Living in Lake Nona, Orlando: A Local Agent's Guide

I live and work in Lake Nona, and it is one of the areas my clients ask about most. Here is an honest picture of the neighborhood, from someone who drives its streets every day.

Where Lake Nona is

Lake Nona is in southeast Orlando, just south of Orlando International Airport (MCO), in the 32827 and 32832 ZIP codes. It is a master-planned community developed by Tavistock. That means its neighborhoods, parks, shopping and trails were designed together rather than built piece by piece. From most of Lake Nona, the airport is a short drive, which matters a lot to people who travel for work or have family abroad.

Lake Nona Medical City

A big reason Lake Nona has grown so fast is Medical City, a cluster of health and research institutions that includes:

• Nemours Children's Hospital
• The Orlando VA Medical Center
• The UCF College of Medicine
• The University of Florida's research and academic center

Many doctors, nurses, researchers and medical students live nearby, which keeps demand for homes and rentals steady.

Daily life

• Lake Nona Town Center brings together restaurants, shops, offices and hotels, and it is the social center of the area.
• The USTA National Campus, the home of American tennis, is open to the public for play and lessons.
• Trails and parks. Many neighborhoods connect by walking and biking paths, and community amenity centers with pools and fitness rooms are standard.
• Schools. The area is served by Orange County Public Schools, with several newer schools built as the community grew. Always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address on the district's website, because boundaries change.

What homes are like

Most homes in Lake Nona are newer construction, from townhomes and villas to large single-family homes with pools, plus some luxury properties around the lakes. Many neighborhoods are gated. You will find both resale homes and new construction from builders. With new construction, having your own agent costs you nothing extra, and it protects you during negotiation and inspections.

As of October 2026, Redfin listed a median asking price around $750,000 for Lake Nona. Prices vary widely by neighborhood and home type, so ask me for current numbers for the area you like.

Two costs to understand before you buy

• HOA fees. Almost every community has a homeowners association that covers amenities and common areas. Fees and rules differ by neighborhood, including rules on renting.
• CDD fees. Many Central Florida communities, including parts of Lake Nona, have a Community Development District. It pays for roads, utilities and amenities and is collected on your property tax bill. Two similar homes can have very different total costs because of the CDD, so always compare the full tax bill.

Is Lake Nona right for you?

Lake Nona fits well if you want a newer home in a planned community, close to the airport and to the medical and research jobs. If you want more land, older established neighborhoods or lower prices, I often show clients nearby options in St. Cloud, Kissimmee or southeast Orlando too.

If you are considering Lake Nona, I can walk you through the neighborhoods in person or by video, in English or Spanish.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and figures change; confirm the details for your situation with a professional.