The Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Orlando

Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched up-and-coming neighborhoods in Orlando for you.

The Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Orlando (2022) Bellhop Blog

You’ve no doubt seen our guide for moving to Orlando, which includes a short section on a few of Orlando’s most popular neighborhoods.

Interested in living a little outside Orlando in a subdistrict? Check out Kissimmee or Apopka.

This list is a more in-depth neighborhood guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Orlando movers and movers throughout the country).

We’re searching the hot lands of Orlando, locating the best up and coming spots. The parks, fresh seafood, theaters, wildlife, watersports, museums, and the area’s richest entrepreneur (Mr. Mickey Mouse of course) keep residents happily entertained. We’ve researched and compiled our list of the top 4 up and coming neighborhoods in Orlando. Check out our list below to help guide you on picking your new Orlando home.

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Lake Nona

Located less than 20 miles from center city, this thriving suburb is close to everything residents would want downtown. With great schools, lower crime rates, and popular local events, Lake Nona is one of the fastest growing areas in Central Florida.

This new neighborhood boasts of a thriving shopping and restaurant scene, miles of trails, sprawling parks, and plenteous sports opportunities at their Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute.

Lake Nona offers a cluster of health care and life science facilities that provide the neighborhood with job opportunities and top medical care. And with its welcoming and positive ambiance, more and more residents are moving in, making it our first pick for up-and-coming neighborhoods in Orlando.

Things to do in Lake Nona

Laureate Park, a central community builder in the neighborhood, hosts local events galore – like live music, gourmet food trucks, films, and entertainment events – all for their hearts’ mission to help locals “experience what Lake Nona is truly about – good food, family, friends, and fun.”

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful rehabilitation and education center for injured and orphaned native animals. And Kissimmee Lakefront Park offers an open, spread lawn with picnic pavilions, a fishing pier, shaded playgrounds, and walking paths right up against the brilliant waterfront.

One of our favorite spots in Lake Nona is Graffiti Junktion. This quirky and family-friendly hot-spot serves diner food – hamburgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, wraps, tater tots, nachos, and cheese sticks. The interior is a funky color-bomb of art and murals, neon furniture, and bright stainless steel.

The Nona Social brings locals together to enjoy an expansive list of wines and cocktails with American fare food menu like their wings and jalapeno poppers. And Park Pizza & Brewing Company serves wood-fired pizza and house-brewed beer, making this stop a perfect place to unwind with friends or family.

Schools in Lake Nona

The top Orlando schools serving Lake Nona include Orlando Science Charter School, Hope Charter School, Lake Highland Preparatory School, and Windermere Preparatory School among others.

Homes in Lake Nona

Lake Nona is made up of contemporary townhomes and apartments, single-family homes and estates.

The Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Orlando (2022) Bellhop Blog

Thornton Park

Close to Lake Eola and the downtown scene, Thornton Park is packed with top restaurants, bars, and trendy boutiques. Brick-lined streets wind between the 50-plus locally owned specialty shops and dining destinations. Residents enjoy sipping beers on outdoor patios, mingling through artsy shops, and gathering for block parties and local events.

Things to do in Thornton Park

Thornton Park’s Sunday Farmers Market bustles with locals buying baked goods, fresh produce, crafts, plants, and gifts. Twice a month, Orlandians hit the streets to indulge in their love for art during Thorntons Second Thursday Wine and Art Walk.

The nearby Orlando City Stadium, a 25,500 seat venue, is home to the Orlando SC soccer team and is a quick jaunt away from pre/post-game drinks in downtown Orlando’s bar district. And Lake Eola Park gives locals a chance to stretch out with yoga on the shores, or pedal the park’s swan boat around the fountain.

Thornton Park is known for its great local grub and many neighborhood bars. We recommend Soco for their elegant and contemporary versions of southern comfort food. Check out The Stubborn Mule for satiating American fare and a tantalizing menu of fresh libations. Dexter’s is a top brunch spot, with their signature $3 mimosas and infamous Monte Cristo waffle sandwich stuffed with cheese, ham, and raspberry jam.

