Moving to Orlando: East Orlando and the UCF Area
Areas, Getting Around and a Simple Timeline
Orlando is a large, spread-out city, so where you live can shape your daily routine, commute and access to everyday essentials. If you're considering a move near the University of Central Florida (UCF), this guide explains what to know about east Orlando, how to compare nearby areas and how to plan your move.
The short answer: East Orlando offers access to UCF, shopping, dining and major roads, including Alafaya Trail, SR 417 and SR 408. Start by setting your budget and identifying your daily destinations. Then compare neighborhoods, check commute times, tour apartments and work backward from your preferred move-in date.
What Is the Area Around UCF Like?
The University of Central Florida is a major part of east Orlando's identity. The surrounding area includes residential communities, research and employment centers, shopping, restaurants and student-focused businesses. The best area for you will depend on your commute, budget and preferred lifestyle.
| Area | Known for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Alafaya | Residential communities, shopping and access to Alafaya Trail and major east Orlando roads. | A practical area to consider if you want to live near UCF and everyday conveniences. |
| Waterford Lakes | Waterford Lakes Town Center, restaurants, retail stores and entertainment. | Useful for combining shopping and dining trips in one destination. |
| Avalon Park | A planned community with a town-center district, local businesses, parks and neighborhood amenities. | Compare the location and commute of individual homes with your daily destinations. |
| Oviedo | A suburban community with residential neighborhoods, shopping, parks and access to regional roadways. | Travel time to UCF depends on your starting point, campus destination and traffic. |
These areas offer different settings, so avoid choosing by neighborhood name alone. Check the actual address, monthly housing costs, commute during your typical travel hours and proximity to the places you visit most.
Explore the Polos East neighborhood to learn more about the community's surrounding area.
How Do You Get Around East Orlando?
Driving is a common way to get around east Orlando, particularly when your routine includes destinations spread across the region. Alafaya Trail connects several shopping, dining and residential areas, while SR 417 and SR 408 provide connections to other parts of Central Florida.
Before choosing an apartment, map the routes to work, campus, grocery stores and other regular destinations. Check estimated travel times during the hours you expect to commute, rather than relying only on mileage.
- Driving: Compare peak-hour travel times and check whether your usual route includes toll roads.
- Public transportation: Review current LYNX routes, stops and schedules to see whether transit works for your daily destinations.
- Walking and biking: Check the specific route for sidewalks, crossings, bike facilities, shade and safe connections.
- Airport and regional trips: Use a navigation app to compare routes and traffic before leaving for longer journeys.
Walkability and transit access can vary considerably between nearby addresses. Verify the route from the exact property rather than relying on a citywide score or neighborhood description.
What Should You Budget for When Moving?
Your monthly housing cost includes more than the advertised base rent. Before applying, prepare a realistic budget that accounts for recurring bills, upfront expenses and the costs of settling into a new home.
- Monthly rent: Compare available floor plans, lease terms and the total recurring cost.
- Utilities: Allow for electricity, water and internet as applicable to your lease and community.
- Community fees: Ask about parking, trash, amenity charges and any other required monthly fees.
- Move-in expenses: Budget for application fees, deposits, moving services, supplies and utility setup. Confirm which charges apply before signing.
- Pets: If applicable, check pet deposits, one-time fees, monthly pet rent and community policies.
- Insurance and transportation: Include renter's insurance, fuel, tolls, parking and vehicle costs in your budget.
- Emergency savings: Keep a reserve for unexpected expenses during the transition.
A useful first step is to compare the full monthly cost of each apartment, not just its starting rent. Ask the leasing team for current pricing, required fees, deposit information and available lease terms so you can compare options fairly.
What Is a Simple Moving Timeline?
Once you know your target move-in date, use this checklist to organize your apartment search and avoid leaving important details until the last minute.
- 8–12 weeks before moving: Set your budget, identify preferred neighborhoods and research apartment communities. Start comparing floor plans, commute times and lease requirements.
- 4–6 weeks before moving: Schedule apartment tours, confirm availability and pricing, prepare your application documents and review the lease before signing.
- 2–4 weeks before moving: Confirm your move-in arrangements, schedule movers or transportation, arrange utilities and internet, and update your mailing address and relevant accounts.
- 1 week before moving: Pack essentials separately, label boxes, confirm access and arrival instructions, and check any required move-in appointments or paperwork.
- Move-in day: Complete your move-in inspection, document existing damage, check essential appliances and save the contact details you'll need for resident services.
This timeline is a planning guide, not a guarantee of availability. Start earlier if you have a specific floor plan, move-in date or location in mind.
What Should You Do on Move-In Day?
A careful first-day walkthrough can help you settle in and record any issues that need attention.
- Take photos of existing marks, damage or maintenance concerns and report them using the community's recommended process.
- Check the air conditioning, lights, outlets, faucets and appliances, and report problems promptly.
- Review your lease and move-in documents so you understand payment dates, maintenance procedures and community rules.
- Set up your resident portal, where available, for rent payments, account information and maintenance requests.
- Locate the mail area, waste and recycling facilities, parking, and any amenities available to residents.
- Save the leasing office contact information and confirm the appropriate contact method for after-hours emergencies.
For community-specific instructions, contact the leasing team before your scheduled move-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Your Next Home in East Orlando
Explore available one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at Advenir at Polos East. Review floor plans, check current availability and schedule a tour to see whether the community fits your moving plans.
Schedule a TourWritten by the Advenir at Polos East team. 1700 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828. Last updated: October 23, 2026. Restaurant details, menus and hours may change. Confirm current information directly with each business. Contact the leasing office. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM-6 PM; Saturday, 9 AM-5 PM; Sunday, closed.
