Area Guide
When the University of Central Florida was established in 1963, it was an exciting time in the state -- the US space program was heating up, and a school focused on engineering and technology would deliver the talent needed to grow the program. "Florida Tech," as it was called in the beginning, started small -- but it has grown into the largest university in the country -- and one of its most affordable. UCF is a space-grant university located on the northeast side of Downtown Orlando, and the UCF Knights compete in NCAA Division I. With such a large, spread-out campus, you'll find plenty of off-campus housing near UCF. If you're moving to Orlando for the college sports, find an apartment along McCulloch Road for fast access to Bright House Networks Stadium, Jay Bergman Field, and the CFE Arena. Those wishing to be near the UCF Music-Performing Arts Center or the Nicholson School of Communication should look at rentals along Alafaya Trail. If you'll be working at Central Florida Research Park, try looking along Bonneyville Drive, Discovery Drive, and Ingenuity Drive. Orlando is a sprawling city known for its attractions -- especially Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. It is nicknamed "the City Beautiful" for good reason, especially with its crowning feature, Lake Eola. Orlando is also famous for its shopping, its nightlife, and its thriving business district. Much more than a college town, Orlando is one of the largest metro areas in the South. It is home to the Orange County Convention Center, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, businesses like Darden Restaurants, and local hotspots like Church Street Station. UCF is roughly 13 miles from downtown, ideal for commuting. Small suburbs closer to UCF include Alafaya and Oviedo.
Blanchard Park covers 84 acres and includes hiking trails along the river
UCF's Reflecting Pond was completed in 1970
The Charging Knight statue stands 17 feet tall
Spectrum Stadium was built in 2007
As of June 2026, the average apartment rent in Orlando, FL is $1,437 for a studio, $1,584 for one bedroom, $1,921 for two bedrooms, and $2,251 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Orlando has decreased by -1.3% in the past year.
Studio
529 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,437/month
Average Rent
1 BR
743 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,584/month
Average Rent
2 BR
1,084 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,921/month
Average Rent
3 BR
1,321 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$2,251/month
Average Rent
How to Make Your College Apartment as Study-Friendly as Possible
Have roommates? Want to block out the noise? These tips will make your apartment a study zone.
Graduating from Student Housing to Your First Apartment: What You Can Expect
Ready to ditch the dorm and find your own place? Here's what you need to know about your first apartment.
What Is Normal Wear and Tear?
Some apartment wear is expected. Some damage could cost you. Know the difference.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL (University) is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Very Drivable
Drivability
Moderately Bikeable
Bikeability
Essentials are more spread out in University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL (University), so everyday errands require more planning.
No Supermarkets Within a 30 Minute Walk
Groceries
Fair Restaurant Variety Nearby
Restaurants
Good Café Variety Nearby
Cafes
Limited Variety of Shops Nearby
Shopping
Get a sense of what it’s like to live in University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL (University) from everyday activity to noise and nightlife.
Mostly Calm Atmosphere
Vibrancy
Limited Nightlife Variety Nearby
Nightlife
Somewhat Noisy
Quiet Score
Public
Grades PK-8
1,214 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
778 Students
Northlake Park Community Elementary
Public
Grades PK-5
663 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
618 Students
Northlake Park Community Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-5
563 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,715 Students
Orlando Science Middle High Charter
Public
Grades 6-12
1,308 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
1,214 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,023 Students
Public
Grades K-8
286 Students
Orlando Science Middle High Charter
Public
Grades 6-12
1,308 Students
Public
Grades 6-12
3,573 Students
Public
Grades 6-12
3,266 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
4,362 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,780 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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© 2026. All rights reserved.
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.
