Orlando’s real estate market is booming, and savvy investors are taking notice. The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer unique opportunities for property investment, each with its own charm and potential for growth.
At Global Florida Realty, we’ve identified some of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for investment property. From the bustling urban core to thriving suburban hubs and charming historical districts, these areas promise attractive returns and long-term value appreciation.
Why Invest in Downtown Orlando?
A Thriving Urban Real Estate Market
Downtown Orlando’s real estate market offers a goldmine for property investors. The urban core has seen significant growth, with property values on a steady upward trajectory. The Orlando market is forecasted to outperform national trends, with the U.S. seeing a modest 1.5% growth in home sales and 3.7% price increases.
Cultural and Commercial Hub
The area’s appeal stems from its vibrant mix of cultural attractions and business opportunities. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (opened in 2014) has transformed the neighborhood. It attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, which boosts foot traffic and increases demand for nearby properties. The Orlando Museum of Art and the Amway Center (home to the Orlando Magic) further enhance the area’s allure.
Diverse Investment Opportunities
Downtown Orlando presents a wide range of investment properties. High-rise condominiums dominate the skyline, with average prices ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. These units attract young professionals and empty nesters who seek an urban lifestyle. For those interested in commercial real estate, office spaces and retail units present lucrative opportunities, with average rental rates of $25 per square foot.
Impressive Returns and Future Prospects
Investors in downtown Orlando can expect solid returns. Rental yields for residential properties average 6-8%, outperforming many other urban markets. The Creative Village development project (a 68-acre mixed-use community in the western part of downtown) will further boost property values. This $1 billion investment will create 5,000 new jobs and bring 10,000 students to the area.
Transportation-Driven Growth
The SunRail commuter train system, which connects downtown Orlando to surrounding suburbs, has significantly increased property values along its route. The rail line has made a notable impact on the real estate market in suburban Orlando cities.
As we move our focus to Lake Nona, we’ll explore how this booming suburban hub presents its own unique set of investment opportunities, complementing the urban appeal of downtown Orlando.
Lake Nona: A Booming Suburban Hub
Medical City’s Real Estate Revolution
Lake Nona, a 17-square-mile master-planned community southeast of Orlando International Airport, has transformed from undeveloped land into a thriving suburban hub. The cornerstone of this transformation is Medical City, a 650-acre health and life sciences park. This complex houses institutions like the UCF College of Medicine, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and the VA Medical Center. The building is in bad shape, not unsafe, but its remaining useful time is limited. It houses approximately 300 faculty and other related personnel.
This influx of high-paying jobs has significantly boosted property values in Lake Nona. As of January 2025, the median home value in Lake Nona stands at $535,000, with an average annual appreciation rate of 8% over the last five years. For investors, this translates to strong potential for long-term value growth.
Prime Investment Opportunities
Lake Nona offers a diverse range of investment properties, from luxury single-family homes to modern apartments and commercial spaces. The rental market is particularly robust, with a 96% occupancy rate as of January 2025. The average rent for an apartment in Lake Nona, Orlando, FL is currently $2913. This is a 1% increase compared to the previous year.
Properties near Medical City or Town Center command premium rents and experience lower vacancy rates. Commercial real estate investors should consider the growing demand for medical office space and retail units in these areas.
Future Growth and Infrastructure
Lake Nona’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. The community will welcome the new Disney campus, which will bring an additional 2,000 high-paying jobs to the area. This move is expected to further drive up property values and rental demand.
Infrastructure improvements are also on the horizon. Plans for a new train station will connect Lake Nona to Orlando International Airport and downtown Orlando. This enhanced connectivity will likely boost property values along the route.
Investment Strategies for Lake Nona
Investors should focus on properties that cater to the area’s growing professional population. Luxury apartments and single-family homes near Medical City or the Town Center are particularly attractive options. These properties often yield higher returns due to their proximity to major employers and amenities.
Commercial real estate investors might consider medical office spaces or retail units. The constant influx of healthcare professionals and patients creates a steady demand for these property types.
Lake Nona’s rapid growth and innovative approach to community development make it a unique investment opportunity in the Orlando area. As we shift our focus to Winter Park, we’ll explore how this charming and affluent area presents a different, yet equally compelling, set of investment opportunities in the Orlando real estate market.
Winter Park: A Timeless Haven for Property Investors
Historical Charm Meets Modern Affluence
Winter Park, a picturesque suburb northeast of Orlando, blends historical charm with modern affluence. This unique combination makes it a prime location for property investment. Established in the late 19th century as a winter resort for wealthy Northerners, Winter Park has maintained its upscale character while it evolved into a thriving community.
Diverse Property Portfolio
Winter Park’s real estate market caters to various investment strategies. The area boasts a mix of historic homes, modern condominiums, and luxury estates. The Orlando Regional Realtor Association is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date data that reflects the condition of Orlando’s residential housing market.
For investors who consider single-family homes, the historic districts offer unique opportunities. These areas, such as the Virginia Heights Historic District, feature well-preserved homes from the early 20th century. These properties, while they require more maintenance, often command premium prices and attract long-term tenants who appreciate their character.
In contrast, newer developments near Park Avenue and Rollins College provide modern amenities that appeal to young professionals and students. These properties (typically condominiums or townhouses) offer lower maintenance costs and steady rental income.
Robust Rental Market
Winter Park’s rental market remains strong, driven by its proximity to downtown Orlando and major employers like AdventHealth Winter Park. As of February 2025, the average rent for all bedrooms and all property types in Winter Park is $2,100.
Short-term rentals also perform well in Winter Park, particularly during events like the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. This annual event, which attracts over 350,000 visitors, can see nightly rates for short-term rentals double or triple during its run.
Long-term leases in Winter Park typically yield a cap rate between 5-7%, depending on the property type and location. Properties near Park Avenue or within walking distance to Rollins College tend to command higher rents and experience lower vacancy rates.
Cultural Attractions Boost Property Values
Winter Park’s cultural scene significantly influences property values. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, attracts art enthusiasts year-round. Properties within walking distance of the museum have seen values appreciate 10% faster than the city average over the past five years.
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market, housed in a restored 1940s freight depot, is another local attraction that enhances nearby property values. Homes within a half-mile radius of the market have experienced a 15% higher appreciation rate compared to the city average since 2020.
Investors should also consider the impact of Rollins College on the local real estate market. The presence of this prestigious liberal arts college ensures a steady stream of renters and maintains high property values in surrounding neighborhoods.
Properties within a mile radius of these cultural hotspots tend to appreciate 5-8% faster than those in other parts of Winter Park. This trend underscores the importance of location when you select investment properties in this charming suburb.
Final Thoughts
Orlando’s real estate market offers diverse opportunities for property investors. Downtown Orlando attracts young professionals with its urban amenities, while Lake Nona represents suburban growth centered around Medical City. Winter Park blends historical charm with modern affluence, catering to various investment strategies.
Investors should consider their goals, budget, and risk tolerance when selecting the best neighborhoods in Orlando for investment property. Urban areas may yield higher short-term returns, while suburban communities could provide stronger long-term appreciation. Winter Park offers a balance between immediate income and future growth potential.
Global Florida Realty understands the nuances of Orlando’s real estate market. Our team can guide you through the investment process, from property selection to management. We offer comprehensive services tailored to your investment goals in this dynamic market that continues to outperform national trends.
