Orlando is a big city surrounded by suburbs that have replaced the orange groves of previous generations. Luxury home developments overlook the area's numerous lakes. Determining which one is the right place for you takes some time.
Here are the most desirable Orlando-area suburbs and gated communities with luxury homes.
- Bella Collina
- Windermere
- Isleworth
- Keene's Point
- Doctor Phillips
- Phillips Landing
- Lake Nona
- Stoneybrook West
Windermere
Nestled against the western edge of Orlando lies the small town of Windermere between Lake Down and Lake Butler. In the 1960s and 1970s, Disney executives favored the area for their luxury homes. The area remains upscale, with consistently strong real estate values compared to other parts of Orange County. Located in the heart of the Butler Chain of Lakes, locals can access boating, fishing, and other watersports.
Like most places in Florida, golf anchors the Windermere lifestyle. Due to being an older residential area, you won't find much new construction in Windermere, but listings for existing luxury homes regularly pop up.
Isleworth
You'll find estate homes in this 600-acre community with an Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course. Many of these luxury homes have either a view of the golf course or water.
Some of the amenities available include:
- Clubhouse with Mediterranean-inspired architecture
- Fitness center
- Spa
- Multiple restaurants
- Meeting and event spaces
- Tennis
Keene's Pointe
As an older upscale neighborhood, this community has shaded streets and fine homes that have been remodeled and upgraded over the years. Due to its proximity to small lakes, you'll find homes with waterfront views.
The Golden Bear Club in Keene's Pointe is the community's Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course. Throughout the year, the club hosts several tournaments.
Doctor Phillips
On the southwest corner of Orlando sits the affluent enclave of Doctor Phillips. Adjacent to Big and Little Sand Lakes and Spring Lake, this Orlando suburb offers opportunities to buy waterfront homes.
Educated young professionals and families make up the bulk of the population here.
The area is known for:
- Restaurant row
- Proximity to Universal Studios Florida and Walt Disney World
- Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Phillips Landing
Phillips Landing is located in the Dr. Phillips community in Orange County. This is a great choice for people interested in a waterfront lifestyle because the community has access to three lakes.
The community includes:
- Boat docks
- Tennis
- Parks and playgrounds
Phillips Landing is divided into three neighborhoods:
- Bay Harbor
- Heritage Bay
- Estates at Phillips Landing
Each neighborhood specializes in homes of specific sizes, with Estates having the largest homes and most waterfront views.
Lake Nona
On the southeast side of Orlando, Lake Nona is an area of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Waterfront properties are available on Lake Nona, Red Lake, and Buck Lake.
Builders have developed multiple neighborhoods catering to various demographics, like young families or 55-plus. The most luxurious option is at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club.
The gated country club community wraps around the shores of Lake Nona on 600 acres. The Tom Fazio-designed golf course includes a clubhouse with the following amenities:
- Racquetball
- Lodge
- Clubhouse
Lake Nona Golf & Country Club places residents relatively close to Orlando International Airport but still far enough away to avoid excessive noise pollution.
Stoneybrook West
This gated golf community includes a range of home sizes up to 5,000 square feet. As one of the larger luxury communities in the area with 1,450 homes, you can expect to find a few homes for sale there at any given time.
A portion of the homes has waterfront views of Black Lake. The community has amenities that encourage active lifestyles and community, including:
- Stoneybrook West Golf Club
- Walking/bicycling trails
- Community pool
- Basketball courts
- Clubhouse
Bella Collina
On the western shores of Lake Apopka, you'll find one of Florida's most recognized private gated communities, Bella Collina. With crisp, cool lakes and spanning 1,900 acres of rolling hills, Bella Collina offers residents an unparalleled style of living.
The Tuscan-style, stone-finished clubhouse at Bella Collina takes advantage of its elevation. Its hilltop location delivers stunning views of the surrounding lakes and the community's Sir Nick Faldo-designed signature golf course.
Bella Collina amenities include:
- Golfing
- Tennis courts
- Trails
- Restaurants
- Full-service spa
- Pickleball courts
- Resort-style pool
- Fitness facility
Residents can choose from luxury lakefront homes, estates, and golf homes, or work with one of our award-winning custom home builders to design the home of their dreams.
Upscale Living in Orlando
There are many options for upscale living in and around Orlando. Each area offers something different for its residents. Luxury gated golf communities are among the most popular choices for distinctive lifestyles.
See what Bella Collina offers if you want to live that distinctive lifestyle. We think you'll find it's the perfect place to call home.
