Orlando’s real estate market continues to thrive in 2025, bolstered by strong population growth and rental demand. Savvy long-term single-family home investors are looking beyond the city center to high-performing suburbs. Below we highlight the top five Orlando-area suburbs for rental property investment, focusing on data-driven metrics like average rent, vacancy rate, and estimated ROI for each. These areas – where Ackley Florida already manages many properties – offer a combination of robust rents, manageable vacancies, and solid returns. Each section provides key investment data and insights to help property owners and investors make informed decisions in the Orlando market.
Lake Nona (Southeast Orlando)
Average Rent: ~$2,750/month for single-family homes (median, 2025); apartments average ~$1,994. Upscale homes often rent for $3,000–$4,500+ in prime communities.
Vacancy Rate: ~4% (approximately 96% occupancy as of early 2025), indicating a very tight rental market.
Estimated ROI: ~6–7% gross rental yield in 2025 (mid-single-digit cap rates), boosted by strong tenant demand and ~8% annual home value appreciation in recent years. Investors can expect steady rent growth of ~2–3% going forward.
Why Lake Nona? This master-planned “Medical City” has emerged as one of Orlando’s hottest investment locales. Major employers like hospitals, research institutes, and corporate campuses fuel housing demand. The renter demographic is affluent and highly educated, with many medical and tech professionals. In fact, about one-third of Lake Nona households earn over $250K, supporting premium rents. Despite a wave of new apartments, occupancy remains around 95–96%, so well-priced rentals lease quickly. Investors are drawn to Lake Nona’s blend of high rents and growth potential – $3,000/month on a ~$500K home yields a solid cap rate in the ~6% range. Additionally, property values have been rising (~8% annually), providing long-term appreciation upside. In short, Lake Nona offers high-end rental income with a strong ROI profile, especially for modern single-family homes. Ackley Florida manages numerous rentals here, giving us on-the-ground expertise in maximizing returns in this booming community.
Winter Park (Northeast of Downtown Orlando)
Average Rent: ~$2,074/month (all property types, mid-2025). Upscale apartments typically top $2,000, and single-family homes often command $3,000–$4,000 or more in this prestigious area.
Vacancy Rate: ~7% (rental vacancy), though desirable rentals often lease within 30 days due to limited inventory. Occupancy is high and turnover low in this coveted market.
Estimated ROI: ~5% gross yield (estimated). Rental yields are slightly lower here than in emerging suburbs, as purchase prices are high relative to rents. However, Winter Park delivers stable returns with steady appreciation and minimal risk of prolonged vacancy.
Why Winter Park? Winter Park is an established, affluent suburb known for its historic charm, brick streets, and A+ amenities. It consistently ranks as one of Central Florida’s most desirable areas. Home values are well above Orlando’s average (median often in the $500Ks, with many luxury homes $1M+), and the tenant base includes executives, professors (Rollins College is here), and families drawn to top-rated schools. This wealthier renter profile means tenants can comfortably afford Winter Park’s rents – many rent by choice while evaluating buying options. With very limited housing supply, landlords benefit from high pricing power and quick leasing. As one report notes, the average rent (~$2,031) in Winter Park is significantly higher than surrounding areas. Investors might see slightly lower cap rates due to pricey acquisitions, but occupancy is consistently high and properties hold value even in down cycles. In 2025, Winter Park remains a “blue-chip” investment locale – a premium suburb offering prestige and dependable demand. Rental homes here, if well-maintained and properly priced, tend to attract long-term, high-quality tenants and appreciate steadily over time.
Windermere (Southwest – Luxury Lakeside Living)
Average Rent: ~$3,150/month for single-family homes (mid-2025 average). Median SFH rent ~ $3,000–$3,500, with larger lakefront estates often $5,000+ per month. (There are few apartments or townhomes; nearly all rentals are upscale houses.)
Vacancy Rate: Effectively very low – vacancies are rare in Windermere’s tiny rental pool. Only ~5–6% of homes here are rentals, and those that hit the market are typically snapped up quickly. Occupancy rates hover in the mid-90s%, with well-priced homes enjoying near-full occupancy.
Estimated ROI: ~4–5% gross yield. Windermere is a capital preservation play – investors trade higher cap rates for premium property value. High purchase prices (median ~$880K) mean cap rates are modest, but appreciation is strong and tenant quality is exceptional.
Why Windermere? Windermere represents Orlando’s ultra-high-end rental market, renowned for luxury estates on the Butler Chain of Lakes and a celebrity resident roster. It’s primarily an owner-occupied community (~95% homeowners), so rental homes are scarce and exclusively upscale. For investors, this scarcity creates a niche “landlord’s market.” Affluent renters – think pro athletes, CEOs, relocating physicians – eagerly seek Windermere homes and will pay a premium for the lifestyle. The average tenant income (~$144K) in Windermere reflects this blue-chip renter pool, resulting in reliable rent collection (tenants spend only ~17% of income on rent) and minimal default risk. Every month a Windermere home sits empty can cost ~$3,000 in lost revenue given the high rents, but in practice vacancies are uncommon – supply is so limited that NIMBY luxury renters often compete for any available home. While Windermere’s cash flow yields are not high (due to ~$800K+ entry prices), properties here tend to appreciate handsomely and retain value over time. Investors who can make the larger upfront investment are rewarded with prestigious assets and stable long-term returns. Ackley Florida’s experience in this market underscores the importance of professional management – Windermere tenants expect top-notch service, and we ensure our clients’ high-end properties meet those expectations for optimal ROI.
