Identity
Alafaya is defined by the university and the research park beside it. That produces two overlapping markets in the same territory: family subdivisions built from the 1980s onward, and purpose-built rental product close to campus.
Orange County
Alafaya
Greater OrlandoFlorida
The large residential area around the University of Florida corridor in east Orlando, mixing established subdivisions with student housing.
Location and access
East Orange County along Alafaya Trail, between SR-408 and SR-50.
Everyday life
In practice, here is the rhythm you will find: retail and services line Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard; residential streets sit immediately behind them.
- University of Florida and Florida Research Park.
- Little Econ Greenway and area trails.
- Waterford Lakes Town Center for retail.
Housing
- Single-family subdivisions from the 1980s through the 2000s.
- Townhomes and condominiums, many used as rentals.
- Purpose-built student housing near campus.
New construction
mostly infill and redevelopment along the corridors; large new subdivisions are limited by available land.
Getting around
Plan on this for getting around: car-based, with SR-408 the main route west and heavy corridor traffic during term time.
The area
A university corridor of research campuses and quiet residential streets.
Real life here
What an ordinary week looks like.
The academic calendar sets the tempo: heavier traffic and fuller restaurants during term time along Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard, quieter streets during breaks. Established subdivisions behind the corridor keep their own steadier routine of school runs and errands regardless of the university's schedule.
Routines that fit
- Studying or working at UCF or the Florida Research Park.
- Wanting an established subdivision at a lower entry point than the newer west-side corridors.
- Owning rental property with steady student demand nearby.
Outdoors and leisure
- Little Econ Greenway, a paved trail along the Little Econlockhatchee River.
- UCF's own trails and green space, open to the surrounding neighbourhoods.
- Neighbourhood parks in the older subdivisions off Alafaya Trail.
Eating and shopping
Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard carry a dense strip of casual and quick-service dining aimed at student volume, with Waterford Lakes Town Center a short drive away for a broader sit-down selection.
Groceries, pharmacies and clinics line both main corridors; Waterford Lakes Town Center adds larger retail, and hospitals are reached via SR-408 toward downtown or east Orlando.
Seasons
Traffic and rental turnover both track the academic calendar closely, with move-in and move-out periods being the busiest weeks of the year on the corridor.
Around here
Schools nearby
Real institutions inside this area's radius, ordered by distance. No ratings: assignment depends on the exact address, and a star average does not measure a school.
UCF Digital Learning Center
School serving this area
12351 Research Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
WebsiteSource: Google Places. Names, addresses, photos and ratings are published by Google and can change.
Around here
Restaurants around
Real addresses nearby, with public Google ratings where they exist.
Don Julio Mexican Kitchen - Waterford lakes
Mexican restaurant
12789 Waterford Lakes Pkwy bay 13, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
4.9 · 31508 reviews$$
WebsiteKEG SOCIAL ORLANDO - Dining & Entertainment
Expansive operation offering American-style pub grub, plus ax throwing, karaoke & darts facilities.
12850 Waterford Lakes Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
4.8 · 8747 reviews$$
WebsiteCooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.
529 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
4.6 · 2689 reviews$$
WebsiteTHE DOUGH SHOW - Orlando
Restaurant
12140 Collegiate Way 175 #170#165, Orlando, FL 32817, USA
4.8 · 3619 reviews
WebsiteLaunch Family Entertainment Park Orlando, FL
Amusement center
610 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
4.6 · 2329 reviews
WebsiteBoardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center
Bowling center with an arcade plus a sports bar hosting comedy nights.
10749 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817, USA
4.5 · 3401 reviews
WebsiteLechonera Orlando
Ultrahearty stews, meats by the pound & more dished up at this counter-serve Puerto Rican cafe.
9998 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817, USA
4.4 · 7432 reviews$
WebsiteSource: Google Places. Names, addresses, photos and ratings are published by Google and can change.
Around here
Parks and green space
Public parks inside this area's radius.
Blanchard Park
84-acre park with trails, river, canoeing, fishing & picnic tables plus courts & fields for sports.
2451 Dean Rd, Union Park, FL 32817, USA
WebsiteDowney Park
A 47-acre park with splash playground, baseball complex, picnicking, lake, sand volleyball & more.
10107 Flowers Ave, Orlando, FL 32825, USA
WebsiteLittle Econ Greenway
Park
Little Econ Greenway, Union Park, FL 32817, USA
UCF Reflecting Pond
This large, shallow pool with a fountain is an aquatic focal point at University of Central Florida.
Orlando, FL 32816, USA
WebsiteSource: Google Places. Names, addresses, photos and ratings are published by Google and can change.
Around here
Things to do here
Cinema, bowling, activities for the children, culture and sport around here, without repeating the parks. I list what actually exists, with the public Google rating where there is one.
The Escape Ventures Orlando - Waterford Lakes
Amusement center
570 N Alafaya Trail Ste 109-110, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
5.0 · 6432 reviews
WebsiteKEG SOCIAL ORLANDO - Dining & Entertainment
Expansive operation offering American-style pub grub, plus ax throwing, karaoke & darts facilities.
