In Disney Town, get to know the neighborhoods most sought after by tourists and the areas that attract Brazilian families in search of safety, education and stability
Orlando is more than just the entertainment capital of the world. The Florida city, famous for its Disney and Universal parks, has established itself as one of the favorite destinations for Brazilians, both for vacations and for a permanent move abroad.
The contrast appears in the numbers: in 2024, there were almost 700,000 tourists from Brazil, but also hundreds of families who chose the region to live in, boosting the real estate market and forming one of the largest Brazilian communities in the United States.
Between the visitor crossing International Drive in search of outlets and the resident looking for places at A-grade schools, there are two cities within Orlando. And it is precisely this duality - between the visitor on vacation and the resident who decides to start life anew - that defines the choice of the Brazilian who dreams of Florida.
Guided by experts in the local real estate market, we tell you which areas and neighborhoods in Orlando are most favorable to tourists looking for complete experiences, as well as the most recommended areas for those planning to live in the city permanently.
The Brazilian community in numbers
Despite the new migratory siege imposed by Donald Trump, the Brazilian presence in the United States has never been more expressive. The most recent figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimate that approximately 1.9 million Brazilians live in the country, 22% of whom are concentrated in Florida.
According to the same report, Orlando is home to around 180,000 Brazilians, who are also among the main players in the state's real estate market: a 2024 report by Florida Realtors points out that 6% of foreign real estate buyers are from Brazil, driven by the search for quality of life, diversification of investments and cultural proximity.
In terms of value, the investment is even more significant: there were US$ 695 million in purchases in the period analyzed, the second highest volume among all nationalities.
Tourism boosts this presence even more: in 2024 alone, according to Visit Orlando, 697,000 Brazilian tourists visited the city, consolidating Brazil as the third country that sent the most tourists there.
Two maps, one city
This duplicity translates into geography. On the one hand, there are areas like Kissimmee, Davenport and Lake Buena Vista, designed to welcome short-stay visitors, with condominiums, hotels, restaurants and immediate proximity to the parks. On the other, neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Winter Garden, Lake Nona and Clermont, for example, are designed for families looking for good schools, tranquility and long-term infrastructure.
"The main difference between the areas is defined by the zoning of the municipalities. There are areas designated for vacation rentals, such as Airbnb, and others where this is not allowed," explains Andrea Pointon, CEO of Pointon Realty. This dividing line, invisible on the map, determines not only where tourists stay, but where the government invests in schools, hospitals and urban services.
Edna Batini, CEO of Vitoria Realty, adds: "In Florida, the Department of Education grades schools, and neighborhoods with A schools are considered excellent and highly sought after. For visitors, on the other hand, the priority is different: proximity to tourist attractions, easy access to highways and the infrastructure of hotels and resort-style vacation home condominiums."
The result is a city split into two experiences. The same tourist who spends a week in Kissimmee is unlikely to know the routine of a resident of Lake Nona, even though both are less than half an hour away.
From farming town to Walt Disney World
Before it became synonymous with tourism, Orlando was a small farming town in the heart of Central Florida. Its official incorporation as a city dates back to 1875, consolidating a settlement that had been growing since the 1830s in a region covered in swamps and orange groves. Until the middle of the 20th century, in fact, the engine of the economy was citrus production, and the pace of life was predominantly rural.
The change began in the 1960s with the announcement of the construction of Walt Disney World. In 1971, the opening of the park transformed Orlando into a global destination. The impact was immediate: roads were opened, hotels built and the city's population, which was around 99,000 in 1970, grew to around 165,000 in 1990. Today, the Orlando metropolitan area is home to more than 2.9 million people, making it one of Florida's main urban centers.
How is Orlando divided?
Geographically, Orlando is spread over a region marked by lakes and flat terrain, characteristic of the Florida peninsula. There are more than 100 lakes within the city limits and thousands in the metropolitan area. Many luxury neighborhoods, such as Windermere and Dr. Phillips, for example, have grown up around these shores, offering homes with piers and water sports.
The city is also strategic from a logistical point of view. Located about an hour from the Atlantic coast and two hours from the Gulf of Mexico, it lies between Florida's two major coastal hubs. Orlando International Airport (MCO), one of the busiest in the United States, receives direct flights from Brazilian cities such as São Paulo, Brasília, Belo Horizonte and Recife.
This geography explains part of the duality that defines Orlando today. The proximity to nature coexists with the urban and tourist explosion. At the same time as it is home to planned areas such as Lake Nona, it maintains a strong link with the identity of small neighboring towns such as Kissimmee and Winter Garden, which still preserve historical and community characteristics.
Orlando for tourism
The tourist heart beats in Kissimmee, south of Orlando. The town, in Osceola County, has its own identity, but it's almost impossible to separate it from Disney. Its neighborhoods are lined with condominiums such as Storey Lake, Reunion Resort and Windsor Hills, all designed to welcome visitors. Houses with six, eight or even more than ten bedrooms, many decorated with Disney characters, even welcome families and groups of friends.
According to market data, more than 30% of the properties in Kissimmee are vacation rentals. The flow is constant: every week, new neighbors occupy the houses, turning the town into a kind of open-air hotel. "The condominiums there are built with the tourist in mind: concierges, complete leisure areas, everything to delight those on vacation," Pointon sums up.
As well as being close to the parks, Kissimmee has built up its own attractions. Old Town, with flea markets and vintage car shows, is a traditional stop. Fun Spot America, with roller coasters and go-karts, attracts families looking for more affordable options. Airboat rides on the Kissimmee River take visitors to see alligators in the swamps, while outlets attract visitors who don't mind shopping.
