Orlando in general is not massively walkable, but there are a few communities and neighborhoods that have everything you’ll need just a short walk away. If you’re thinking about living in Central Florida, or are already in the surrounding area, here are a few spots where homeowners and residents can live with restaurants, shopping, and community amenities nearby.
What is Walkable?
A lot of individuals would define walkable as an area where you can live, work, and play all within the same vicinity. However, walkable has a bit of a different definition in Central Florida. Such as Winter Park and Celebration, you’ll find the most walkable neighborhoods in the heart of each city. If you live close to the center, it’s easy to walk to most things, but the further you live the more you’ll have to rely on a car or bike for transportation.
Image by City of Winter Park
Winter Park
This area contains some of the most expensive real estate in all of Central Florida, with townhomes and estate homes going for $2–$10 Million and more. Right in the center of Winter Park on South Park Avenue, you can find everything from the bank and furniture stores, to various boutiques and places to eat. Although you will need a car to get around most of Winter Park, this is the most walkable if you live in the center of this city.
This may be the area for you if you enjoy a mix of older and newer homes, a little bit of a distance from the theme parks, and a more luxurious lifestyle. Read more about Winter Park from one of our past articles!
Image by Avalon Park Orlando
Avalon Park
Located on the East side of Orlando, Avalon Park displays a New Urbanist atmosphere containing apartments, townhomes, condos, and single family homes. Most everything is in the downtown part of this area, but if you travel outwards there are still many places to eat, shop, and more. Avalon Park is definitely one of the more walkable areas in Central Florida, wherever you live within it.
If you’re a fan of traveling, this area is also only 15-20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. It also contains a lot of newer homes, hosts many community events, and is completely separate from the touristy Orlando lifestyle. Read more about Avalon Park from one of our past articles!
Image by MAA Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park
Just North of downtown Orlando, and South of Winter Park, you’ll find Baldwin Park. This area actually shares a lot of the same schools as Winter Park, and is one of the most walkable areas on this list. It is similar to that of Celebration, but is a little bigger with more to offer within walking distance, all in one spot. There are many businesses on the ground floor of the downtown shops, and residents living right above. These include various food spots, hair salons, a bridal shop, and even a CVS.
Baldwin Park is a newer area that is close to pretty much everything, and if you’re looking for the most walkable in Central Florida, this is the place to be.
Image by homestratosphere.com
Celebration
Celebration contains a large number of newer homes, built from the late 1990s to new construction going up today. There are many residents right next to the Town Center, containing shops, restaurants, a bank, and post office. If you live in the center of this area, it is mostly walkable, but there isn’t as much to offer. If you’re looking to go grocery shopping or browse at the big box retail stores, you would need a car to do so.
This small town gives its residents a resort and home-like atmosphere, all at once. Celebration would be mostly for those who want to be close to Walt Disney World, the Orlando International Airport, and Downtown Orlando. Read more about Celebration from one of our past articles!
Image by City of Mount Dora
Mount Dora
Located in Lake County, Mount Dora has many downtown shops and a beautiful lakefront. Right next to Donnelly Park is a museum, multiple cafés and pubs, and small shops. There’s even an electrical vehicle charging station right in the middle of it all!
Mount Dora is a bit further away from the heart of Orlando. However, it is one of the most neighborhoods affordable on this list! It is also completely away from the tourist vibe that we would see in places like Celebration, and offers many different types of homes that are both new and old.
Overall
Central Florida is so large that no matter where you go, every area is very unique. All of the neighborhoods above offer different types of walkable areas, offering food, shopping, and local activities. Other walkable neighborhoods that didn’t make the list include Downtown Winter Garden, Downtown Clermont, and College Park.
Although the areas listed above aren’t cities like Manhattan and Chicago, they are definitely the most walkable in and around Orlando. Have you ever walked around these cities?
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
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