Orlando isn't merely the theme park capital of sunny skies—it's also a rapidly expanding city in Florida, drawing in students, families, and professionals. With more newcomers relocating annually, finding the safest neighborhoods in Orlando has become imperative than ever before. Whether you’re planning to move for school, work, or a lifestyle upgrade, choosing the right neighborhood can make all the difference in how safe, connected, and comfortable your experience feels.
So, what makes a neighborhood one of the safest areas in Orlando? It's not all about low crime rates—although that definitely has a lot to do with it. The safest neighborhood in Orlando is usually one that has a strong sense of community, clean streets, walkable neighborhoods, responsive police, and family-friendly features such as parks and schools. Neighborhood watch programs, community events, and homeowner associations also play a big role in a safer community.
In a diverse city such as Orlando, safety is extremely dependent on location. From high-end suburbs such as Windermere and Baldwin Park to inner-city neighborhoods such as College Park are some of the safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida that are highly rated for safety and quality of life. If you want to know what areas are safe places to live in Orlando FL, you're at the right place, as this article will take you through the best and most trustworthy neighborhoods in Orlando.
Here's a closer look at Orlando safest neighborhoods, not merely where crime is lowest, but where people feel most at home.
Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods in Orlando
Orlando is one of the best places to live in Florida. From suburban charm to urban walkability, these are the safest areas in Orlando where low crime, strong communities, and great amenities come together. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or parent raising a family, here’s a closer look at some of the safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida, you’ll want to consider.
Neighborhood
|
Crime Rate (vs Orlando avg) | Avg. Rent (1BR) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Phillips | 50% lower | $1,900 | Professionals, families |
Baldwin Park | 45% lower | $2,000 | Walkability, young professionals |
Lake Nona | 60% lower | $2,150 | Tech workers, families |
Winter Park | 55% lower | $1,850 | Suburban life, students |
Maitland | 50% lower | $1,700 | Working professionals |
Oviedo | 65% lower | $1,600 | Families, students |
Windermere | 70% lower | $2,200 | Luxury living, families |
College Park | 40% lower | $1,750 | Artists, young professionals |
Hunter’s Creek | 50% lower | $1,800 | Suburban families |
Conway | 45% lower | $1,650 | Quiet lifestyle, retirees |
1. Dr. Phillips
Dr. Phillips is one of the most desirable and safest Orlando Florida, neighborhoods, offering upscale living and suburban convenience. Southwest of downtown, it's famous for luxury homes, good schools, and easy access to Universal Studios and Restaurant Row.
Crime Rate: Dr. Phillips regularly reports crime rates well below both the Orlando and national averages. Based on recent statistics, it has 50% less crime than the city average and is a safe place to live in Orlando FL.
Average Rent: The typical rent at Dr. Phillips is between $1,900 and $2,500 for a one- to two-bedroom unit, indicative of its upscale nature as Orlando's safest neighborhood.
Why It’s Safe: Gated neighborhoods, community watch schemes, and strict HOA enforcement provide a sense of safety and orderliness. The neighborhood's wealth also translates to higher investment in infrastructure and private security initiatives.
Ideal For: Ideal for professionals, families, and retirees who desire a quiet yet accessible lifestyle in one of the safest areas in Orlando with easy access to work and recreation.
2. Baldwin Park
Just east of downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park is a pedestrian-friendly, master-planned neighborhood on a former naval training station. Today, it's famous for its views along the lakes, bike trails, local shops, and town center atmosphere. It's one of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando Florida, where urban living is accessible without the dangers found in city centers.
Crime Rate: Baldwin Park has one of Orlando's lowest rates of crime in the metropolitan area, close to 60% lower than citywide. It's frequently cited in research as one of the safest areas in Orlando to live and work.
Average Rent: Renting here generally costs between $1,800 and $2,300 a month, making it cheaper than Dr. Phillips but still providing access to some of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando.
Why It’s Safe: Planned development, committed community policing, and high walkability contribute to its safety. Residents pride themselves on their close-knit environment, and numerous small shops help to create a greater sense of local responsibility.
Ideal For: Perfect for students, young professionals, and small families who desire a lively but safe atmosphere near downtown.
3. Lake Nona
Lake Nona is one of Central Florida's fastest-growing and most forward-thinking communities. Nicknamed "Medical City" because of the number of high-end hospitals and research centers, it's also one of the safe areas in Orlando, FL, that's ideal for technology professionals, medical professionals, and families.