Davenport, Lake Buena Vista and more
A little further away, in Davenport, the appeal is similar, but at a lower cost. The epicenter is ChampionsGate, a complex that combines resorts, golf courses and vacation condominiums. For families looking for more space and tranquillity, Davenport has become the natural alternative to Kissimmee, according to the experts.
On the more urban axis, International Drive (I-Drive) sums up the Orlando experience for those with only a few days. There are 18 km of hotels, restaurants, outlets and attractions. ICON Park with its illuminated Ferris wheel, the SEA LIFE aquarium, Madame Tussauds museum and nightclubs all vie for visitors' attention. Edna points out: "The International Drive area, with the Vista Cay condominium, is also a great option".
Lake Buena Vista is, in fact, Disney territory. Officially, it has only a few dozen permanent residents, but it hosts thousands of visitors every day. It's home to Disney Springs, with its stores and restaurants, and most of the complex's resorts. The atmosphere is designed to keep visitors immersed in the Disney universe, even outside the theme parks.
Orlando residential
When the decision is made to put down roots, the criteria for looking for a property change. Proximity to Mickey gives way to "the quality of the schools, the location and security", says Edna Batini.
"People who move to Orlando are looking for quality of life, security for their families and better educational opportunities for their children," adds Andrea Pointon. For the resident, the map is different: schools, security and urban infrastructure are at the center of decisions. "Many families are very careful about this. The first question they ask is about schools," she adds.
Dr. Phillips is one of the most traditional neighborhoods. Located between the Universal Orlando Resort and the Mall at Millenia, it is home to the famous Restaurant Row, on Sand Lake Road, a real gastronomic cluster in the city. It is also home to renowned schools, such as Dr. Phillips High School, highlighted by the Florida Department of Education.
Next door, Windermere reinforces its profile of exclusivity. With luxury lakeside homes, gated communities and golf courses, the town is the address for celebrities and executives. Andrea compares: "For those looking for luxury and tradition, the main areas are Dr. Phillips and[the town of] Winter Park," citing Bella Collina, a very high-end condominium with a Tuscan-inspired aesthetic. Its schools, such as Olympia High School, are among the best.
Other options
Further west, Winter Garden has become a symbol of expansion. The historic center retains cafés and antique shops, but new neighborhoods, such as Horizon West, concentrate planned condominiums and schools such as Windermere High School. "In recent years, Winter Garden has stood out. It's a geographically privileged area, close to Disney, from where you can see and hear the fireworks," says Andrea.
Clermont and Minneola, in metropolitan Orlando, attract residents because they offer quality of life, safety and contact with nature. With planned neighborhoods, good schools and easy access to the main highways, the experts say, they are therefore ideal for families and professionals looking for tranquility without giving up proximity to downtown Orlando and its opportunities.
On the opposite side of town, Lake Nona represents the planned future. Known as a "smart city", it is home to Medical City, with hospitals and research centers, as well as top schools such as Lake Nona High School. Andrea sums it up: "Lake Nona is a planned area, with a more modern and technological footprint, which attracts IT professionals and younger couples without children."
Who is a new resident?
Who are the Brazilians who leave the role of tourists and start living in Orlando? Experts identify a recurring profile: qualified professionals, with a consolidated career in Brazil, who choose to start over in another country. It's a predominantly young community, with a high level of education and well-defined plans.
"Generally, they are class A people in their 40s with school-age children," says Andrea Pointon. According to the broker, they "are at the peak of their careers in Brazil and decide to move in search of more security and peace of mind for their families".
The perception of insecurity in Brazil appears to be a decisive factor. "The feeling of threat and the lack of freedom in Brazil are common denominators for everyone," says the CEO of Pointon Realty. Many of those making this transition work in areas such as tourism, technology and health, sectors that have been growing consistently in Orlando.
Pointon also distinguishes between the profile of the resident and that of the investor. "The pure investor has a similar profile, in the same age group, and seeks to diversify their portfolio in a safe real estate market with good appreciation."
In both cases, however, the city was chosen due to factors such as its proximity to Brazil, with direct flights, and a more attractive cost-benefit ratio compared to its sister city Miami.
Brazilian life in Orlando
The strength of the community can be seen in many of the neighborhoods, a presence that has reshaped commerce and services: bilingual schools, Portuguese-language TV channels, lawyers and doctors specializing in Brazilians have sprung up.
"The city today offers a much friendlier structure for adaptation, with Brazilian restaurants, supermarkets with national products and television channels, for example, making life much easier than it was 31 years ago when I moved here," Edna recalls.
The restaurants have become meeting points. At the traditional Camila's Restaurant, Brazilian dishes appear on the buffet, while the staff speak Portuguese and the televisions show TV Globo programs. The Mrs. Potato snack bar, which specializes in stuffed potatoes, has even appeared on the Food Network. Café Mineiro and Adega Gaúcha are references in barbecue. For nostalgic tastes, the shelves of supermarkets such as Seabra Foods and Rokka's Market offer products such as guaraná and pão de queijo.
Choosing where to stay in Orlando means deciding which map to follow. For tourists, Kissimmee, Davenport, Lake Buena Vista and International Drive offer proximity to the parks and immediate leisure options. For residents, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and Lake Nona guarantee high-performance schools, security and community infrastructure.
"The most common mistake is not preparing and not understanding how the real estate market works here. Finding a partner broker is the key to a smooth transition," warns Andrea Poiton. "I don't see how you can go wrong, as long as you know what suits your needs," adds Edna Batini.
