A few of the best cities to live in near Orlando include Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood, and Ocoee, but the right pick really depends on what you care about most.
To make it easier to choose, we've explored 24 cities around Orlando to help you find a city that works best for you. From historic small towns to modern suburban developments, these nearby cities let you enjoy Orlando's vibrant economy and year-round sunshine without the metropolitan price tag.
All of the rental data included here comes from Apartment List’s internal database of rent estimates. We then cross-referenced our data with Rent.com and Zumper to give most accurate snapshot of rents in the Orlando area. Transit scores are sourced from WalkScore.com, and census information is obtained directly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
These cities are presented in order of distance, including data-informed factors like rent, transportation, population, and overall rental appeal.
If you want to stay close to Orlando without defaulting to Orlando itself, here are a few cities we recommend looking into:
Cheapest: Jacksonville
Closest to Orlando: Winter Park
Best Overall (editor’s pick based on a mix of rent, commute, and livability): Winter Park
| City | Average One-Bedroom Rent | Average Two-Bedroom Rent | Distance from Downtown Orlando | Car Commute from Downtown Orlando | Public Transit Commute | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Park | $1,529 | $1,868 | 6.2 miles | 18 minutes via FL-426 W./Fairbanks Avenue and I-4 W | 17 minutes via SunRail Line | 29,795 |
| Altamonte Springs | $1,521 | $1,835 | 11.7 miles | 18 minutes via I-4 W | 1 hour and 8 minutes via bus No.434 and SunRail Line | 46,231 |
| Casselberry | $1,494 | $1,875 | 13.6 miles | 21 minutes via I-4 W | 1 hour and 7 minutes via bus Nos. 436S and 436N and SunRail Line | 28,794 |
| Longwood | $1,650 | $2,077 | 15.7 miles | 23 minutes via I-4 W | 34 minutes via SunRail Line | 17,089 |
| Ocoee | $1,797 | $2,012 | 12.6 miles | 17 minutes via FL-408 E | 55 minutes via bus No. 105 and SunRail Line | 47,295 |
| Winter Garden | $1,740 | $2,150 | 16.9 miles | 20 minutes via FL-408 E | 1 hour and 23 minutes via bus No. 105 and SunRail Line | 46,964 |
| Oviedo | $1,755 | $2,052 | 18.8 miles | 21 minutes via FL-417 Toll S. and FL-408 W | 2 hours and 18 minutes via bus No. 434 and SunRail Line | 40,059 |
| Windermere | $1,505 | $2,100 | 14.8 miles | 21 minutes via FL-408 E | N/A | 3,030 |
| Doctor Phillips | $1,990 | $2,283 | 10.6 miles | 15 minutes via I-4 Express | 1 hour and 7 minutes via bus Nos. 21 and 38 and SunRail Line | 12,799 |
| Apopka | $1,555 | $1,970 | 19.4 miles | 25 minutes via FL-414 E./John Land Apopka Expressway/Maitland Boulevard Extension | 1 hour and 3 minutes via bus No. 106 and SunRail Line | 54,873 |
Median rents are from Apartment List internal estimates cross-checked against Zumper and Rent.com. Commute times reflect typical weekday conditions.
Best for: Renters who want arts and SunRail access
Winter Park is one of the many cities in Orange County, Florida, which took root as a resort community during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the area is home to civic buildings, art galleries, country clubs, museums, and Rollins College, though it's also known for its orange grove history and longstanding ties to Central Florida tourism and culture.
A small arts and culture scene has a visible presence in Winter Park with the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and the Rollins Museum of Art. There are also plenty of outdoor spots, like the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, and the Kraft Azalea Garden. For restaurants and everyday dining, head over to North Orange Avenue.
Rent prices for upscale, modern complexes are still relatively low in Winter Park. Look for apartments near routes 426 and 436.
Best for: Renters who want a suburb with a real town-center feel
Altamonte Springs officially became an incorporated town in 1921 and was later recognized as a city in 1967. The area took its name from the Altamonte Land, Hotel, and Navigation Company.
Relatively moderate rent prices and proximity to downtown Orlando make Altamonte Springs a popular place to live, work, and play. Locals enjoy Crane Roost Park, the Altamonte Mall, and Congo River Golf. In addition, Lake Lotus Park features 150 acres along with a large stretch of woods and wetlands.. The median age in Altamonte Springs is 36.7 years old, with a strong representation of 25- to 44-year-olds.
Look for modern apartment complexes and older mid-rises along Interstate 4 for quick access to Orlando. Lakes, ponds, and wetlands dot the landscape, making Altamonte Springs one of the nice places to live in Florida if you’re looking for apartments with waterside views.
Best for: Renters who want trail and park access with a slower pace of life.
When the Homestead Act was passed in 1862, settlers began homesteading in Casselberry. The location was initially incorporated as a tax-free town in 1940 to avoid property taxes but eventually incorporated as a city and reinstated taxation in the 1960s and 1970s.
The median age in Casselberry is 37.4, attracting millennials seeking affordable rents in towns near Orlando. You won't find much nightlife in Casselberry, but there are plenty of locations for outdoor recreation, like Secret Lake Park. Locals gather at Bowigens Beer Company for a casual hangout, and golf is available at the Casselberry Golf Club.
Apartment hunters can find options along Route 17, though local mid-rises and single-family homes are also available for rent in the Casselberry area.
Best for: Renters who want historic-district character.
Early settlers in Longwood arrived in the early 1870s by steamboat and began developing the area. Development dropped off during the Great Depression but rapidly grew again with the rise of the Walt Disney World Resort and other theme parks.
The median age in Longwood is 41.8 years old, meaning the city is popular with both millennials and families. The backdrop is more historic than a lot of nearby suburbs,, with a historic district spanning 190 acres and 37 structures. Beyond nearby theme parks, Longwood is home to Wekiva Island, Hourglass Brewing, and Spring Hammock Preserve.
Interstate 4 runs through Longwood, offering quick access to clusters of modern apartments. In addition, you'll find options near the Lake Jesup Conservation Area if green space is a priority,, and Lake Monroe is only a short drive away.
Best for: Renters who want recreation-heavy suburban living with lake access.
Ocoee was once a tiny agricultural settlement filled with citrus and vegetable farming. Then, during the 1880s, the construction of the Florida Midland Railroad spurred growth in the area.
Ocoee's median age is 34.9 years old, and the town is home to young professionals and families looking for a slower-paced lifestyle. Ocoee doesn't have much nightlife, but you'll find local favorites like RusTeak Ocoee for a lively gastropub experience. Locals spend afternoons enjoying local parks and taking advantage of the area’s residential vibe..
You'll find most of Ocoee's apartments around Florida highways 50 and 429. Look for an option on the western side of town for proximity to Lake Apopka.
Best for: Renters who want a trail-centered downtown with plenty of local amenities.
Once one of the many small towns near Orlando, Florida, Winter Garden was first known for its vegetable and sugar cane farming and fishing before growing into a major city.
The median age in Winter Garden is 40.4 years old, and the city attracts young professionals and households looking for a more polished suburban setup.. While the real action is in nearby Orlando, there are still plenty of local amenities in Winter Garden, including Crooked Can Brewing Company and the Garden Theatre. There are also historical stops around town, like the Heritage Museum and Central Florida Railroad Museum.
Many of the apartments in Winter Garden are along Lake Apopka, making it one of the best places to live near Orlando for those in search of waterfront views and outdoor recreation.
Best for: Renters who want parks plus built-in school infrastructure.
On the outskirts of Orlando, you’ll find the suburban gem of Oviedo. With several parks, recreational areas, and the renowned Seminole County Public School District, it’s one of the best suburbs of Orlando, Florida, for families.
Just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Oviedo offers a suburban alternative to living closer in. You’ll find an array of modern townhouses and tropical-style homes in which to plant your roots. Plus, with proximity to the Black Hammock Wilderness Area and the Little Big Econ State Forest, you and your loved ones can enjoy weekends fishing, hiking, and camping.
