Living in Lake Nona: A Homebuyer's Guide to Orlando's Medical City Community
Lake Nona, in southeast Orlando, is one of Central Florida’s best-known master-planned communities, and one of its busiest places for new construction. Here’s what living there is like, and what to know before you start touring.
Where it is and how you get around
Lake Nona sits in ZIP codes 32827 and 32832, in Orange County, developed by Tavistock. Orlando International Airport is under ten minutes away for much of the community. SR 417 and SR 528 run along the edges, and Narcoossee Road runs through, so downtown Orlando, the attractions and the Space Coast are all a reasonable drive.
Built around Medical City
Lake Nona grew up around Medical City, home to the UCF College of Medicine, Nemours Children’s Hospital, the Orlando VA Medical Center, a University of Florida research campus and Valencia College. For many residents, that’s a big part of the draw: a short commute to major medical and research employers.
Town Center, tennis and the outdoors
Daily life centers on Lake Nona Town Center, with restaurants, shops, the Lake Nona Wave Hotel and Boxi Park, an outdoor food and entertainment spot. The community is also home to the USTA National Campus, the home of American tennis. Miles of trails, lakes and parks run between neighborhoods, which is a big part of the community’s walkable, outdoorsy feel.
The homes you’ll find
- New single-family homes in neighborhoods like Laureate Park, from builders such as David Weekley, Dream Finders and others. The community’s own site shows new homes from roughly the $500Ks to over $1 million.
- Townhomes, including Toll Brothers’ Alora.
- Nona Sound, with Pulte’s Estates and Cove collections.
- Resale homes in established lakefront neighborhoods nearby, like East Park.
Builder lineups and prices change often, so we confirm what’s actually selling before you drive out.
Costs to plan for
Like many newer Florida communities, much of Lake Nona has HOA dues and CDD assessments, which appear on the property tax bill. They vary by neighborhood, so compare the total monthly cost of each home, not just the price. Our guide to flood zones, insurance, HOAs and CDDs walks through what to check.
Before your first model-home visit
Most Lake Nona builders require your agent to be registered on your very first visit. Walk in alone and the builder may treat you as unrepresented for that community, which can cost you the rebate. Read why the first visit matters, then call us on the way.
When you buy new construction with Firelight Realty Group, having us on your side costs you nothing, and you may qualify for a new construction rebate. Estimate yours with our rebate calculator, and contact us before you visit so we can confirm the builder’s terms.
Ready to look?
See our Lake Nona page for current listings and neighborhood details, or call (407) 357-0357. We’ll help you narrow down neighborhoods and builders, and we’ll be with you from the first visit to the closing table.
Questions about your move? A real Florida agent answers.
More Florida real estate guides
- New constructionBring your agent to the first builder visitMost Florida builders require your agent to be registered on your very first visit. Here is why that rule matters, what the sales rep won't mention, and how to protect your cash back.
- New constructionBuilder's lender or your own?Builder incentives are often tied to the builder's preferred lender. Here's how to compare the offers side by side, what a rate buydown is really worth, and how credits interact with your closing costs.
- Buying in FloridaFlood zones, insurance, HOAs and CDDsFour costs that surprise Florida homebuyers after the offer: flood risk, homeowners insurance, HOA rules and CDD assessments. What to check, what sellers must disclose, and where to look.