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COMMUNITIES
On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Orange County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 or 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bridle Path
5486 Palomino Place, Apopka, FL 32712 • drhorton.com
Schools/Grades: Zellwood (C); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (C) Amenities: Walking trails, pool and cabana Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 321-733-2080 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Easy access to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway); nearby shopping, dining and entertainment.
Eagle Creek
Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Gated community; golf course, tennis courts, pool, health/fitness center, clubhouse Builder: Jones Homes USA, 407-636-9261 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, call for pricing details Notes: Village Center with an elegant hotel planned; near Lake Nona’s Medical City and Orlando International Airport; 40 minutes to the Atlantic beaches.
Fire Creek
10109 Brocksport Circle, Gotha, FL 34734 • taylormorrison.com
Schools/Grades: Thornebrook (A); Gotha (B); Olympia (B) Amenities: Gated community, tot lot Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, call for pricing Notes: Intimate community of 42 oversized homesites offering easy access to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), I-4, theme parks, entertainment and shopping.
Gatherings of Lake Nona
Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Internet and cable included; each home has a private balcony and a one-car garage Builder: Beazer Homes, 321-445-5050 Products/Prices: Condominiums, from the high $300s Notes: 55-plus active-adult community featuring new condos with elevator access; residents enjoy maintenance-free living with easy access to Lake Nona’s Medical City and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).
Laureate Park at Lake Nona
South Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32827 • lakenona.com/live/neighborhoods/laureate-park
Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Pool, bike trails, dog park, pocket parks, fitness center, community garden Builders: Ashton Woods Homes, 407-543-6451; Cardel Homes, 813-612-8001; Craft Homes, 407-443-0528; David Weekley Homes, 407-865-8296; Dream Finders Homes, 904-738-0165; Pulte Homes, 866-300-4793; Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-671-8838 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s to over $1 million; townhomes, from the low $400s Notes: Traditional neighborhood development adjacent to Lake Nona’s Medical City; variety of architectural styles available; planned Village Center; streets named for Nobel Prize winners.
Mezzano
Schools/Grades: Summerlake (B); Hamlin (N/A); Horizon (B) Amenities: Lake views, Future Community Pool and Cabana, recreation area Builders: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located between the Orange County National Golf course and Sawgrass Lake; close proximity to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), shopping, restaurants, healthcare, recreation and entertainment.
Oakland Park
15211 East Oakland Avenue, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • liveatoaklandpark.com
Schools/Grades: Tildenville (A); Lakeview (C); West Orange (B) Amenities: Pool and recreation area, pocket parks, West Orange Trail runs through community, charming streetscape with sidewalks Builders: Brierhill Homes, 407-363-6913; David Weekley Homes, 407-865-8295; J&J Building, 407-476-7520; RCB Homes, 407-876-0729; Rockwell Homes, 407-890-0425 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Located just minutes from historic downtown Winter Garden on the shores of Lake Apopka; certified green homes in a traditionally styled neighborhood.
Phillips Grove
7965 Wandering Way, Doctor Phillips, FL 32836 • pulte.com
Schools/Grades: Sandlake (A); Southwest (I); Dr. Phillips (C). Amenities: Gated community, lawn care included, outside summer kitchen, pool and cabana, sports courts. Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-449-8039 Product/Prices: Single-family, call for pricing Notes: Located within minutes of I-4; near Central Florida’s “Restaurant Row;” convenient to schools and shopping; limited number of lakefront homesites on the Butler Chain of Lakes available.
Pinewood Reserve
Schools/Grades: Hidden Oaks (B); Odyssey (I); Colonial (C) Amenities: Pool and cabana, playground, dog park Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-845-9049 Product/Price: Single-family and townhomes, from the low $400s Notes: Easy access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) offers easy access to top shopping and dining areas such as the Waterford Lakes Town Center and the Lake Nona Town Center.
San Sebastian Reserve
2100 Emerald Springs Drive, Apopka, FL 32712 • khov.com
Schools/Grades: Rock Springs (C); Apopka (I); Apopka (C) Amenities: Gated community, resort-style pool, cabana, playground, dog park Builder: K. Hovnanian Homes, 321-263-2644 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $500s Notes: Close to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), 414 (the Apopka Expressway) and Florida’s Turnpike.
