Living in Lake Nona
A master-planned community of some 7,000 acres just to the east of Orlando International Airport, Lake Nona’s roots go back to the 1980s. It has grown exponentially over the years, spawning a variety of neighborhoods along with three well-regarded golf courses, one of which is private. When it comes to homes, there is something for everyone, be it single-family houses to estate properties to townhomes, low-rise condos and apartments. Named after a large lake on its northern edge, Lake Nona also has been building an employment base, most prominently the Lake Nona Medical City, a 650-acre health and life sciences campus that includes the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine, the UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center (formerly the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute), the UCF Burnett Biomedical Sciences Building, the Orlando Veterans Administration Medical Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital and a University of Florida Academic and Research Center. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) had its national campus at Lake Nona.
Lifestyle in Lake Nona
This community was planned from the start for active, healthy lifestyles, with golf courses, bike and walking paths and the USTA (starting in 2017). Though it is a bit of a drive from downtown Orlando or the cultural attractions of Winter Park, Lake Nona has worked hard to create a place where there is plenty to keep residents occupied. Each year, the Lake Nona Institute brings thought leaders with interesting ideas about health care to the community.
Homes in Lake Nona
Home prices range from the $200,000’s and go well into the $1,000,000’s. Most homes were built from 2005 and on, while some were built in the late 1980’s to early 2000’s. You can find any type of home from apartments and townhomes to condos and single-family homes. Most of the home constructions took place from 2005 and on while some of the earlier developments started in the mid-1980’s.
Kris Recommends
Taking a bike ride or walk along the miles of pedestrian paths and bike lanes throughout Lake Nona. Park Pizza and Brewing for a splurge day. Spend a day at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club.
Lake Nona Golf and Country Club:
Other amenities include Crew, Tennis, Bath and Racquet Club, Dining, Fitness, Pool, Playground, Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lodge (Hotel).
Lake Nona Dining:
- Park Pizza and Brewing
- Boshporous Turkish
- Island Fin Poke
- Chroma Modern Bar and Kitchen
Lake Nona Hotels:
- Courtyard Marriot
- Residence Inn
Lake Nona Parks/Culture:
Crescent Park is located in Laureate Park. Events include live music weekly and Yoga in the park.
Lake Nona Shopping:
- Orlando Premium Outlets, about 25 minutes or 17-18 miles away.
- Mall of Millenia: 19-20 miles away about 25 minutes.
- Florida Mall on OBT about 15 miles, 23 minutes.
Lake Nona Stores:
- Publix
- Wallmart
- Lake Nona Deli and Market
- Sam’s Club
Lake Nona Gyms:
- LP Fit
- Orange Theory
- Lake Nona YMCA
- Rukus Cycling
- IM=X Pilates
- Multiple CrossFit gyms
Lake Nona Education:
- Lake Nona Daycares:
- Primrose Lake Nona, Cranium Academy of East Orlando, Nona Park Montessori, The Goddard School, Amazing Explorers Lake Nona, The Learning Experience
- Lake Nona Elementary Schools:
- Laureate Park Elementary, Sun Blaze Elementary, Northlake Park Community
- Lake Nona Middle Schools:
- Lake Nona Middle School, Innovation Middle School
- Lake Nona High Schools:
- Lake Nona High School
- Lake Nona College:
- Valencia Community College, UCF College of Medicine
Other Orlando Neighborhoods to Live In: