Orlando Apartments

Photo by: Robert Blackie

Anyone who has ever driven on Florida’s Interstate 4 near Orlando during rush hour knows what a big parking lot looks like. As the center point in the state’s busiest east-west junction, the Orlando area gets its share of traffic. When moving to an apartment in Orlando is the plan, finding a location to beat the traffic can be quite important. Unfortunately, doing an apartment search from a remote location isn’t always as easy as it sounds. An Internet apartment locator can help.

Viva Orlando

Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, which is the second largest university in Florida in student enrollment and has the 6th largest enrollment in the nation. Best known for the many tourist attractions - Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort. The region sees an estimated 52 million tourists a year city has large Puerto Rican, Colombian, Venezuelan, Haitian, French, Brazilian, Canadian, German, Arab, Indian, and Vietnamese communities beaches are a short drive away 250 miles of bikeways in the area, with more on the way.

Orlando Facts

1. Orlando has more than 4,300 restaurants, 150 golf courses, and 800+ tennis courts.
2. An estimated 52 million tourists visit Orlando each year.
3. Disney World covers 46 square miles, making it twice as big as the island of Manhattan.
4. Orlando has the second largest number of hotel rooms in the country.
5. Orlando has more than 250 miles of bikeways.

Sure, Orlando is home to bright lights, slot machines, and incredible shows, but the city and its suburbs have much more to offer! Residents have countless ways to spend downtime – on the golf course, enjoying exquisite meals at fine restaurants, shopping, or taking in a show, to name a few. That’s why we’ve put together 50 of the best things to do or see while you’re visiting or living in Orlando.

Photo by: Michael Gray

Top Ranked Orlando Hotels With A View:

1. Disney’s Contemporary Resort - Step off the monorail and into the modern look and feel of this lakeside hotel, amidst a backdrop of Magic Kingdom® Park. Ranked #86 of 286 hotels in Orlando
2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Lodge Resort - Embark on a safari adventure at this African-style lodge where hundreds of exotic animals roam free on a 33-acre wildlife reserve. Ranked #36 of 286 hotels in Orlando
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa - Disney’s flagship Hotel - the consummate guest experience, featuring the graciousness of a bygone era in a stunning world of Victorian charms and pampering service. Ranked #36 of 286 hotels in Orlando
4. Embassy Suites Orlando - Enter the Embassy Suites Orlando-International Drive hotel and you are greeted with a warm welcome in our lush, tropical atrium, the centerpiece of an intimate, luxurious environment in the heart of Florida. Ranked #76 of 286 hotels in Orlando
5. Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center - Few other places can summon such an immediate response as the atrium of Gaylord Palms™ Resort & Convention Center. You’ll be awestruck by the resort’s signature glass dome, where the Florida experience is showcased in all its glory. Ranked #14 of 286 hotels in Orlando
6. Grand Bohemian Hotel - Celebrated as “an experience in art and music”, the AAA Four Diamond Grand Bohemian Hotel (formerly The Westin Grand Bohemian) takes center stage as downtown Orlando’s landmark luxury hotel. Ranked #50 of 286 hotels in Orlando
7. Grande Lakes Orlando - Surrounded by 500 lush acres at the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades, this Orlando resort is an extraordinary oasis where stellar recreation is balanced by sophisticated style. Ranked #16 of 286 hotels in Orlando
8. Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport - The only Orlando Florida airport hotel with Four Diamond status, we are much more than just a place to stay before a flight. Ranked #7 of 286 hotels in Orlando
9. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando - Situated right in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort®, Portofino Bay Hotel is just steps from the excitement and fun of Universal Orlando’s two amazing theme parks. Ranked #50 of 286 hotels in Orlando
10. The Duncan House Bed & Breakfast Plantation - Enjoy luxurious accommodations in a distinctive circa 1926 plantation style home, listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. No rank currently