Best for: Renters who want lake access and a quieter luxury vibe
If upscale living is what you’re looking for, then of all the towns around Orlando, FL, Windermere should be on your radar. This luxury real estate community provides easy access to the Butler Chain of Lakes, which is perfect for kayaking, boating, and fishing.
Windermere is certainly an escapist’s paradise, and with just over a few thousand residents, some of whom are celebrities and professional athletes, you can expect a more exclusive residential feel. From the sought-after schools to world-class golf courses, there’s never a dull moment in one of Florida’s oldest towns. Just be prepared to pay a higher price to live here.
Best for: Renters who want access to some of the region’s best dining, golf courses, and quality schools.
Close to Windermere, you’ll find the residential community of Doctor Phillips, which offers a mixture of golf courses, fine dining establishments, luxury spas, and gorgeous real estate. Residents here boast about the electricity on Restaurant Row, which hosts the town’s many great restaurants, live music venues, and cigar bars.
While families here enjoy low crime rates and higher school ratings than in Orlando, the cost of living is relatively high. However, with a 15-minute drive into Orlando’s downtown center, you can take advantage of all the city has to offer while enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle in what many consider to be the best small town to live in Florida.
The cities near Orlando offer reasonable rent prices and a high quality of life. However, if you work remotely and only need to head into Orlando occasionally, you can enjoy living in cities up to a few hours away. Here are options that are farther from Orlando but still worth considering.
Best for: Renters who want quick access to large nature preserves.
Apopka takes its name from Ahapopka, a Seminole word for "potato eating place." Early American settlers developed a Masonic Lodge and trading center during the 1830s.
Apopka has a reputation for being a more residential and laid-back area. The city has a median age of 38 years old and is the perfect city close to Orlando, Florida, for those seeking a quiet, laid-back lifestyle.
Once a notoriously polluted lake, Lake Apopka is now a popular outdoor recreation destination. You can find apartment complexes near the lake for waterfront views. Or look for areas near Wekiwa Springs State Park for access to ample green space.
Best for: Renters who want hills, trails, and endurance-sports energy.
The 19-square-mile town of Clermont was founded in 1884 and named after founder A.F. Wrotnowski’s birthplace in France. The city offers a residential feel with commerce focused on lodging, tourism, and retail. Clermont is also famous for its 226-foot Citrus Tower, which has dominated the landscape since it was built in 1956.
The median age in Clermont is 44.2 years old, but you'll find plenty of locals ranging from 25 to 45 years old. Despite its residential vibe, you'll still find options like the Clermont Performing Arts Center for fine arts performances and The Crooked Spoon Gastropub for brews and burgers.
Orlando's metro area offers outdoor beauty, like Lake Louisa State Park and Palatlakaha River Park. If you live on the west side of town, you’ll also have close access to Lake Minneola. Settling near Route 50 provides convenient access to the rest of the metro area.
Best for: Renters tied to tourism or hospitality, or those who want easy SunRail access.
Kissimmee was settled by the Confederate Major J.H. Allen, whose steamboat was the first cargo steamboat on the Kissimmee River. The area was originally a trading post, though it quickly grew to include millions of acres of marshlands and plains.
Kissimmee established itself as an Orlando suburb and a destination for many theme park travelers. Its median age is 35.3, and it offers a diverse community. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities for careers in tourism and hospitality.
You'll find plenty of apartments for rent in Kissimmee, with options near Florida's Turnpike. Take your pick of living near green space or closer to the busier commercial parts of the city.
Best for: Renters who want a true historic waterfront living experience.
Henry Sanford arrived in the Sanford area in 1870, looking for an investment during the Reconstruction period. The site grew into a port city and railroad terminal during the late 19th century. Today, Sanford is known as the "Historic Waterfront Gateway City" for its location on the southern shores of Lake Monroe.
Sanford boasts a historic downtown with a number of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, locals explore the Sanford Riverwalk, the Black Bear Wilderness Area, and the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The median age in Sanford is 34.7, and the town is a popular area for young professionals and families.
