Is West 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 West Waterford Lakes as “Go”.
Gogo's take on West Waterford Lakes
“Go. West Waterford Lakes is a safe, well-maintained suburban enclave in East Orlando characterized by low violent crime rates. Visitors will find a tranquil, family-friendly environment with straightforward access to shopping, dining, and the University of Central Florida.”
About the area
West Waterford Lakes is an established master-planned residential community in eastern Orange County featuring quiet subdivisions, lakes, and neighborhood recreation hubs. While primarily a bedroom community of single-family homes and mid-rise apartments, it borders major retail corridors along Alafaya Trail.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in West Waterford Lakes
Walk score: 34/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There is no public bike-share system in the area; while interior residential streets are bikeable, connections to regional multi-use paths like the Little Econ Greenway require navigating busy perimeter roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to greater metro Orlando
- High rates of homeownership and solid household incomes fostering well-kept neighborhoods
- Convenient proximity to major shopping, dining, and medical facilities
- Family-oriented atmosphere with well-maintained community parks and pools
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime such as vehicle break-ins in commercial and apartment parking lots
- Heavy suburban traffic congestion along arterial corridors like Alafaya Trail and Colonial Drive
- Car-dependent layout with limited pedestrian access between subdivisions and commercial plazas
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within residential subdivisions, though occasional individuals may be seen at major arterial intersections such as Alafaya Trail and State Road 50.
What West Waterford Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and very safe, with residents jogging, walking pets, and commuting along quiet subdivision roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons remain safe and active, with routine traffic moving through neighborhood connectors and adjacent plazas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are quiet and safe for residential walks, though commercial parking areas see increased dinner and shopping crowds.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are peaceful and low-risk, though standard suburban vigilance is recommended regarding locked vehicles.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by LYNX bus services (including Routes 104 and 13 along major arteries), but headways can be long and there is no passenger rail or BRT connectivity.
Parking is universally free and abundant across residential driveways, curb spaces, and expansive shopping center parking lots.
Things to do in West Waterford Lakes
- Enjoy outdoor sports, tennis courts, and walking trails at the Waterford Lakes Recreation Center
- Shop, dine, or catch a movie at the sprawling open-air Waterford Lakes Town Center
- Take a nature walk or birdwatch around the interconnected community retention lakes and ponds
Local favorites
- Donut King · Bakery / Diner · 4.5★ (1650)Beloved local institution known for creative specialty donuts, hearty breakfast platters, and quick counter service.
- Zaza Cuban Comfort Food · Cuban Restaurant · 4.6★ (1200)Vibrant local favorite serving fresh cafe con leche, empanadas, and classic Cuban comfort dishes.
- Mellow Mushroom Waterford Lakes · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (1950)Laid-back gathering spot offering stone-baked pizzas, craft beer, and eclectic indoor and patio seating.
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.