12850 Waterford Lakes Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
4.8 · 8747 reviews$$
WebsiteCongo River Golf
Adventure-themed mini-golf course with waterfalls, gator feedings, scavenger hunts & arcade games.
12193 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
4.7 · 1462 reviews
WebsiteBoardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center
Bowling center with an arcade plus a sports bar hosting comedy nights.
10749 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817, USA
4.5 · 3401 reviews
WebsiteUCF Recreation and Wellness Center
Sports activity location
4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
4.5 · 683 reviews
WebsiteYouFit Gyms Orlando Colonial
Fitness center
11849 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
4.3 · 709 reviews
WebsiteRegal Waterford Lakes
Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.
541 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
4.2 · 4478 reviews
WebsiteSource: Google Places. Names, addresses, photos and ratings are published by Google and can change.
Real indicators
Market in Orange County, with sources.
These numbers are published per county, not per neighbourhood or community. They show the direction of the market around this area, they do not estimate the price of a specific home.
Median listing price (county)
The midpoint asking price of homes listed across the whole county that month. It is what sellers ask, not what buyers pay, and a county is far larger than a single community, a specific neighbourhood can sit well above or below it.
$424,950
median asking price (USD)
−1.2% vs. a year earlier
September 2026 · monthly series
Median listing price (county): from $382,500 in September 2021 to $424,950 in September 2026, higher over the period. Low of $382,500 in September 2021 and high of $497,300 in July 2023. 61 real observations.
September 2021, September 2026 · 61 observations
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis FedView data table
Showing 1 in every 2 real observations from the selected period.
| Period | Median listing price |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | $382,500 |
| November 2021 | $386,000 |
| January 2022 | $389,990 |
| March 2022 | $416,750 |
| May 2022 | $462,000 |
| July 2022 | $484,945 |
| September 2022 | $465,448 |
| November 2022 | $448,950 |
| January 2023 | $434,900 |
| March 2023 | $447,000 |
| May 2023 | $474,950 |
| July 2023 | $497,300 |
| September 2023 | $480,000 |
| November 2023 | $465,500 |
| January 2024 | $436,850 |
| March 2024 | $439,900 |
| May 2024 | $450,000 |
| July 2024 | $455,000 |
| September 2024 | $447,861 |
| November 2024 | $436,490 |
| January 2025 | $422,450 |
| March 2025 | $419,000 |
| May 2025 | $444,900 |
| July 2025 | $441,250 |
| September 2025 | $430,000 |
| November 2025 | $430,000 |
| January 2026 | $425,000 |
| March 2026 | $430,000 |
| May 2026 | $437,990 |
| July 2026 | $439,450 |
| September 2026 | $424,950 |
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis Fed · Housing Inventory: Median Listing Price in Orange County, FL
Median listing price per square foot (county)
Asking price divided by interior area, at the county midpoint. It travels better between areas than a total price because it partly removes house size from the comparison, but it still ignores lot, age, finish level and view.
$242
USD per square foot
−1.6% vs. a year earlier
September 2026 · monthly series
Median listing price per square foot (county): from $208 in September 2021 to $242 in September 2026, higher over the period. Low of $208 in September 2021 and high of $257 in September 2023. 61 real observations.
September 2021, September 2026 · 61 observations
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis FedView data table
Showing 1 in every 2 real observations from the selected period.
| Period | Price per sq ft |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | $208 |
| November 2021 | $212 |
| January 2022 | $220 |
| March 2022 | $234 |
| May 2022 | $249 |
| July 2022 | $249 |
| September 2022 | $245 |
| November 2022 | $242 |
| January 2023 | $243 |
| March 2023 | $248 |
| May 2023 | $251 |
| July 2023 | $255 |
| September 2023 | $257 |
| November 2023 | $255 |
| January 2024 | $252 |
| March 2024 | $254 |
| May 2024 | $255 |
| July 2024 | $256 |
| September 2024 | $252 |
| November 2024 | $249 |
| January 2025 | $247 |
| March 2025 | $246 |
| May 2025 | $249 |
| July 2025 | $247 |
| September 2025 | $246 |
| November 2025 | $245 |
| January 2026 | $243 |
| March 2026 | $245 |
| May 2026 | $244 |
| July 2026 | $244 |
| September 2026 | $242 |
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis Fed · Housing Inventory: Median Listing Price per Square Feet in Orange County, FL
Active listings (county)
How many homes were actively listed for sale in the county during the month: a snapshot of available supply. It says nothing about how many sold and excludes homes already under contract.
5,554
active listings
−0.9% vs. a year earlier
September 2026 · monthly series
Active listings (county): from 1,987 in September 2021 to 5,554 in September 2026, higher over the period. Low of 1,141 in February 2022 and high of 5,836 in June 2025. 61 real observations.
