Top 11 Best Neighborhoods In Orlando For Students To Live & Study

Orlando isn’t just the theme park capital of the world; it’s where your student life can be just as magical. Just like in High School Musical, where every corner of East High had its vibe, Orlando’s neighborhoods each have a personality of their own. From quiet suburban streets to buzzing urban hubs, choosing the right place to stay can make your college experience smoother, safer, and more fun. In this guide, we’ll explore the best neighborhoods in Orlando where students can live, study, and enjoy the city to the fullest.

Top 11 Best Neighborhoods in Orlando for Students

Explore the best neighborhoods in Orlando for students. From lively Downtown Orlando to calm areas like Maitland and Azalea Park, these neighborhoods have parks, cafes, shops, and easy access to student-friendly places, making them perfect for living and studying in the city.

1. College Park

Safety Index: 8.5/10
Student Population: 6,500 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes (Le Café de Paris, Bulla Gastrobar), bars (The Greenhouse, Hanson’s Shoe Repair), entertainment spots (Soco Theater)
Parks: Lake Ivanhoe Park, Dickson Azalea Park, walking trails
Shopping: Edgewater Drive boutiques, Loch Haven Marketplace, local artisanal shops
Commute Options: LYNX bus, biking, walking – ~20 mins to Downtown Orlando
Nearby Universities: University of Central Florida (UCF), Valencia College, Rollins College
Best For: Students looking for a balanced lifestyle with cozy cafes, parks, and local shopping

College Park is widely regarded as one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for students due to its unique mix of charm, convenience, and lifestyle. The area features walkable streets lined with local cafes like Le Café de Paris and Bulla Gastrobar, bars such as The Greenhouse and Hanson’s Shoe Repair, and entertainment options at Soco Theater. Students can relax or study outdoors at Lake Ivanhoe Park or Dickson Azalea Park, and enjoy boutique shopping along Edgewater Drive or at Loch Haven Marketplace. Its safety, accessibility via LYNX buses and bike-friendly paths, and proximity to major universities make College Park one of the best suburbs in Orlando FL for students who want a balanced lifestyle with parks, shopping, and energetic local culture.

2. Winter Park

Safety Index: 9/10
Student Population: 5,000 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes (Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen, Coffee & Sandwiches), bars (The Wine Room, Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café), entertainment (Enzian Theater, Winter Park Playhouse)
Parks: Central Park, Mead Botanical Garden, Knowles Memorial Park
Shopping: Park Avenue boutiques, Winter Park Village, local artisan stores
Commute Options: LYNX bus, biking, walking – ~25 mins to Downtown Orlando
Nearby Universities: Rollins College, Full Sail University
Best For: Students looking for arts, scenic streets, and a quiet but lively lifestyle

Winter Park is one of the most scenic and student-friendly areas, making it a top choice among the best neighborhoods in Orlando. The streets are lined with charming cafes like Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen and Coffee & Sandwiches, perfect for studying or meeting friends. Students can enjoy cultural enrichment at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, relax in Central Park or Mead Botanical Garden, and shop at Park Avenue boutiques or Winter Park Village. Recognized as one of the best suburbs of Orlando, it combines safety, bike-friendly streets, and easy access to universities like Rollins College and Full Sail University, offering a balanced lifestyle of learning, leisure, and convenience.

3. Lake Nona 

Safety Index: 9/10
Student Population: 4,500 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes like Canvas Restaurant & Market
Parks: Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Walk of Champions
Shopping: Lake Nona Town Center, Boxi Park, Shoppes at Lake Nona
Commute Options: Bus routes, bike lanes, walking paths
Best For: Students seeking modern living, green spaces, and a tech-forward community
Nearby Universities: University of Central Florida, Valencia College Lake Nona Campus‍

Lake Nona is recognized as one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando, ideal for students looking for modern housing, safety, and a connected community. With tech and health hubs nearby, students have access to unique opportunities around Lake Nona Medical City. Enjoy cozy study sessions or coffee breaks at Canvas Restaurant & Market, while shopping and socializing at Lake Nona Town Center and Boxi Park. Ranked among the top Orlando neighborhoods, Lake Nona provides a perfect balance of convenience, lifestyle, and student-friendly amenities.

4. Dr. Phillips

Safety Index: 9/10
Student Population: 3,500 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes like Se7en Bites, entertainment at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, local eateries
Parks: Lake Whippoorwill Park, Dr. Phillips Community Park
Shopping: Restaurant Row, The Mall at Millenia, Dr. Phillips Shopping Plaza
Commute Options: Bus routes, bike lanes, walking paths
Best For: Students looking for upscale living, dining, and weekend adventures
Nearby Universities: University of Central Florida, Valencia College – West Campus

Dr. Phillips stands out as one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando and a top choice for students seeking a mix of upscale living and convenience. It’s famous Restaurant Row offers diverse dining, from Se7en Bites for breakfast to international cuisines for evening outings. Students enjoy proximity to parks like Lake Whippoorwill Park for outdoor study sessions or weekend fun. With easy access to theme parks and shopping at The Mall at Millenia, Dr. Phillips combines lifestyle, safety, and connectivity, making it one of the Orlando FL best neighborhoods for student living.

