Is East Waterford Lakes safe?
Orlando, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates East Waterford Lakes as “Go”.
Gogo's take on East Waterford Lakes
“Go. East Waterford Lakes is a very safe, affluent master-planned suburban community in East Orlando that offers quiet residential streets and easy access to shopping hubs. Violent crime is rare, making it ideal for families and visitors seeking a low-stress suburban base.”
About the area
East Waterford Lakes is a sprawling, manicured suburban enclave situated east of Orlando near the University of Central Florida. It is characterized by master-planned subdivisions, retention ponds, neighborhood recreation centers, and proximity to major open-air retail corridors.
- Master-Planned Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet & Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in East Waterford Lakes
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 44/100
Subdivisions have internal sidewalks and multi-use paths, but cycling on perimeter arterials is stressful due to high vehicle speeds; no public bike-share stations operate in this suburban sector.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than the Orlando metro and national averages
- High median household income exceeding $90,000 with low poverty and well-maintained housing stock
- Active neighborhood HOAs and dedicated community amenities such as walking paths, parks, and sports courts
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle burglaries in parking lots and residential driveways
- Heavily car-dependent layout with high-speed arterial roads surrounding the subdivisions
- Substantial commuter and student traffic congestion along Alafaya Trail and Lake Underhill Road
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the residential neighborhoods, though occasional individuals asking for assistance can be seen at major commercial intersections along East Colonial Drive.
What East Waterford Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with joggers, dog walkers, and school buses moving through neighborhood streets safely.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with slightly increased traffic on main thoroughfares as shopping and school runs peak.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in residential tracts and vibrant around nearby dining plazas, feeling completely safe for an evening stroll.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal activity; residential streets remain quiet and safe, though standard suburban vigilance applies.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by LYNX, with bus routes like Route 104 servicing major corridors such as Alafaya Trail and Colonial Drive, but service within the residential pockets is minimal and SunRail commuter rail is miles to the west.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, including large surface lots at shopping centers and ample private driveway and garage parking within subdivisions.
Things to do in East Waterford Lakes
- Enjoy tennis, basketball, and walking trails at the Waterford Lakes Recreation Center
- Shop, dine, and catch an IMAX movie at the nearby Waterford Lakes Town Center
- Explore nature trails and wildlife viewing at the nearby Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park
Local favorites
- Social House Waterford Lakes · American Restaurant & Bar · 4.3★ (1150)Lively neighborhood pub serving craft beers, elevated comfort food, and weekend brunch with patio seating.
- Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant · Winery & Modern American · 4.5★ (2850)Upscale dining destination featuring modern American cuisine paired with an extensive proprietary wine list.
- Zaza Cuban Comfort Food · Cuban Restaurant · 4.6★ (1420)Fast-casual local favorite offering authentic Cuban sandwiches, pastries, and robust espresso.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.