Lake Nona
A master-planned community in southeast Orlando, Lake Nona blends next-generation amenities with parks, lakes, and a growing medical and tech hub. It’s a polished, convenient base for buyers and travelers who value health, innovation, and easy access to everything Central Florida.
Quick Snapshot
| Category | At-a-Glance |
|---|---|
| Region | Central Florida; southeast Orlando, minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) |
| Vibe | Modern, family-friendly, master-planned, health-and-wellness focused |
| Housing Mix | Predominantly newer single-family homes with townhomes and select condos; active new construction alongside established enclaves |
| Commute | SR-417 and SR-528; about 10–15 minutes to MCO, 25–35 minutes to Downtown Orlando, and 25–30 minutes to Disney/Lake Buena Vista (traffic-dependent) |
Why Move to Lake Nona
- Curated lifestyle and amenities: thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, resort-style pools and fitness, a lively town center, and a strong wellness culture.
- Access to jobs and education: “Medical City” anchors include a VA medical center, Nemours Children’s Hospital, UCF College of Medicine, UCF Lake Nona Hospital, and research facilities, plus proximity to the airport and hospitality corridors.
- Outdoor recreation and water: miles of paths, the USTA National Campus with over 100 courts, nearby lakes for paddling, and year-round sunshine.
- Community feel: active neighborhood associations, regular events at Boxi Park and the Town Center, and a reputation for clean, safe, well-maintained streets.
Neighborhoods & Entertainment Districts
Lake Nona is a cohesive, Tavistock-developed community organized around Medical City and the Town Center. Narcoossee Road, Laureate Boulevard, and Lake Nona Boulevard are main spines connecting residential villages to parks, schools, and mixed-use hubs like the open-air Boxi Park. Expect walkable pocket parks, shared-use paths, and community clubhouses across neighborhoods.
- Laureate Park — Contemporary architecture, fiber-connected homes, pocket parks, neighborhood pools, and easy access to the Town Center. Popular with professionals and families seeking modern design and a social calendar; pricing typically mid-to-upper for the area.
- Lake Nona Golf & Country Club — Gated, private, and ultra-luxury around a championship Tom Fazio course and lakefront estates. Suits buyers seeking privacy, club lifestyle, and custom homes; prices trend into the multi-million range.
- VillageWalk at Lake Nona — A gated, canal-lined community with a town-center clubhouse, pools, and tennis. Known for low-maintenance living and strong amenities; mid-to-upper price points.
- NorthLake Park at Lake Nona — An established, family-friendly area with a community school and YMCA partnership. Mix of single-family and townhomes; typically more established price points than newer builds.
- Eagle Creek — A gated golf community on the Narcoossee corridor with a clubhouse and fairway views. Appeals to golfers and commuters; range spans from attainable moves-ups to larger executive homes.
- Lake Nona Town Center & Boxi Park — The entertainment heart with dining, live music, outdoor events, and the boutique-style Wave Hotel. Suits visitors and residents wanting nightlife and frequent happenings.
Schools & Education
Lake Nona is served by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), one of Florida’s largest districts. The area benefits from newer campuses, STEM-forward programs influenced by Medical City, and a range of Advanced Placement and career/technical pathways. Families also find nearby charter and private options. For higher education and training, the UCF College of Medicine, Valencia College’s Lake Nona Campus, and the University of Florida’s Research & Academic Center are close by.
| Level | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Laureate Park Elementary; NorthLake Park Community School; Moss Park Elementary; Eagle Creek Elementary; Sun Blaze Elementary | Neighborhood schools with modern facilities; NorthLake Park features a community-school model with YMCA partnership. |
| Middle | Lake Nona Middle School; Innovation Middle School | STEM and digital platforms common; extracurriculars include robotics, arts, and athletics. |
| High | Lake Nona High School | Advanced Placement and career academies; health sciences/biomedical and technology pathways leverage Medical City proximity; strong athletics and arts offerings. |
Note: School options and performance can vary by attendance zone; buyers should verify current zoning and ratings.
Cost of Living & Housing
Compared with the broader Orlando metro, Lake Nona generally sits above average due to its new construction, amenities, and jobs hub. Buyers will find a wide range—from townhomes to luxury estates—with pricing influenced by proximity to the Town Center, golf, and water. Overall living costs (insurance, HOA/CDD fees, and tolls) can materially shape monthly budgets; newer builds may offset some utility expenses through energy efficiency.
| Item | Typical Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Home | $500,000 – $1,500,000+ | Newer builds and golf/lake settings command premiums; resale homes in established areas can offer relative value. |
| Townhome/Condo | $330,000 – $650,000+ | Walkable locations and newer amenities trend higher; HOA/condo fees vary by community and amenity level. |
| Rent (2–3 BR) | $2,200 – $3,400/mo | Newer apartment communities and townhome rentals near the Town Center and lakes are on the higher end. |
| Overall Costs | Above nearby metros | Insurance and association fees can be significant; toll road usage and commute patterns affect transportation costs. |
Insurance & HOA note: In Florida, homeowners insurance and HOA/condo fees can materially affect monthly costs; obtain current quotes.
