Why So Many People Are Moving to These 7 Small Towns Instead of Orlando

If you're thinking about moving to the Orlando, Florida area but the traffic, congestion, and rising home prices have you second-guessing the decision, you're not alone.

Many people relocating to Central Florida are discovering that they don't necessarily need to live in Orlando to enjoy everything the area has to offer. From charming downtowns and lakefront communities to access to nature, SunRail, and new construction, several towns surrounding Orlando offer a different pace of life while keeping residents within easy reach of the city.

Here are seven Central Florida towns that are attracting buyers who want Orlando's convenience without necessarily living in Orlando proper.

1. Sanford

Sanford is one of the best examples of a Central Florida city that offers many of the conveniences people associate with Orlando while maintaining a distinct identity of its own.

Downtown Sanford has undergone a major revitalization over the past couple of decades. What was once a struggling area is now one of the most walkable and active downtowns in the region, with restaurants, breweries, live music, festivals, and community events throughout the year.

The Riverwalk along Lake Monroe is another popular destination. You can take a walk along the waterfront, enjoy dinner downtown, or attend one of the many local events without feeling like you're in the middle of a major tourist destination.

Sanford also has an arts and cultural scene that some people may not expect. The Ritz Theater hosts events and festivals, local galleries line First Street, and public art and murals can be found throughout downtown.

For commuters, Sanford offers another major advantage: SunRail. The commuter rail provides access to communities farther south, including Lake Mary, Winter Park, and downtown Orlando. Sanford is also home to Orlando Sanford International Airport, giving residents another option for air travel.

The median sale price in Sanford is generally somewhat below Orlando, although prices vary significantly by neighborhood and property type. Newer communities around the airport and west of I-4 offer a variety of housing options for buyers who want newer homes while remaining close to Orlando's attractions and the beaches.

For buyers who want a lively downtown, access to transportation, and a location close to Orlando, Sanford offers an interesting alternative.

2. Lake Mary

Lake Mary is a little different from some of the other towns on this list. In many cases, homes here cost more than they do in Orlando, but buyers continue to choose the area for its neighborhoods, employment opportunities, schools, and overall environment.

Located just north of Orlando and adjacent to Sanford, Lake Mary has become a major corporate hub in Central Florida. The city offers major employers, shopping, restaurants, town centers, and numerous master-planned communities.

Schools are another factor that attracts families to the area. Buyers should always research individual school zones and current school performance before purchasing, but Seminole County schools are frequently a consideration for families comparing Lake Mary with areas of Orange County.

Lake Mary also has a reputation for well-maintained neighborhoods. Many communities feature extensive landscaping, homeowners associations, and a consistent appearance from one street to the next.

The city provides convenient access to both Orlando and Sanford. Depending on where you live, downtown Orlando can be roughly 25 minutes away, while Sanford's airport is also nearby.

Lake Mary typically carries a higher price point than Orlando. For buyers willing to pay a premium, the appeal is often the combination of established neighborhoods, employment opportunities, schools, and access to Central Florida's major destinations.

3. DeBary

If you're looking for a quieter community, DeBary may be one of the most appealing options on this list.

Located along the St. Johns River in Volusia County, DeBary is primarily residential. Instead of a major nightlife or entertainment district, you'll find quiet neighborhoods, older ranch-style homes, golf communities, and newer construction.

Communities such as Rivington and Springwalk have added new housing options to the area while maintaining the city's predominantly residential character.

One of DeBary's biggest advantages is SunRail. DeBary is the northernmost station on the current SunRail system, providing access to Sanford, Lake Mary, Winter Park, downtown Orlando, and other communities along the route.

For residents who work in or regularly visit Orlando, that can provide an alternative to driving on I-4.

DeBary is also close to several outdoor attractions. Gemini Springs Park offers paved trails, spring-fed waters, and access to the Spring-to-Spring Trail system. DeBary Hall Historic Site provides a glimpse into the area's history.

And then there's the dinosaur.

A large dinosaur statue has become something of a local landmark, even being dressed up for different holidays. It is a small detail, but it captures some of the quirky small-town personality that makes DeBary different from Orlando.

For retirees, remote workers, and families who value quiet neighborhoods and outdoor recreation, DeBary offers a very different lifestyle while remaining within reach of the Orlando area.

4. DeLand

DeLand may be the town on this list with the most personality.

Located in West Volusia County, DeLand combines a historic downtown, a college-town atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and a lower housing cost than many areas closer to Orlando.

Stetson University sits near the heart of downtown, giving the city an energy that is different from many suburban communities.

Downtown DeLand is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues, including the historic Athens Theatre. Woodland Boulevard provides the centerpiece for a downtown that feels distinctly local rather than built around tourism.

DeLand is also known for its connection to outdoor recreation. Skydive DeLand attracts visitors from around the world, while nearby natural attractions include Blue Spring State Park and DeLeon Springs State Park.

For many residents, that combination of a vibrant downtown and easy access to nature is a major part of DeLand's appeal.

Another advantage is affordability. DeLand's median home price has generally been below Orlando's, although prices vary based on neighborhood, property type, and current market conditions.

For buyers relocating from more expensive areas of the country, DeLand can offer an opportunity to get more space while still having access to Orlando and Central Florida's attractions.

