highest population in Orange County and ranks in the top 20 for median income.
Alafaya FL, is diverse and has a wide range of ethnicities and races. The residents are 49% male and 51% female, with a median household income of $100,950 (compared to the $78,533 median household income of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metro Area). The median age is 37 years, with 40% being 29 or younger.
Racial and Ethnic Composition:
- White: 41%
- Black: 9%
- Hispanic: 37%
- Asian: 7%
- Other race: 1%
- Two or more: 4%
- Foreign-born population: 18%
93.8% of Alafaya residents have received a high school diploma or higher, and 49.3% have received a bachelor’s degree or higher. 29% have some college, 15% have a post-grad degree, and 7% have no degree.
Alafaya has a large Hispanic population, and itās a cultured and vibrant place to live!
Is Alafaya a safe place to live? While some parts of Orlando have higher crime rates than preferred, there are many safe places to live; Alafaya is one of them!
The total crime rate per year per 100k residents in Alafaya is an estimated 1,097, about 52% lower than the US average, giving residents roughly a 1 in 98 chance of being a crime victim. The violent crime rate in Alafaya is about 176 per 100k people compared to the Florida average of 290 and the national average of 364 per 100k people. The property crime rate in Alafaya is about 921 per 100k people compared to the Florida average of 1,516 per 100k people and the national average of 1,917 per 100k people.
The safest areas of Alafaya Florida, include southeast of University Park, Lockwood, and Bithlo! Thanks to the 800 hard-working police officers of the Orlando Police Department, Alafaya is a safe place to live.
Cost of Living in Alafaya Florida
The COLI (Cost of Living Index) for the Orlando-Kissimmee metro is 90.6, which is lower than other metro areas of its size and slightly below the US average of 100. While Alafaya is in the wealthier part of its metro, itās still an affordable place to live.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four has to make around $85,000 to afford to live in the Orlando/Kissimmee/Sanford metro area.
Typical Alafaya* living expenses:
- A gallon of milk: $4.31
- Loaf of white bread: $3.15
- 1 dozen eggs: $$4.38
- Average Alafaya utilities per month: $232
*While these statistics are from Orlando, expect similar figures when living in Alafaya Florida.
The Alafaya average home price is about $459,000 based on recent Redfin data, with the median sale price per square foot around $225. Over the last year, median sale prices have been roughly flat, with a change of about – 0.3% compared to the same period the year before. If you are interested in purchasing a home, take a look at Alafaya houses for sale.
Alafaya has plenty of rental options. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Alafaya is $1,886 for a 1,047-square-foot apartment. This keeps typical monthly rent below the average for many comparable Florida suburbs.
Hereās what to expect to pay, depending on your chosen neighborhood, for a 1,300-square-foot or smaller rental.
- University: $2,250
- Union Park: $2,023
- Greater Alafaya: $1,846
- Rio Pinar: $1,823
- Stonebridge: $1,727
Alafaya Florida Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Alafaya Florida?
Not sure where to live in Alafaya? Weāve created a guide to the top three neighborhoods in Alafaya FL!
Hickory Cove | Family-Friendly Alafaya Neighborhood
Hickory Cove is a highly desirable neighborhood in Alafaya, Orlando, FL. It has a neighborhood park (Hickory Cove Park) and a walking trail called Little Econ Green Walking Trail. It’s right across from University High School, which U.S. News grades 83.7.
The Place at Alafaya | Luxury Alafaya Apartments
If youāre not ready to buy just yet, The Place at Alafaya may be the neighborhood for you. This luxury apartment complex welcomes all ages, whether youāre a young family or a college student.
Itās centrally located for dining, shopping, and major highways, and it’s also close to Orlando’s top colleges: the University of Central Florida, Valencia College East Campus, and Seminole State College. Enjoy the pool, fitness center, volleyball & basketball courts, and complimentary student shuttle at one of the best Alafaya neighborhoods.
Summer Woods | Affordable Alafaya Neighborhood
Summer Woods is an affordable neighborhood in Alafaya FL. Itās located off University Blvd and near UCF. Summer Woods has 3,393 residents, with a median age of 44. The median sale price is around $200,000.
Alafaya Weather & Climate
According to the Kƶppen classification of a subtropical, no dry season climate (Classification: Cfa), & similar to most central Florida cities, Alafaya has long, hot, and humid summers with a few cold weeks during the winter months. The best time to visit Alafaya is during March, May, October, and December.
Temperatures range from 52Ā°F to 90Ā°F, with an average high of 86Ā°F in the warmest months (May through September) and an average low of 74Ā°F in the coldest months (December to February).
Summer in Alafaya can be rainy. The rainiest month is August, with an average of 5.7 inches, and the driest month is November, with an average of 1.9 inches. Alafaya’s annual rainfall is 52 inches.
