Alafaya is a slower-paced community just outside Orlando that offers a quiet suburban lifestyle with highly-rated schools and plenty of outdoor recreation. Home to 91,000, this area is close to commercial areas like the Waterford Lakes Town Center and less than 7 miles from major employers such as Lockheed Martin, The University of Central Florida and Advent Health East Orlando. Northern Alafaya is largely residential and retail, while the southern half combines rural and industrial spaces. The combination of reputable Orange County Public Schools and scenic living has become a selling point for the city. "The good schools here attract a lot of families," says Cheri Brandi, a local broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty and Licensed Community Association Manager. "People tend to gravitate to the Waterford Lakes and Avalon Park neighborhoods because they have a lot of family activities. And there are all these little man-made lakes and water features sprinkled throughout the whole area, which really enhances the beauty."
The Alafaya community sits amongst gold courses, beautiful homes and is close UCF.
Water fountain at Founder's Square in the city of Alafaya, Fl.
Alafaya locals dont have far to go to cheer on the UCF Knights.
Orange County Schools Leadership Center is located in Downtown Orlando, not far from Alafaya
Savor a movie on a beautiful day in Waterford.
1/5
Single-family homes in master-planned communities like Avalon Park
Housing in Alafaya primarily consists of single-family homes and townhouses in master-planned communities that have retained their values since development began in the 1990s. "Values have historically remained strong even during the pandemic," Brandi says. "There's not a lot of moving in and out there. A lot of people buy and stay to raise their family." Classic Florida ranch homes with stucco exteriors are the predominant architectural style, although American craftsman-style dwellings and bright colonials can also be found scattered throughout. Stonybrook offers a gated community lifestyle with access to classic country club amenities and a golf course. Avalon Park is a premier 1,800-acre neighborhood in the southern half of the city situated beside the natural surroundings of the Econlockhatchee River. The master-planned community has 3,400 single-family homes and over 1,400 multifamily units with a buzzing downtown commercial area.
A row of townhomes on Avalon Park blvd.
Bright-yellow, American Colonial home in a affluent neighborhood of Avalon Park.
An American Craftsman home sits besides a ray of sun.
Avalon Park townhomes inside a gated community.
1/4
Timber Creek High School stands out in the Orange County Public School District
Students are zoned into the Orange County Public School District, the fourth largest in the state. The district receives an A-minus rating on Niche and is ranked the best school district for athletes in Florida. Many students in the city attend Timber Creek High School, which receives an A-plus rating on Niche. The standout high school partners with local universities like Valencia College and Orange Technical College to offer career-advancing dual enrollment courses. Timber Lakes Elementary and Stone Lakes Elementary are highly rated public schools serving younger students. Private educations close by include Faith Christian Academy and Downey Christan School. UCF, or the University of Central Florida, is under 3 miles away and is one of the largest public universities in the county with more than 69,000 students.
Timber Springs Middle School is a high-performing educational institution.
Timber Creek High School believes in success for all students.
Timber Lakes Elementary school is an ideal learning center for your little ones.
The University of Central Florida is located at 4000 Central Florida Blvd on Alafaya Trail.
1/4
Residents head to the shops and restaurants of Waterford Lakes Town Center
Waterford Lakes Town Center is the city's commercial hub with popular shops, restaurants and a movie theater. The open-air retail mecca features name-brand stores, including T.J. Maxx, Kohl's and Sephora, and frequented eateries like Smokey Bones Orlando, a barbecue chain serving tasty smoked wings and brisket grilled cheeses. Downtown Avalon Park is another commercial hub with over 150 shops and restaurants. There are also numerous professional services and medical offices. Downtown Avalon Park hosts year-round events like Food Truck Nights and Movies under the stars. "It's very community-oriented," says Rustina Gibson, Broker owner of RE/MAX Vantage." There are places you can sit outside to eat in a very homey, comfortable area. It just makes you want to sit on the sidewalk and have a coffee with all the quaint little shops.” For groceries, Publix Supermarkets and Walmart Neighborhood Markets are scattered throughout the residential areas.
Fine dining at the local favorite Cooper's Hawk.
Founders Square is great spot to ride a bike, catch the sunset, or grab a coffee on the go.
The Bakery keeps a steady flow of traffic across from Founders Square.
Crumbl has a variety of flavors for your sweet tooth.
