orlando young professionals

Best Orlando Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

When it comes to finding the perfect apartment, location is everything — especially for young professionals in Orlando.

The Orlando area is rich in amazing and eclectic neighborhoods, with something to suit any young professional. Check out this list of the very best Orlando has to offer.

Baldwin Park

baldwin park orlando

Baldwin Park is the first Orlando neighborhood you should consider when searching for your next apartment. Just three miles from the city’s downtown district, Baldwin Park offers a quick commute to work and access to plenty of hot spots. In fact, it’s widely touted to be one of the very best places to live in all of Florida!

The neighborhood was built on what used to be the site of the Naval Training Center. Now, Baldwin Park features numerous exciting amenities. From gorgeous parks to plentiful shopping, this neighborhood will keep you entertained when you’re not relaxing in your homey rental.

Orlando’s young professionals can hang out with coworkers at one of the many bars, meet new friends at a trendy coffee shop and go for a jog through the park. As a young professional, you won’t have any trouble finding things to fill your time in Baldwin Park. Of course, the fact that you won’t spend too much time commuting is a major bonus.

East Central Park

east central park orlando fl

Source: Rent. / Enclave at Lake Underhill

A scant two miles from downtown Orlando, East Central Park is in the middle of all the action, especially for young professionals. This neighborhood is known for its chill vibe and community feeling, probably because its population is less than 1,500.

You’ll really love this neighborhood if you don’t own a car. Everything’s within walking distance, including the grocery store, coffee shop, breweries and restaurants. If you do have wheels, getting to a downtown office is a breeze.

You’ll also find fitness centers, parks and libraries in East Central Park. Of special note is Festival Park, home to Orlando Skate Park, which boasts a ton of courses fit for skaters from beginner to ultra-advanced. Festival Park also has on-site volleyball courts, happily used by locals during downtime away from the office, as well as a trailhead. So, whether you want to spend time outside during the day or meet up with friends at night, this neighborhood could be the perfect spot to look for an apartment.

Downtown

downtown orlando

A place right in the heart of Orlando, smack in the city center, is the ideal spot for the most metropolitan young professionals. The aptly named Downtown neighborhood (also known as the Central Business District) is not only home to the city’s largest concentration of shops, restaurants and high rises, but it also features a great collection of apartments to choose from.

In this neighborhood, you can get a nice place overlooking an amazing view of the city for a very reasonable monthly rate. At night, just head downstairs, stroll down the street and into a city teeming with exciting things to see and do. Meet others your age by checking out a club or going out for some fine dining. You’re counted among young professionals now, so you have some fun money to spend (ideally, anyway)!

In addition to shops and restaurants, the Central Business District features a variety of cultural experiences. The local farmer’s market is famed for its great food, and the neighborhood hosts the annual Orlando Film Festival.

If neither food nor film draws your attention, visit one of the Central Business District’s many museums, including Wycliffe Discovery Center or the Orange County Regional History Center. Whatever the case, you’ll never be bored when your apartment is smack dab in the middle of downtown Orlando.

Thornton Park

thornton park orlando

Another hot spot for Orlando’s young professionals, Thornton Park walks the line between an up-and-coming urban kingdom and a luxurious dining hub. In contrast with the high-energy dance clubs so common in other neighborhoods, Thornton Park is more laid-back in nature. In fact, it’s so chill that it’s most popular with adults who enjoy great dining, craft drinks and the ability to converse with companions.

Eola Wine Company and the Falcon Bar & Gallery are two popular haunts, the latter of which is a combination hotspot and art venue. There are also opportunities to mingle with others at a similar stage in life at one of the area’s many wine tastings or community walks. The district also puts on Thursday at the Circle, where people can taste and purchase the wares of an array of eclectic vendors.

Located in Northwest Orlando, the quaint neighborhood of Thornton Park is convenient to the downtown area. You can take a trip to the city by car or use the public transportation system, whichever you prefer. In fact, buses are an easy way to get to work if your office is downtown. The metropolitan proximity doesn’t take away from the neighborhood’s charm, however, thanks to tree-lined streets with historic homes and adorable bungalows galore.

Park Lake/Highland

park lake/highland orlando

Source: Rent. / 1460 Alden Rd

With its suburban feel and competitive rental market, the Park Lake/Highland neighborhood is quiet and cozy, but still a lot of fun. There are very few children living in the area, which is mostly populated by college-educated millennials. In fact, fewer than a thousand people total call this higher-end neighborhood home!

Charming brick roads and historic homes line the streets in this picturesque neighborhood, which includes two beautiful lakes. Getting around is easy without a car since this neighborhood is known for its walkability to local shops, restaurants, bars, museums and the occasional parade. Park Lake/Highland is also the home of Orlando’s oldest oak tree!

Park Lake/Highland also offers a diversity factor that’s often lacking elsewhere. The section known as Little Saigon features an array of authentic Vietnamese shops and restaurants. If your tastes aren’t quite so adventurous, stop by the Mills 50 district for more standard, yet still delicious, food options.

South Eola

south eola orlando fl

Located in Downtown Orlando, residents of South Eola have long called this neighborhood the “best neighborhood” in the area. For many, Lake Eola Park is the crowning glory of this neighborhood, as it offers a ton of natural beauty, but also plenty of events for locals to enjoy. Walkers, runners and bikers appreciate the nearly one-mile trail around the lake, and date-nighters love to rent romantic paddle boats shaped like swans. The Walt Disney Amphitheater on-site also puts on a ton of plays, concerts and other events.

Walkable, good for bicycles and a stone’s throw from epic nightlife, South Eola has everything a young professional in Orlando could want. Don’t feel like walking? Catch the free bus to Orange, where you’ll have access to a ton of restaurants, bars, shopping and the grocery store.

Not a bad option in the bunch

In a world where a lot of choices are extremely difficult, it’s good to know that choosing a neighborhood in Orlando isn’t one of them, especially if you select from this list. No matter your income level and desired location, there’s a neighborhood that’s just right to suit you and your needs as a young professional.

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