Lake Nona, Orlando: Where to Go and What to Know Before You Buy

Lake Nona is one of the most talked-about areas in Orlando, and fall is a great time to see why. It's a master-planned community in southeast Orlando, close to Orlando International Airport (MCO), with restaurants, parks, events and a major health care hub all within a short drive. Here's where residents spend their time, and what to know if you're thinking about buying here.

As an Orlando native, I love helping people find the part of Central Florida that fits how they want to live, and Lake Nona is an area a lot of buyers are curious about. If you want to see it in person, I'm happy to show you around.

Where to Go

Lake Nona Town Center and Boxi Park Town Center is the area's gathering place, with restaurants, shops and a lively mix of things to do. Boxi Park, a shipping-container park in Town Center, is a casual spot for food and drinks.

Restaurants worth trying Canvas Restaurant & Market, Park Pizza & Brewing and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine are a few local favorites near Town Center. Check hours before you go, since restaurants change.

Crescent Park in Laureate Park Laureate Park's Crescent Park hosts community events. This weekend, Crescent Cinema is Friday (10/9) and Yoga Nona and An Evening Under the Stars are Saturday (10/10). Event details are on lakenona.com/events, and the schedule changes often.

Dockside and the farmers market Lake Nona's events calendar also lists yoga at Dockside and a weekly farmers market. It's worth a look when you're planning a weekend.

What Makes Lake Nona Different

• Medical City. About 650 acres of health care and research, including Nemours Children's Hospital, UCF Lake Nona Hospital, the Orlando VA Medical Center and the UCF College of Medicine. For many residents it means jobs and care close to home.
• Recreation. The USTA National Campus has 100 tennis courts, and the area has trails, lakes and parks.
• A mix of communities. Lake Nona isn't one neighborhood. Walkable Laureate Park, Northlake Park near Medical City, gated VillageWalk, and golf communities like Lake Nona Golf & Country Club and Eagle Creek each have their own feel.

What to Know If You're House-Hunting Here

• HOA and CDD fees are common. They vary a lot by community and can be significant, so ask for the exact amounts early and include them in your monthly budget.
• Schools. The area is served by Orange County Public Schools. Zoning can change, so confirm the assigned schools for any address you're considering.
• New construction vs. resale. Both are available. Builder incentives and resale pricing vary, so compare them side by side.
• Gated vs. non-gated, golf vs. non-golf. Decide which lifestyle fits before you start touring. It will narrow your search quickly.
• Tour at different times. Visit on a weekday and a weekend to get a feel for traffic, noise and activity.

I'm a REALTOR®, not a lender, so I can't run your numbers. I'm happy to connect you with a trusted lender, no pressure and no obligation.

Thinking about Lake Nona? Reach out and I'll help you compare the communities and see what's available.