The Oaks at Kelly Park
Sunset Preserve
Schools/Grades: East Lake (C); Corner Lake (B); East River (B) Amenities: Gated community, private boat ramp, lakefront pavilion, children’s playground Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-676-7843 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the low $600s Notes: Tucked among the trees off of Lake Pickett in East Orlando; features a private community boat ramp, a lakefront open-air pavilion and a children’s playground; located near S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 408 (the East-West Expressway).
The Brix at The Packing District
Schools/Grades: Lake Silver (D); College Park (C); Edgewater (C) Amenities: Bike lane leading directly into College Park; food hall and beer garden; regional park with a pond overlook; 40-acre urban farm; sports fields and entertainment stage; scenic walking and jogging trails Builder: Toll Brothers, 877-431-0444 Product/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $400s Notes: Near downtown Orlando and College Park; an exclusive community featuring 135 townhomes; home designs will feature urban, transitional and industrial-inspired architecture.
2424 Park Ridge Street, Apopka, FL 32712 • tollbrothers.com
Schools/Grades: Zellwood (C); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (C) Amenities: Future swimming pool, cabana, tot lot, two parks with walking paths Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-753-6191 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located less than a mile from S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) and near I-4 and major roadways, residents have easy access to schools, entertainment, shopping and dining and neighboring cities; nearby outdoor recreation includes hiking, biking and swimming in a natural spring at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Waterleigh
Schools/Grades: Water Spring (A); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (A) Amenities: Waterfront or water access; walking and nature trails; exercise and fitness center; two resort-style amenity centers; lakes, ponds and swimming pools; tot lots and sports fields; beach volleyball and minigolf; a community garden Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-395-9707; Emerald Homes, 407-395-9707 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located in the Horizon West area with 1,400-plus acres encompassing more than a dozen lakes and clear water ponds; near shopping, dining, major attractions and top-notch medical facilities; served by excellent schools.
Waverly Walk
Schools/Grades: Riverdale (C); Corner Lake (B); University (B) Amenities: Walking Trails, community playground Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 407-787-9995 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the $600s Notes: Close to the University of Central Florida and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay); four parks and vibrant dining and shopping scene nearby.
Westhaven at Ovation
Schools/Grades: Panther Lake (NA); Water Springs (A); Horizon (B) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, wetlands and water features Builder: Toll Brothers, 877-431-0444 Product/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$400s; single-family, from the low $500s Notes: Nestled in a natural setting; embodies tranquility with a picturesque location just minutes to shopping, dining, entertainment and schools.
Westridge Park
11142 Amber Ridge Drive, Zellwood, FL 32798 • drhorton.com
Schools/Grades: Zellwood (C); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (C) Amenities: Park, tot lot, pool and cabana Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030 Product/Price: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Great location with easy access to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway); Zellwood Station Golf Club and the West Orange Trail are nearby as are shopping and entertainment venues.
lake highland preparatory school
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Caroline Lane Kindergarten
“#1 K–12 Private School” by Niche.com | www.lhps.org • 407-206-1900 ext. 1
On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Seminole County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celery Oaks
Schools/Grades: Hamilton (C); Markham Woods (B); Seminole (B) Amenities: Recreation area, dog park, green space Builders: Hanover Family Builders, 407-565-7450 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Located less than a mile from the Downtown Sanford Historic District with its award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, tree-lined streets, parks and nature trails as well as a spectacular marina with boating, fishing and dinner cruises.
Eastgrove
Schools/Grades: Midway (B); Millennium (C); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, pool and cabana, walking trails Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Easy Access to I-4 and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay); convenient to Orlando International and Sanford International airports and nearby Lake Mary and Historic Downtown Sanford.
Monterey
East Palmetto Ave, Longwood, FL 32750 • drhorton.com
Schools/Grades: Longwood (B); Milwee (B); Lyman (B) Amenities: Abundant water features Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030 Products/Prices: Townhomes, call for pricing Notes: Walk to Longwood SunRail station, close to heavily amenitized Reiter Park.
Grayson Square
Jergo Road and Orava Lane, Winter Park, FL 32792 • pulte.com
Schools/Grades: Eastbrook (B); Tuskawilla (B); Lake Howell (I) Amenities: Abundant water features Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030 Products/Prices: Townhomes, call for pricing Notes: Minutes to shopping and downtown Winter Park, three miles to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).
