Baldwin Park

I walk the trail a few times a week and it’s one of the most unfriendliest trails in Florida but I still like it because it’s nice and safe and near the house. It’s only a matter of time before one of the many very serious Tour de France bikers in their spandex seriously hurts someone, I’ve been clipped three times. They can be very aggressive and combative too when they’re working on their personal best time round’ the loop. There should be a law! Save a few stray dogs (dog park peeps walking about the trial willie nillie sans lead), bobbly wobbly children on bikes and boards, stroller moms, and the occasional snoopy drone, it’s nice. I’ve been spit on once and reported a dead body too, believe it or not, near the cemetary lot. lol

I’m only reviewing Baldwin Park for its trail. I’m a huge fan of this trail. I jog here about 4 times a week because I love the scenic view. However, beware of rude cyclists who will have no problem running you over because they think they are competing in the Tour de France.

The park itself has a gorgeous waterfront view and is along the the Cady Way Trail. Several boardwalks lead out to pagodas on the lake which are nice places to hang out. My dog loves it here! The assortment of restaurants that are at your disposal before or after hanging out here seems ever-​changing — I’ve heard due to high rents in the area — but there are always good choices.
For those of us who are Baldwin Park non-​residents, parking is getting harder to find near the park, which is why I’m giving this 3 stars instead of 4. There’s limited street parking, but the big parking lot that used to be available now has condos or apartments being built on it. I get that this is a planned community by and for the residents rather than the «rest of us» but it’s harder for me to justify coming here on the weekends if I have to drive around for ages to find a spot.

I’d be creeped out if I lived in a neighborhood that got Unilocal reviews. The dog park is cool, but other than that, this place is built on toxic land and all the kids will have weird growths in 10 years. The houses all look the same, if you want real Orlando charm, head over to Delaney.

I have been living in Baldwin Park for 3 years now and I can’t imagine living anywhere else in Orlando. My family and I are always outdoors, around the lake or in the many playgrounds around the area. It’s fun to see people walking outside and even foot traffic around the lake a certain times of the day!
I wake up and just sit on my patio and people watch. At night we are blessed to have the sunset right over the lake and be able to enjoy it from our patio. The community is great, always having activities in the community and things to do.

4 Stars for a master-​planned New Urbanist neighborhood that gets almost everything right!
I used to live on the outskirts of Baldwin Park (BP) and really enjoyed walking around the lake. There is a winding walking/​bike path that takes you around Lake Baldwin and to New Broad Street (basically downtown BP). Having taken the trail often one thing I would say is it could definitely be a little wider– particularly since people are walking/​biking/​rollerblading/​etc. otherwise it’s pretty great (you can even look up occasionally and see an eagle’s nest!).
The main thing I love about BP is the variety of housing options and how they are laid out. Multi family housing is directly adjacent to mansions and now there is an apartment complex as well. The hope is that the new density will support the businesses in the center.
And therein lies BP’s main dilemma– it’s inability to keep great businesses in it’s downtown. There are a few mainstays, like the always fab Seito Sushi and the Publix, but others have struggled due to the low traffic of the area. Hopefully the apartments add folks who are eager to spend money locally!
To end on a positive note, the landscaping is really something to behold. There are highly manicured areas and then areas that are left to appear more natural. Drainage is dealt with in beautiful ways that encourage native plants and wildlife.
In the end, I must love it because I always give out of towners directions to my house so that they have to pass through BP versus taking Colonial Drive. Now only time will tell if new spots like The Osprey Tavern will be able to make it work.

LOVE living in Baldwin Park!!! such an awesome place for families!
So many things to do and very clean. Easy access to all toll roads and so many fun events to partake in.

Baldwin park. The most wonderful place on earth! In all seriousness, it may be close to it in central FL. This little town is adorable! Next to Winter Park, this would be my top choice for purchasing my «forever home» in Orlando. Walking distance to downtown baldwin park, the Smiling Bison and all the amenities one could ever need at their fingertips. If you have dogs or a family and you don’t live in the immediate area, this is a great place to come on the weekend for a walk around Lake Baldwin or a bite to eat at one of the local Cafes. Very safe, friendly area with a strong sense of community. Beautiful homes. Beautiful scenery. Long walking paths. Plenty of local eateries and shops. What more could you ever need?