Crime Rate: Crime within Lake Nona is significantly lower than Orlando's average. The community experiences low violent and property crime rates, ranking consistently as one of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando.
Average Rent: You can expect to pay between $1,900 and $2,600 per month, depending on the complex and amenities. Prices indicate Lake Nona's great desirability as a safe place to live in Orlando FL.
Why It’s Safe: Master planning, first-rate lighting, neighborhood activities, and top schools all contribute to its high safety rating. Regular patrolling and security by private guards in certain areas add to the sense of security.
Ideal For: A perfect option for young professionals, medical students, and families seeking state-of-the-art living in one of Orlando's safest neighborhoods.
4. Winter Park
Winter Park is a combination of old-world charm and upscale amenities just a few miles north of downtown. Known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and cultural attractions, it's one of the most walkable and safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida.
Crime Rate: Winter Park has a low crime rate, particularly in relation to downtown Orlando. The residents have a serene environment that places it among the safest areas in Orlando year in and year out
Average Rent: Rents in Winter Park typically range from $1,700 to $2,400 for mid- to high-end apartments and condos.
Why It’s Safe: Community-based policing, civic-mindedness, and a thriving local economy make Winter Park one of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando. The city also spends much on public safety and beautification.
Ideal For: Ideal for couples, retirees, and professionals seeking artsy character, safety, and proximity to quality schools and parks.
5. Maitland
Maitland offers suburban relaxation with city access. Just northwest of Winter Park, the neighborhood features plenty of lakes, parks, and peaceful neighborhoods, earning its spot as one of the safe areas in Orlando FL, for laid-back, family-oriented living.
Crime Rate: Maitland boasts a crime rate lower than the Florida average and far below the Orlando metropolitan area. Its steady ranking as one of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando makes it a good choice for long-term residents.
Average Rent: Expect rents around $1,600 to $2,200, depending on proximity to downtown and amenities.
Why It’s Safe: Intensive community watch schemes, regular patrolling, and good city services contribute to making Maitland a safe place to live in Orlando FL. Its lower population density also contributes to lowering incidents.
Ideal For: Best for families and older adults seeking peace and greenery while staying close to downtown Orlando.
6. Oviedo
Oviedo is an adorable suburb that lies in the northeast region of Orlando. It is famed for its fabulous public schools, strong community bonds, and slow, small-town atmosphere. While it has quickly developed, it continues to rank among the safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida, by mixing convenience and comfort.
Crime Rate: Oviedo consistently registers crime rates well below the national and city averages. Property crime and violent crime are both exceptionally low, and it is one of the safest areas in Orlando for families and students.
Average Rent: Rent varies from $1,700 to $2,300, depending on the location and size of the property. The rates reflect Oviedo's status as a safe place to live in Orlando FL, with first-class amenities.
Why It’s Safe: Active neighborhood watches, high police visibility, and a high homeownership rate make Oviedo safe. Its well-lit streets and family-oriented planning make it stand out among Orlando safest neighborhoods.
Ideal For: Oviedo is perfect for families, university students (especially from nearby UCF), and professionals who prioritize safety, schools, and suburban peace.
7. Windermere
Situated southwest of downtown, Windermere is a high-end residential neighborhood famous for its luxury homes, lakefront views, and exclusivity. It's commonly known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Orlando Florida, providing seclusion and peace in equal proportion.
Crime Rate: Windermere has one of the lowest crime rates within the Orlando metropolitan area. Gated communities and keenly alert private security make it an easy choice as the safest neighborhood in Orlando.
Average Rent: Rents in Windermere start at $2,000 to $3,000 and above, depending on the type of property. It's a more upscale market, but you're paying for access to one of the safe areas in Orlando FL.
Why It’s Safe: Most of Windermere's communities are private-gated or HOA-maintained with their own patrols. The region also enjoys solid municipal services and high resident engagement, making it one of the safest places to live in Orlando.
Ideal For: Windermere is suitable for wealthy families, retirees, and professionals who desire an exclusive, safe setting in one of the safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida.
8. Hunters Creek
Hunters Creek is a master-planned community in South Orlando. Famous for its family-friendly layout, parks, and excellent schools, it's a perennially popular choice among the safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida.
Crime Rate: Hunters Creek is well below the national average for both violent and property offenses. It's always rated as one of the safest areas in Orlando, particularly for young families with children.
Average Rent: Rental rates in Hunters Creek are between $1,600 and $2,400. It is a great value for those wishing for a safe place to live in Orlando FL, without being pushed away from downtown or Disney.
