Alafaya, FL, is an unincorporated CDP (census-designated place) in Orlando, FL. It’s a suburb of Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, making it a prime location for anyone that wants the charm of a smaller area and the convenience of a big city. Alafaya is in Orange County and has a population of 92,452, which is quite large compared to most CDPs. Alafaya is known for its proximity to Florida’s largest university, the University of Central Florida (UCF). Alafaya’s name has Native American origin and means “trail of the mighty hunter.”
Thanks to its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and convenient location, central Florida is a popular place to live. However, there are numerous areas, neighborhoods, and CDPs to choose from, so doing your research is crucial to finding the perfect place to live. Take a look at our extensive guide to living in Alafaya, FL, and you’ll see that Alafaya is a good place to live!
Table of Contents
Where Is Alayfa? | Location & Getting Around/Transportation/etc.
Alafaya is a Census-Designated Place (CDP) in Orlando, FL. It is located on the eastern end of Orange County and is a part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, 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 you’re 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.
Alafaya, FL Population & Demographics
Alafaya has a population of 92,452 residents stretched over 30.6 square miles, resulting in a population density of 3,125.9 people per square mile. Considering its population was only 78,113 in 2010, the city has seen a dramatic population increase of roughly 12,339 residents in the past ten years. Alafaya has the second highest population in Orange County and is in the top 20 for the highest median income.
Alafaya, FL, is diverse and has a wide range of ethnicities and races. The residents are 51% male and 49% female, making a median household income of $74,796 (compared to the $64,936 median household income of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metro Area). The median age is 37 years old, with 40% being 29 or younger.
Racial and ethnic composition:
- White: 39%
- Black: 7%
- Hispanic: 40%
- Asian: 8%
- Other: 1%
- Two or more: 4%
- Foreign-born population: 18.4%
92.7% of Alafaya residents have received a high school diploma or higher, and 45% have received a bachelor’s degree or higher. 29% have some college, 15% have post-grad, and 7% have no degree.
Alafaya has a large Hispanic population, and it’s 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 crime rate per year per 100k residents in Alafaya is 1,334, which is in the 89th percentile for safety in the U.S, while the violent crime rate in Alafaya is 1,897 per 100k people compared to the state average of 384 per and the national average of 388 per 100k people. The property crime rate in Alafaya is 677.7 per 100k people compared to the state average of 1,769 per 100k people and the national average of 1,958 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, FL
The COLI (Cost Of Living Index) for the Orlando-Kissimmee metro is 99.3, which is lower compared to other metro areas of its size, and slightly below the US average. While Alafaya is in the wealthier part of its metro, it’s still an affordable place to live.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four has to make $84,927 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.
Sources: Numbeo
The Alafaya average home price is $425,000, which is 1.2% higher than last year. On average, houses are sold for $212 per square foot, 9.3% more than in 2021. If you’re 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 $1,979 for a 1,034 square foot apartment, At $191 per square foot, this is below the national average.
Here’s 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 Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Alafaya?
Not sure where to live in Alafaya? We’ve formulated 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, graded 83.7 by U.S News.
The Place at Alafaya | Luxury Alafaya Apartments
If you’re not ready to buy just yet, The Place at Alafaya may be the neighborhood for you. This luxury apartment complex welcomes all ages—whether you’re a young family or a college student.
It’s centrally located for dining, shopping, and main highways and is 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. It’s located off of University BLVD and is located near UCF. There are 3393 residents in Summer Woods, with a median age of 44. The median sale price is around $200,000.
Alafaya Weather & Climate
According to the Köppen classification of 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 and May, October and December.
The temperature will vary from 52°F to 90°F, with the average high being 86 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmest months (May through September) and the average low being 74 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months (December to February).
The summer months in Alafaya can be rainy. The rainiest month is August, with an average of 5.7 inches, and the month with the least rain is November, with an average of 1.9 inches. The annual rainfall in Alafaya is 52 inches.
Things to Do in Alafaya
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Alafaya, Florida, we’ve got you covered! Aside from the great shopping options at Alafaya Village, Waterford Lakes Town Center, and Alafaya Square, there are also tons of fun, free-outdoor activities as well.
Regal Waterford Lakes
Alafaya has a great movie theater! Whether a date night or a family night, this is a great weekend activity.
Regal Waterford Lakes 541 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, (844) 462-7342
Launch Family Entertainment Park Orlando, FL
Get your bounce on at Lunch 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
One of the best places for kids in Alafaya! This unique activity is great for hosting kids’ parties and events. If you’re 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 don’t miss a thing, check out their special events calendar.
Alafaya Restaurants
Alafaya, Florida, has some of the tastiest cuisines in central Florida. If you’re looking for top-notch restaurants before moving to Alafaya, Orlando, FL, browse our refined list.
Smokey Bones
If you’re craving pork smothered in some of the best BBQ sauces in the south, Smokey Bones should be on your list of must-try spots.
Smokey Bones 303 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, (407) 249-2009
Miller’s Ale House
This popular chain, Miller’s 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 Alafaya’s 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 that live in Alafaya, Orlando, take the short commute to Orlando. Orlando has a below-average unemployment rate and has seen a market increase of 3.9% since last year. Its projected job growth over the next ten years is 50.01%. Most cities within Florida will see an above-average job growth percentage thanks to Florida’s prosperous economy and increasing population.
Retail trade, construction, manufacturing, finance and insurance, educational services, and health care and social assistance are Alafaya’s main industries.
The top employers in Alafaya, FL, and the Orlando Area are Walt Disney World, Advent Health, and the University of Central Florida.
According to PayScale, the trend wages have gone up 2.6%, resulting in an average hourly rate of $18.40 or $68,000 per year. The highest-paid job titles are Software Engineer, Project Manager, and Operations Manager. 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 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 are minorities, and 35.4% are economically disadvantaged.
Top-rated schools in Alafaya, FL:
- According to U.S.News, Timber Creek High School 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 | Largest college in Florida.
- Valencia College | Nearby Community College.
Browse the books or catch up on studying at the Alafaya branch of Orange Counties Library.
Alafaya Statistics & Information
County: Orange County
Alafaya Area: 38.07 square miles
Alafaya Zip Code: 32825
Alafaya Area Code: 407
Alafaya Elevation: 75’
Alafaya Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (EST)
The closest airport to Alafaya: The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 18 miles from Alafaya, Florida, making it the closest airport to Alafaya.