5. Thornton Park

Safety Index: 8/10
Student Population: 2,800 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes like The Stubborn Mule, boutique shops, weekend markets, local bars
Parks: Lake Eola Park, Thornton Park Playground
Shopping: Thornton Park District Shops, Boutique Row, East Central Plaza
Commute Options: Walking-friendly streets, bus routes, bike lanes
Best For: Students looking for a hip urban vibe with cafés and social spots
Nearby Universities: University of Central Florida, Full Sail University
Best Apartments: UnionWest At Creative Village

Thornton Park is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Orlando and a favorite among students seeking an urban, lively atmosphere. The area boasts cozy cafes like The Stubborn Mule, boutique shops along Boutique Row, and bustling weekend markets, perfect for relaxing or meeting friends. With Lake Eola Park nearby and excellent connectivity via walking paths and bus routes, students can enjoy both study time and social life effortlessly. These features make Thornton Park one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for students who want a convenient and student-friendly community.

6. Maitland

Safety Index: 9/10
Student Population: 1,500 students nearby
Lifestyle: Local cafes like Vines Grille & Wine Bar, Sofrito Restaurant, Tijuana Flats; community centers like Maitland Art Center, small restaurants, and cultural spots
Parks: Maitland Community Park, Lake Lily Park, Lake Minnehaha Park
Shopping: Park Avenue Shops, Maitland Center, Winter Park Village (nearby)
Commute Options: Bus routes, bike-friendly streets, easy driving access
Best For: Students looking for a peaceful, suburban lifestyle with easy access to essentials
Nearby Universities: Full Sail University, Rollins College

Maitland is one of the good neighborhoods in Orlando FL, offering a calm suburban vibe ideal for students. Students can enjoy local favorites like Vines Grille & Wine Bar, Sofrito Restaurant, and Tijuana Flats, while cultural spots like Maitland Art Center provide creative spaces. Its parks, including Maitland Community Park and Lake Lily Park, make outdoor activities easy, and shopping at Park Avenue Shops or Winter Park Village adds convenience. With nearby universities, safe streets, and quiet neighborhoods, Maitland stands out as one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for students balancing study and lifestyle.

7. Baldwin Park

Safety Index: 9/10
Student Population: 2,000 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes like The Stubborn Mule, Daily City Coffee, Starbucks Reserve; restaurants including The Rusty Spoon, Hawkers Asian Street Fare; gyms like Orangetheory Fitness and LA Fitness
Parks: Lake Baldwin Park, Lake Baldwin Boardwalk, Eola Park (nearby)
Shopping: Baldwin Park Village Center, boutique shops, local markets
Commute Options: Bike-friendly streets, bus routes, walking paths
Best For: Students looking for a balanced lifestyle with outdoor spaces, social spots, and convenience
Nearby Universities: Full Sail University, University of Central Florida (UCF) Downtown Campus)
Best Apartments: UnionWest At Creative Village

Baldwin Park is a well-designed community and ranks among the best neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida, for students seeking a mix of comfort and convenience. Its streets are lined with cozy cafes like The Stubborn Mule and Daily City Coffee, while The Rusty Spoon and Hawkers Asian Street Fare offer great dining options. Students can relax or exercise in parks like Lake Baldwin Park and Lake Baldwin Boardwalk, or shop at Baldwin Park Village Center. With safe streets, gyms, and proximity to universities, Baldwin Park stands out as one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for a well-rounded student lifestyle.

8. Downtown Orlando

‍Safety Index: 7/10
Student Population: 4,500 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes like Foxtail Coffee Co., Lineage Coffee Roasting; restaurants such as Kres Chophouse, Hanson’s Shoe Repair; nightlife at Wall Street Plaza, Cuba Libre Orlando
Parks: Lake Eola Park, Thornton Park District
Shopping: The Florida Mall (nearby), boutique shops in Thornton Park
Commute Options: SunRail, LYNX bus system, walking-friendly streets, bike lanes
Best For: Students looking for nightlife, cultural events, and city convenience
Nearby Universities: UCF Downtown Campus, Rollins College

Downtown Orlando is one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for students who want to be at the city’s heart. The area blends urban energy with cultural hubs like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and nightlife at Wall Street Plaza. Cafes such as Foxtail Coffee Co. and Lineage Coffee Roasting provide great study spots, while restaurants like Kres Chophouse and Cuba Libre Orlando offer diverse dining. With Lake Eola Park nearby, plenty of boutique shopping, and easy transit options, Downtown Orlando stands out as one of the good neighborhoods in Orlando for a lively and convenient student lifestyle.