Riverbend FINAL OPPORTUNITY
Schools/Grades: Midway (B); Millennium (C); Seminole (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana, park Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-878-2284 Product/Price: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: The Downtown Sanford Historic District features art studios, local dining, unique shops, farmer’s markets, dog parks, performing arts theaters and Sanford’s Riverwalk.
River’s Edge
Schools/Grades: Wilson (A); Sanford (A); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, tot park, walking trail Builder: Bellavista Homes, 407-873-6316 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $300s Notes: Located in a highly rated Seminole County school district, this gated community is near major transportation arteries and the Seminole Towne Center, the Downtown Sanford Historic District, Lake Monroe as well as the Central Florida Zoo.
Riverside Oaks
Schools/Grades: Hamilton (C); Millennium (C); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, private residents’ clubhouse with a cabana and a swimming pool Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-605-6377 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Located along the St. John’s River, close to golf courses, the Sanford Riverwalk and the Downtown Sanford Historic District; near regional universities and colleges, shopping and dining, beaches, and major highways, including I-4 and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).
OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES
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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Osceola County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alexander Park
2652 Ham Brown Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746 • mybellavista.com
Schools/Grades: Sunrise (C); Horizon (C); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, tot park, recreation field Builder: Bellavista Homes, 407-873-6316 Products/Prices: Townhomes, new phase coming soon, call for pricing Notes: Intimate townhome community offering easy access to major roads and employment centers as well as shopping and dining.
Bellalago
Schools/Grades: Bellalago Academy (K-8) (C); Liberty High (C) Amenities: Two 7,000-square-foot clubhouses, lifestyle center, multipool aquatic center, fitness center, water park, tot lot, tennis and basketball courts; nature and bike trails including a 1,300-foot lakefront boardwalk with gazebo, fishing pier and community boat ramp and lift Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-853-8598 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Village Shoppes at Bellalago, located just outside the community, encompasses shops, restaurants, banks and a Publix supermarket with a drive-through pharmacy.
Cypress Cay
4511 Cypress Cay Way, Kissimmee, Florida 34746 • centex.com
Schools/Grades: Flora Ridge (C); Kissimmee (C); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Community pool, playground, walking trail, half-court basketball Builder: Centex Homes, 407-863-6587 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located just minutes from The Loop and area attractions.
Cypress Hammock
Schools/Grades: Reedy Creek (C); Horizon (C); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, playground Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-305-3701 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the upper $300s Notes: Located on Poinciana Boulevard within walking distance of the Kissimmee SunRail station; interest list now forming.
Glenwood FINAL OPPORTUNITY
5354 Douglas Fir Drive, St. Cloud, FL 34771 • drhorton.com
Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (B); Narcoossee (B); Harmony (B) Amenities: Pool, walking trails Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-850-5207 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Located just off Florida’s Turnpike and near Lakeshore Park, with a beachfront playground, outdoor dining, a boat ramp and marina, picnic pavilions, a children’s splash pad and more; easy access to the Cocoa and Melbourne beaches, Orlando International Airport, Lake Nona’s Medical City, and regional attractions via S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 528 (the Beachline Expressway).
Hanover Lakes
3325 Hickory Tree Road, St. Cloud, FL 34772 • LandseaHomes.com
Schools/Grades: Hickory Tree (B); St. Cloud (B); Harmony (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool and splash pad; boat access to pristine chain of lakes; homesites with private docks available; nature park with dock and pavilion; low HOA dues Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-315-2628 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s Notes: Unique waterfront community on the Alligator Chain of Lakes.
Kindred
Schools/Grades: Neptune (C); Neptune (B); Gateway (C) Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, cabana, tennis, trails, playground, pavilion picnic areas, dog park, beach volleyball court, soccer fields Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-978-6035 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid $300s; single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located in the heart of Kissimmee, with direct access to Florida’s Turnpike, Osceola Parkway, I-4; Osceola County’s NeoCity, a master-planned tech center, is nearby.
Reedy Reserve Townhomes
Schools/Grades: BellaLago Charter Academy K-8 (C); New Dimensions (A) Amenities: Pool and cabana, playground, dog park Builder: Taylor Morrison, 407-756-5025 Product/Price: Townhomes, from the low $300s Notes: Featuring thoughtfully designed floorplans from Taylor Morrison’s Canvas Studio.
southern Pines
3921 Southern Vista Loop, St. Cloud, FL 34772 •taylormorrison.com
Schools/Grades: Michigan Avenue (C); Saint Cloud (B); Saint Cloud (B) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, tot lot, ponds and conservation areas Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-250-8109 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located within the city of St. Cloud; easy access to Florida’s Turnpike as well as the employment and retail corridors of Narcoossee Road and U.S. 192.
split oak reserve
Franklin Road and Leon Tyson Road, St. Cloud, FL 34771 • pulte.com
Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (B); Narcoossee (B); Harmony (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool, playground, walking trails Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-554-4438 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the $500s Notes: Located just three miles south of Lake Nona with no CDD; dining and shopping located off Narcoossee Road.