Waterford Lakes Town Center is a popular shopping center for local residents.
1/5
Well-connected transportation routes link to downtown Orlando
Alafaya is well-connected to Central Florida's highway system. "There are lots of commuters," Gibson says. 'You're close to the 417, 528 and 408 – it's all right there." State Road 408, also known as the East-West Expressway, links to downtown Orlando just 12 miles away. Depending on rush hour traffic, commute times into downtown can range between 20 to 45 minutes. LYNX, Central Florida's public bus system, services numerous bus stops along East Colonial Drive. AdventHealth East Orlando is around 7 miles away and is a significant employer in the area.
For air travel, Orlando International Airport is about 16 miles away and is the busiest airport in the state. It services over 150 destinations and serves as an operating base for Frontier, Southwest and Jet Blue Airlines.
Multiple community parks and the Hal Scott Regional Preserve
Alafaya maintains a rural feel with multiple parks and preserves scattered throughout. Young Pine Community Park and Tanja King Park are popular green spaces with numerous athletic facilities, including soccer fields and tennis courts. Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park offers miles of hiking and horseback trails across the lush Florida backcountry. Wildlife run-ins are common, and visitors should watch for bald eagles, bobcats, river otters and sandhill cranes. Stoneybrook East Golf Club and Wedgefield Golf Club are popular courses in the area, and the Alafaya Branch Public Library is available to all residents.
Numerous attractions are close to the city, including Orlando Speed World, a prominent racing complex that hosts the Orland World Street Nationals and other drag racing events. Football fans can head to FBC Mortgage Stadium — known affectionately as "The Bounce House" due to its propensity to shake when fans jump — to watch the UCF Knights. Universal Studios is 20 miles away, while Disney World is 40 miles away.
Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park is on Dallas Blvd near Alafaya.
Amazing tennis court at the Tanja King Park.
Swing set ready for use at the Tanja King Park.
Alafaya golfers need not go far with Stoneybrooke East Golf Club nearby.
Stoneybrooke East Golf Club is located on Northhaampton Ave in Alafaya.
Alafaya locals can visit the FCB Mortgage Stadium for the latest in Knights Football.
1/6
Community events in Avalon Park
Downtown Avalon Park hosts numerous community events throughout the year. The Avalon Park summer games brings residents together with two weeks full of various challenges, including torch runs, a volleyball competition and an obstacle course. The Avalon Night Market takes place on certain weekends throughout the year and offers an evening full of local vendors, food and live music. Holidays are also a big deal, with celebrations on the Fourth of July, New Year's Eve and Halloween.
CrimeCrime and Environment
Alafaya experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often reaching into the low 90s. During this time, afternoon thunderstorms are common but don't last very long. While nowhere in Florida is safe from hurricanes, the city's inland protection provides more protection than coastal communities. However, stronger storms, including Hurricane Milton in 2024, brought wind and flood damage to the area. The city has a handful of FEMA-designated special Flood Hazard Areas, and homeowners are encouraged to review available flood insurance policies.A large industrial park in the city's southern half contains the Orange County Landfill and Stanton Energy Center. In 2022, the EPA reported that the energy center violated federal regulations regarding the storage and disposal of coal ash.
According to the CAP Index, the average crime score across six different neighborhoods in the city is 3. This is less than the national average of 4. Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced that overall crime was down 16% in July 2024. Additionally, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith announced in June 2024 that shootings, robberies and homicides had decreased by at least 15% for the city of Orlando. This reduction in crime in Orlando was attributed to the department's proactive patrol and drug units.
REALTOR® David Myers is the founder of the Nona Orlando Properties team, designer and operator of the NonaOrlandoProperties.com site and a Broker Associate with Ziro Realty.
Originally from South Carolina, David has lived in Orlando for over 30 years. A Realtor since 2013 years and a broker associate since 2018, David has worked with both commercial and residential buyers and sellers in all areas of Central Florida.
A former resident and still actively passionate support of Lake Nona, David covers not only the Lake Nona area, but the surrounding Sunbridge, Narcoossee, Boggy Creek, and the Vista Lakes neighborhoods as well as Orange & Osceola counties. When not out with clients or working on the NonaOrlandoProperties.com site, you are likely to catch David at Boxie Park, Cocoa Beach or nearby Walt Disney World.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