Things to Do in Alafaya
If youāre looking for fun things to do in Alafaya Florida, weāve got you covered! In addition to the great shopping options at Alafaya Village, Waterford Lakes Town Center, and Alafaya Square, there are also tons of fun, free outdoor activities.
Regal Waterford Lakes
Alafaya has a great movie theater! This 20-screen theater features IMAX with laser projection, 4DX motion seating, stadium seating, and a full bar, making it Alafaya’s top spot for date night or family outings.
Regal Waterford Lakes, 541 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, (844) 462-7342
Launch Family Entertainment Park Orlando, FL
Get your bounce on at Launch Family Entertainment Park. Enjoy Alafaya’s one and only trampoline park. This is an excellent Alafaya activity for kids!
Launch Family Entertainment Park, 610 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, (321) 247-6056
My Gym Waterford Lakes
This unique activity is great for hosting kids’ parties and events and is one of the best places for kids in Alafaya. If youāre looking for top Alafaya entertainment for your kids, My Gym is the place to be.
My Gym Waterford Lakes 1501 S Alafaya Trail #110, Orlando, FL 32828, (321) 422-4888
Additional Attractions in Alafaya
Alafaya Orlando also has a great Parks and Recreation Department. So you donāt miss a thing, check out their special events calendar.
Alafaya Restaurants
Alafaya Florida has some of the tastiest cuisines in Central Florida. If youāre looking for top-notch restaurants before moving to Alafaya, Orlando, FL, browse our refined list.
Smokey Bones
If youāre craving pork smothered in some of the best BBQ sauces in the South, Smokey Bones should be on your list of must-try spots.
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Smokey Bones, 303 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, (407) 249-2009
Miller’s Ale House
This popular chain, Millerās Ale House, is one of Alafaya’s best restaurants. Enjoy a cold beer, football, and some of Orlando’s best food here.
Miller’s Ale House, 641 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, (407) 736-0333
The Social House
The Social House is one of Alafayaās top restaurants. Take a break from the stressors of work, school, and kids; spend a night at the Social House.
The Social House, 435 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, (407) 906-9001
Jobs in Alafaya
Alafaya FL, is a smaller CDP within Orlando, and many residents who live in Alafaya, Orlando, take a short commute to Orlando. Orlando has a below-average unemployment rate and has seen a 3.9% market increase since last year. Its projected job growth over the next ten years is 50.01%. Most cities in Florida will see above-average job growth thanks to Floridaās prosperous economy and growing population.
Retail trade, construction, manufacturing, finance and insurance, educational services, and health care and social assistance are Alafayaās main industries.
The top employers in Alafaya FL, and the Orlando Area are Walt Disney World, AdventHealth, and the University of Central Florida.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Alafaya is $100,950, with a per capita income of $41,632. Indeed’s local salary data shows wages varying significantly by role, from around $52,369 per year for customer service positions to roughly $19.97 per hour for skilled labor jobs. If you are currently looking for a job in or around the area, take a look at the Alafaya jobs board. You can also browse city job openings for Orange County.
Alafaya Florida Schools
Alafaya Orlando is served by the Orange County School District, which is a large school district serving 264 schools and 199,089 students. 80% of the student body is minority, and 35.4% are economically disadvantaged.
Top-rated schools in Alafaya, FL, to learn from the best:
- According to U.S.News, Timber Creek High School’s overall score is 94.86/100.
- Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School is rated #30th for Florida high schools and has an overall score of 98.02/100.
Colleges in and near Alafaya FL:
- University of Central Florida | The largest university in Florida by enrollment (70,674 students, Fall 2025)
- Valencia College | Nearby Community College
Browse the books or catch up on studying at the Alafaya branch of Orange County Library.
Alafaya Statistics & Information
- County: Orange County
- Alafaya area: 38.07 square miles
- Alafaya zip code: 32825
- Alafaya area code: 407
- Alafaya elevation: 75ā
- Alafaya time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
The closest airport to Alafaya: The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 18 miles from Alafaya Florida, making it the closest airport to Alafaya.
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FAQs
Is Alafaya Florida Safe?
Alafaya is generally considered one of the safer parts of the eastāOrlando area, especially in established subdivisions and newer apartment communities. While crime does exist, many pockets of Alafaya report lower violentācrime rates than some central Orlando neighborhoods. Most incidents are concentrated around busy commercial corridors rather than the residential streets where most people live.
What Are the Demographics of Alafaya Florida?
