Modern living, Medical City innovation, beautiful neighborhoods… and a surprisingly easy Disney commute.
Lake Nona isn’t just a neighborhood… it’s a master-planned ecosystem built around wellness, technology, parks, schools, and lifestyle design. It’s clean, modern, thoughtful, and incredibly well organized.
It offers:
- Beautiful, newer homes
- Amenity-rich communities
- Gorgeous landscaping
- Walkable paths
- Top-rated schools
- Lake views
- Medical City (a nationally recognized health + life sciences hub)
- Easy airport access
- A lifestyle that feels curated
And yes… it still offers a completely reasonable commute to Walt Disney World, which is why it attracts a large segment of your relocating buyers.
Let’s break it all down.
📍 Where Exactly Is Lake Nona?
Lake Nona is located in southeast Orlando, just south of the Orlando International Airport (MCO), east of the 417 expressway, and north of the Kissimmee / Meadow Woods corridor.
It’s centrally positioned for people who want:
- Fast airport access
- Quick travel
- A clean, modern, amenity-rich suburban lifestyle
- Easy access to hospitals, research centers, and Medical City jobs
Realistic drive times to Disney parks from Lake Nona:
- EPCOT: ~22–30 minutes
- Hollywood Studios: ~22–32 minutes
- Animal Kingdom: ~28–36 minutes
- Magic Kingdom: ~28–38 minutes
Drive times vary by which village you’re in (VillageWalk vs Laureate Park vs Northlake Park etc.).
🧡 What It Feels Like to Live in Lake Nona
Lake Nona is one of the most intentionally planned communities in Florida.
Expect:
- Wide, clean streets
- Modern architecture
- Beautiful landscaping
- Incredible parks and trails
- Community art and installations
- A forward-thinking, wellness-oriented vibe
- A younger, vibrant demographic
- A neighborhood that feels cohesive and master-planned
Everything feels polished. Everything feels organized.
It’s the opposite of chaos… it’s thoughtful suburban living.
🏡 Homes & Real Estate in Lake Nona
Lake Nona is known for having some of the most attractive newer communities in the Orlando region.
Buyers can choose from:
1. Upscale Single-Family Homes
Often with:
- Modern elevations
- Open floor plans
- Energy-efficient design
- Smart-home features
- Community-rich amenities nearby
2. Townhomes & Low-Maintenance Options
Perfect for:
- Relocating professionals
- Frequent flyers
- Seasonal residents
- Buyers who want modern design without yard work
3. Luxury Homes & Custom Builds
Especially in:
- Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
- Laureate Park’s high-end sections
4. Newer Construction
Lake Nona has some of the most impressive new-build architecture in the metro area.
This region is a favorite of buyers seeking modern design + lifestyle amenities + strong long-term value.
🏘️ Most Popular Neighborhoods in Lake Nona
Laureate Park
Modern, colorful, walkable, with top-tier amenities and a strong sense of community. This is one of the most requested neighborhoods for relocators.
Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
A private, luxury community with custom homes, lakefront living, and high-end amenities.
VillageWalk at Lake Nona
Resort-style living with canals, bridges, community pools, a marketplace, and beautiful landscaping.
NorthLake Park at Lake Nona
Family-friendly community with walkability, A-rated schools, and neighborhood charm.
Somerset Park
A newer, gated community with modern homes and clean design.
Enclave at VillageWalk
Luxury living with beautiful lake and water views.
Randal Park
A master-planned community along the 417 corridor with trails and family-friendly amenities.
Eagle Creek (technically “Lake Nona area,” not inside Nona proper)
Gated golf community with beautiful homes and appealing amenities.
Nona South & Nona Crest
Established communities with strong value for Disney-area relocators.
🛒 Dining, Shopping & Daily Convenience
Lake Nona Town Center anchors the region and includes:
- Restaurants
- Outdoor hangouts
- Fitness centers
- Retail
- Boxi Park (container-park food + live music)
- Groceries
- Coffee shops
- Community spaces
Nearby, you’ll also find:
- Publix
- Walmart
- Medical City
- VA Hospital
- UCF College of Medicine
- Nemours Children’s Hospital
- Nona Adventure Park
- Drive Shack
- Quick access to 417 for commuting
Daily life is incredibly easy here… everything is close, clean, and modern.
🌳 Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation
Lake Nona is one of the most outdoor-friendly communities in Florida:
You’ll find:
- Extensive biking and walking trails
- Large community parks
- Playgrounds and green spaces
- Neighborhood pools
- Nona Adventure Park (water obstacle course)
- Community events
- Pickleball and tennis courts
- Dog parks
It’s the perfect blend of suburban comfort and active lifestyle.
⚖️ Pros & Cons of Living in Lake Nona
✔ Pros
- Newer homes and modern design
- Beautiful master-planned communities
- Great schools
- Excellent commuter access (417)
- Close to Orlando International Airport
- Walkable pockets
- Strong long-term value
- Amenities everywhere
✘ Cons
- Prices are higher than Meadow Woods / Southchase / Kissimmee North
- Commute to Disney is slightly longer than western suburbs
- Not as “storybook” as Celebration or as “suburban cozy” as Winter Garden
- Construction is ongoing in several corridors
Overall: Lake Nona is ideal for buyers who value modern living, organized community design, and convenience.
🎯 Who Lake Nona Is Best For
Orlando Opportunity Seekers
Professionals working in tech, healthcare, aviation, or Medical City.
Magic-After-Midlife Buyers
Wellness + convenience + modern homes.
Disney Devotee Relocators
Those who want a polished lifestyle near the parks.
Families
Great schools, safe communities, tons to do.
Frequent Travelers
Minutes from the airport… you can practically roll your suitcase to the terminal.
🔄 Nearby Areas to Compare With Lake Nona
- Meadow Woods
- Hunters Creek
- Southchase
- Kissimmee (north sections)
- Vista East / Lee Vista area
- Horizon West (if lifestyle-forward neighborhoods appeal)
Lake Nona is the cleanest, most modern-feeling option in the southeastern Disney Bubble.
✨ Ready to Explore Lake Nona?
If you love modern design, organized communities, great schools, and a lifestyle built around wellness and convenience… Lake Nona checks all the boxes.
Let’s compare Lake Nona with your other top choices so you can find the perfect home near the magic.
👉 Schedule your Disney Bubble Relocation Consultation

I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
Author of the book: Moving To The Disney Bubble: Your Guide To Living Near the Magic
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter


