The short answer: Lake Nona is a planned community in southeast Orlando, near Orlando International Airport, known for its medical and research hub and a lot of newer construction. Many Lake Nona neighborhoods carry both an HOA and a CDD fee, so the monthly cost of owning can be very different from home to home at the same price.
Where Lake Nona Is
Lake Nona sits in southeast Orlando, close to Orlando International Airport, with access to State Road 417. It is a short drive to downtown Orlando, and it connects south toward the Kissimmee and St. Cloud areas. Narcoossee Road runs from Lake Nona straight down into St. Cloud, which is why so many people working here end up buying there. See our guide: Buying a Home in St. Cloud.
What Lake Nona Is Known For
- Medical City, a hub of hospitals, medical schools, and research centers
- The USTA National Campus, a large tennis facility
- Lake Nona Town Center, with shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Trails, parks, and community amenities throughout many neighborhoods
- Newer construction across most of the area
Types of Homes Here
You will find single-family homes from starter to luxury, townhomes, condos, and apartments. Because so much of Lake Nona is newer, buyers here are often comparing a brand new home against one that is only a few years old. See our guide: New Construction vs. Resale.
The Cost Beyond the Price
This is where Lake Nona buyers get surprised. Many communities have:
- HOA fees for amenities and common areas
- CDD fees that paid for roads, utilities, and amenities, billed on your property tax bill
Two Lake Nona homes at the same list price can have very different monthly payments because of it. Always compare the full payment. See our guide: HOA vs. CDD Fees in Central Florida.
What to Check Before You Buy in Lake Nona
- The yearly CDD amount, and when the debt portion ends
- The HOA fee and what it covers
- Property taxes and insurance for that specific home
- Commute times driven at the hours you will actually drive them
- Airport flight paths, if noise matters to you
- School zoning for the exact address, which you can confirm through Orange County Public Schools
Is Lake Nona a Fit for You?
That depends on your budget, your commute, the type of home you want, and the monthly payment you are comfortable with. The best way to know is to compare a few specific homes side by side with all the costs included.
Start your search: See homes for sale in the Lake Nona area.
Found a Lake Nona home you like? Text me the address at (321) 320-7129. I will tell you the HOA, the CDD, and what your real payment looks like.
Not sure if you are ready to buy? Take my 90-second quiz. No credit pull. Not a loan application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Nona?
Lake Nona is in southeast Orlando, close to Orlando International Airport, with access to State Road 417. It is a short drive to downtown Orlando and to the Kissimmee and St. Cloud areas.
Do Lake Nona homes have CDD fees?
Many Lake Nona communities have CDD fees, and many also have HOA fees. Check both for each home, because two homes at the same price can have very different monthly payments.
What is Lake Nona known for?
Lake Nona is known for its medical and research hub, often called Medical City, the USTA National Campus, Lake Nona Town Center, and a large amount of newer construction.
Is there new construction in Lake Nona?
Yes. Lake Nona has both new construction and resale homes across many communities, so buyers are often comparing a brand new home against one that is only a few years old.
How should I compare Lake Nona homes?
Compare the full monthly payment, including taxes, insurance, HOA, and CDD fees, rather than the list price alone.
Cliff Clover, REALTOR | The Clover Group at eXp Realty | (321) 320-7129 | Serving Central Florida since 2001, with 1,800+ transactions.
This page is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm fees, zoning, and school zones for any specific property.