Approximately 320,000 Americans moved into Florida between 2021 and 2022, the largest number in the continental United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With no state income tax, an affordable cost of living and an average of 230 sunny days a year, it’s no surprise that so many opt to relocate to the Sunshine State.

Orlando’s growth rate is above the state average and it is one of the fastest-growing major cities in the U.S. Central Florida residents benefit from the area’s high-ranking schools and medical facilities as well as easy access to major theme parks, renowned beaches, professional sports teams and leisurely year-round outdoor activities. Appropriately called the “City Beautiful,” locals make up a large and diverse range of cultures.

Each year, Orlando Family Magazine spotlights the coveted communities of the Greater Orlando region. This year’s top towns and cities represent the best of the best in a variety of areas including shopping, dining, entertainment, activities, amenities, and best of all, community.

Alafaya

A scenic suburb of East Orange County, Alafaya encompasses the highly desired neighborhoods of Avalon Park and Waterford Lakes. Bordering the University of Central Florida, it is home to the well-traversed Alafaya Trail and Waterford Lakes Town Center, a premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Late last year, Orlando Health announced plans to build a brand-new freestanding emergency room facility that will serve the area.

Baldwin Park

One of the City Beautiful’s newer communities, Baldwin Park is an idyllic neighborhood, located less than 5 miles from Downtown Orlando. The area offers a walkable village center with an eclectic mix of retailers and eateries. With its numerous parks, lakes, playgrounds and common areas for residents to meet and socialize, it’s no wonder Baldwin Park is considered one of the friendliest communities in Orlando.

Clermont

Known as the “gem of the hills,” Clermont is one of the fastest-growing cities in Central Florida. Founded in 1884 and incorporated in 1916, Clermont is located just west of Orlando and north of Disney World. It is the largest city in Lake County and is rated as one of the top 20 U.S. cities for quality of life and economic development.

College Park

With its close proximity to Downtown and small-town feel, College Park offers the best of both worlds. One of Orlando’s oldest neighborhoods, the area of Edgewater Drive, from Lakeview Street to Par Street, is currently being redesigned with plans for wider sidewalks, lower speed limits, more decorative lightning and landscaping as well as a roundabout at Lakeview Street to slow down drivers.

Delaney Park

Located just south of Downtown, this peaceful neighborhood truly feels like a step back in time, from its cobblestone streets and large oak trees to the many traditional homes built from the 1920s through the 1960s. The area is home to a 7-acre park, also named Delaney Park, which features picnic facilities, playgrounds, ball fields and plenty of open spaces.

Dr. Phillips

From its top-rated schools to its close proximity to many major area attractions, it is no surprise that Dr. Phillips was named one of the best places to live in America by Time’s Money Magazine. Activities abound from the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, home of the PGA’s annual Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament, to a 43-acre picturesque lakefront park off the shores of Big Sand Lake.

Horizon West

Located in southwestern Orange County, just north of Walt Disney World, the up-and-coming community of Horizon West has a lot to offer residents and visitors. In the heart of Horizon West is the continuously expanding Hamlin Town Center, which features dining, shopping and entertainment with spectacular views of the Disney fireworks. This school year welcomed three new schools: Hamlin Elementary, Hamlin Middle and Panther Lake Elementary.

Lake Nona, Florida USA – May 14 , 2023: Lake Nona Sign in Town Center area.

Hunter’s Creek

Located less than 16 miles from Downtown Orlando, Hunter’s Creek is a thriving master planned community. Surrounded by beautiful greenery, it boasts several different parks, trails and lakes and is adjacent to Gatorland, a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve. There are plentiful dining and shopping options nearby at The Loop, as well as The Village at Hunter’s Creek and Hunter’s Creek Promenade.

Lake Nona

Often referred to as a “community of and for the future,” Lake Nona continues to advance in technology and grow in popularity. Home of the Lake Nona Medical City, a premier location for medical care, research and education, the area has a strong focus on health and overall well-being. The neighborhood’s thriving cultural landscape now includes a 50,000-square-foot outdoor sculpture garden.

Maitland

Steeped in rich history, art and culture, Maitland is one of Orlando’s oldest suburbs. Central Florida’s only full-time independent cinema, Enzian Theater is a beloved fixture in the community. Maitland is also home to the Orlando Sportsplex, formerly RDV Sportsplex, a 365,000-square-foot facility that features a state-of-the-art gym, aquatic center, various sports courts, an indoor track and an ice rink.

Minneola

Aptly named after a Native American phrase meaning “much water,” Minneola has plenty of lakes that are ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Situated in Lake County, Minneola provides a relaxed rural feel with the accessibility and convenience of a big city. The growing city is located on the highest elevation in Florida’s peninsula at 312 feet above sea level and covers 10.37 square miles. 

Oakland

A town full of deep history, this past January Oakland celebrated its 135th birthday. The serene area is home to the Oakland Nature Preserve. The preserve is open every day and has more than 13 miles of trails and boardwalks, along with an education center. Oakland is also part of the popular West Orange Trail, a 22-mile paved trail, beloved by pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Ocoee

Windermere, FL USA – 9-3-2022: Drone view of Isleworth Golf and Country Club.

The city of Ocoee continues to flourish, with a new sports complex currently in the works. The Ocoee Regional Sports Complex will include 16 full-size baseball fields, an inclusive recreational park and playground, multi-purpose fields and a splash pad. It will also feature two hotels, seven restaurants, retail buildings and two parking garages. The project is expected to be completed within the next few years.

Windermere

The town of Windermere provides both an upscale and historical feel. Downtown Windermere is small and quaint with brick-paved roads, large oak trees, roundabouts and mature landscaping. The bountiful lakes that surround the area add to its impressive beauty. Several town locations are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Every Friday (weather permitting), Downtown Windermere hosts a farmer’s market at Town Square Park.

Winter Garden

A former citrus town, nestled alongside beautiful Lake Apopka, Winter Garden is a charming community “where good things grow.” Incorporated in 1908, the city is known for its many recreational amenities, with a wide range of passive and active leisure activities. There are also lots of dining and shopping venues such as Winter Garden Village, an open-air shopping center with over 80 retailers and restaurants.

Winter Park

Considered to be one of Central Florida’s wealthiest neighborhoods, Winter Park is a premier destination for shopping and dining. In the heart of the city lies Park Avenue, which is often referred to as the “Rodeo Drive of the South.” Equally known for its tranquil outdoor spaces, the city recently broke ground on Seven Oaks Park, a beautiful new park surrounded by seven large live oak trees.