September 2021, September 2026 · 61 observations
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis FedView data table
Showing 1 in every 2 real observations from the selected period.
| Period | Active listings |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | 1,987 |
| November 2021 | 1,689 |
| January 2022 | 1,237 |
| March 2022 | 1,152 |
| May 2022 | 1,542 |
| July 2022 | 2,996 |
| September 2022 | 3,259 |
| November 2022 | 3,136 |
| January 2023 | 2,637 |
| March 2023 | 2,168 |
| May 2023 | 2,060 |
| July 2023 | 2,371 |
| September 2023 | 2,635 |
| November 2023 | 3,097 |
| January 2024 | 3,196 |
| March 2024 | 3,367 |
| May 2024 | 3,791 |
| July 2024 | 4,382 |
| September 2024 | 4,694 |
| November 2024 | 4,952 |
| January 2025 | 4,732 |
| March 2025 | 5,249 |
| May 2025 | 5,597 |
| July 2025 | 5,831 |
| September 2025 | 5,603 |
| November 2025 | 5,373 |
| January 2026 | 4,901 |
| March 2026 | 5,210 |
| May 2026 | 5,340 |
| July 2026 | 5,562 |
| September 2026 | 5,554 |
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis Fed · Housing Inventory: Active Listing Count in Orange County, FL
New listings (county)
Homes that entered the county market for the first time that month. It measures how much new supply arrived, which is what usually changes negotiating room from one season to the next.
1,650
new listings in the month
+1.1% vs. a year earlier
September 2026 · monthly series
New listings (county): from 2,002 in September 2021 to 1,650 in September 2026, lower over the period. Low of 1,140 in December 2022 and high of 2,440 in June 2022. 61 real observations.
September 2021, September 2026 · 61 observations
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis FedView data table
Showing 1 in every 2 real observations from the selected period.
| Period | New listings |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | 2,002 |
| November 2021 | 1,678 |
| January 2022 | 1,560 |
| March 2022 | 1,972 |
| May 2022 | 2,278 |
| July 2022 | 2,344 |
| September 2022 | 1,852 |
| November 2022 | 1,288 |
| January 2023 | 1,454 |
| March 2023 | 1,528 |
| May 2023 | 1,684 |
| July 2023 | 1,644 |
| September 2023 | 1,664 |
| November 2023 | 1,432 |
| January 2024 | 1,626 |
| March 2024 | 1,876 |
| May 2024 | 2,020 |
| July 2024 | 1,816 |
| September 2024 | 1,604 |
| November 2024 | 1,548 |
| January 2025 | 1,810 |
| March 2025 | 1,992 |
| May 2025 | 1,896 |
| July 2025 | 1,828 |
| September 2025 | 1,632 |
| November 2025 | 1,528 |
| January 2026 | 1,772 |
| March 2026 | 1,946 |
| May 2026 | 2,052 |
| July 2026 | 1,732 |
| September 2026 | 1,650 |
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis Fed · Housing Inventory: New Listing Count in Orange County, FL
Median days on market (county)
The midpoint of how long county listings stayed on the market that month: half were listed for less, half for more. It measures pace, not price.
73
days on market
−3.9% vs. a year earlier
September 2026 · monthly series
Median days on market (county): from 38 in September 2021 to 73 in September 2026, higher over the period. Low of 27 in June 2022 and high of 86 in January 2026. 61 real observations.
September 2021, September 2026 · 61 observations
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis FedView data table
Showing 1 in every 2 real observations from the selected period.
| Period | Days on market |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | 38 |
| November 2021 | 42 |
| January 2022 | 42 |
| March 2022 | 31 |
| May 2022 | 28 |
| July 2022 | 30 |
| September 2022 | 47 |
| November 2022 | 63 |
| January 2023 | 71 |
| March 2023 | 50 |
| May 2023 | 43 |
| July 2023 | 42 |
| September 2023 | 45 |
| November 2023 | 49 |
| January 2024 | 60 |
| March 2024 | 47 |
| May 2024 | 48 |
| July 2024 | 55 |
| September 2024 | 62 |
| November 2024 | 70 |
| January 2025 | 76 |
| March 2025 | 57 |
| May 2025 | 60 |
| July 2025 | 70 |
| September 2025 | 76 |
| November 2025 | 78 |
| January 2026 | 86 |
| March 2026 | 64 |
| May 2026 | 65 |
| July 2026 | 69 |
| September 2026 | 73 |
Realtor.com via FRED · St. Louis Fed · Housing Inventory: Median Days on Market in Orange County, FL
Metro and statewide context
Median listing price
$410,000
median asking price (USD)
−2.5% vs. a year earlier
September 2026 · monthly series
Florida house price index
825.7
index · base 1980:Q1 = 100
+1.4% vs. a year earlier
Q2 2026 · quarterly series
30-year fixed mortgage rate
7.24%
annual rate
+1.07 percentage points vs. a year earlier
Week ending Oct 29, 2026 · weekly average
Honest trade-offs
What you accept when you choose this area.
Trade-offs
- Rental turnover is higher near campus than further out.
- Corridor traffic follows the academic calendar.
- Condominium associations vary widely in condition and rules.
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