Alafaya FL is racially and ethnically diverse, with residents identifying as 53.1% White, 37.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Black, 7.4% Asian, and 21.6% two or more races, per the latest Census data. The population is 92,452 as of the 2020 Census, up from 78,113 in 2010, with a relatively young community skewing toward college-age residents given its proximity to the University of Central Florida. About 20.6% of residents are foreign-born, and 36.7% speak a language other than English at home. Educational attainment is high, with 93.8% of adults 25 and older holding a high school diploma and 49.3% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
What Is the Average Income in Alafaya FL?
The median household income in Alafaya FL is $98,289, according to the latest Census Bureau data. This is notably higher than the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro median of $81,604, reflecting Alafaya’s concentration of professional, technical, healthcare, and education workers tied to East Orlando and the nearby UCF campus.
What County Is Alafaya FL in?
Alafaya FL is located in eastern Orange County, within the OrlandoāKissimmeeāSanford metropolitan area. Living in Alafaya puts you inside the Orange County school system and within driving distance of other popular Orange County communities such as Avalon Park, Winter Park, Conway, and Azalea Park.
Where Is Alafaya Florida on a Map?
On a map, Alafaya Florida, is about 12 miles east of downtown Orlando, clustered along North and South Alafaya Trail, just a couple of miles south of the UCF campus. When you zoom in on the Orlando area, youāll find Alafaya between major landmarks like Waterford Lakes Town Center, the University of Central Florida, and several large residential neighborhoods on the cityās east side.
What Is the Crime Rate in Alafaya Florida?
The overall crime rate in Alafaya, FL is about 28% below the national average, earning the community a safety grade of B- as of 2026. The violent crime rate stands at 350.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, roughly 8% lower than the national average, giving residents about a 1 in 285 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime runs higher at 2,701.7 per 100,000 residents, about 47% above the national average, driven mainly by vehicle theft and larceny near retail corridors like Waterford Lakes Town Center.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Alafaya FL?
Some of the best-known restaurants in Alafaya FL cluster around Waterford Lakes Town Center on North and South Alafaya Trail, including Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Bahama Breeze, Marlow’s Tavern, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, and The Brass Tap for elevated casual dining. For quicker or more affordable options, locals frequent Zen Dumpling, Bonchon, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, The Dough Show, and Gen Korean BBQ House.
Are There Good Jobs in Alafaya FL?
Yes, there are solid job opportunities in and around Alafaya FL, especially in retail, education, healthcare, and service roles tied to UCF and the eastāOrlando corridor. Many residents commute 20ā30 minutes to downtown Orlando or other business districts. This significantly expands access to higherāpaying professional and corporate positions while still allowing them to live in a suburban Alafaya neighborhood.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Alafaya Florida?
Popular things to do in Alafaya Florida, include shopping and dining at Waterford Lakes Town Center and nearby plazas, catching a movie at the local theater, and visiting familyāfriendly attractions like trampoline parks and kidsā gyms along Alafaya Trail. Residents also take advantage of nearby Orlando parks, UCF events, and the fact that beaches like Cocoa Beach are within about an hourās drive for easy day trips.
Are There Free Things to Do in Alafaya FL?
Free things to do in Alafaya FL include walking neighborhood trails, visiting local parks and playgrounds, and enjoying windowāshopping or outdoor events at centers such as Waterford Lakes. Many families also take advantage of free or lowācost community activities in nearby Orlando and on the UCF campus, which are just a few miles away.
What Is the Weather Like in Alafaya FL?
The weather in Alafaya FL, is typically warm and humid, with summer highs often in the upper 80s to low 90s and mild winter days that commonly stay in the 60s or low 70s. The area gets frequent afternoon thunderstorms in the summer and around 50+ inches of rain per year. Most residents enjoy outdoor activities in the cooler, drier months of fall, winter, and early spring.
Map of Alafaya FL
Browse even more activities and things to do with this map of Alafaya FL.
Is Alafaya a Good Place to Live? Living in Alafaya Florida Gets Easier With a Free Quote
Alafaya Florida is a great place to live if you want a large, diverse eastāOrlando suburb with more than 90,000 residents, a median household income above the Orlando metro average, and quick access to UCF, Waterford Lakes Town Center, and downtown Orlando, just over 10 miles away. Living in Alafaya Florida, gives you a suburban lifestyle with strong schools, plenty of shopping and entertainment, and convenient commutes to major job centers across Central Florida.
As you get ready to move, working with experienced local movers will make settling into Alafaya faster and far less stressful. 2 College Brothers is a trusted Alafaya moving company that has helped thousands of students, families, and professionals relocate across Florida with fullāservice packing, careful loading, and reliable onātime crews, so let the expert Alafaya movers handle the heavy lifting while you focus on exploring your new neighborhood.
Request a free moving quote today or contact our team to start planning a smooth, affordable move to or from Alafaya, Florida.