Why It’s Safe: This is a well-structured neighborhood with great infrastructure, patrols in the neighborhood, and strong HOA rules. Events and community parks construct local participation and enhance their ranking as one of Orlando safest neighborhoods.
Ideal For: Perfect for young couples, families, and Disney workers, Hunters Creek provides a quiet, active-lifestyle community in one of the safe areas in Orlando FL.
9. College Park
College Park mingles urban convenience with suburban charm. Situated northwest of downtown Orlando, it's famous for brick-paved streets, independent cafes, and a close-knit community atmosphere—traits that make it one of the more distinctive and safest neighborhoods in Orlando Florida.
Crime Rate: Crime in College Park is less than in most central Orlando neighborhoods. Community redevelopment and engagement have made it the safest area in Orlando to live.
Average Rent: Average prices in College Park range from $1,800 to $2,500, which is a bit more expensive, but worth it if you're searching for a safe place to live in Orlando FL, close to downtown.
Why It’s Safe: The community enjoys historic preservation, active citizens, and committed neighborhood businesses. Sidewalks, community watches, and public forums support security, making it one of Orlando FL's safest and most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
Ideal For: Excellent for professionals, Rollins and UCF students close to nearby campuses, and retirees who desire safety and access to the city in one of Orlando's safest neighborhoods.
10. Conway
Conway is a kid-friendly suburb southeast of Orlando's Downtown area. Tree-lined streets and suburban surroundings make Conway a highly admired, safest neighborhood in Orlando with quick access to city amenities.
Crime Rate: Conway has a pretty low crime rate, particularly for violent crime. It's ranked as one of the safest areas in Orlando by residents who enjoy a laid-back and safe way of life.
Average Rent: Rent in Conway typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, making it an affordable option among the safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida.
Why It’s Safe: Neat and tidy homes, community pride, and a non-transient flow of traffic maintain Conway as one of the safe areas in Orlando FL. Some of the long-time residents have been here for decades, creating a stable atmosphere for the community.
Ideal For: Conway is ideal for middle-class families, educators, and young professionals looking for a relaxed, safe life in one of the safest places to live in Orlando.
Choosing where to live in a city like Orlando comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and, of course, safety. Luckily, there are plenty of safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida that offer peace of mind along with excellent amenities, strong communities, and high livability.
Why These Neighborhoods In Orlando Are the Safest
- Low Crime Rates: These neighborhoods consistently rank among the safest areas in Orlando due to significantly lower crime rates compared to the city average.
- Strong Community Engagement: Whether it’s Baldwin Park’s town hall meetings or Windermere’s family events, engaged residents help make these some of the safe neighborhoods in Orlando Florida.
- Proactive Law Enforcement: Local police departments are active in these communities with frequent patrols and neighborhood watch programs—key reasons these are Orlando safest neighborhoods.
- Well-Planned Infrastructure: Areas like Lake Nona and Dr. Phillips feature planned roads, smart lighting, and surveillance, which boost their status as safe areas in Orlando FL.
- Family-Friendly Design: From parks to top-rated schools, neighborhoods like Oviedo and Winter Park are designed for safety, making them some of the safest places to live in Orlando for families.
- Higher-Income Demographics: Generally, higher-income areas tend to have fewer crimes. This holds true for places like Maitland and Windermere, often referred to as a safe place to live in Orlando FL.
Is Orlando a Safe Place to Live?
- Yes—with location awareness: Orlando is a large and diverse city. While some areas struggle with crime, many others are nationally recognized as the safest neighborhoods in Orlando Florida.
- Tourist Zones vs. Residential Areas: Crime is often concentrated in tourist-heavy spots. In contrast, places like College Park and Conway are much calmer and among the safest areas in Orlando.
- Gated Communities Help: Many of the safe areas in Orlando FL, like Lake Nona and Hunters Creek, include gated communities that limit access and increase peace of mind.
- Growth Drives Safety: Orlando’s suburban growth is pushing outwards into planned, secure communities, many now considered the safest neighborhoods in Orlando.
- Local Initiatives Work: Programs focused on youth engagement, neighborhood watches, and city-funded infrastructure upgrades are improving safety in several Orlando safest neighborhoods.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly suburb like Winter Park, a tech-forward area like Lake Nona, or a luxurious escape like Windermere, you'll find your match among the safest areas in Orlando. Each of these communities stands out not just for their low crime rates, but also for its well-maintained infrastructure, access to green spaces, and active community engagement.
No matter your age or stage of life, there's a safe place to live in Orlando FL, waiting for you.