Most apartment complexes in Sanford are around Interstate 4, but you'll also find options near Lake Monroe. The western edges of town nearly brush up against the Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area.
Best for: Renters looking for museums and a beautiful waterfront public space.
Originally, newcomers and visitors came to St. Petersburg (or St. Pete to the locals) in the 1830s and 1840s to establish homesteads and citrus crops. Today, the area is known for year-round sunshine and a laid-back beach resort vibe.
While the median age in St. Petersburg is 43.1, it is also home to plenty of remote workers, beachcombers, and long-stay tourists. Beyond soaking up the rays in "The Sunshine City," St. Petersburg is home to golfing, boating, fishing, and the waterfront Salvador Dalí Museum, which is dedicated to its namesake artist.
While hotels and restaurants line the Tampa Bay beachfront, you can still find apartment complexes across the street. You'll also find options along Route 92 and Interstate 275. Beyond hospitality, you'll find the financial services, manufacturing, and medical technology industries in St. Petersburg.
Best for: Renters who want the broadest job market.
Tampa was originally founded as a military center, with Fort Brooke nearby. Later, the cigar industry moved in, giving it its nickname “Cigar City.” Today, Tampa is known for its strong economy and attractions, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, and the Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa's median age is 35.9, attracting newcomers looking for business and cultural offerings. Industries in the Tampa Bay area include avionics, business services, financial services, tourism, marine sciences, and manufacturing.
Renters will find options along Interstate 275 and Route 580. In addition, you'll find sweeping waterfront views along Old Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay.
Best for: Renters who want beach access without giving up big-city life.
Jacksonville originally grew in the 18th century as Cow Ford, under British rule. During the late 19th century, it became a winter vacation destination attracting tourists from the Midwest and the northern states. Today, it's the most populous city in Florida.
The median age in Jacksonville is 35.9, and it's home to millennials, college students, and retirees alike. Top industries in the city include healthcare, retail, finance, insurance, education, and transportation. Jacksonville is also home to multiple military facilities, including Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is a large city with plenty of apartment complexes and amenities in the city center, but if you want to live near the beach, keep in mind that Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach are technically two different cities whose borders brush up against each other.
Best for: Renters who want to live in the most historic city in the U.S.
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and is the oldest city in the United States. There are few locations as enticing for a U.S. history buff. From the cobblestone streets to the beautifully preserved colonial architecture, it’s a town unlike anywhere else.
Beyond its history, residents of St. Augustine enjoy miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, a tropical climate, and a vibrant arts scene, with music festivals and theater year-round. With Flagler College in the area, it’s just as much of a prime spot for young people as it is for retirees.
Best for: Renters who want event energy and racing culture.
Daytona Beach might be best known as home to the famous Daytona International Speedway, though beyond its prestigious racing culture, it offers everything from beautiful beachfront living to top-tier educational institutions, like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Just an hour’s drive from Orlando, residents here enjoy year-round outdoor activities, including golfing, boating, and fishing, as well as a plethora of community events, such as the renowned Biketoberfest.
People here love the more relaxed pace of life compared to Orlando — and even with waterfront access, it’s still one of the relatively cheap towns to live in Florida.
Best for: Renters who want a legit surf town.
Renowned for its white sandy beaches, Cocoa Beach is one of the best Florida towns to live in for watersport lovers. There are endless surf shops in the area and surprisingly consistent waves for Florida’s coastline.
It’s also known as the gateway to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Kennedy Space Center, offering residents the chance to watch rocket launches up close. The aero-culture bleeds into the community, as the Cocoa Beach Air Show is one of the biggest festivals of the year. Of course, with such close proximity to the aerospace industry, jobs in technology and aerospace engineering are plentiful.
