Located in central Florida is the bustling city of Orlando. From the beautiful beaches and top-notch restaurants to the city’s infamous theme parks, Orlando is a great place to call home.
That said, even with everything Orlando has to offer, every city has its flaws. The traffic, tourist attractions, and general hustle and bustle may not be the right fit for you. So whether you’re moving to the city for a job or have lived in the area for a while, there are many cities near Orlando you may want to consider instead.
The following five cities are organized by proximity to Orlando, each with its own features and charm that may draw you away from city life.
#1: Conway, FL
Miles from Orlando: 6
Population: 67,000
Median home sale price: $425,000
Conway is southeast of Orlando and is a quiet and convenient place to call home outside of the city. There are many things to do in Conway, including visiting the local parks and museums, going on a nature hike, biking or kayaking down the river, and or visiting the local historical sites.
Homes for sale in Conway, FL
Apartments for rent in Conway, FL
#2: Pine Hills, FL
Miles from Orlando: 6
Population: 81,500
Median home sale price: $174,000
Walk Score: 27
Bike Score: 37
Transit Score: 31
The community of Pine Hills offers affordable housing options while still being close to the hustle and bustle of Orlando. There are also plenty of activities to keep residents busy. For starters, you can check out Wekiva Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the state. You can also visit the Pine Hills Nature Preserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife. If you’re looking for a more active activity, you can go hiking or biking on one of the many trails in the area. And of course, you can always just relax and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather.
Homes for sale in Pine Hills, FL
Apartments for rent in Pine Hills, FL
#3: Apopka, FL
Miles from Orlando: 21
Population: 53,000
Median home sale price: $382,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,660
Walk Score: 18
Bike Score: 37
Transit Score: 18
Apopka, Florida, is located in northwest Orange County, about 21 miles northwest of Orlando and about 28 miles southwest of Daytona Beach. Apopka is known for its award-winning parks and recreation, award-winning schools, and its easy access to the Orlando area.
There are many things to do in Apopka, FL. Some of these include visiting the Apopka Art and History Museum, hiking and biking through the Northwest Recreation Complex, fishing in Lake Apopka, playing golf at the Apopka Country Club, and much more.
Homes for sale in Apopka, FL
Apartments for rent in Apopka, FL
#4: Kissimmee, FL
Miles from Orlando: 22
Population: 72,400
Median home sale price: $365,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,642
Walk Score: 30
Bike Score: 49
Transit Score: 27
Located just 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), Kissimmee, FL, is known for Kissimmee Lakefront Park, recreational water sports, and its military history. An interesting fact about the city is that the word “Kissimmee” means “long water,” and the city was named after the large Kissimmee River that flows through it.
The city is located about an hour away from each coast, so living here means you’ll have reality easy access to the beach and is right on the doorstep of the world-famous theme parks. The city also boasts a variety of tasty restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers. There’s truly something for everyone living in Kissimmee.
Homes for sale in Kissimmee, FL
Apartments for rent in Kissimmee, FL
#5: Sanford, FL
Miles from Orlando: 27
Population: 60,300
Median home sale price: $360,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,746
Walk Score: 27
Bike Score: 40
Transit Score: 20
Sanford is in central Florida, just north of Orlando. The city is home to various businesses and attractions, including the Central Florida Zoo, the Seminole Towne Center mall, and the Sanford Airport. Sanford is also a popular destination for golfers, and the city is home to several golf courses. The area is conveniently located close to the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe and is a popular destination for watersport enthusiasts, nature lovers, and fishermen.
Homes for sale in Sanford, FL
Apartments for rent in Sanford, FL
Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Orlando. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
