Orlando’s tourist attractions are front and center in Universal
Universal’s name comes from Universal Orlando Resort, the collection of world-famous theme parks at the heart of the neighborhood. International Drive, a roadway of miniature golf courses, amusement rides and souvenir shops, passes through the community, and SeaWorld Orlando is next door. Tourist attractions are the neighborhood’s main draw for visitors, as well as residents who work in the hospitality industry or want to visit the theme parks on a whim. Other locals avoid the theme parks entirely, enjoying features such as Orange Tree Golf Club and the highly rated Dr. Phillips High School.
Islands of Adventure is one of Universal Orlando Resort's theme parks.
Residential communities are just minutes away from the neighborhood's theme parks.
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Single-story homes are common across Universal.
Neighborhoods include single-family subdivisions and condo resorts
Universal encompasses thousands of single-family homes and condos that attract permanent residents and people who want a second home. Neighborhoods include:
Orange Tree: The Orange Tree Golf Club course is the centerpiece of this gated subdivision.
Tangelo Park: Midcentury ranch-style homes fill this development where a new community center will open in summer 2026.
Vista Cay Resort: Residents of this condo community get access to poolside bars, a lakeside jogging trail, a kid’s waterpark and more.
Windhover: This development features low-rise condo buildings and a community pool.
Condo prices typically vary from the low $100,000s to the upper $200,000s, though Vista Cay units sell from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$600,000s. Single-family homes in Tangelo Park sell from the low $200,000s to the low $300,000s. Elsewhere, prices start from the low $400,000s to the low $700,000s. Prices for large homes and lakeside properties climb higher, oftentimes surpassing $1 million.
Pointe Orlando is a vibrant, outdoor dining and entertainment complex right off of I-Drive.
Pros and cons of living in a tourism hub
There are those who travel internationally to visit Orlando's theme parks, but locals get to experience them after a short drive. Joseph Newstreet, an eXp Realtor who sells homes in Orange Tree, says locals joke that “if you want to be a tourist, you go five minutes away.” But life doesn’t always revolve around the theme parks, he adds. “I have quite a few friends who have never been to the parks in years. I have three little kids, and we’re there every week.” At Vista Cay Resort, condo owners sometimes rent their units to vacationers and business travelers, says Gabriela Buche, a Realtor with Vista Cay Realty. "The beauty of the [Vista Cay] community is the fact that even though it’s a resort, you can use it as Airbnb investment property, long-term rental or a residence. There are no restrictions whatsoever."
Residents get to enjoy the shopping and entertainment complexes built in the area to cater to tourists. Orlando International Premium Outlets has nearly 200 stores, and The Mall at Millenia features luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana. The Pointe Orlando, a dining and shopping center, hosts comedians and live music at its various restaurants, clubs and bars.
There can be drawbacks caused by the millions of visitors the area receives every year. Traffic can clog roads such as Interstate 4. However, Newstreet says locals know how to avoid the congested roads tourists use. “You can go on Interstate 4, but you don’t have to. We have all sorts of side streets.”
Interstate 4 leads to downtown Orlando, Tampa and more
Drivers can hop on Interstate 4 from the neighborhood and get across Orlando to downtown. The 10-mile drive usually doesn’t take more than 25 minutes. The 12-mile drive to Orlando International Airport can last up to 30 minutes. Interstate 4 extends from Florida’s east coast to its west coast. Drivers can use it to reach New Smyrna Beach, about 60 miles away, and Tampa, nearly 80 miles away.
Nearby employers include Universal Studios, Lockheed Martin
The neighborhood economy focuses on tourism and hospitality, but technology and health care companies in the area also employ thousands. The following employers are within 5 miles of the neighborhood:
Universal Orlando Resort: More than 20,000 people work at Universal’s theme parks, water park and hotels.
International Drive: About 100,000 people work at the hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions lining this road, commonly called I-Drive.
Lockheed Martin: The defense contractor has thousands of employees at its Missiles and Fire Control campus off South Kirkman Road.
Orlando Health: Orlando’s fourth-largest employer, Orlando Health operates Dr. P. Phillips Hospital just outside the neighborhood.
Dr. Phillips High School is a highly rated option for local students.
Two magnet programs at Dr. Phillips High School
Orange County Public Schools serves the neighborhood, which touches an elementary, middle and high school campus. “Most parents pick their kids up in golf carts,” Newstreet says. Universal is home to the highly rated Dr. Phillips High School. The school hosts two magnet programs: the Center for International Studies and Visual and Performing Arts. The former emphasizes Advanced Placement social studies courses and tasks students with taking four years of a foreign language. The Visual and Performing Arts program encompasses dance, music, theater and TV and film production. Parents and students can apply to the lottery-based magnet programs between October and December.
GreatSchools:
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Universal neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Universal
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Universal Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Universal, Orlando sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Universal, Orlando over the last 12 months is $440,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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