Orlando, FL is a highly sought-after location to live and a great place to sink time and money into an investment home or Central Florida vacation rental. The most difficult aspect of purchasing a new property in Orlando is knowing where to buy. There are many Florida communities and neighborhoods worth moving into, but wouldn’t you want your new space to be near something grand? Say, something like the magical kingdom of Walt Disney World?
These top 10 communities to live in around Disney World embody the very best of Central Florida living while providing close access to one of the best theme park experiences in the world.
Why is Orlando So Popular?
Setting aside the obvious attractions of Walt Disney and Universal Studios, Orlando, FL, does offer quite a bit to make it a popular location to move to. The weather is high on that list, as it tends to be sunny with a greater chance of warm temperatures year-round. Sure, it does rain. But those spurts don’t typically last long, and the southern sun dries everything up quickly.
Because of Universal and Walt Disney, Orlando is also a great place to find stable work. The tourism industry is big, meaning it shouldn’t be too hard to find employment to help you get into that new Orlando lakefront home. You’re also just under an hour away from some of the nicest beaches on the East Coast.
Luxury Living in Central Florida
Orlando has a good variety of Central Florida real estate, from comfortable single-story homes to lavished mansions overlooking pristine lakes. Deciding where to buy your new home in Orlando can be a little difficult even if you’ve narrowed it down to communities near Disney World. There are many to choose from, but we’ll explore the best of them so you can comfortably make the move to an Orlando community that satisfies your needs and wants.
Top 10 Communities Near Disney World
If you’re looking for communities to live in near Disney World, you can’t go wrong with any of the following ten best Orlando neighborhoods.
Bear’s Den Club
Located just over eight miles from Disney World, Bear’s Den Club is a small sliver of the luxurious Reunion Resort. Inviting vistas surround the 17th and 18th holes of the award-winning Jack Nicklaus golf course, providing homeowners with quite the view each morning. Bear’s Den Club is known for being one of Orlando’s highest-rated resort communities, and its proximity to Disney World only enhances the myriad of already appealing selling points.
Celebration
If you’re a Disney fanatic, chances are you’ve already heard of Celebration, FL. This stretch of lavished Orlando living was originally created by the Walt Disney Company as a master-planned community with almost immediate access to the famed theme park. Celebration sports pedestrian-friendly streets that pass by the community’s extravagant estates or more modest–albeit still beautiful–condos. The essence of Disney is imbued within this unforgettable community, where owning a home makes you part of the magic.
Bella Collina
Imagine if Southern Italy was merged with the tropical charm of Orlando. That’s Bella Collina. Found along Lake Apopka and Lake Siena’s shoreline, this stunning community near Disney World’s Magic Kingdom plays to a lifestyle steeped in splendor. Mediterranean architecture gives each home historic appeal while keeping homeowners near to the bustling city center of Orlando.
Windermere
Less than 10 miles from the parking lot of Walt Disney, Windermere is a true Orlando destination. If you’re going to move your family close to the theme park, then this community is definitely where you want to start looking. Windermere often feels quite alien to Orlando, with its emphasis on water activities and slightly more tempered weather conditions. The landscaping is breathtaking, the homes are among the best in Central Florida, and the community itself is warm and welcoming to new Orlando homeowners.
Golden Oak
Luxury is a common word heard when living in Golden Oak, a striking neighborhood that would work great for a vacation rental or personal retreat. It’s a short drive to Disney World, so you’ll spend less time on the road and more time marveling at the magic of the theme park. Golden Oak is an escape from reality while remaining a practical choice for your new Orlando home near Disney World.
Island Village
This delightful community captures the spirit of contemporary Orlando with homes designed with premium features and built with quality in mind. It can be easy to forget that this community is near Disney World as you’ll be too busy admiring your new home’s modern finishings and access to resort pools and walking trails. Island Village was actually inspired by Walt Disney, and you can still spot some of the classic Disney allure in this Florida retreat.
Reunion Resort
Just as important as being close to Walt Disney is having access to a well-manicured, top-rated golf course. Reunion Resort doesn’t just provide a place to live. It’s a robust community that’s not afraid to give back to its residents. There are three golf courses to choose from, in-community dining, and a designated waterpark. Reunion is where you want your new Orlando home to be when you want to feel like you’re perpetually on vacation.
Artisan Park
Boasting more of a traditional neighborhood motif, Artisan Park is not without its merits. In fact, there are many that land it on this list of ten communities to live in around Disney World. The homes are traditional and cute, whether you want a spacious single-family home or a traditional townhouse. It’s easy to get used to the parks and strolls through this Central Floridian paradise.
Celebration Village
Whereas Celebration is the larger community, Celebration Village is a small piece of the luxurious puzzle. It was one of the first communities to open in Celebration, and its appeal to new Florida homeowners warranted the continued development of the grander community. The village isn’t just home to beautiful properties. It has a little something for everyone, like a theater, restaurants, fitness center, game parlor, and private pool. Want to go shopping at nearby retailers? There’s a shuttle to simplify your day.
North Village
By the time North Village was added to Celebration, it was the fourth community, meaning developers had plenty of time to perfect the resort-style formula. North Village boasts an eclectic community of just over 360 homes near Disney World, including stately townhomes and contemporary condos. Residents also enjoy access to resort-style amenities, though the big draw beyond the lavish homes is its close access to the Magic Kingdom.