Moving to Lake Nona’s Medical City for a new role and trying to get your housing game plan together? You’re not alone. Professionals arrive year-round for faculty appointments, clinical roles, research positions and visiting fellowships. You want a smooth commute, a community that fits your lifestyle and a clear path from first tour to move-in. This guide gives you a practical roadmap tailored to Lake Nona Central so you can make confident decisions fast. Let’s dive in.
Why Lake Nona Central works for Medical City pros
Lake Nona is a master-planned community known for innovation, wellness and convenience. The Medical City corridor anchors the area with major healthcare, education and research employers. You’ll find university programs, pediatric specialty care, a VA medical center and large hospital systems within a short drive of most Lake Nona Central neighborhoods.
- Explore community maps and Town Center amenities on the official Lake Nona site.
- University presence: The UCF College of Medicine and related health sciences programs add steady demand for nearby housing.
- Pediatric care: Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida is a regional anchor.
- Federal care: The Orlando VA Medical Center serves veterans across Central Florida.
If your employer offers relocation support, ask about housing assistance, temporary lodging and move reimbursements. Many institutions coordinate short-term furnished options for visiting staff.
Neighborhood and housing snapshot
What you’ll find
Lake Nona Central features a mix of newer housing with a clean, contemporary feel. Typical choices include:
- Townhomes and attached homes near the Town Center for lower maintenance.
- Compact single-family neighborhoods with parks and pocket retail.
- Gated luxury communities and golf-adjacent enclaves at higher price points.
- New-construction homes and build-to-rent communities with modern floor plans.
- Furnished short-term rentals and corporate housing close to Medical City.
Local demand is driven by short commutes, lifestyle amenities and planned community design. Inventory ranges from entry-level townhomes to luxury estates. Prices in Lake Nona often reflect a premium for location and amenities. For up-to-date pricing and sales activity, review current market data through the Orlando Regional Realtor Association and your agent’s MLS insights.
Costs, taxes and HOAs
Florida’s property tax rules and HOAs are key to your monthly budget:
- Homestead exemption: If you make the home your primary residence, review eligibility and application timelines with the Orange County Property Appraiser.
- HOAs: Most Lake Nona neighborhoods have HOA fees that can cover amenities and services. Request current dues, reserve studies and rules before you write an offer.
- Flood risk: Lake Nona includes natural and man-made lakes. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for property-specific risk using the FEMA map tool.
- Due diligence: Ask for seller disclosures, permit history and recent improvements for major systems.
If you want demographic context, use U.S. Census QuickFacts to review population and housing trends. Start at the Census QuickFacts homepage and search for Lake Nona CDP.
Commutes and transportation
Typical drive times
- To Medical City: Many Lake Nona Central homes are within roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car, depending on neighborhood and routing.
- To Orlando International Airport (MCO): Often about 10 to 20 minutes, traffic and starting point dependent.
- To downtown Orlando: Plan for about 20 to 35 minutes based on time of day and route.
Always test your commute at your expected work hours using live traffic to set realistic expectations.
Transit and alternatives
- Buses: LYNX serves parts of Lake Nona. Check routes and schedules on the LYNX site.
- Regional rail: SunRail and Brightline do not currently stop inside Lake Nona. Nearest stations require a drive or transfer.
- Trails and bikes: Multi-use paths and walkable pockets make short trips easier, though most residents rely on a car for daily commuting.
- Parking: Most Medical City employers provide structured parking or surface lots. Confirm permit rules with your employer and review HOA parking rules for your community.
Buy now or lease-to-own
Lease-to-own can bridge the gap if you want to live near work soon while preparing for a mortgage.
- Lease-option: You lease now and hold an option to buy later. There is usually an upfront option fee. Some contracts credit a portion of rent toward the purchase price.
- Lease-purchase: You lease now and agree to buy at the end of the term. This adds commitment and risk if your plans change.
Common terms to review with your attorney and lender:
- Option fee size and whether it’s credited at closing.
- Purchase price or pricing formula and timeline to exercise.
- What part of the rent, if any, is credited to your purchase.
- Maintenance responsibilities and how repairs are handled.
- Default terms and dispute resolution.
Pros for busy professionals include time to build savings or credit and immediate occupancy near your workplace. Risks include losing the option fee if you do not buy, or agreeing to a price that may not match future market conditions. Because Florida relies on general contract law for these agreements, careful review and clear language are essential.
