Have you been looking for the best places to live near Disney World? Read ahead for my top picks that’ll have you within minutes of the House of Mouse!
Central Florida is a glorious place to live.
Not only does it have some of the most beautiful beaches in the US but it feels like summer all year round thanks to the climate.
Oh, and did I mention that it has no state income tax? Think of what you could do with a bit of extra cash in your pocket.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, Florida also has a booming economy and a great job market. This makes it a fabulous place to live for a fruitful career!
So, if you’re looking to relocate to the Sunshine State and are looking for the best places to live near Disney World – keep reading.
I’ve rounded up 14 hotspots that are just a few miles from the Happiest Place on Earth (and are totally gorgeous!).
Now let’s discover the best places to live near Disney World!
Can You Live On Disney Property?
Technically, yes!
There’s a purpose-built neighborhood that was created by Imagineers called Golden Oak (which I’ll delve into later!).
It’s the only residential spot that’s right on Disney World property.
It’s also super luxurious and gives homeowners access to Disney transport and tons of other perks!
The Best Places to Live Near Disney World
Celebration
To kick off our list of the best places to live near Disney World, it’s Celebration.
It’s a community that was developed back in 1994 and it’s a lively and resort-style town with tons of stores, quaint coffee shops, and a suburban vibe.
Considering its name, it’s not the most “happening” neighborhood near Disney World as it only houses around 11,000 residents.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t cost a pretty penny to live just 11 minutes from Hollywood Studios!
Celebration has a median home value of around $475,000, which is significantly above the national average of $229,800.
However, if you’re looking for the best places to live near Disney World – you probably won’t get much closer than this as it’s literally 6 miles away from the park gates.
If the small-town vibes and community feel weren’t enough to sway you to move here, perhaps the nature trails will!
This spot is home to the Celebration Nature Trails which spans over 23 miles across town.
So, you can hit the parks in the morning and spend the rest of your day appreciating Florida’s natural beauty (and catching some rays!).
Clermont
Although Clermont is around 25 miles from Disney World, it’s still one of the best places to live near Disney World for outdoor enthusiasts.
This spot boasts the Clermont Chain of Lakes which is ideal for boaters and swimmers, but there are tons of bike routes that take you past the stunning hills.
I’d say that this was among the best places to live near Florida if you want to be near the parks without feeling suffocated by tourists.
The driving distance weeds out holidaymakers, but you’ll be close enough to drive to the parks on a whim for a hit of Disney magic.
It’s worth knowing that house prices are going up slightly because the population is booming.
But it’s still relatively affordable and offers a bunch of pubs, restaurants, and walking areas that’ll help you feel at home.
If you’re looking for things to do nearby, why not head to the Clermont Brewing Company or the Showcase of Citrus (which lets you try fresh oranges!)?
Doctor Phillips
My next pick for the best place to live near Disney World is Doctor Phillips.
Nope, this isn’t an MD – it’s a suburb in Orlando that’s tucked between a bunch of major attractions (including SeaWorld and Disney World!).
Before we go any further, let’s talk about the name.
This spot was named after the famous citrus mogul Dr. Phillip Phillips who was largely responsible for the state’s orange boom in the 20th century!
It’s approximately 6 miles from Disney World and it’s home to an excellent public school, adorable coffee shops, a performing arts center, and a bunch of shopping centers.
Oh, and did I mention that it’s just 5 minutes from Universal Studios for those quick trips with the kids?
Although it’s one of the best places to live near Disney World, that excellence comes at a high price.
Homes here are rarely sold for lower than $500,000 (to start!), which means that it may not be accessible for most American families.
But as it’s been voted by Money.com as one of the best places to live in Florida, it’s no surprise that luxury houses here are sought-after!
Winter Park
Winter Park is a beautiful town that’s located approximately 30 miles from the Disney World gates.
So, you can get here from the parks in under 45 minutes flat!
This isn’t one of the best places to live near Disney World if you’re on a budget.
But if you’re making the big bucks, you can take advantage of bougie dining spots, museums, luxurious homes, and the iconic Rollins College.
And if that wasn’t enough to convince you to try this place out, the Downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places with 8 protected buildings!
Throw in the cobblestone streets, lush camphor trees, and 11 sprawling parks, it’s no surprise that this is considered one of the best places to live near Disney World.
Just be prepared to pay for the privilege of living here – literally!
