Affordable Land Near Orlando: Where Buyers Are Actually Finding Value
If you’ve searched for affordable land near Orlando, you’ve probably already noticed the problem.
Land prices close to Orlando are high, inventory is limited, and most available lots come with strict zoning, HOA rules, or development requirements.
That’s why many buyers looking for land “near Orlando” are widening their search slightly and finding better value in Putnam County and Highlands County.
This page explains where affordable land near Orlando is realistically found and why these areas are popular with budget-conscious buyers.
Why land close to Orlando is expensive
Orlando and the surrounding metro area are heavily developed.
As a result:
Vacant land inside or near the city is scarce
Zoning is often restrictive
Many lots are tied to HOAs or master-planned communities
Prices reflect development pressure, not raw land value
For many buyers, “near Orlando” doesn’t actually mean inside the metro area. It means within a reasonable drive.
What “near Orlando” really means for land buyers
When buyers say they want land near Orlando, they’re usually looking for:
Lower prices
Fewer restrictions
Room to hold or build later
A manageable drive to Central Florida
That’s where nearby counties come into play.
Putnam County: Affordable land northeast of Orlando
Putnam County is located northeast of Orlando and is often overlooked by buyers focused only on the metro area.
Why buyers consider Putnam County:
Significantly lower land prices
Larger lot sizes
Fewer HOA-driven subdivisions
Rural and semi-rural zoning options
Easier entry point for first-time land buyers
Putnam County appeals to buyers who want:
Affordable entry into Florida land ownership
Long-term holding potential
Space and privacy
Fewer development pressures
While it’s not a suburb of Orlando, it offers a practical alternative for buyers priced out of Central Florida.
Putnam County is about 100 miles from Orlando, Kissimmee and the theme parks.
Highlands County: Affordable land south of Orlando
Highlands County, located south of Orlando, is another area where buyers find affordable land options.
Why Highlands County stands out:
Lower price points compared to Central Florida
Established rural communities
Less congestion and slower pace
Availability of residential and rural zoning
Highlands County is often chosen by buyers who want:
Long-term investment land
A future homesite
Space without urban density
A more relaxed environment
For buyers willing to drive a bit farther, Highlands County offers value that’s increasingly hard to find closer to Orlando.
Highlands County is about 100 miles from Orlando, Kissimmee and the theme parks.
Why buyers choose these counties instead of Orlando itself
Buyers looking for affordable land near Orlando often prioritize:
Price over proximity
Flexibility over convenience
Long-term potential over immediate development
Putnam and Highlands Counties meet those goals better than most areas closer to the city.
Important things buyers should verify
As with any land purchase, buyers should:
Confirm zoning and permitted uses
Understand RV and building rules
Verify access and utilities
Check county-specific regulations
Rules vary by county, and buyers should always confirm details directly with the county planning department.
Is affordable land near Orlando still possible?
Yes — but not usually inside the metro area.
For many buyers, the best value is found by:
Expanding the search radius
Considering nearby rural counties
Prioritizing affordability and flexibility
Putnam County and Highlands County are two of the most common places buyers look when they want land near Orlando without Orlando pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Putnam County close to Orlando?
Putnam County is northeast of Orlando and within a reasonable driving distance for buyers who don’t need to be in the metro area daily.
Is Highlands County near Orlando?
Highlands County is south of Orlando and offers a more rural environment with lower land prices.
Why is land near Orlando so expensive?
Development pressure, population growth, and limited vacant land drive prices higher in and around Orlando.
Can I find cheap land inside Orlando?
Vacant land inside the city is rare and typically expensive. Affordable options are more common outside the metro area.
📄 Download the Putnam County Buyer’s Guide by Paradise Parcels (PDF)
Putnam County Overview: https://www.paradiseparcels.com/the-dirt/Putnam-county
Putnam County Zoning: R-1 vs R-2https://www.paradiseparcels.com/the-dirt/-putnam-county-fl-zoning-r-1-vs-r-2-mobile-homes-rvs-and-build-rules
Putnam County RV Rules (When Permits Are Not Required)https://www.paradiseparcels.com/the-dirt/putnam-county-rv-rules-explained-when-permits-are-not-required
Visiting Your Lot in Putnam Countyhttps://www.paradiseparcels.com/the-dirt/planning-to-visit-your-lot-in-putnam-county-fl-heres-the-perfect-day-trip
Putnam county RV usage with and without a permit: www.paradiseparcels.com/the-dirt/putnam-county-temporary-rv-occupancy-permits-when-you-need-one-and-how-it-works
📄 Download the Highlands County Buyer’s Guide by Paradise Parcels (PDF)
Highlands County Zoning: R-1 Rules: https://www.paradiseparcels.com/the-dirt/-highlands-county-fl-zoning-r-1-rules-for-mobile-homes-rvs-and-building
Visiting Your Lot in Lake Placid: https://www.paradiseparcels.com/the-dirt/visiting-your-lot-in-lake-placid-fl-heres-the-perfect-highlands-county-day-trip