Whether you want to call it by its nickname, “The City Beautiful,” or just by its name, Orlando, FL is often viewed as one of many destinations to relocate to in Central Florida. From its acclaimed restaurants to theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, it shouldn’t come as a surprise nearly 290,000 people are living in Orlando. So, if you’re considering buying a home in Orlando, expect the median home sale price to land around $349,000. And if you’re a renter, the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Orlando is $2,249.
If those numbers are out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a place to call home. We’ve rounded up a list of the 10 best affordable Orlando suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 50-minute drive from the city. You’ll be close enough to explore Orlando’s best activities or hop on your favorite ride at one of the many theme parks – all without paying the price of city life.
#1: Lake Helen
Median home price: $178,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 40 minutes
Lake Helen, FL homes for sale
Lake Helen, FL apartments for rent
Lake Helen, with a median home sale price of $178,000, comes in at number one on our list of most affordable Orlando suburbs. About 3,000 people live in this suburban area and you’ll only be about 40 minutes away from downtown Orlando. Living in Lake Helen, you can take in the lakefront views of Lake Helen, stroll through Lake Macy Park, or watch a show at the Lake Helen Equestrian Center.
#2: Campbell
Median home price: $210,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 30 minutes
Campbell, FL homes for sale
Campbell, FL apartments for rent
Campbell takes the second spot on our list. Just about 30 minutes from Orlando, you’ll be watching the fireworks at Walt Disney World in a quick drive. Living in Campbell, make sure to spend the day at Cypress Shadows Front Park or head over to nearby Kissimmee and explore the many lakefront parks.
#3: Orlovista
Median home price: $235,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 10 minutes
Orlovista, FL homes for sale
Orlovista, FL apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Campbell is the suburb of Orlovista. With a population close to 6,500, there’s still plenty to do in this Orlando suburb, such as picnicking at Orlo Vista Park. Only 10 minutes away from downtown Orlando, you can easily plan an evening in the city, whether you’re looking to try a new restaurant or see a show.
#4: Umatilla
Median home price: $255,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 50 minutes
Umatilla, FL homes for sale
Umatilla, FL apartments for rent
Fourth on our list is another well-known Orlando suburb, Umatilla, where the home prices are about $50K less than in Orlando. With roughly 4,000 people calling Umatilla home, it’s a great area to consider living in. Whether you spend the day at North Lake Community Park or grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, there’s many activities to do and see in this suburb.
#5: Tangelo Park
Median home price: $258,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 15 minutes
Tangelo Park, FL homes for sale
Tangelo Park, FL apartments for rent
Next on our list of affordable Orlando suburbs is Tangelo Park, which is about 15 minutes away from the city center. With a population of close to 3,000, you’ll be living in a smaller area, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Tangelo Park. One living in this suburb, don’t miss out on indoor go-kart racing at K1 Speed and going on a rollercoaster at Fun Spot America.
#6: Zellwood
Median home price: $280,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 25 minutes
Zellwood, FL homes for sale
Zellwood, FL apartments for rent
If you’ve been living in Orlando for some time, you’ve probably heard about the suburb of Zellwood. Close to 3,000 residents call this affordable suburb home, so you’ll have a fraction of Orlando’s population while remaining only 25 minutes from the city. Living in Zellwood, be sure to visit the Wekiwa Springs State Park and Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail.
#7: Eustis
Median home price: $303,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 45 minutes
Eustis, FL homes for sale
Eustis, FL apartments for rent
Eustis takes the seventh spot on our list, with a median home sale price of $303,000 and only a 45-minute drive away from downtown Orlando. From parks and outdoor recreation to supporting local businesses, there are lots of things that make Eustis a great place to live. Make sure to visit Trout Lake Nature Center if you move to this affordable suburb.
#8: Tavares
Median home price: $307,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 40 minutes
Tavares, FL homes for sale
Tavares, FL apartments for rent
If you’re lucky to avoid traffic, it’ll only take about 40 minutes to drive into Orlando from our next suburb – Tavares. This suburb has a population of 18,500 and is home to Tavares Nature Park, Wooton Park, and Jungle Zone. You’ll always find something new to check out while living in this charming town.
#9: Taft
Median home price: $330,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 15 minutes
Taft, FL homes for sale
Taft, FL apartments for rent
About a 15-minute drive into the city, consider adding Taft to your list of Orlando suburbs to consider moving to. With 1,200 residents, moving to this affordable suburb can keep you close enough to Orlando, without paying the premium for a home there. In Taft, you’ll find Taft Neighborhood Park and have easy access to all the attractions throughout the city of Orlando.
#10: De Leon Springs
Median home price: $336,000
Driving distance from Orlando: 55 minutes
De Leon Springs, FL homes for sale
De Leon Springs, FL apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of affordable Orlando suburbs, is De Leon Springs. About 2,800 people live in this suburb and it’s about 55 minutes into Orlando on a traffic-free day. Make sure to stop by De Leon Springs State Park for a swim, rent a canoe, or hike on one of the trails.
Methodology:
Affordability is based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Orlando and under a 55-minute drive from downtown Orlando. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during April 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com May 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.