Millions of tourists visit America’s happiest holiday destination each year, but most probably haven’t had the chance to explore one of the friendliest suburbs near Disney. Located east of Orlando’s greater metropolitan area, Alafaya’s welcoming atmosphere and scenic parks provide a peaceful escape from more bustling areas near the Magic Kingdom. Alafaya is a culturally diverse area near the University of Central Florida, with a large student population. Besides Disney World parks in Orlando, students have access to a variety of recreational activities, like frequenting delicious eateries with friends or heading to the great outdoors.
Alafaya is a lovely place to be if you want the convenience of living in Orlando, while enjoying a more laid-back, small-town lifestyle. You’ll find delicious restaurants that are popular with the college crowd, as well as local bars and coffee shops to hang out in. Alafaya residents take pride in their clean community, peaceful parks, and excellent food. With a population of over 90,000 residents, it’s welcoming suburban vibes provide a safe setting for those who live here, from college students to retirees. You’ll find spacious homes, gorgeous tree-lined streets, and access to popular Orlando area attractions, like water parks, zoos, and museums.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Alafaya was ranked Number 5 among the “Best Places to Live in Florida in 2025-2026” from a list of 81 cities. A diverse community with welcoming vibes, it includes a significantly large Hispanic population (40%), as well as a smaller Asian population (8%). There is even a stunning Hindu temple in town, offering yoga classes every Wednesday and spiritual ceremonies open to the public.
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What to do on your trip to Alafaya
Miniature golf in Orlando, Florida – Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock
You can usually find something exciting to do in this friendly town, like testing your teamwork skills at an escape room or taking the kids to miniature golf. The community is full of beautiful green spaces, like Young Pine Community Park, celebrated for its playgrounds, dog park, and athletic fields. Visitors can go kayaking in the lake, catch some fish from the dock, or study for finals under a shady tree. Lake Kehoe Preserve provides a beautiful space to unwind from everyday stresses (and midterms), with a scenic boardwalk taking you through native vegetation and an array of local wildlife along the lake.
Best of all, you’ll be close to the Orlando attractions without having to be immersed in the tourist madness. You can be in Universal Studios in half an hour, and the Orlando International Airport is just 21 minutes away. When it’s time to socialize, you’ll find cool hangout spots in the area that are far less crowded than Downtown Disney. There are plenty of options for family-friendly fun in town, including Launch Family Entertainment Park, with trampolines and ninja courses to show off your acrobatic skills.
Whether you’re tossing back some beers at Marlow’s Tavern or celebrating the perfect strike at Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center, there’s lots to experience around Alafaya without having to spend a fortune on the theme parks. But if you do opt for a day of adventuring with Mickey, make sure you avoid common mistakes when visiting Disney World for the first time.
So many delicious eateries to choose from
Zaza Cuban restaurant and food truck in Alafaya – Jillian Cain Photography/Shutterstock
You won’t go hungry in Alafaya or feel like there aren’t enough places to hang out. Like any typical college town, you’ll find local coffee houses that stay open late, and bars where you can catch up with friends over a pint. With plenty of chain restaurants, such as Bonefish Grill and Outback Steakhouse, as well as unique eateries like Mecatos Bakery & Cafe (a Colombian bistro serving sandwiches, salads, and pastries, along with a selection of coffees and assorted drinks), the variety of food you’ll find in this 30-square-mile suburb is astonishing.
Even the coffee shops here have tasty eats. DUO58 Community Coffee Bar & Cafe is another friendly community hangout where you can chat with friends over sandwiches and pastries. There’s something special about college towns with coffee shops where you can study and people-watch for hours, sipping your java and listening to the smooth sounds of lo-fi beats.
It’s not unusual to see residents heading over to one of the local watering holes on game day, or any day, for that matter. Gator’s Dockside is the ideal sports bar to watch college football, play trivia, and chow down on chicken wings with your friends. The Social House is a fun spot for karaoke and Dirty Bingo, serving delicious food and drinks as you enjoy an evening with the crew. Zaza is the place to go for Cuban comfort food, such as empanadas and delicious Ropa Vieja. Just thinking of these Caribbean flavors is enough to make anyone want to plan an eating tour the next time they’re in town.
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