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Schools in Thornton Park

The top schools serving Thornton Park include Orlando Science Charter School, Blankner School, and Boone High School.

Homes in Thornton Park

Thornton Park is home to charming Craftsman-style bungalows and luxury condominiums.

Milk District

This hip cultural hub is filling up with new residents. Drawn by The Milk District’s strong music and arts scene, diverse culinary options, and award-winning bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, an eclectic crowd is moving in.

A 5-minute drive will get you from The Milk District to downtown. But with all of The Milk District’s options, most residents happily circle around and explore their own turf.

Things to do in The Milk District

First on your list should be The Plaza Live. At the area’s oldest theatre-turned-musical-venue, catch live music shows from a variety of genres. The Iron Cow is another awesome music venue that hosts national touring bands and local underground musicians. If you want to enjoy your music around the clock, stop by the Etoile Boutique. This unique music shop sells new and classic vinyl as well as vintage, handmade, and locally designed clothes.

Hit the streets with the locals for Tasty Tuesdays This weekly event features 13 food trucks and local craft beer. And check out Southern Nights for dancing, themed nights, drag shows, and plenty of outdoor seating.

The Milk District packs great restaurants and bars into its little community. Check out Se7en Bites. This little bakery serves breakfast, lunch, sweets, and coffee, and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Try their Couch Cushion French Toast. And then go home and take a nap. The small and cheery Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria features local artists throughout the tight space and serves quirky sandwiches and milk teas.

Valhalla Bakery makes some of the best donuts in the city (you’d never know they’re an all-vegan shop). Market on South makes plant-based dishes, like their famous fried green tomatoes. The bohemian-style coffee bar Drunken Monkey serves great drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. And locals pack out The Milk Bar, a cozy bar with great beer and board games.

Schools in The Milk District

The top schools serving The Milk District include Orlando Science Charter School and Hope Charter School among others.

Homes in The Milk District

It’s still easy to snag affordable housing in The Milk District. Homes here have a median value of around $167k. But most residents rent, spending less than $1000 a month.

The Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Orlando (2022) Bellhop Blog

Audubon Park

With neighborhood local events, a community garden, flourishing restaurants, and farmers markets, Audubon Park gets a lot of points in our ranking. But what sets Audubon Park apart from other burgeoning neighborhoods is its focus on organic food and passion for maintaining the earth’s resources. Described as Orlando’s “most talked about community” by Atlanta Magazine, Audubon Park’s businesses and residents take seriously their goal of creating a sustainable community.

Things to do in Audubon Park

As you might have guessed, local activities and destinations in Audubon Park have a lot to do with nature, sustainability, and wildlife. See how this neighborhood enjoys this work and join the farmers and foodies at the East End Market. You’ll find a group of welcoming local gardeners, artisan bakers, and coffee roasters.

Visit the bamboo forest, butterfly garden, and largest formal rose garden in the state at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Or get involved in local sustainability efforts while you shop, eat, drink, and enjoy this Garden District.

For local grub, check out Bikes Beans & Bordeaux. This comfortable neighborhood cafe serves beer, wine and an expansive list of salads, sandwiches, breakfasts, flatbreads, smoothies, and coffee beverages. The eclectic sweet shop, Gideon’s Bakehouse, sells big, freshly-bakes cookies and rich cakes. And the pretty little wine bar and eatery, Tartine, uses local ingredients to create their French-inspired menu.

The quirkiest of these local hubs has to be Stardust Video & Coffee. This cafe has an indie feel, serving tasty salads, sandwiches, snacks, coffees, teas, craft beer, wine, and a full scotch bar. And, if you’re interested, they rent out movies which you can select in the shop and keep for three days.

Schools in Audubon Park

The top schools serving Audubon Park include Audubon Park Elementary School, Lake Eola Charter School, and Orlando Science Charter School.

Homes in Audubon Park

Most homes here are affordable and charming Craftsman Bungalows. We recommend checking out Zillow or Trulia for great finds.

There you have it: the best up and coming neighborhoods in Orlando!

We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services in Orlando, as well as nearby cities such as JacksonvilleTampa, and Miami should you be interested!

Harrison Stevens