It's also one of the communities we hear about frequently from people relocating to the area who want more than a typical suburban neighborhood.

5. Mount Dora

Mount Dora is often described as a New England-style town in Florida, and its historic downtown and lakefront setting make it easy to understand why.

Located on the shores of Lake Dora, part of the Harris Chain of Lakes, Mount Dora combines historic architecture, brick-lined streets, boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, and a strong calendar of community events.

The city is known for its festivals, including art and seasonal events that attract visitors from throughout Florida. Renninger's, located just outside downtown, is another major attraction known for its antique markets and special events. Mount Dora's appeal is largely about atmosphere.

Orlando's tourism industry is built around major attractions and entertainment. Mount Dora offers a different type of experience, centered around the lake, historic downtown, local restaurants, festivals, and outdoor activities.Visitors and residents can take a scenic boat tour through the connected lakes or simply spend an afternoon walking through downtown.

The Lakeside Inn, which dates back to 1883, adds another layer of history to the community.

Mount Dora's housing prices can be higher than Orlando's, depending on the neighborhood and property type. Buyers who choose the area are often paying for the lake lifestyle, historic character, and slower pace.

It's also somewhat farther from Orlando than several other communities on this list, making it particularly appealing to people who don't need to commute into Orlando every day.

6. Apopka

Apopka is located northwest of Orlando and has experienced substantial growth in recent years.

New construction, the Wekiva Parkway, and access to outdoor recreation have all contributed to the area's popularity.

The Wekiva Parkway provides a connection to the 429 beltway and gives residents another way to travel through Central Florida without going directly through Orlando.

Outdoor recreation is one of Apopka's biggest attractions. Kelly Park at Rock Springs is known for its spring-fed waters and tubing, while nearby Wekiwa Springs and the Wekiva River offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

The area also offers a substantial amount of new construction. Depending on the community and builder, buyers may find larger homes or lots than they would for a similar price in some Orlando neighborhoods.

New construction incentives can also affect the overall cost of buying a home. Builders may offer interest-rate incentives, closing-cost assistance, upgrades, or other promotions, although these offers change frequently.

Apopka's median home price can be relatively close to Orlando's, but the value proposition can be different depending on the property. Buyers may find more square footage, newer construction, and access to outdoor recreation while remaining within the broader Orlando metro area.

7. Winter Park

Winter Park is the surprise on this list because it isn't the least expensive alternative to Orlando. In fact, it can be considerably more expensive.

So why do people choose it? Location is a major factor.

Winter Park sits directly adjacent to Orlando, meaning residents have many of the same conveniences and access to downtown Orlando, the airport, and major attractions without actually living within the city limits.

Park Avenue is the heart of Winter Park and offers brick sidewalks, mature oak trees, boutiques, restaurants, and sidewalk cafes. The area has a walkability and small-town atmosphere that feels distinctly different from many parts of Orlando.

Winter Park also has its own identity and local institutions. Rollins College provides a college-town atmosphere, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is known for its extensive Tiffany glass collection, and the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour offers another way to experience the city's chain of lakes.

The Saturday farmers market is another longstanding local tradition.

Housing prices in Winter Park are generally higher than both Orlando and most of the other communities on this list. The median can also be influenced by the area's significant number of high-end homes.

For buyers who prioritize location, walkability, established neighborhoods, and proximity to Orlando, the higher price point may be part of the equation they are willing to consider.

Winter Park demonstrates an important point about choosing where to live in Central Florida: price isn't always the only factor.

What These Seven Towns Have in Common

None of these communities is perfect, and each comes with its own trade-offs.

Sanford has neighborhoods with very different characteristics from one another. DeBary and Apopka don't have the same walkable downtown experience you'll find in DeLand or Mount Dora. Lake Mary and Winter Park can cost more than Orlando.

And all of these communities share some of the realities of living in Central Florida, including hot summers, afternoon thunderstorms, and Florida's abundant wildlife and insects.

If being in the middle of the action is your priority, Orlando has advantages that these smaller communities can't replicate. Living in the city can put you closer to major sports venues, entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, and other attractions.

But that's not what everyone is looking for.

Sanford offers a walkable downtown and access to Lake Monroe. Lake Mary combines established neighborhoods, employment opportunities, and proximity to Orlando. DeBary offers quiet residential living and SunRail access. DeLand provides a distinctive downtown and a lower price point. Mount Dora offers a historic lake-town atmosphere. Apopka combines new construction with outdoor recreation. Winter Park provides an established community immediately adjacent to Orlando.

The common theme is that these towns aren't trying to be Orlando.

Instead, each offers something different for people who want access to the Orlando area while prioritizing other factors such as space, price, recreation, walkability, quiet neighborhoods, or a slower pace of life.

That's one reason these communities continue to attract people relocating to Central Florida.

Thinking About Moving to the Orlando Area?

Choosing where to live is about more than finding a house. It's about finding the community, location, lifestyle, and price point that fit your needs.

If you're considering a move to the Orlando area, The Shaver Group works throughout Central Florida and can help you compare communities, neighborhoods, and housing options based on your priorities.

Whether you're looking for a quiet neighborhood, new construction, access to SunRail, outdoor recreation, or a walkable downtown, there are plenty of options beyond Orlando's city limits.