Orlando Apartments and Rentals

"The City Beautiful" may be what people call Orlando, but most know it as the burg closest to the Walt Disney World Resort. That convenient connection makes this central Florida city one of the most visited places in the U.S. of A. Orlando stays busy with conferences, conventions, and everyday opportunities for residents who prefer it warm year-round. If that sounds good to you, perhaps you'd be well suited with an Orlando apartment.

According to local legend, Orlando was named after Orlando Reeves, a soldier in the Second Seminole War. While this is doubtfully true, there was an Orlando Rees, a prominent landowner, who may be the city's namesake-or maybe the city was named after the character in Shakespeare's As You Like It? In any case, Orlando has been called Orlando from 1857 on. Since those early days, it has served as a hub of the Florida citrus industry and a popular resort area-even before the theme parks came calling.

Orlando offers residents more than rollercoaster rides. Neighborhoods in this city range in temperament from Lawsona with its active nightlife to the quiet community of Lake Mary. You can get comfortable in Oveido, near Central Florida University, or put down roots in Winter Park, known for its all-inclusive appeal. If you'd rather stick closer to the Magic Kingdom, Celebration's streets lead directly to Disney.

The University of Central Florida calls Orlando home. This state school is the country's second largest university in terms of enrollment. You can also find the Florida A&M University College of Law, Valencia College, Full Sail University, and more than a dozen other private universities in Orlando.

For those seeking employment, Orlando serves as a center for high technology and industry. Key sectors here include digital media, agricultural technology, aviation, military training, and software design. Among the major companies in the Orlando area you'll find Lockheed-Martin, General Dynamics, Siemens, and Boeing. This area is also big in the entertainment industry and, of course, tourism.

There's good news if you're considering living in Orlando. The average rent in this city is just $899 a month. What's more, you shouldn't have any trouble finding an available apartment. Orlando topped Forbes' list of America's Emptiest Cities in 2011 with a 23.6 percent vacancy rate.

Orlando is about 21 miles from the happiest place on Earth-the Walt Disney World Resort. If that's not enough amusement park to get you grinning, try Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Gatorland, or the Wet n' Wild Water Park. For music lovers, Orlando supports active hip-hop, metal, rock, and Latino music scenes. It's a city know for its theater as well. If you'd rather cheer on a home team during your off hours, the Orlando Magic plays professional basketball at Amway Center.

If you're looking for special events in Orlando, you won't have to wait long. The Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival brings a ton of live theater events to town every spring. There's the Blues-B-Q in February, Fireworks at the Fountain in July, Disney's Night of Joy in September, and the Silver Spurs Rodeo twice a year as well.

No matter what brings you to Orlando, Rent.com® is ready to help you feel at home. Browse our rental listings to find the apartment that looks right for you.