9. Ivanhoe Village

Safety Index: 6.5/10
Student Population: ~3,000 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes like Lineage Coffee Roasting, Hawthorne Coffee House; bars and music venues including The Imperial at Washburn Imports, Will’s Pub; artsy boutiques and studios
Parks: Lake Ivanhoe Park, Robinson Park
Shopping: Local shops along East Washington Street, artisan stores at Ivanhoe Village Market
Commute Options: LYNX buses, walking-friendly streets, bike lanes
Best For: Students seeking artsy vibes, live music, and a creative community
Nearby Universities: Full Sal University, UCF Downtown Campus

Ivanhoe Village is one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for students who love an artsy and mixed lifestyle. This neighborhood offers an exciting mix of bars, cafes, and music venues such as The Imperial at Washburn Imports and Will’s Pub, making it ideal for socializing and weekend fun. Students can enjoy cozy spots like Lineage Coffee Roasting and Hawthorne Coffee House for study sessions. With green spaces like Lake Ivanhoe Park and unique shopping at Ivanhoe Village Market. Ivanhoe Village combines creativity and convenience, establishing itself as one of the good neighborhoods in Orlando for a spirited student life.

10. Conway

Safety Index: 7/10
Student Population: ~2,500 students nearby
Lifestyle: Cafes like Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, and Panera Bread, casual dining at Maggie’s Café, local hangouts, and outdoor recreation
Parks: Conway Chain of Lakes, Barnett Park, Downey Park
Shopping: Conway Commons, Publix Super Market, local boutiques
Commute Options: Bus routes via LYNX, biking trails, walkable streets
Best For: Students seeking an affordable, suburban lifestyle with outdoor activities
Nearby Universities: University of Central Florida (UCF) – East Campus, Full Sail University
Best Apartments: UnionWest At Creative Village

‍Conway is a peaceful, affordable suburban vibe that ranks among the best neighborhoods in Orlando and best suburbs in Orlando FL for students looking for a balance between study and outdoor recreation. The area is centered around the Conway Chain of Lakes, perfect for kayaking, jogging, or weekend picnics. Students can enjoy cozy spots like Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, or Panera Bread for study sessions, and grab casual meals at Maggie’s Café. With parks such as Barnett Park and shopping at Conway Commons, Conway offers a mix of affordability, convenience, and nature-friendly living ideal for student life.

11. Azalea Park

Safety Index: 7/10
Student Population: ~2,000 students nearby
Lifestyle: Local eateries like Azalea Park Café, King’s Pizza, and casual hangouts for study sessions or weekend brunch
Parks: Azalea Park, Blanchard Park, Gotha Park – great for jogging and outdoor activities
Shopping: Azalea Plaza, Walmart Supercenter, local boutiques
Commute Options: LYNX bus routes, biking, and walkable streets
Best For: Students looking for budget-friendly housing in a quiet, suburban setting
Nearby Universities: University of Central Florida (UCF) – East Campus, Valencia College – East Campus

Azalea Park is ideal for students seeking budget-friendly housing in a quiet, suburban setting. This neighborhood offers local favorites like Azalea Park Café and King’s Pizza, perfect for casual meals or group study sessions. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy jogging or relaxing at Azalea Park, Blanchard Park, and Gotha Park. With convenient amenities such as Azalea Plaza and Walmart Supercenter, students have everything within reach. These features make Azalea Park one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando Florida, while its student-centric vibe and accessibility also place it among the best neighborhoods in Orlando.

Tips to Find the Best Apartments in Orlando

Finding the perfect student apartment in Orlando is easier if you focus on the best neighborhoods in Orlando. Here are some quick tips:

1. Set a budget – Know how much you can afford for rent and utilities.
2. Prioritize location – Choose areas close to campus, cafes, parks, or transport.
3. Check safety – Research crime rates and talk to current residents.
4. Visit in person – See the apartment and neighborhood before committing.
5. Read reviews – Learn from the experiences of current or past tenants.
6. Look for amenities – Check for laundry, Wi-Fi, gyms, and parking options.

Finding the best neighborhoods in Orlando can make your student life more convenient, safe, and fun. From walkable streets to cozy cafes, lively nightlife, and green spaces, each area has something unique to offer. Whether you’re looking for affordable rentals or places close to your classes, choosing the right neighborhood matters. Amber makes this process simple by letting you compare verified student apartments, explore local amenities, and book hassle-free. With amber, you can focus on enjoying your student experience in Orlando while we take care of finding your ideal home.