Questions to ask before you sign:
- Will a lender accept the rent credits and structure when I apply for a mortgage?
- How is the purchase price set and does it adjust with the market?
- Who pays for major repairs during the lease period?
- Where is the option fee held and on what terms can it be refunded?
- What happens if my employment or timeline changes?
Your relocation timeline
Home purchase example
- Week 0: Set budget, secure preapproval and connect with a local buyer’s agent.
- Weeks 1–3: Tour neighborhoods in person or virtually. Narrow to top homes and request disclosures and HOA documents.
- Weeks 2–4: Make offers and negotiate. Enter contract with standard contingencies such as inspection, financing and title.
- Weeks 3–6: Complete inspections and appraisal. Negotiate repairs if needed.
- Weeks 4–8: Finalize underwriting and clear contingencies.
- Closing: Many Florida closings occur about 30 to 45 days after contract. Timelines vary.
- Move-in: Immediately after closing or as agreed.
Lease-to-own example
- Weeks 0–2: Identify candidates and review a sample contract with a Florida real estate attorney and a lender.
- Months 0–24: Live in the home, build rent credits if applicable and handle maintenance per contract.
- At exercise: Apply for your mortgage and plan 30 to 60 days for closing.
Pre-move checklist
Use this quick list to keep your move on track:
- Housing and legal
- Get mortgage preapproval or confirm employer relocation support.
- For lease-to-own, have a Florida real estate attorney review the contract and confirm lender acceptance.
- Request HOA covenants, reserve studies and current dues. Note any move-in rules.
- Review seller disclosures, flood maps and permit history.
- Utilities and services
- Contact local utilities to activate electric, water and trash service.
- Schedule internet and TV installation.
- Set up USPS mail forwarding and update your employer’s HR records.
- Family and lifestyle
- For public schools, confirm Orange County Public Schools boundaries and registration documents. Explore private and charter options if needed.
- Check which Medical City providers are in-network with your health plan.
- Map childcare, gyms, parks and daily errands near home and work.
- Moving logistics
- Book movers early and confirm HOA rules for trucks or elevator reservations.
- If relocating from out of state, plan your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration timeline.
- Financial and legal
- Review homestead exemption timing and steps with the Orange County Property Appraiser.
- Update voter registration, insurance policies and beneficiaries.
Virtual tours that work
If you cannot tour in person, ask for a virtual process that shows the details that photos miss.
- Request a live video walkthrough so you can direct the camera.
- Ask for a 3D tour, floor plan with dimensions and close-ups of mechanicals, electrical panels, HVAC units and the roof line.
- Verify noise and views with an exterior video at your typical commute time.
- Confirm room measurements, garage and driveway dimensions and storage areas.
- Ask for appliance ages and maintenance records.
- Request recent inspection reports or permit history for major work.
- Verify authenticity via the MLS number and brokerage credentials. Never wire funds without confirming title company details and your closing statement.
- For flood risk, confirm mapping through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center before you proceed.
Next steps with Florida’s Elite Team
You deserve a smooth landing in Lake Nona Central with a home that supports your work and lifestyle. Our team pairs neighborhood knowledge with a clear, data-informed process so you can move with confidence. Ready to tour, compare neighborhoods and map your commute options? Connect with Florida’s Elite Team to get started.
FAQs
How long is the commute to Medical City from Lake Nona Central?
- Many homes are about 10 to 15 minutes by car, but test routes at your work hours for accuracy.
Are there furnished short-term rentals near Medical City?
- Yes. You’ll find furnished rentals, corporate housing and extended-stay options; ask your employer’s relocation desk about temporary housing.
What should I know about HOAs and property taxes in Lake Nona?
- HOAs are common and can affect monthly costs. Review dues and rules and check homestead exemption and assessments with the Orange County Property Appraiser.
Is lease-to-own common and safe in Florida?
- It exists but is complex. Have a Florida real estate attorney and a lender review terms so credits and timelines will work with your future mortgage.
Does Lake Nona have public transit options?
- LYNX buses serve parts of the area, though most residents drive. Check routes and times on the LYNX site.
How can I check a home’s flood risk in Lake Nona?
- Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and review any property-specific disclosures during due diligence.