While some may criticize Baldwin Park for its utopian feeling and lack of character, what this neighborhood doesn’t lack is community spirit. A resident for two years now I can say Baldwin Park is full of caring, kind-​hearted people that look out for their neighbors. When my cat went missing, I received an abundance of support and assistance in finding him from complete strangers in the area.
With the recession, the main street (New Broad) did seem somewhat like a ghost town, but things appear to be bouncing back! We have several dining options and the always fun, Caddy Shanks. I am still waiting for a great brunch spot but I have faith that will be here soon.
I don’t have children, but I imagine the convenience of having the elementary school, gymnastics and swim center, dance studio and martial arts academy all very close by could be a godsend for parents trekking their kids around to all their activities.
And this wouldn’t be a review of BP without mentioning the green space. With Orlando being one of the least pedestrian friendly cities, Baldwin Park is a nice change of pace. Walking is encouraged and there are several trails and parks to enjoy. If you weren’t active prior to living in Baldwin Park there’s no excuse now.

I love this park and neighborhood. I’m not just saying this because I’m a resident, I’ve felt this way even before moving here! Great place to live, work, and play. Unfortunately I only live and play here, have to work somewhere else. I love the publix and CVS. There are also some decent restaurants — Seito being my favorite! Gators and Colibri are also great for casual dining. Friendly subway and a few pubs — Caddyshanks and Uptown wine. Bike and pedestrian friendly. Schools nearby for the little ones. Friendly neighbors. I’m a fan!

Baldwin Park is so beautiful! The park itself is pretty small but is very close to lots of cute shops and good restaurants.
I love this area for the convenience. You can go running around Baldwin Park lake and then stop by restaurant for some food, and dogs are always welcome to join!
Most of the restaurants are very dog friendly and have outdoor seating as well as happily providing water dishes!

Baldwin Park is a very nice area. Another one of the cool areas where you can grab a bite to eat, a drink with friends or simply hang out along the lake and enjoy nature.
I first discovered this area by attending the Orlando Sentinel Annual Bark And Brew Yappy Hour and I’ve been hooked every since.
The grub options vary from burgers (Five Guys) to sushi (Sieto’s) and from Mexican cuisine (Colibri’s) to good ol’ fashion gator bites/​American (Gator’s Dockside). Thrown in the mix are various bars (e.g. Uptown Bar) and venues that offer happy hour specials and/​or live music. If you head up New Broad St., just beyond Seito’s, you find a cool little fountain. You can hang out here, enjoying sweet treat like ice cream or iced tea.
There seems to always be plenty of free parking whenever I go and I like hanging out in Harbor Park — the area just long the lake’s edge. In the distance, there is a pretty good view of Fleet People’s Park, yet another awesome place just over 0.5 miles away.
I’m convinced that the sidewalk is a biking/​walking/​jogging/​skating path that goes the circumference of the lake, which, if I’m right, is pretty darn school. I hope to walk or bike the path one of these days.
Overall, I think that the intersection of New Broad and Jake Streets provides a really place to hang out and snag some serenity in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the big City.

I moved to Baldwin Park about a month ago, and I love every aspect of it!
EVERYTHING is within walking distance, from Publix to an OBGYN (haven’t been there yet, but I hear good things.) Seriously though, next door I have a bike shop, a sushi place, a wine shop, etc… I have no reason to get in my car (except work, unfortunately).
And Baldwin Lake is beautiful. My work hours allow me to spend my mornings biking around the lake, which during the weekdays is perfect. My boyfriend is bringing our kayaks down this week, and I look forward to being able to walk out my front door and drop my kayak in!
To be completely honest, the weekends do get a little busier than I’d prefer, but it’s a beautiful place, and it’d be crazy to expect anything but. (and honestly, it’s not too bad, I still manage to bike around the lake on the weekends without too much interference).
Also, parking is first come first serve… which potentially worries me, but for the month I’ve lived here I’ve only had one instance where I’ve had any kind of a hike.
I am originally from Ocala, and because of it was hesitant to move to Orlando… stereotypically I was afraid of the traffic, tourists, crime, etc. Living in Baldwin Park shelters me from all of that, and I couldn’t be happier!