Best for: Renters who want a quieter coastal city with both nature and arts
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,873 Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,877 Distance from downtown Orlando: 107 miles Commute time to Orlando via car: 1 hour and 34 minutes via I-95 N. Commute time to Orlando via public transport: 8 hours and 18 minutes via Greyhound Commute time to Orlando via bike: 9 hours and 11 minutes via S. Canoe Creek Road Population: 16,354 Median household income: $67,351 Walk score: 20 Transit score: N/A Bike score: 36 Map of Vero Beach
There are so many nice places to live in Florida if you want to be by the water, and Vero Beach is a prime example. From its uncrowded beaches to the Indian River Lagoon, the recreational opportunities are endless.
Many people consider Vero Beach the best retirement destination out of all the cities close to Orlando, thanks to its median age of 54.1. But with Indian River State College in town, many young people flock here too. No matter their age, all residents can take advantage of the low crime rate, small-town charm, and endless art and culture.
Best for: Renters who want a festival-heavy small-town feel.
Mount Dora is one of the best cities in Central Florida for those who want to get a taste of small-town serenity. However, from its iconic downtown district to its many lakeside activities, there’s so much more to do in Mount Dora than in your average small town.
Festivals are plentiful throughout the year, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival and the Mount Dora Bicycle Festival. And with such a low crime rate and access to some of the region’s best healthcare facilities, this Florida town offers a high quality of life.
Best for: Renters who want to stay close to Disney without living in a pricier master-planned community.
Davenport sits about 40 miles southwest of Orlando and is known for its many lakes and golf courses. It’s one of the best towns in Central Florida for recreational opportunities. While the number of vacation homes is certainly growing, many residential communities are still alive with hospitable residents.
Of course, we can’t ignore that, for some, the biggest draw to Davenport is its proximity to the Walt Disney World Resort, which is a 15-minute drive on the highway. Beyond Disney, Davenport is never short of entertainment, from movies at the Cinépolis Luxury Cinema to shopping and dining at the Posner Park outlet mall.
Best for: Renters who want a master-planned, amenity-driven community.
Celebration is even closer to the Disney parks and resorts, and, unbeknownst to some, the master-planned community was built by The Walt Disney Company to be a model All-American city.
Today, you’ll find a lively downtown area known for its fine dining, festivals, concerts, shops, and more. Intertwined in the master-planned community is a top-notch list of amenities, from tennis courts to golf courses to a world-class hospital.
With bungalows, estates, village manors, and terraces, Celebration is one of the few Central Florida cities that can suit people of all backgrounds.
Best for: Renters who want a city with a walkable downtown with a more urban and navigable profile than other outer-ring cities.
Lakeland, Florida is a thriving city with a personality that blends small-town charm with bigger-city amenities. You can walk around Lake Mirror, visit Hollis Garden, head out to Circle B Bar Reserve, or spend time at Lakeland Splash Park. Golf, kayaking, and other outdoor activities are a regular part of life here.
The Polk Museum of Art is one of the city’s cultural anchors, and local galleries and murals add to that arts presence throughout town. Whether you're a serious art person or just want a city with more going on visually and culturally, Lakeland has more depth than some of the outer-ring alternatives.
Restaurants also help round things out, from farm-to-table spots like The Green Hanger to cafés like Black & Brew and comfort-food staples like Jackson’s Corner. The historic farmers market is another local draw for fresh produce and small vendors.
Greater Orlando offers a diverse range of options, from peaceful suburbs to city living, along with numerous amenities. Plus, with these cities around Orlando, you're also never far from theme parks, including the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios.
Ready to narrow down your Orlando and Florida apartment search? Find your match today and save yourself hours of searching.
Winter Park is the closest city in this list at 6.2 miles from downtown Orlando.
According to our 2026 estimates, Jacksonville is the cheapest city to live in near Orlando, at $1,414 on average for a one-bedroom and $1,632 for a two-bedroom.
Mount Dora has the highest Walk Score at 81.
Many nearby cities have high safety ratings. Winter Park has a B+ crime grade and Casselberry has an A- crime grade.
Using the 30% rule, you’d need to earn about $69,080 per year, or roughly $5,757 per month, to comfortably afford Orlando’s average 1-bedroom rent of $1,727.
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
