How this ranking works
We ranked 24 Central Florida cities with a Zillow home value series and Census income data, from Ocala and The Villages south to Winter Haven, and from Daytona Beach west to Clermont. Tampa Bay has its own guide: see the best suburbs of Tampa.
Each place gets three ranks: home value divided by median household income (lower is better), five-year change in Zillow's typical home value (higher is better) and one-year change to August 2026 (higher is better). We average the three, so a place needs to be both attainable for local earners and holding its value to rank near the top.
The score is not a verdict on schools, safety or lifestyle, and a place near the bottom may suit you perfectly. It is a starting point for comparing numbers you can check.
Central Florida cities ranked
Figures are Zillow's typical home value and rent for August 2026 and the Census 2020-2024 median household income. For comparison, Florida's typical value was $375,470 and the Orlando metro's $383,445.
| Rank | Place | County | Typical value | 1-yr | 5-yr | Rent | Value ÷ income | Median year built |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oviedo | Seminole County | $505,623 | +0.1% | +27.3% | $2,164 | 4.3 | 1997 |
| 2 | Winter Park | Orange County | $464,563 | +1.5% | +24.7% | $1,812 | 4.4 | 1976 |
| 3 | Lake Mary | Seminole County | $465,757 | -0.2% | +22.5% | $1,988 | 4.3 | 1997 |
| 4 | Deltona | Volusia County | $298,293 | -0.7% | +20.3% | $2,039 | 3.9 | 1988 |
| 5 | Titusville | Brevard County | $272,395 | -0.8% | +18.9% | $1,613 | 4.1 | 1982 |
| 6 | DeLand | Volusia County | $336,624 | -0.4% | +19.9% | $1,851 | 4.7 | 1996 |
| 7 | Orlando | Orange County | $371,120 | -1.4% | +23.4% | $1,896 | 5.1 | 1992 |
| 8 | Winter Garden | Orange County | $566,535 | -1.0% | +26.2% | $2,374 | 5.3 | 2004 |
| 9 | Lakeland | Polk County | $309,954 | -1.3% | +21.0% | $1,722 | 4.8 | 1983 |
| 10 | Ocala | Marion County | $265,333 | -2.5% | +22.7% | $1,575 | 4.7 | 1984 |
| 11 | Palm Bay | Brevard County | $303,910 | -1.7% | +16.7% | $1,867 | 4.2 | 1993 |
| 12 | New Smyrna Beach | Volusia County | $452,191 | +0.4% | +19.8% | $2,299 | 5.4 | 1989 |
| 13 | Clermont | Lake County | $428,604 | -2.3% | +21.4% | $2,058 | 5.2 | 2006 |
| 14 | Mount Dora | Lake County | $387,766 | -1.4% | +20.7% | $1,916 | 5.2 | 1993 |
| 15 | The Villages | Sumter County | $392,083 | -1.1% | +18.4% | $2,145 | 5.1 | 2007 |
| 16 | Sanford | Seminole County | $340,196 | -2.1% | +19.4% | $1,836 | 5.1 | 1994 |
| 17 | Melbourne | Brevard County | $356,996 | -1.0% | +18.2% | $1,823 | 5.3 | 1985 |
| 18 | Winter Haven | Polk County | $272,484 | -2.7% | +16.2% | $1,698 | 4.6 | 1990 |
| 19 | St. Cloud | Osceola County | $389,676 | -3.3% | +16.9% | $2,262 | 4.7 | 2003 |
| 20 | Davenport | Polk County | $338,572 | -3.6% | +16.3% | $1,992 | 4.6 | 2015 |
| 21 | Daytona Beach | Volusia County | $252,622 | -2.3% | +12.4% | $1,533 | 4.9 | 1981 |
| 22 | Kissimmee | Osceola County | $355,971 | -3.2% | +19.9% | $1,914 | 6.6 | 1992 |
| 23 | Ormond Beach | Volusia County | $364,568 | -1.4% | +13.6% | $2,050 | 5.3 | 1984 |
| 24 | Leesburg | Lake County | $275,435 | -3.6% | +16.6% | $1,744 | 5.2 | 1985 |
Greater Orlando
1. Oviedo
Typical value $505,623 (Zillow, August 2026), +0.1% over one year and +27.3% over five. Typical rent $2,164. Median household income $117,070 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.3 times income.
Oviedo is a Seminole County city northeast of Orlando, next to the University of Central Florida's main campus area. It ranks first because it combines a strong five-year gain (the best in this group) with prices that held steady over the past year and high local incomes. Most homes were built from the 1990s on (median 1997.0) and 77% are owner-occupied. It has no SunRail station, so most commutes are by car via SR 417.
2. Winter Park
Typical value $464,563 (Zillow, August 2026), +1.5% over one year and +24.7% over five. Typical rent $1,812. Median household income $105,724 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.4 times income.
Winter Park is an older, tree-lined Orange County city directly north of Orlando, with Rollins College and a SunRail station. Its typical value rose 1.5% over the year, the best in this group, and high local incomes keep value-to-income reasonable. Housing is older (median year built 1976.0), so budget for updates on original homes and check whether a property sits near one of the city's chain of lakes.
3. Lake Mary
Typical value $465,757 (Zillow, August 2026), -0.2% over one year and +22.5% over five. Typical rent $1,988. Median household income $109,173 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.3 times income.
Lake Mary is a Seminole County city north of Orlando on I-4, with its own SunRail station. Values are close to Winter Park's and local incomes are high. Most homes date from the 1990s (median year built 1997.0). Prices were almost flat over the year. Our Lake Mary guide covers neighborhoods and costs.
7. Orlando
Typical value $371,120 (Zillow, August 2026), -1.4% over one year and +23.4% over five. Typical rent $1,896. Median household income $72,336 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.1 times income.
The City of Orlando is the core of the region's job market, including downtown, the hospitals and Lake Nona's medical city. Its typical value is just under the Florida figure. Only 40% of homes are owner-occupied, the lowest rate in this group, because the city has so many apartments. Neighborhoods range from College Park and Baldwin Park to Lake Nona; start with our Orlando neighborhoods guide.
8. Winter Garden
Typical value $566,535 (Zillow, August 2026), -1.0% over one year and +26.2% over five. Typical rent $2,374. Median household income $106,495 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.3 times income.
Winter Garden is a west Orange County city with a restored downtown on the West Orange Trail, and Horizon West growing to its south. It is the most expensive place in this group, and its five-year gain was second only to Oviedo's. Housing is new (median year built 2004.0). Many newer communities carry CDD assessments; our Winter Garden guide explains them.
16. Sanford
Typical value $340,196 (Zillow, August 2026), -2.1% over one year and +19.4% over five. Typical rent $1,836. Median household income $66,891 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.1 times income.
Sanford is the Seminole County seat on Lake Monroe, with Orlando Sanford International Airport and a SunRail station. It costs less than Lake Mary next door. Prices fell -2.1% over the year. Historic homes near downtown sit alongside newer subdivisions to the west and south.
19. St. Cloud
Typical value $389,676 (Zillow, August 2026), -3.3% over one year and +16.9% over five. Typical rent $2,262. Median household income $83,174 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.7 times income.
St. Cloud is an Osceola County city east of Kissimmee on East Lake Tohopekaliga. It has newer housing (median year built 2003.0) and higher incomes than Kissimmee, but values fell -3.3% over the year, among the steepest drops here. Newer communities often add HOA dues and CDD assessments, so compare the total monthly cost.
22. Kissimmee
Typical value $355,971 (Zillow, August 2026), -3.2% over one year and +19.9% over five. Typical rent $1,914. Median household income $53,758 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 6.6 times income.
Kissimmee is the Osceola County seat, south of Orlando near the tourism corridor, with a SunRail station. It ranks low because value-to-income is the highest in this group and prices fell -3.2% over the year. Rent is moderate. Many nearby communities allow short-term rentals, so check the zoning and HOA rules before you buy.
Lake County, The Villages and Ocala
10. Ocala
Typical value $265,333 (Zillow, August 2026), -2.5% over one year and +22.7% over five. Typical rent $1,575. Median household income $56,376 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.7 times income.
Ocala is the Marion County seat, known for its horse farms, on I-75 north of The Villages. It has one of the lowest typical values here and a solid five-year gain, but it fell -2.5% over the past year. Rent is the lowest in this group at $1,575. Large 55+ communities such as On Top of the World are on the city's southwest side.
13. Clermont
Typical value $428,604 (Zillow, August 2026), -2.3% over one year and +21.4% over five. Typical rent $2,058. Median household income $82,306 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.2 times income.
Clermont is a Lake County city west of Orlando, known for its hills and lakes. Values are above the state figure, homes are recent (median year built 2006.0) and the five-year gain was strong. Prices fell -2.3% over the year as new building continued. Our Clermont guide covers neighborhoods, 55+ communities and new construction.
14. Mount Dora
Typical value $387,766 (Zillow, August 2026), -1.4% over one year and +20.7% over five. Typical rent $1,916. Median household income $74,537 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.2 times income.
Mount Dora is a small Lake County city on Lake Dora, with a historic downtown. Values are close to the state figure. It ranks mid-table because price-to-income is on the high side. Homes range from older cottages near downtown to newer subdivisions to the east (median year built 1993.0).
15. The Villages
Typical value $392,083 (Zillow, August 2026), -1.1% over one year and +18.4% over five. Typical rent $2,145. Median household income $77,622 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.1 times income.
The Villages is the country's largest 55+ community, spread across Sumter, Lake and Marion counties. Its developer says it covers about 57 square miles with more than 150,000 residents. 93% of homes are owner-occupied, the highest here, and the median home was built in 2007.0. Most homes are age-restricted. The developer lists a $189 monthly amenity fee; see our 55+ communities guide for the age rules.
24. Leesburg
Typical value $275,435 (Zillow, August 2026), -3.6% over one year and +16.6% over five. Typical rent $1,744. Median household income $52,880 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.2 times income.
Leesburg is a Lake County city between Lake Harris and Lake Griffin, close to The Villages' southern edge. It is one of the more affordable places here, but prices fell -3.6% over the year, tied for the largest drop in this group, and local incomes are low. Several 55+ golf communities, such as Pennbrooke Fairways, sit on its outskirts.
Polk County: Lakeland and Winter Haven
9. Lakeland
Typical value $309,954 (Zillow, August 2026), -1.3% over one year and +21.0% over five. Typical rent $1,722. Median household income $64,185 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.8 times income.
Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, midway between Tampa and Orlando on I-4. It is well below the state's typical value, with lakes throughout the city and Florida Southern College near downtown. Prices fell -1.3% over the year, in line with Polk County. See our Lakeland guide for neighborhoods, from Lake Morton to the newer south side.
18. Winter Haven
Typical value $272,484 (Zillow, August 2026), -2.7% over one year and +16.2% over five. Typical rent $1,698. Median household income $59,648 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.6 times income.
Winter Haven is a Polk County city known for its chain of lakes, east of Lakeland. It is one of the cheapest places to buy on this list and scores well on value to income, but prices fell -2.7% over the year and its five-year gain was below average. Lakefront homes cost far more than the city's typical value.
20. Davenport
Typical value $338,572 (Zillow, August 2026), -3.6% over one year and +16.3% over five. Typical rent $1,992. Median household income $73,685 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.6 times income.
Davenport is a small Polk County city in the fast-growing northeast corner of the county, toward I-4. Its housing is the newest in this group (median year built 2015.0) and 89% owner-occupied. Prices fell -3.6% over the year, one of the larger drops here. Some communities in this area allow vacation rentals, so read the HOA rules and zoning before you buy.
Volusia County: DeLand to New Smyrna Beach
4. Deltona
Typical value $298,293 (Zillow, August 2026), -0.7% over one year and +20.3% over five. Typical rent $2,039. Median household income $76,924 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 3.9 times income.