Outdoors, Activities & Lifestyle
Lake Nona’s identity leans active and outdoorsy. Trails lace through the neighborhoods, lakes invite paddling, and sports facilities are exceptional. The community calendar is lively, with markets, pop-up events, and seasonal celebrations. Beyond Lake Nona, major theme parks, cultural venues, and beaches (via SR-528) are within easy reach.
- USTA National Campus — A destination facility with over 100 tennis courts, public programming, tournaments, and youth clinics.
- Nona Adventure Park — Cable wakeboarding, a floating aqua course, and a climbing tower on Adventure Lake; popular for families and group outings.
- Boxi Park & Town Center events — Outdoor concerts, food concepts, and weekend markets create a festival-like atmosphere most weeks.
- Moss Park & Split Oak Forest — Nearby preserves with trail networks, picnic areas, and lake access for kayaking and birding.
- Golf options — Lake Nona Golf & Country Club (private), Eagle Creek (semi-private), and other nearby courses offer variety for all levels.
- Seasonal highlight — The “Oh, What Fun!” holiday festival and the Run Nona 5K typically draw families and visitors each year.
Getting Around & Commute
Two toll corridors frame Lake Nona: SR-417 (north–south) and SR-528 (east–west), making regional access straightforward. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is roughly 10–15 minutes away, with Brightline rail service to South Florida located at the airport’s Terminal C. Driving times average 25–35 minutes to Downtown Orlando and about 25–30 minutes to the Disney/Universal area, depending on traffic and toll routes. Local micro-transit and autonomous shuttles operate on select routes around the Town Center and Laureate Park, while Lynx bus service and the SunRail commuter line are accessible in adjacent areas (the Meadow Woods station is the closest). Cyclists benefit from multi-use paths and bike-friendly neighborhood streets.
Who It’s Ideal For
- Growing families seeking new or nearly new homes with parks, pools, and strong school access.
- Healthcare, research, aviation, and hospitality professionals wanting a short commute and modern amenities.
- Active buyers and retirees prioritizing wellness, tennis, golf, and low-maintenance living near a vibrant town center.
- Travelers and second-home owners who value quick airport access and an easy-to-enjoy, resort-like neighborhood feel.
Tips for Homebuyers
- New-construction vs. resale: Builder inventory can ebb and flow; pre-approval and flexible timelines help. Resales in established pockets may offer mature landscaping and stabilized HOA fees.
- HOA/CDD due diligence: Many communities include robust amenities funded by HOA and, in some cases, Community Development District (CDD) assessments—review budgets, reserves, and rules (including short-term rental restrictions).
- Insurance and risk: Verify flood maps where homes border lakes or wetlands, and ask about wind-mitigation credits and roof/building code vintages to manage premiums.
- Commute costs: Factor tolls (E-PASS/SunPass) into monthly budgets; test-drive your commute at peak times.
- Noise and orientation: Proximity to major roads or airport flight paths can vary by micro-location—visit at different times of day.
FAQ
Is Lake Nona a good place to raise a family?
Yes, many families choose Lake Nona for its newer schools, parks and pools, sports programs, and active community calendar. The master-planned layout emphasizes sidewalks, trails, and neighborhood amenities. As with any large community, school performance and vibe can vary by zone, so it’s wise to tour campuses and compare neighborhoods.
How does the cost of living compare to nearby areas?
Lake Nona typically runs above the Orlando metro average due to its new construction, amenity packages, and proximity to Medical City and MCO. Housing, insurance, and HOA/CDD fees are the biggest variables; groceries and utilities are generally in line with the region, while frequent use of toll roads can add to monthly costs.
What’s the housing stock like?
Expect a heavy emphasis on newer single-family homes, plus townhomes and select condos near hubs. Buyers will find everything from low-maintenance paired homes to custom estates in gated country club settings. Inventory often includes move-in-ready new builds, quick-delivery homes, and a steady resale market in established neighborhoods.
Bottom Line
Lake Nona marries the convenience of a modern, master-planned community with the energy of a growing medical and technology district. It’s a natural fit for buyers who want polished amenities, outdoor recreation, and an easy airport commute without sacrificing neighborhood warmth. While costs trend higher than some Orlando suburbs, the lifestyle, schools, and connectivity deliver strong day-to-day value. For discerning residents and visitors, Lake Nona feels both aspirational and practical—an everyday resort with real-world convenience.