Lake Nona
If you’re a fan of gated communities, beautiful houses, and a suburban vibe, then you’ll adore Lake Nona.
It’s among the best places to live near Disney World as it’s home to the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and is minutes from the airport.
But it’s not just suitable for aspiring doctors and avid travelers.
This place also boasts great schools, tons of green space, and internet speeds that beat out most of the USA’s cities.
It’s weird, but it’s part of what makes this one of the best places to live near Disney World!
Horizon West
Next up on my list of the best places to live near Disney World is the ever-popular Horizon West.
It’s just 10 minutes from Disney World and approximately 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport if you fancy jetting off.
In fact, it’s so close to Disney World that it literally borders the land owned by them!
As well as having schools, restaurants, and excellent homes to offer residents, it also boasts a lovely hometown vibe that’ll make moving here feel easy.
It’s a slightly larger suburb with a population of around 46,204, but it retains its suburban character (making it fabulous for families!).
With a bunch of professionals and families living here, it’s a chilled-out spot that remains one of the best places to live near Disney World.
Winter Haven
Winter Haven is a city in Polk County that’s around 34 miles from Disney World.
This makes it one of the best places to live near Disney World if you want breathing room for the parks without them feeling out of reach.
It’s a classic and quaint American town that is sometimes called the Chain of Lakes City thanks to the 26 lakes found here!
Despite having a population of around 50,000, there’s enough room here that it still feels like a small town where everyone knows each other.
Throw in the Peppa Pig theme park, the great transport links, and the relatively low cost of living, and it’s easy to see why it’s among the best places to live near Disney World!
St. Cloud
If you’re looking for affordable places to live near Disney World, you can’t beat St. Cloud.
It’s still in the Greater Orlando area, but it’s laid-back and has an amazing community feel.
Considering how quiet and relaxed this place is, it’s hard to believe that it’s just 30 minutes from the park gates!
In addition to the affordable housing prices (that start at around $400,000), St. Cloud offers excellent schools for young kids and teenagers.
And don’t even get me started on the beautiful green spaces (like the Peghorn Nature Park!) and the stunning lakes that’ll instantly calm you.
So, you can see why it’s one of the best places to live near Disney World, right?
Hunters Creek
Hunters Creek is a master-planned community that offers affordable housing and access to Orlando’s finest attractions.
You’re also within touching distance of Universal Studios and SeaWorld if you live in Hunters Creek!
The public schools here are considered above average. But the quiet streets give the area a wonderful suburban feel that’s perfect for families.
Despite being one of the best places to live near Disney World, house prices here are incredibly affordable.
With a population of just under 20,000 battling for homes, the median home value is only around $307,000!
It’s still a decent chunk of change.
But it’s an amazing investment if you’re looking for one of the best places to live near Disney World.
Davenport
Davenport has always been a popular place to live for Disney lovers as it’s just 16 miles from Disney World.
It’s on the smaller side.
But it’s popular with Cast Members as it has a residential feel and offers houses that won’t break the bank.
As it’s becoming more popular with theme park enthusiasts, there’s also been a huge injection of cash into new buildings and houses.
If you’re living in Davenport, check out the glorious ChampionsGate which is home to several restaurants and an 18-hole golf course.
If you’d prefer to visit a spa, why not head to the Margaritaville Resort for a spot of shopping?
Although the median house prices have fluctuated over the years, it’s still one of the best places to live near Disney World on a budget.
Throw in excellent elementary, middle, and high schools, and moving here is a no-brainer for families with kids.
Windemere
Windemere is located just 25 minutes from Magic Kingdom. So, it’s absolutely one of the best places to live near Disney World!
It’s a wonderful place to live as it is packed with residential homes and has several public schools for kiddos.
The community feel puts you instantly at ease, and there are just over 3,000 people living in this charming town.
So, if you want to live near Disney World but don’t appreciate big cities – Windemere is just perfect.
Another major reason that people enjoy living in Windemere is down to the Downtown District. It’s covered with stunning oak trees and boasts a park, several community buildings, and a public library that children can explore.
Oh, and did we mention the weekly Windemere Farmer’s Market that’s ideal for meeting new people and grabbing fresh produce?
Whether you’re looking for quiet places to live near Disney World or adore small-town charm, Windemere is the place to be.
Kissimmee
When it comes to the best places to live near Disney World, it’s hard to beat Kissimmee.
It’s just 15 minutes from Walt Disney World, but it’s also relatively cheap and is close to several good schools!