Deltona is the largest city in Volusia County by population, between Orlando and Daytona Beach off I-4. It has the lowest value-to-income ratio in this group and 80% of homes are owner-occupied, so it is one of the more attainable places to buy near Orlando. The median home was built in 1988.0. Rent is higher than you might expect for the price, at $2,039.
6. DeLand
Typical value $336,624 (Zillow, August 2026), -0.4% over one year and +19.9% over five. Typical rent $1,851. Median household income $71,863 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.7 times income.
DeLand is the Volusia County seat and home to Stetson University, with a historic downtown and the northern end of SunRail. Values are below the state figure and dipped only -0.4% over the year. The median home was built in 1996.0, a mix of historic houses near downtown and newer subdivisions outside it.
12. New Smyrna Beach
Typical value $452,191 (Zillow, August 2026), +0.4% over one year and +19.8% over five. Typical rent $2,299. Median household income $83,865 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.4 times income.
New Smyrna Beach is a Volusia County beach city south of Daytona Beach. It is one of only three places in this group where values rose over the year, but price-to-income is on the high side at 5.4. Oceanfront condos and houses east of the Indian River need a flood zone, elevation and insurance check.
21. Daytona Beach
Typical value $252,622 (Zillow, August 2026), -2.3% over one year and +12.4% over five. Typical rent $1,533. Median household income $52,058 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.9 times income.
Daytona Beach is a Volusia County city known for its speedway and beach. It has the lowest typical value in this group but also the lowest median income, and only 47% of homes are owner-occupied. Its five-year gain was among the weakest. Beachside condos need close attention to reserves, special assessments and milestone inspections.
23. Ormond Beach
Typical value $364,568 (Zillow, August 2026), -1.4% over one year and +13.6% over five. Typical rent $2,050. Median household income $69,177 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.3 times income.
Ormond Beach is a Volusia County city north of Daytona Beach, with 79% owner-occupancy. Values are just below the Florida figure. It ranks low mainly because its five-year gain was among the weakest. The beachside and riverfront need a flood zone check; the mainland west of I-95 has newer subdivisions.
The Space Coast
5. Titusville
Typical value $272,395 (Zillow, August 2026), -0.8% over one year and +18.9% over five. Typical rent $1,613. Median household income $66,192 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.1 times income.
Titusville is a Brevard County city on the Indian River across from Kennedy Space Center. It is one of the cheapest places to buy on this list, and price-to-income is low. Homes are older (median year built 1982.0). Riverfront streets need a flood zone check, and the drive to Orlando is via SR 528 or SR 50.
11. Palm Bay
Typical value $303,910 (Zillow, August 2026), -1.7% over one year and +16.7% over five. Typical rent $1,867. Median household income $72,614 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 4.2 times income.
Palm Bay is the most populous city in Brevard County, on the Space Coast south of Melbourne. It is one of the more attainable places to buy on the Atlantic side, with 80% of homes owner-occupied. Its five-year gain was weaker than most of this list. Large parts of the city were platted decades ago, so check whether a lot has city water and sewer or relies on well and septic.
17. Melbourne
Typical value $356,996 (Zillow, August 2026), -1.0% over one year and +18.2% over five. Typical rent $1,823. Median household income $66,991 (Census 2020-2024), so value runs 5.3 times income.
Melbourne is a Brevard County city on the Indian River Lagoon, with Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Values are just below the Florida figure. Beachside homes across the causeways in Indialantic and Melbourne Beach cost much more; Zillow's typical value in Melbourne Beach was $616,583.
Is $70,000 a good salary in Central Florida?
For one earner with no children, yes, by the usual yardsticks. MIT's living wage calculator puts the pre-tax income a single adult needs in Florida at $50,117 a year, and $66,917 for two working adults with no children. A single parent with one child needs $82,929, so $70,000 falls short there.
Housing is the swing factor. At the 7.03% average 30-year rate (Freddie Mac, September 24, 2026), principal and interest with 10% down is about $1,792 a month on Deltona's typical $298,293 home and about $3,037 on Oviedo's $505,623. Add property tax, insurance and any HOA or CDD charges. A common lender guide is to keep total housing costs near 28% of gross income, which on $70,000 is about $1,633 a month.
