If I Moved To Orlando In 2026  … This Is Where I’d Live!

Avoid These Common Moving Mistakes

If you’re planning on moving to the Orlando, Florida area in 2026, choosing the right location can make or break your experience. Central Florida offers everything from small-town charm to luxury gated communities and brand-new construction — but not all areas deliver the same value.

After years of experience living and working in the Orlando real estate market, these are the best places to live near Orlando if you want value, lifestyle, and long-term growth — starting with an area many buyers overlook.

This video expands on the neighborhoods and pricing discussed below and is ideal for anyone considering a move to the Orlando, Florida area in 2026.


Best Place to Live Near Orlando in 2026: DeLand, Florida

If I were relocating to Central Florida in 2026, DeLand, Florida would be my top choice.

Specifically, the most desirable area is on the east side of DeLand, bordered by:

• McGregor Road
  
• Orange Camp Road
  
• Victoria Park and I-4
  
• St. Johns River and Lake Beresford Park

Why Move to DeLand, Florida?

• More home for your money compared to Orlando
  
• Wide variety of home styles and lot sizes
  
  
• True small-town feel with modern amenities
  
  
• Easy access to I-4, shopping, and dining

DeLand consistently offers a median home price about $50,000 lower than Orlando and approximately $125,000 lower than Lake Mary, making it one of the best-value real estate markets in Central Florida.

McGregor Road Area (DeLand Real Estate Guide)

The McGregor Road area of DeLand is ideal for buyers who want space, privacy, and no HOA restrictions.

Home & Neighborhood Features:

• Mostly 1–5 acre lots
  
• Estate-style homes with no homeowners associations
  
  
• Quiet paved and dirt roads
  
• Consistent lot sizes with minimal congestion
  
  
• Access to Lake Beresford and the St. Johns River
  
• Borders the Spring-to-Spring Trail, connecting DeBary to DeLeon Springs

Location Benefits:

• Publix, Chick-fil-A, and restaurants along US-17/92
  
• About 5 miles to Downtown DeLand and Stetson University
  
• Approximately 5 miles to I-4

Home Prices:

$450,000–$900,000, offering exceptional value compared to Orlando-area pricing.

Victoria Park DeLand: Master-Planned Community Living

Victoria Park is the largest and most popular HOA community in DeLand, Florida.

Community Sections:

• Victoria Oaks
  
  
• Victoria Hills (golf community)
  
• Victoria Trails
  
• Victoria Commons (shops, dining, wine bar, ice cream)
  
• Victoria Gardens (gated 55+ community)

Amenities & Location:

• Multiple swimming pools and fitness centers
  
• Immediate access to Interstate 4
  
• 5 miles to Downtown DeLand
  
• 25 minutes to Sanford
  
• 35 minutes to Downtown Orlando and beaches
  
• 55 minutes to Orlando theme parks

Home Prices:

Typically range from the mid-$300s to upper $500s, making Victoria Park one of the most affordable master-planned communities near Orlando.

Longleaf Plantation DeLand: Acreage Without the HOA

Longleaf Plantation is one of DeLand’s hidden gems, combining space with convenience.

Why Buyers Love Longleaf Plantation:

• ½-acre to 1-acre lots
  
• Voluntary HOA (approximately $100 per year)
  
• Mature longleaf pines, live oaks, and rolling hills
  
• Ranch-style homes built in the ’70s–’90s, many fully updated
  
• One main road, ideal for families and biking

Location:

• Between McGregor Road and Victoria Park
  
  
• Walking distance to Publix, Chick-fil-A, and US-17/92
  
• Shopping within half a mile

Home Prices:

Generally in the mid-$400s, making it one of the best-value neighborhoods in DeLand.

Best Areas Near Orlando: West Sanford, Florida

West Sanford is ideal for buyers seeking larger homes, privacy, and executive-style neighborhoods.

Location:

• South of the Wekiva Parkway
  
• North of Markham Road
  
  
• Between the Wekiva River and Orange Boulevard

Neighborhood Highlights:

• Homes built in the 1990s and 2000s
  
• ½- to 1-acre lots
  
• Many gated and guard-gated communities
  
• Close to outdoor recreation and nature preserves

Popular Communities:

• Buckingham Estates
  
• Pearl Lake Estates
  
• Bentley Club
  
• Lake Sylvan

Commute & Amenities:

• 5 minutes to shopping and dining
  
• 15 minutes to Downtown Sanford
  
• 25 minutes to Downtown Orlando
  
• 40–45 minutes to beaches and attractions

Home Prices:

Typically range from $500,000 to $1.1 million.

Apopka Florida Real Estate: Best for New Construction

Apopka, Florida is one of the fastest-growing areas near Orlando, especially along:

• West Kelly Park Road
  
• Plymouth-Sorrento Road
  
  
• State Road 429

Why Buyers Choose Apopka:

• Massive amount of new construction
  
• Builder incentives with reduced interest rates
  
• 10-year home warranties
  
• Energy-efficient designs

Popular Communities:

• Wolf Lake Ranch ($600,000–$1.2M)
  
• Gardenia Reserve (townhomes in the $300s)
  
• Oaks at Kelly Park / Park View / Park View Reserve

Outdoor Lifestyle:

• Kelly Park at Rock Springs
  
• Wekiwa Springs
  
• West Orange Trail
  
• Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
  

Major Development:

• Wild Oaks Town Center ($1.2 billion mixed-use project)
  
• Northwest Recreation Complex
  
  
• New Publix nearby

Commute Times:

• 30 minutes to Orlando and Disney
  
  
• 40 minutes to Orlando International Airport
  
  
• About 1 hour to New Smyrna Beach
  

Honorable Mentions Near Orlando

• Oviedo
  
  
• Lake Mary
  
  
• Deltona

There are also areas I personally would not recommend moving to, but I don’t list them publicly. If you want honest, direct advice on where not to move near Orlando, feel free to reach out or leave a comment.

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Move Near Orlando?

• Best value & space: DeLand
  
• Luxury & privacy: West Sanford
  
• New construction & growth: Apopka
  

Each area offers a distinct lifestyle, and choosing the right one can save you money while improving your quality of life 

If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to us. We’d be happy to chat and answer any questions you may have. https://www.theshavergroup.net/connect