It’s also home to Gatorland, the Kissimmee Prairie State Park, and puts on events in Old Town each weekend!
If that wasn’t impressive enough, this spot is home to affordable housing and there’s a super-safe vibe thanks to the number of retirees that settle in Kissimmee.
There are a couple of downsides to living here though.
You might struggle to find properties because of the huge vacation home market, and the constant change of neighbors might not work for some people.
It’s not a deal-breaker as you’ll still have access to huge highways like the 417 and the 192. But you’ll want to consider this carefully before deciding to start a family here.
Winter Garden
Winter Garden is an amazing place to live if you’re raising a family.
And hey, it’s considered one of the best places to live in Florida according to the almighty Niche.com.
It’s around 12 miles from Disney World, so you’ll be able to get here in under 30 minutes (even when the roads are busy!).
It’s regarded for its family-friendly atmosphere, award-winning and A-rated public schools, and the West Orange Trail which spans 22 miles.
Oh, and don’t forget the amazing Winter Garden Farmer’s Market that’s held here every Saturday.
It hosts local vendors and musicians each week, and it simply adds to the charming small-town vibe here.
It’s also worth noting that this is one of the spots near Disney World that is always investing in new developments.
McAllister Landing is one of the more recent additions for lovers of gated communities. But there are always properties hitting the market if you’re struggling to find your perfect home.
Golden Oak
To round off my list of the best places to live near Disney World, it’s the iconic Golden Oak!
It’s an elegant community that’s literally on Walt Disney World property, and it’s incredibly bougie.
This spot was cooked up by Disney Imagineers. So, everything from the sophisticated restaurants to the lakes and amenities has been carefully thought-out.
There’s even a gorgeous golf course right on-site and you’ll get amazing views of the fireworks displays from your own home.
If you live here, you’ll also have access to Disney transportation, park lounges, a concierge service, and beautiful lakeside views.
Dreamy.
This planned community is just minutes from the park gates.
Plus, all residents receive passes to visit the parks for free (with just a few terms and conditions).
The only downside is that it’s extremely expensive to get a house here. Homes cost anything from $2 million to upwards of $8 million which will be out of reach for most families.
Throw in the $5,000/month dues and it gets nuts.
But if you have the cash to splash, it’s one of the best places to live near Disney World that’s mere steps from Magic Kingdom.
FAQs
What is the closest beach town to Disney World?
There are several glorious beaches near Disney World, but I’d say that Daytona was your closest option!
Do Golden Oak residents get free Disney?
Golden Oak residents get one Disney Platinum Plus Pass and five one-day theme park tickets with a park hopper perk.
This essentially gives them free access to the parks.
The only downside to this is that you need to purchase additional passes for your household (up to 5 a year for 3 years!).
So, unless you’re flying solo – it’s not completely free!
How much is a house in Golden Oak?
A house in Golden Oak is expensive.
The properties for sale start at approximately $2.5 million and they can go beyond $8 million.
This is partly because the homes are seriously luxurious. But it’s also because there are only 300 homes available at any time!
What neighborhood is closest to Disney World?
The closest neighborhoods to Disney World are Celebration, Winter Park, Horizon West, Golden Oak, and Kissimmee.
Is Kissimmee or Davenport Closer to Disney World?
There are several popular places to live near Disney World, but Kissimmee and Davenport are at the top of the list.
It’s partly because they’re both super-close to the park gates. But you can also thank the surplus of affordable homes and community vibes in each place.
I’d say that Kissimmee was a better option if you’re prioritizing affordability and exciting activities for kids. It’s also slightly closer to the parks!
If you want to invest in a single-family home, Davenport is probably a better option.
To be honest though, where you choose to live should be entirely based on what is important to you!
Whether that’s exciting activities or cheap housing and proximity to the parks, it’s entirely down to personal taste.
I hope that this guide to the best places to live near Disney World has been helpful!
As you can see, there are several options out there for Disney lovers that range from affordable to super-bougie.
Have you visited any of these towns near Disney World? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Related Posts:
- Disney World Balloons: The Ultimate Guide (+ How to Get Them Home!)
- Is There a Disney World Jail? Park Secrets Revealed!
- Disney World Babysitting: Everything You Need to Know!
- 9 Best Spas at Disney World for Ultimate Relaxation
- The Best Disney World Hotels for Toddlers + Booking Tips!
- What is the Best Disney World Park for Adults?
No Comments