On that basis, $70,000 goes furthest in Deltona, Titusville, Palm Bay, Ocala, Winter Haven and Daytona Beach, where typical values are under $310,000, or as rent: typical rents in this list run from $1,533 in Daytona Beach to $2,374 in Winter Garden.
How to choose a place in Central Florida
Map your commute first
Central Florida is car-dependent. SunRail runs from DeLand through Sanford, Lake Mary, Winter Park and downtown Orlando to Kissimmee and Poinciana, so living near a station matters if you work downtown.
Decide between old and new housing
Winter Park, Titusville and Daytona Beach have older homes that can be harder to insure. Winter Garden, Clermont, St. Cloud and Davenport have new homes that often carry CDD assessments. Compare the full monthly cost, not just the price.
Check lakes, rivers and the coast
Inland Florida still floods. Look up the flood zone for any home near a lake, river or wetland, and the evacuation zone on the coast using the state's Know Your Zone tool. Our flood zones guide explains the ratings.
Look up crime data directly
We do not call any place safe or unsafe. For the nicest or safest place for you, compare reported crime by agency from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI Crime Data Explorer, per 1,000 residents, over several years. Unincorporated areas are covered by the county sheriff, not a city police department.
Compare with nearby guides
For more detail, see our best suburbs of Orlando, North Florida and cheapest places in Florida guides, and our Orange, Lake and Polk county property tax guides.
Common questions
What is the best place to live in Central Florida?+
On our score, Oviedo ranks first, then Winter Park, Lake Mary, Deltona and Titusville. The score averages three ranks: home value against local median income, five-year price change and one-year price change, all using Zillow's August 2026 data. It does not measure schools, safety or lifestyle, so use it to build a shortlist.
Where is the nicest most affordable place to live in Central Florida?+
Among the 24 cities we ranked, the lowest typical home values in August 2026 were Daytona Beach at $252,622, Ocala at $265,333, Titusville at $272,395 and Winter Haven at $272,484. Deltona and Titusville scored best when value is compared with local income. Whether a place is nice is personal, so visit at different times of day.
What are the safest cities in Central Florida?+
We do not rank places by safety. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI Crime Data Explorer publish reported crime by police department and sheriff's office. Compare rates per 1,000 residents over several years, and make sure the agency you check actually covers the address, since unincorporated areas fall under the sheriff.
Is $70,000 a good salary in Florida?+
For a single adult without children it is above MIT's Florida living wage of $50,117, and above the $66,917 needed by two working adults without children. It is below the $82,929 MIT lists for one adult with one child. Housing costs decide how far it goes: typical rents in Central Florida cities ran from $1,533 to $2,374 in August 2026.
Is Central Florida cheaper than South Florida?+
Yes, on average. Zillow's typical home value in August 2026 was $383,445 for the Orlando metro, $295,821 for Lakeland and $269,193 for Ocala, compared with $475,830 for the Miami metro. A few Central Florida cities, including Winter Garden and Oviedo, are above $500,000.
Are home prices falling in Central Florida?+
Mostly, slightly. In the year to August 2026, 21 of the 24 cities we ranked saw Zillow's typical value dip, with the largest falls in Leesburg and Davenport at 3.6%. Winter Park rose 1.5%, New Smyrna Beach 0.4% and Oviedo 0.1%. Five-year changes are still positive everywhere, from 12.4% to 27.3%.
Which Central Florida cities have SunRail stations?+
SunRail's station list covers DeLand, DeBary, Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Winter Park, several downtown Orlando stops, Sand Lake Road, Meadow Woods, Kissimmee and Poinciana. Living near a station can cut driving if you work downtown or at the hospitals it serves.
Sources
- Zillow Research: Home Value Index and Observed Rent Index, August 2026
- Census Reporter (US Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-year): income, year built, tenure and population for Florida places
- Freddie Mac: Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- MIT Living Wage Calculator: Florida
- SunRail: Stations and destinations
- The Villages: Frequently asked questions
- The Villages: Affordability
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Uniform Crime Reports
- Florida Division of Emergency Management: Know your zone