Kissimmee (South Orlando – High Demand & Cash Flow)
Average Rent: ~$2,285/month (all property types, mid-2025). Apartments average ~$1,824, while single-family rentals often fetch $2,200+ depending on size/location. This market’s rents are about 9% above the U.S. average yet generally more affordable than Orlando’s priciest suburbs.
Vacancy Rate: ~6–7% (rental vacancy ~6.8% as of 2025), close to the Orlando metro average. Kissimmee’s large rental stock sees steady demand; well-marketed homes still tend to fill quickly. Over 53% of households are renters here, ensuring a deep tenant pool year-round.
Estimated ROI: ~7–8% gross yield. Kissimmee offers excellent cash-flow potential, thanks to relatively low acquisition costs and solid rents. One source pegged the typical cap rate around 6.9% – among the highest in the nation for a vacation-heavy market. Long-term landlords can similarly achieve high-single-digit returns, especially on moderately priced single-family homes that consistently rent to eager tenants.
Why Kissimmee? Located just south of Orlando, Kissimmee is famous for its proximity to Walt Disney World and other theme parks. This makes it a tourism and hospitality jobs hub, with a constant influx of workers and relocating families needing long-term housing. Unlike the luxury enclaves, Kissimmee’s appeal to investors is its affordability and volume. Home prices here (often in the mid-$200Ks to $300Ks) are lower than many Orlando suburbs, which means a rental home can generate positive cash flow with a smaller investment. For example, an average rent around $1,700–$1,800 on a sub-$300K property can yield strong monthly income. Inventory is ample, but so is demand: 58–60% of Kissimmee residents rent rather than own. When a quality rental hits the market, property managers report receiving hundreds of inquiries – a testament to the competitive renter pool. Kissimmee also benefits from a dual market: while some investors target short-term vacation rentals, the long-term rental market is robust, fueled by locals and park employees who need year-round housing. Landlords here enjoy the combination of low vacancy and high rental yields, with the trade-off of slightly more market volatility tied to the tourism economy. Overall, Kissimmee is a top pick for investors prioritizing cash flow. Ackley Florida manages many homes in this area, leveraging strategies to maximize rent and minimize turnover in a market brimming with opportunity.
Dr. Phillips (Southwest Orlando – Upscale & High-Demand)
Average Rent: ~$2,200/month for upscale apartments; $2,500–$3,500+ for single-family homes (depending on size and amenities). Nearly half of rentals here exceed $2,000/month, reflecting the area’s high-end profile.
Vacancy Rate: Low – Dr. Phillips consistently sees high occupancy thanks to its prime location and affluent tenant base. Vacancy is tightly constrained (the rental market here remained “tight” through 2025), as many would-be buyers opt to rent luxury homes instead. Well-priced rentals tend to have multiple qualified applicants.
Estimated ROI: 6% gross yield. Dr. Phillips offers strong rental yields with upscale stability. Median home prices ($468K) are above Orlando average, but still more accessible than Windermere, allowing investors to achieve solid cap rates in the mid-single digits. Combined with property value growth in line with the Orlando market, owners can expect a healthy overall ROI.
Why Dr. Phillips? Dr. Phillips is a highly sought-after neighborhood in southwest Orlando, known for its executive homes, golf communities, and the famed “Restaurant Row.” Its strategic location – minutes from Universal Studios, International Drive, and a short commute to downtown – makes it ideal for professionals and families who want suburban luxury with urban convenience. The area boasts a median household income around $100K, so renters here have the means to support premium rents (on average they spend only ~22% of income on rent). Typical tenants include physicians from nearby hospitals, theme park executives, and dual-income families, all seeking high-quality homes. This reliable, well-paid tenant pool leads to longer tenancies and low default rates. For landlords, Dr. Phillips provides a balance of yield and stability – properties tend to appreciate along with the broader Orlando market and rent demand stays strong even if interest rates or sales trends fluctuate. In 2025, as higher mortgage rates pushed some buyers into renting upscale homes, Dr. Phillips rentals have remained in high demand. Investors can enhance returns by choosing properties with standout features (e.g. lake views, modern upgrades) to attract top-tier tenants in this competitive market. With Ackley Florida’s local property management expertise, many owners are capitalizing on Dr. Phillips’ mix of robust rents and elite tenant quality to maximize their ROI.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Orlando’s suburbs present a diverse array of investment opportunities for the long-term rental owner. Whether it’s the cutting-edge growth in Lake Nona, the historic stability of Winter Park, the exclusive luxury of Windermere, the high-yield cash flow in Kissimmee, or the upscale demand in Dr. Phillips, each market offers a unique path to strong returns. The common thread is Orlando’s thriving economy and population growth, which continue to drive rental demand across the metro area. As an investor, the key is matching your strategy to the suburb that fits your goals – be it maximizing monthly income or prioritizing long-term appreciation.
Ackley Florida Property Management is here to help you succeed in any of these top Orlando suburbs. If you’re considering an investment or already own a rental home in Central Florida, contact us for a FREE rental analysis. We’ll provide data-driven insights into your property’s rent value and ROI potential, and show you how our expertise can save you time, money, and stress while boosting your returns. Don’t miss out on Orlando’s 2025 rental opportunities – reach out to Ackley Florida today to learn how we can help you make the most of your investment. Let our proven team manage the details, so you can enjoy the profits of your Orlando rental property.