Photo by: Travelling Pooh

10 Greener Things To See and Do:

1. Audubon Center for Birds of Prey - Founded in 1979 in Maitland, FL, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey has treated over 12,000 injured or orphaned birds of prey (raptors), releasing more than 40% of these former patients back into the wild.
2. Biosphere Nursery - This company focuses its efforts towards the restoration and creation of natural systems or ‘bioscapes’ throughout Florida.
3. Dandelion Communitea Café - Dandelion Communitea Cafe is a casual cafe serving up healthy, organic, vegetarian fare and premium organic loose leaf tea in the heart of Orlando, Florida.
4. Discovery Cove Orlando - Swim with dolphins, snorkel through colorful reefs teeming with thousands of tropical fish, explore underwater shipwrecks, and grottos.
5. Disney Wilderness Preserve - The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve is a remarkable place to experience natural Florida. Located just south of Orlando, the preserve protects the headwaters of the Everglades ecosystem.
6. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort - Take the plunge and immerse yourself in a tropical paradise at one of five island villages at this 200-acre, Caribbean-themed Resort.
7. Eco-Safaris at Forever Florida - Florida Eco-Safaris offers a fascinating look at Wild Florida, for families and groups wanting to leave Orlando’s theme parks far behind.
8. Habitat For Humanity Home Store - Habitat Orlando is a not-for-profit, ecumenical, Christian organization dedicated to transforming the lives of low-income, hard working families through the American dream of homeownership.
9. Renninger’s Twin Markets - Located on 117 acres of scenic, rolling land, in beautiful Lake County, the heart of Central Florida. Amid spreading oaks, garlands of Spanish moss waving gently from their branches, you’ll find the best of both worlds!
10. Wekiwa Springs State Park - Wekiwa Springs State Park is a 7,000 acre (28 km²) Florida State Park in Apopka, Florida. It is located 20 minutes north of Orlando, off Interstate 4 at exit 94, near Altamonte Springs and Longwood.

Photo by: bluemodern

8 Not So Secret Gems In Orlando

1. 903 Mills Market - 903 Mills Market is the quintessential neighborhood gathering place. What began as a convenient market has evolved into the very heart of this charming and rapidly gentrifying downtown neighborhood.
2. Austins Coffee - Austins Coffee shop is a place for relaxing during the day, lounging in the evening, and non-stop nightly entertainment.
3. Ballard and Corum - This bakery has the best cakes in Orlando! They are sweet and moist. Great service as well. I would recommend them to anyone.
4. Harry P. Leu Gardens - Harry P. Leu Gardens features three miles of paved scenic walkways that take you through fifty acres of southern styled gardens.
5. Lake Eola Heights Historic District - Lake Eola Heights became the first residential historic district in Orlando to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
6. Lake Eola Park - Lake Eola Park is popular destination in the downtown area, with many people taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings to walk at lunch or the evenings.
7. Little Econ Greenway Trail - Phase I extends 4 miles from Blanchard Park to Goldenrod Road and features riverside recreation, picnicking, wildlife and horse and canoe trails.
8. Orlando Public Library - The Orange County Library System serves the residents of the Orange County Library District, with headquarters in downtown Orlando, “The City Beautiful.” The District’s diverse population of over 1,000,000 is served by the Main Library and 14 Branches.

Photo by: Russell Heistuman

10 Things To Do When You Return To Orlando

1. Bravissimo Wine Bar Cafe - This bungalow of a restaurant avoids the studied trendiness of some other downtown restaurants. Inside, its straighfoward touches include exposed ductwork on the ceiling and servers in street clothes.
2. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp - Established as a Spiritualist community in 1894, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association™ consists of approximately 57 acres with 55 residences.
3. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art - The Charles Hosmer Morser Museum of American Art houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) including Tiffany jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass windows, lamps, and the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
4. Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba - The show name La Nouba originates from the French phrase “faire la nouba,” which means to party, to live it up.
5. Fleaworld - Featuring over 1,700 booths - over 2.5 million customers per year!
6. Holy Land Experience - Visit Jerusalem in Orlando! It is an inspiring, full day of discovery that takes you 2000 years back in time to the world of the Bible.
7. Ivanhoe Antique Row - Antique hounds, bargain hunters and shoppers with a penchant for nostalgia can be found any day of the week rummaging through the specialty vintage shops and gift stores in search of exquisite collectibles and old treasures.
8. Orlando Science Center - Whether you’re seven or seventy years old, Orlando Science Center offers hands-on fun for all ages through engaging interactive exhibits, live programming, xtreme screen films, school field trips and school-break camps.
9. Scenic Boat Tour - For over 50 years, Winter Park´s world famous Scenic Boat Tour has given enjoyment to thousands.
10. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts - Now in its 19th year, the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities (ZORA! Festival) is a multi-day, multi-disciplinary event.

