Housing in Orlando

When to start looking

With Orlando, sometimes you can find apartments up to six months in advance, especially for the larger complexes. Sometimes, listings will be posted only a month before the move-in date and will go very quickly.

With that being said, we recommend finalizing your roommate search first. Make sure that you have agreement on the price, location, and desired amenities. And then, keep an active eye on apartment listings. Ideally, you’ll want to finalize your housing at least two weeks before registration (which is about three weeks before service.) This means, your search should start ideally 60 to 90 days before your first day of service.

Deciding where to live

Do your research. A living situation that works for some may not work for all. Take all logistics into account:

• Do you have a car? If yes, how far are you willing to drive to get to school?
• If you don’t have a car, do you plan on carpooling, or taking the bus? Are you comfortable relying on others for rides, or would you rather make a plan that allows you to move throughout the city independently?
• If you plan to ride the bus, know that routes vary. Public transportation in Orlando is a work in progress, therefore, some routes may be longer than expected. As you research housing locations, use Google Maps to test bus routes to our schools.
• Will you need specific amenities within walking distance? All of our suggested complexes have grocery stores and bus stops within walking distance, but do you have other specific needs?
• Double check for Tolls when mapping out your commute. Expenses can add up

Past apartment complexes

(Please make sure to double check current prices, and some complexes will have specials for 3-4 bedroom leases too.)

Amara MetroWest

6168 Raleigh Street
Orlando, FL, 32835

(321) 320-7571

Rent per person:

• $661 for 3bd
• $590 for 4bd

Schools within 20-minute driving radius:

• Catalina
• Memorial
• Evans
• Meadowbrook

Bella Vita

4700 Cason Cove Drive
Orlando, FL, 32811

(407) 487-4540

Rent per person:

• $690 for 2bd
• $516 for 3bd
• $460 for 4bd

Schools within 20-minute driving radius:

• Catalina
• Memorial
• Jones
• Oak Ridge
• Walker

Indigo West

6101 Raleigh Street
Orlando, FL, 32835

(407) 706-3719

Rent per person:

• $637 for 2bd
• $522 for 3bd
• $422 for 4bd

Schools within 20-minute driving radius:

• Catalina
• Memorial
• Jones
• Evans
• Meadowbrook

Island Club

1401 South Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL, 32811

407-232-7911

Rent per person:

• $675 for 2bd
• $517 for 3bd

Schools within 20-minutes driving radius:

• Catalina
• Memorial
• Jones
• Evans

Village Springs

5175 Cinderlane Parkway
Orlando, FL, 32808

(855) 314-6574

Rent per person:

• $505 – $635 for 2bd

Schools within 20-minute driving radius:

• Catalina
• Memorial
• Jones
• Evans
• Meadowbrook

Finding roommates

Searching for a roommate is hard and can take some time. If you’re struggling to find roommates, your Service Year Adviser may know others who are looking. Don’t be afraid to reach out!

If you’re new to finding roommates, it’s important to start the relationship with clear expectations. This list of questions can be used as a resource of things to ask before making anything official.

We gathered some advice from our 2019-2020 corps, here is what they advised:

• Try to room with other CY members – connect in the Facebook group!
• Meet your roommates first (virtually or in person) before signing a lease
• Make sure you put everyone’s name on the lease
• Set clear boundaries and expectations from the beginning of your lease
• Build a bond with your roommate(s) & respect one another

Budgeting for housing

Members find housing through online posting sites, word of mouth and sometimes on the City Year Facebook group (current members advertising their apartments). Postings should outline who to contact to learn more about the property, costs and lease terms.

When renting an apartment, don’t be afraid to ask questions or speak up if you have a concern/request. Ask about the following fees as they frequently apply.

• Broker’s fee – typically one month’s rent or a percentage or the annual lease
• Security deposit – typically one month’s rent, returned at the end of the lease if the property’s condition is maintained
• First month’s rent – typically due upon signing of the lease agreement
• Last month’s rent – may be requested upon signing of the lease agreement

Some utilities are included in the price of rent, so be sure to ask your landlord. When viewing apartments, most landlords or current tenants will gladly tell you the average price of utilities, so don’t be afraid to ask. It is also helpful to ask what utilities the house uses, such as gas or electric heat. Some units and buildings include laundry, for free or a cost, while others are located near laundromats.