Lake Nona: 10 Great Places to Live in Orlando in 2023
Discover Orlando’s Best Neighborhoods!
A focus on walkability and safety is seen throughout the neighborhoods. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Ever since the Tavistock Group became the proud owners of the 600-acre Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in 1996, their focus has been on enriching the community through health, education, and technology. Rasesh Thakkar, the Senior Managing Director at Tavistock, proudly shares that every corner of the neighborhood has been meticulously planned to integrate these aspects into the fabric of Lake Nona living.
As a testament to their commitment, the community offers a plethora of health-enhancing amenities such as complimentary fitness classes, a bicycle-sharing program, a communal garden, and an impressive network of trails spanning 44 miles. In addition, 40 percent of Lake Nona’s vast 11,000 acres is lush green space, encouraging residents to connect with nature.
Lake Nona is also privileged to host the U.S. Tennis Association’s National Campus, which offers complimentary lessons for children aged ten and under, along with adult programs and high-performance training. Thakkar believes that the right blend of health, education, and technology naturally cultivates a community of inspiring individuals.
The community is brimming with inviting spaces for social gatherings, with Boxi Park being a crowd favorite, drawing in 3,000 to 6,000 visitors on weekend evenings. This open-air park houses a collection of restaurants operating out of creative repurposed shipping containers, a stage for live music performances, and a playground for the little ones.
”Lake Nona’s best friend” by JEFRE. Courtesy College Park Main Street. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Much like Chicago’s iconic artwork, The Bean, Lake Nona’s art structures contribute to its unique identity. A grand entrance to the Lake Nona Town Center is marked by Disco, an awe-inspiring 35-foot-tall Labrador Retriever sculpture, made from reflective stainless steel. Dubbed “Lake Nona’s best friend,” this piece was the brainchild of local artist JEFRE. Another notable landmark is The Beacon, a six-story column showcasing art and interactive images that come alive during events like Lake Nona’s winter celebration.
Lake Nona is one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation, with a wide variety of carefully crafted neighborhoods that cater to contemporary lifestyles. It’s an epicenter of medical, scientific, and technological advancement, making it a highly sought-after destination. Its strategic location in southeast Orlando offers easy access to popular attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and east and west coast beaches, not to mention its proximity to Orlando International Airport.
BOXI Park offers a communal spot to connect and snack. Courtesy College Park Main Street
The community boasts a range of masterfully planned communities, including the prestigious Lake Nona Golf & Country Club community, home to luxury custom estates nestled along glistening Lake Nona. Laureate Park is another standout neighborhood, known for its welcoming front porches, innovative amenities, and walkability. The neighborhood features community gardens, electric car charging stations, a resort-style Aquatic Center, fitness center, adventure parks, and the popular Canvas Restaurant & Market. Laurel Pointe, one of Lake Nona’s newest additions, is a gated community of single-family estate homes offering serene water or preserve views.
