Central Florida is a magnet for those seeking the quintessential Sunshine State lifestyle, offering an array of communities where the living is easy and the sun never seems to set on fun and relaxation.
Choosing to relocate to the Orlando area means embracing a lifestyle where the outdoors is as much a part of your living space as the indoors. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, life here is designed to be lived to the fullest, with endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Education and innovation are cornerstones of the region, with numerous top-rated schools and a thriving tech scene. This makes communities near Orlando great places to live and vibrant places to work and learn.
Cultural experiences abound, from the performing arts to gourmet dining, reflecting the diverse tapestry of people who call Central Florida home. This region is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and celebrations, offering residents a global perspective with a local feel.
If you’re contemplating a move to the vibrant Orlando area, the abundance of choice communities can make deciding on your new home an exciting journey.
Here are a few top towns and some of their most popular communities.
- Bella Collina
- Weslyn Park
- Twin Lakes
- Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
- Laureate Park
- Gatherings of Lake Nona
- Alaqua Lakes
- Heathrow Woods
- Hartwood Reserve
- Waterbrooke
Saint Cloud, Florida
Nestled on the southern outskirts of the bustling Orlando metropolitan area, Saint Cloud is a serene suburb that offers a respite from city life without sacrificing convenience. With a population nearing 60,000, it’s a community that prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming spirit for retirees.
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Weslyn Park
The development built by Pulte has brand new single-family homes for sale in this Saint Cloud neighborhood. Community goals include creating an environment where residents enjoy modern living in harmony with nature through sustainability efforts. Offering a range of 2-to-6-bedroom homes, all are equipped with solar panels.
Amenities include:- Walking trails
- Playground
- Community pool with cabana
- Community garden
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Twin Lakes (55+)
Older adults looking for a place to enjoy an active lifestyle may take an interest in Twin Lakes. This age-restricted, 1,100-acre community sits next to Live Oak Lake. A large clubhouse is a social hub for residents who want to form groups or join community activities.
There are a variety of amenities and indoor activities available. Some of these include:
- Cooking classes
- Art classes
- BilliardsLake access
- Lakefront resort-style pool
- Tennis
- Bocce ball
Lake Nona Region, Orlando, Florida
Located on the eastern side of Orlando, Lake Nona is a master-planned community with multiple neighborhoods full of parks, playgrounds, and 44 miles of walking/bicycling trails.
Gated communities occupy the Lake Nona region, including those for all ages and, specifically, over 55 years of age.
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Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
This private golf community features a Tom Fazio-designed golf course. The 600-acre community is also on the shore of Lake Nona, creating lake access for residents. The luxury neighborhood continues inland with the community’s design featuring many cul-de-sacs to enable quiet streets and large lots.
Amenities include:- Golf course
- 24-hour gated security
- Racquet club
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Laureate Park
This modern community contains homes of many sizes, from townhomes to million-dollar estates. New construction continues, and you have a choice of designs and builders.
Laureate Park amenities include:- Fitness center
- Resort-style aquatic center
- Tennis courts
- Playgrounds
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Gatherings of Lake Nona (55+)
This condo community is designed for older adults, offering easy access to upper floors via elevators and waterfront properties for serene living. It’s a community that marries convenience with luxury, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for its residents.
Amenities include:- Internet and cable TV
- Security system
- Private garages
- Dog park
Longwood, Florida
Located north of Orlando, this small town routinely receives recognition as an outstanding place to live in Florida or start a business. It is a popular destination for families and business professionals alike.
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Alaqua Lakes
Custom home builder Taylor Woodrow started developing this luxury community in 1998. The community now includes approximately 500 homes on 750 acres.
Great care was taken in its design to preserve natural landscaping elements and to place homes among the small lakes present at the location. Entry is controlled by 24-hour security at the gates.
Amenities include:
- Clubhouse
- Tennis courts
- Sand volleyball courts
- Basketball courts
- Soccer field
- Gary Player-designed golf course
Lake Mary, Florida
Lake Mary balances the convenience of city life with the allure of Central Florida’s wilderness. Its reputation as a safe, quiet suburb makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
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Heathrow Woods
This upscale community adjacent to the Heathrow Country Club entices people looking for estate homes on large, private lots. In development since the 1980s, this community has grown to nearly 200 custom homes. Mature oaks line the streets and promote a shady, peaceful atmosphere in the luxury neighborhood.
Country club amenities include:
- Golf course
- Clubhouse
- Weddings and events venue
- Tennis courts
Clermont, Florida
West of Orlando, Clermont is a gem with its historic downtown and gated communities. It offers a blend of traditional small-town feel with the amenities of modern living, perfect for those seeking a family-friendly environment.
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Hartwood Reserve
Built between 2005 and 2020, this gated community comprises about 300 single-family homes. Residents have convenient access to the attractions in Orlando while benefiting from a suburban lifestyle close to outdoor recreation areas like Lake Louisa State Park.
Amenities include:
- Clubhouse
- Fitness center
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Swimming pool
- Playground
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Waterbrooke
Another gated community option in Clermont is Waterbrooke. Housing choices here include single-family homes and townhomes. Whether you’re shopping for something small for yourself or a big place for a growing family, this neighborhood has options for you.
Amenities include:
- Fitness center
- Yoga lawn
- Pool
- Park
Montverde, Florida
Montverde is a picturesque enclave nestled in the lush landscape of hill country just northwest of Orlando. It offers residents a serene and scenic living experience that stands out in contrast to the flat terrain associated with Florida. The town’s commitment to maintaining its natural beauty, high quality of life, and close-knit community make it a highly sought-after destination for those looking to enjoy the best of Florida’s lush landscapes and sunshine.
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Bella Collina
Bella Collina stands out as a premier gated community, mirroring an Old World estate with its Tuscan-style clubhouse and Nick Faldo golf course. It’s a place where luxury, activity, and tranquility converge, making it an irresistible choice for those looking to relocate to Florida.
Gated access secures the community of single-family custom-built homes, estates, and luxury condos. Bella Collina balances quiet suburban living with abundant social and fitness activities for all ages.
Amenities include:
- Championship golf course
- Golf lessons and clinics
- Pro shop
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Full-service spa
- Fitness center
- Resort-style pool with cabanas
- Fine dining and casual restaurants
- Wedding and events venues with support staff
A Place to Call Home
Whether you’re seeking an active adult community, a family-friendly suburb, or a luxurious estate, the Orlando area offers a spectrum of options to choose from. Each community has its unique charm and advantages, catering to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences. Making Central Florida your home is the first step toward a life of sunshine, community, and endless possibilities.
Bella Collina embodies the dream of living in Florida, offering an exclusive, serene, and socially vibrant lifestyle. With its stunning vistas, world-class amenities, and various real estate options, it’s a community that offers a slice of paradise for every resident.
Contact our real estate professionals today to discover your dream home in the Orlando area, the heart of Central Florida.
