After helping thousands of families move across Orlando, we’ve gained unique insights into the area’s most livable neighborhoods—including some hidden gems you won’t find in typical relocation guides. While tourists flock to the theme parks, locals know there’s so much more to the City Beautiful than Mickey Mouse and roller coasters.
Whether you’re moving from across town or across the country, here’s our insider’s guide to Orlando’s most promising neighborhoods for your next move. As professional movers who’ve traveled every street and helped families settle in every corner of Central Florida, we’re sharing our boots-on-the-ground perspective.
College Park: Urban Charm with Small-Town Feel
Located just minutes from downtown, College Park offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and neighborhood charm.
Why We Love It:
- Walkable streets lined with century-old oak trees
- Local businesses and restaurants along Edgewater Drive
- Mix of historic and modern homes with character
- Close proximity to downtown without the congestion
Moving Considerations:
- Older homes may require updated electrical systems for home offices
- Narrow streets can present challenges for moving trucks—professional planning is essential
- Homes sell quickly in this area, so coordinate your move timeline accordingly
Pro Tip: Many College Park homes have beautiful hardwood floors that need protection during moves. Our Baltic Movers team always brings extra floor coverings when helping clients move to this charming neighborhood.
Lake Nona: The Future-Forward Community
This master-planned community in southeast Orlando has exploded in popularity, and for good reason.
Why We Love It:
- Award-winning schools and medical facilities
- Technology-forward infrastructure and amenities
- Extensive trail systems and outdoor recreation
- Growing restaurant and retail scene
Moving Considerations:
- HOA regulations may restrict moving hours or require advance notice
- New construction means frequent road changes—use updated navigation
- Plan weekend moves carefully as the area gets busy during peak times
Pro Tip: Lake Nona homes often feature open-concept designs with large windows. When packing for a Lake Nona move, bring extra glass protection materials for all those gorgeous oversized windows and sliding doors.
Winter Park: Historic Elegance Meets Modern Luxury
With its brick streets, upscale shopping, and renowned arts scene, Winter Park offers sophistication with a side of Southern charm.
Why We Love It:
- Stunning Chain of Lakes with public access points
- Park Avenue’s upscale shopping and dining
- Cultural attractions like the Morse Museum and Rollins College
- Exceptional public and private schools
Moving Considerations:
- Historic district has specific moving regulations to protect heritage structures
- Lakefront homes may require specialized access planning
- Coordinate with the city for permits if your move requires street parking
Pro Tip: Winter Park streets can be narrow and busy, particularly around Park Avenue. When we move clients to this area, we always schedule carefully to avoid peak traffic times and use smaller vehicles when necessary.
Mills 50: Orlando’s Vibrant Cultural Mosaic
This eclectic district northeast of downtown blends Vietnamese, Korean, and other Asian influences with hipster haunts and artistic flair.
Why We Love It:
- Incredible international dining scene
- Unique local businesses and colorful street art
- More affordable housing options near downtown
- Walkable and bike-friendly streets
Moving Considerations:
- Many apartments and smaller homes with creative storage challenges
- Busy streets require careful coordination for loading/unloading
- Limited parking in some areas—reserve spaces in advance
Pro Tip: When moving to Mills 50, we often help clients with creative storage solutions. Many homes in this area benefit from vertical storage systems and multi-functional furniture to maximize space.
Thornton Park: Sophisticated Urban Living
Just east of downtown, this trendy district offers bungalow charm with a cosmopolitan vibe.
Why We Love It:
- Gorgeous brick streets and historic bungalows
- Proximity to Lake Eola Park
- Upscale dining and cocktail scene
- Strong sense of community
Moving Considerations:
- Historic homes may have narrower doorways and staircases
- Parking restrictions in some areas—check city regulations
- Coordinate with neighbors when moving on narrow streets
Pro Tip: Those beautiful brick streets can be challenging for moving heavy furniture and appliances. We always bring special equipment with larger wheels when helping clients move to Thornton Park.
Baldwin Park: Planned Perfection with a Village Vibe
This former naval training center has been transformed into a picture-perfect neighborhood with lakes, parks, and a village center.
Why We Love It:
- New England-inspired village center with shops and restaurants
- Extensive trail system around Lake Baldwin
- Mix of housing options from apartments to luxury homes
- Strong community events calendar
Moving Considerations:
- Some townhomes and apartments have restricted service elevator access
- HOA regulations may limit moving hours
- Plan for bridge weight restrictions on some community roads
Pro Tip: Baldwin Park’s village center gets very busy on weekends. For smooth moves to this neighborhood, we recommend weekday scheduling whenever possible.
SoDo (South of Downtown): The Up-and-Coming District
This revitalized area south of downtown offers urban convenience with a neighborhood feel.
Why We Love It:
- Excellent shopping at SoDo Shopping Center
- Mix of new construction and renovated historic homes
- Easy access to major highways
- More affordable than some trendier areas
Moving Considerations:
- Ongoing construction in some sections—check road access before moving day
- Mix of residential and commercial areas—some streets have time restrictions
- Newer condos may have specific move-in procedures
Pro Tip: SoDo features many renovated homes with contemporary interiors behind historic facades. When moving furniture to these homes, precise measurements are crucial as the outside appearance can be deceiving!
Lake Eola Heights: Historic Beauty Near Downtown
This historic district offers character and proximity to downtown amenities.
Why We Love It:
- Historic homes with unique architectural details
- Walking distance to Lake Eola Park
- Strong neighborhood association and community events
- Quiet streets despite downtown proximity
Moving Considerations:
- Historic designation may restrict exterior changes
- Some homes have challenging access for large furniture
- Street parking permits may be required for moving trucks
Pro Tip: Many Lake Eola Heights homes feature beautiful (but narrow) staircases and hallways. When moving clients to this neighborhood, we often need to temporarily remove doors or use specialized equipment for larger furniture pieces.
Finding Your Perfect Orlando Neighborhood
When choosing your Orlando neighborhood, consider these factors beyond just home prices:
Daily Commute
- Traffic patterns vary dramatically across Orlando
- Consider proximity to major employers and highways
- Test your potential commute at rush hour before committing
School Zoning
- School zoning can change, so verify current assignments
- Research school ratings beyond just the numbers
- Visit schools personally when possible
Lifestyle Alignment
- Are you looking for walkable dining options or peaceful seclusion?
- Do you need easy access to parks and outdoor recreation?
- How important is proximity to cultural attractions?
Let Baltic Movers Guide Your Orlando Relocation
As Orlando’s trusted local moving experts, we’ve helped families relocate to every neighborhood in the metro area. Our team provides more than just moving services—we offer insider knowledge about your new community.
From navigating historic district regulations to coordinating with high-rise building management, Baltic Movers understands the unique challenges of each Orlando neighborhood. We handle the logistics so you can focus on getting to know your new community.
Ready to discover your perfect Orlando neighborhood? Contact Baltic Movers today for a free consultation. We’ll share our local insights and create a customized moving plan for your Orlando relocation.