Photo by: Joel Mann

10 Orlando Local Favorites

1. 1st Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art - The Museum showcases a new theme with works by local artists, live music, cash bars serving wine, beer and soft drinks, and café offerings from area restaurants.
2. Bosphorous Restaurant - Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine is a family owned business, established in 2005, that offers variety of authentic Turkish food from many regions of Turkey.
3. Dechoes Resale Emporium - We only accept items of undeniable quality and exclusive style, resulting in an exciting inventory of hundreds of one of a kind items which we make available to the Central Florida community.
4. Earth Trivia - Earth Trivia is team trivia at its finest. It’s currently played at a variety of restaurants, bars and clubs in beautiful Orlando, Florida.
5. Orlando Jai-Alai & Race Book - The ball is placed into play and volleyed by players wearing a wicker basket with a glove approximately 63 to 70 cm long. The game is characterized by the fast pace of play, the Basque Government promotes it as “the fastest game on Earth.” Jai alai via Wikipedia
6. Orlando Magic - The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida.
7. Orlando Watersports Complex - The Orlando Watersports Complex is a unique watersports park designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing.
8. Park Avenue CDs - We’re an independent record shop and we’re independent minded. We love our home in Orlando and we want to share it with everyone, especially you!
9. St. Johns River Cruises - The St. Johns River Cruise is considered the most popular nature oriented tour in Florida. Our vessel, the “Native II” was specially designed to ply the shallow backwaters of the historic St. Johns River.
10. Winter Park Farmers’ Market - The Farmers’ Market is held at the old train depot that has been restored into an historical landmark that hosts this number one produce and plant market in Central Florida.

Apartment Living in Orlando

One of the best ways to beat Orlando traffic and still be able to take in the sights and enjoy the unique pace of life here is to start a search with important daily destinations in mind. Pick the place of employment or the school that will be attended and use this as the starter to search apartments in the area. If the plan is to work at the Disney complex, for example, living by the University of Central Florida campus could prove troublesome at best.

5 Must See Luxury Orlando Apartments

1. Post Lake at Baldwin Park Apartments
2. The Village at Baldwin Park Apartments
3. Urbana Apartments
4. Camden Orange Court Apartments
5. Dwell Apartments

Not enough? Click to see more luxury Orlando apartments for rent.

Research Neighborhoods Closely

As much as distance matters, so too can neighborhood flavor. Orlando has its share of well-appointed neighborhoods and those that might not appeal to everyone. Look for neighborhood character that matches personal needs. Some neighborhoods are perfect for family living, others are more geared to single professionals and still others are designed to cater to college students with a host of studio apartment rentals. Define a desired neighborhood feel and then research neighborhoods that match and look at Orlando apartments.

Moving to an apartment in Orlando is a fantastic way to take in all this city has to offer. When beating the traffic and being comfortable matters, use an apartment locator wisely. A cheap apartment on the wrong side of town might end up costing more in time and effort than it’s worth.

Photo by: Tricia

Orlando Neighborhood Guide

Altamonte Springs apartments - home to more than 40,000 residents, one of the largest regional malls in Central Florida, and quality schools. Young families and senior citizens work together in this residential community, providing a friendly, stable place to live.

Apopka apartments - with more than 180 acres of athletic fields and courts, is 12 miles northwest of Orlando and is one of the fastest-growing cities in Orange County. The Apopka Recreation Department strives to provide citizens with a variety of programs and activities.

