Alafaya is a census-designated place located in Orange County, Florida, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the county and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area. Alafaya covers an area of approximately 38 square miles and has a population of over 88,000.

Alafaya is a rapidly growing community that is home to a diverse range of residents, including families, young professionals, and retirees. The area is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundance of recreational opportunities. It is also home to several major employers, including the University of Central Florida, which is the largest university in the United States by undergraduate enrollment. With its proximity to the University of Central Florida and the Central Florida Research Park, Alafaya has a strong emphasis on research, technology, and innovation. This has led to the development of numerous high-tech companies in the area.

Some of the popular attractions in Alafaya include the Oviedo Mall, the Central Florida Research Park, and the Econ River Wilderness Area. The area is also known for its beautiful parks and nature preserves, including the Blanchard Park, which features hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Overall, Alafaya is a vibrant and growing community that offers a high quality of life to its residents.

Population:

• Population (2020): 92,452
• Median age (2023): 35.6
• Residents under 18 (2020): 21.1%
• Residents over 65 (2020): 10.8%
• Population by sex (2020): 50.8% female, 49.2% male
• Homeowners and renters (2022): 63.6% homeowners, 36.4% renters
• Married population (2023): 54%
• Population change (2010 to 2020): Appx. 15% Higher
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 8.9% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 46.5%
• White Hispanic – 16%
• Multiracial Hispanic – 11%
• Black Non Hispanic – 8.5%
• Asian – 7.42%
• Multiracial Non Hispanic – 3.42%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median household income (2022): $93,251
• Avg. per capita income (2022): $37,338

Tax:

• County property tax rate: 1.01% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7.5% (2023)

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): Higher
• Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Higher
• Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Lower
• Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 10% LowerCost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 5% Lower

Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Orange County ):

Democratic – 55.91%

Republican – 42.37%

Other – 1.72%

Largest 3 employers: University of Central Florida, AdventHealth, Siemens

School ratings: not available

Coastal: No

Average low and high temperature: Low 18.1 °C, High 27.4 °C

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Alafaya is located near several major highways, including:
• FL-408 (East-West Expressway): Approximately 5-10 minutes.
• FL-417 (Central Florida GreeneWay): Approximately 10-15 minutes.
• I-4 (Interstate 4): Approximately 15-20 minutes.

International Airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO): Approximately 20-30 minutes.

Universities and Colleges:

• University of Central Florida (UCF): UCF’s main campus is in Alafaya, so it’s right in the city.
• Valencia College East Campus: Located adjacent to UCF.

Hospitals:

• UCF Lake Nona Medical Center: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
• AdventHealth East Orlando: Approximately 15-20 minutes.

Shopping Malls:

• Waterford Lakes Town Center: Located in Alafaya.
• The Mall at Millenia: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
• Florida Mall: Approximately 20-25 minutes.

Major Cities:

• Orlando, Florida (Downtown): Approximately 20-25 minutes.
• Tampa, Florida: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Miami, Florida: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours

Amenities/attractions:

• Waterford Lakes Town Center, Central Florida Research Park, UCF Arboretum, Econ River Wilderness Area, and Oviedo on the Park

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions:

• Rental periods of less than 30 Days are considered short term rentals in Orange County
• Currently short term rentals are not permitted in residential zones in Orange County.
• Sketch or survey of property to be provided to the city
• Property must be owner occupied or if multi – dwelling owner must live in one of the units
• All property owners within 500 feet of the rental property must be notifi ed in writing of the contract and arrangement of the rental agreement.

For information visit Orangecountyfl.net