Orlando skyline

Welcome to Orlando, the city of tropical air, sunny skies, and countless theme park rides. Known for its novel attractions (looking at you, Disney) and a short distance from dazzling gulf shores, this city exudes playful energy from every corner. Enticing as it sounds, it's no secret big city living can come with an even bigger price tag. Lively streets, high-energy nightlife, and world-class attractions often come with a cost: your housing price.

While finding an apartment close to all the excitement can be expensive, it is possible to work, play, and rent at a reasonable price. We’ve compiled a list to help you experience Orlando’s best without breaking the bank.

The Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Orlando:

  1. Sunset Lake
  2. Rosemont
  3. West Orlando
  4. Lake Jasmine
  5. Conway

This is your guide to paying less and living more in Orlando.

Sunset Lake

  • Average 1BR rent in Sunset Lake: $748
  • Average 1BR rent in Orlando: $1,604
  • Perfect for: Singles, Families, Outdoor Enthusiasts

Sunset Lake is a quaint waterfront neighborhood minutes from Orlando’s central business district. With shaded green spaces, glistening bays, and some of the most affordable rentals in the city, this neighborhood is as dreamy as its name implies.

Bike through quiet, winding paths overlooking the lake or settle by a dock to fish for the afternoon. Bring the dogs for a walk through Lizzie Rodgers Park and finish with a picnic in the shade. Ready to experience Orlando’s nightlife? A twenty-minute commute takes you to the city’s heart, where you’ll find busy streets, brightly lit bars, and top-notch cuisine worthy of its reputation. 

Access to State Road 408 and public bus lines make it easy for Sunset Lake residents to explore their surroundings. Take advantage of convenient transportation at an affordable price.

Rosemont

  • Average 1BR rent in Rosemont: $1,112
  • Average 1BR rent in Orlando: $1,604
  • Perfect for: Families, Singles, Professionals

Rosemont is a quiet, urban oasis perfect for those wanting to balance respite from the big city with access to its amenities. Fifteen minutes outside of downtown, this neighborhood offers inviting seclusion with food, drink, and fun right at residents’ fingertips. 

Take advantage of Rosemont’s high walkability and tour the town center. Stroll pristine sidewalks leading to a multitude of bistros, coffee shops, and bakeries. After your morning latte, spend the afternoon at Rosemont Community Center – work up a sweat on renovated tennis courts, then cool off in public outdoor pools. Head downtown for dinner and drinks at your choice of restaurants and local grills, then finish the night sipping a signature cocktail at a tropical tiki bar.

Residents enjoy convenient transportation within Rosemont with nine Lynx bus stops dispersed throughout the town and easy access to I-4 and I-75.

West Orlando

  • Average 1BR rent in West Orlando: $1,279
  • Average 1BR rent in Orlando: $1,604
  • Perfect for: Families, Young Professionals, Thrill Seekers

Seated between College Park and Lake Apopka, West Orlando is a region dense with diversity and flowing with opportunity. This popular area is near Orlando’s most esteemed novelties while still providing enviably cheap housing. 

Pack a bag and grab your mouse ears – West Orlando is just a half-hour from Walt Disney World! Zip through the air on roller coasters, savor sugary funnel cakes, and return home all in the same day. Sports fans and concertgoers love the ten-minute trip to Camping World Stadium, where they cheer on their favorite football and soccer teams and marvel at world-famous performers. For those who prefer sunshine and solace, West Orlando has a wealth of lush green spaces and waterfront views to enjoy at leisure.

Proximity to the 408, Florida’s Turnpike, and I-4 make West Florida the perfect location for renters looking for suburban seclusion with access to city entertainment.

Lake Jasmine

  • Average 1BR rent in Lake Jasmine: $1,301
  • Average 1BR rent in Orlando: $1,604
  • Perfect for: Families, Commuters, Nature Enthusiasts

Lake Jasmine sits ten minutes south of downtown Orlando. Bathed in sunlight and draped in Spanish moss, this small neighborhood offers the best of lake life at a cheaper price.

Head to beautiful Cypress Grove Park for a breath of fresh air and unbeatable views. Experience ninety acres of pristine lawns, lakes, and trails, then take a moment to read up on the park's history at its revived 1920s mansion. For a taste of upscale suburbia, visit Lake Jasmine's neighboring town, residential Edgewood. Stroll Orange Avenue to window shop, sample a variety of top restaurants, and soak in the energy the city carries at all hours.

This region intersects with public bus lines and borders Interstate 4, allowing easy travel in and out of town.

Conway

  • Average 1BR rent in Conway: $1,392
  • Average 1BR rent in Orlando: $1,604
  • Perfect for: Families, Professionals, Retirees

Conway is a well-loved suburb of southern Orlando that invites renters to revel in its diverse dining options and unmatched accessibility. With homes preserved from the post-war era, this neighborhood is an ideal blend of modern amenity and historic charm. 

Conway adopts a slower pace than downtown Orlando, despite the short distance separating the two. Bikers love the town's lazy traffic and relaxed atmosphere, while history buffs celebrate the city's heritage. Foodies rave about Conway’s expansive global cuisine – where else can you find Peruvian Sangria and authentic Chinese noodles on the same street?

When you’re ready to pop over to a casual bar or lively dance club downtown, travel easily on I-4, or look for a Lynx stop in the neighborhood.

Make the Most of Your Move With Apartments.com

Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find an apartment easily. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine. Once you find the perfect location, narrow the search to a price range that works for you.

No matter the budget, the options are endless with Apartments.com. Ready to get started? Pay less, live more, and rent on.

*Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s June 2022 reports

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Sarah Catherine Fordham

Hi! I'm Sarah Catherine, a Content Writer for Apartments.com. When I'm away from the keyboard, you can find me sipping at the nearest coffee shop, window shopping downtown, or cheering on the Dawgs between the hedges.

Sarah Fordham 2023
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