Casselberry apartments - just eight square miles in size, but has more than 24 lakes and 16 parks! Seven miles north of downtown Orlando and about 40 minutes from Orlando International Airport, Casselberry is a friendly place to live with a rich quality of life.

Kissimmee apartments - home to nearly two million people. The Houston Astros conduct spring training in Kissimmee. The city also offers more than 400 acres of land including 35 park sites featuring more than a dozen ball fields, 16 tennis courts, six playgrounds, 3/4 of a mile of lakefront property, a greenhouse, a nursery, 160 acres of open space offer more than 100 quality programs and award-winning events to our citizens and visitors.

Lake Mary apartments - Rated by Money Magazine as the #4 best place to live in America in the August 2007 issue. Lake Mary takes pride in its strong sense of community and its commitment to high standards of quality living located near Interstate 4, along the fast growing high tech business center. Friendly place to live and work and few places are more attractive. The crime rate is one of the lowest in Florida well planned residential communities, excellent schools, prominent businesses, and a variety of shopping.

Longwood apartments - 15 miles north of Orlando. The attractive beaches of the Atlantic Coast are under an hour away.  There are at least 10 golf courses within 15 miles of the City. Natural lands and trails abound offering hiking, biking, camping, fishing and many other outdoor activities.

Maitland apartments - home to the world famous and Central Florida’s only full time independent movie theater Enzian Theater, which is also home to the Florida Film Festival, affluent individuals have come to reside located less than 20 minutes north of metropolitan Orlando. Maitland planners envision creating a healthy, clean environment that’s sustained, progressive, and carefully planned.

Ocoee City apartments - commitment towards making Ocoee the center of good living is apparent by our beautifully manicured parks, varied recreation programs and first class facilities. Whether it is enjoying a swim at our state of the art aquatic facility, cheering on your team at one of our baseball/softball fields or singing along with the band at the annual Founders Day Festival, we know you will enjoy the numerous recreation opportunities that exist in Ocoee.

Beautiful Starke Lake apartments - located behind City Hall, is available for boating activities, such as fishing, “tubing”, water skiing, and jet ski riding. On the shore of the lake are picnic areas and a dock for fishing.

Oviedo apartments - suburb northeast of Orlando about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando has always been known for a population of chickens that roam the downtown area. About thirty chickens inhabit the area around the historic downtown shopping center, sometimes stopping traffic as they cross the roads. The chickens are so well known and loved in Oviedo that they are featured on Oviedo t-shirts and coffee mugs.

Sanford apartments - home to the Orlando-Sanford International Airport Sanford sits near the northern end of the I-4 Corridor between Daytona Beach and Orlando. Lots of parks. Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday.

Winter Garden apartments - 14 miles west of downtown Orlando. The population will continue to grow at an extremely quick rate as new housing communities are built. Winter Garden Village at Fowler’s Grove provide 1.15 million square feet of dining and retail stores include: Super Target, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Staples, Ross, Old Navy, Linens N Things, Sports Authority, Party City, and Marshalls small-town life at its best easy access to Highway 50, the East West Expressway, and the Florida Turnpike.

Winter Park apartments - Charle Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which houses the largest collection of Tiffany glass on Earth. Winter Park enjoys more parkspace per capita than any other city in Florida. Draws thousands of visitors to annual festivals northeast of and adjacent to Orlando.

Winter Springs apartments - home to the Winter Springs Town Centre, which was designed to be an elegant, up-scale downtown center. Land development is also rapidly occurring ranked by the August 2007 issue of Money Magazine as the 31st best place to live in the United States and the 2nd best place to live in the Florida. 13 Beautiful Parks. 8 High Rated Schools.

Is it lonely at the top? Perhaps. But one thing is for sure: it’s more expensive to live among the clouds.

We are talking about luxury apartments, those crowning skyscrapers that are synonymous with unhindered metropolitan living and mind-blowing views. Today, for many renters, they are literally–and figuratively speaking–the pinnacle of real estate. [click to continue...]