TOHOQUA
Schools/Grades: Neptune (C); Neptune (B); St. Cloud (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool, clubhouse and events room, fitness center, tennis courts, playground and five miles of community trails Builders: Lennar Homes, 866-495-4059; Pulte Homes, 407-550-5534; Pulte Active Adult, 407-554-53733 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid $300s Notes: New amenities center now open; located adjacent to a 370-acre conservation area with trails to Lake Tohopekaliga; five minutes from Florida’s Turnpike and walking distance to schools; wide variety of home designs and prices.
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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Lake County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ardmore Reserve
1312 Blarney Street, Minneola, FL 34715 • LandseaHomes.com
Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (C); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (B) Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-965-2274 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Located in the rolling hills of Minneola, close to elementary and high schools and just minutes from shopping, restaurants, and indoor and outdoor entertainment options including the Minneola Athletic Complex and the South Lake Trail.
Bella Collina
Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (C); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (B) Amenities: Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course, tennis club, fine-dining clubhouse, community pool, full-service spa and fitness center. Builders: Dream Finders Homes, 888-208-0483; Vogel Building Group, 407-230-4660; Primo Homes, 407-632-4501; J. Drewes Construction, 407-744-3133 Products/Prices: Condominiums, from the $300s; single-family, from the $500s to over $1 million Notes: Near Florida’s Turnpike, S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) and S.R. 528 (the Beachline Expressway).
Crestview
Schools/Grades: Lost Lake (C); Windy Hill (B); Eastridge (B) Amenities: Planned amenities include gated entrance, resort-style pool, splashpad and cabana as well as tots lots and pocket parks. Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Gated community tucked in the rolling hills of Lake County; offers easy access to commuter routes and major job centers like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Maitland Center and downtown Orlando.
Hills of Minneola
2394 Gold Dust Drive, Minneola, FL • ashtonwoods.com
Schools/Grades: Astatula (C); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (B) Amenities: Tot lot, dog park, 60-acre green space. Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 407-787-9995 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the $400s Notes: Located just off Lake Apopka; near Winter Garden as well as Lake Louisa State Park.
Sawgrass Bay FINAL OPPORTUNITY
Sawgrass Bay Boulevard, Clermont, FL 34714 • homedynamics.com
Schools/Grades: Sawgrass Bay (C); Windy Hill (B); East Ridge (B) Amenities: Nature trails, playground, pool and cabana, conservation areas Builder: Home Dynamics, 352-988-5955 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $500s Notes: Near Chain of Lakes, Lake Louisa State Park and Lakeridge Winery; 25 miles west of downtown Orlando; Sawgrass Bay Elementary School on site; close to championship golf courses.
lake lincoln
19530 Lake Lincoln Lane, Eustis, FL 32736 • LandseaHomes.com
Schools/Grades: Eustis (C); Eustis (C); Eustis (C) Amenities: Dog park, walking trail, playground Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-392-2601 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: The stylish boutiques and restaurants of Eustis and the charm of historic downtown Mount Dora are both just a short drive away; greater Orlando is also easily accessible.
Summerbrooke
2250 Natoma Boulevard, Mount Dora, FL 32757 • parksquarehomes.com
Schools/Grades: Triangle (D); Mount Dora (C); Mount Dora (B) Amenities: Pool, trails, basketball courts, fitness center, tot lot, clubhouse, dog park Builder: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Set among the rolling hills of Lake County, the scenic beauty of Mount Dora is perfect for enjoying nature walks and the outdoors; just two miles from Mount Dora’s historic downtown shopping district.
preserve at Sunrise
121 Green Branch Boulevard, Groveland, FL 34736 • LandseaHomes.com
Schools/Grades: Groveland (D); Gray (C); South Lake (C) Amenities: Conservation areas Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-325-9838 or 352-348.5949 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Low HOA dues, convenient to Florida’s Turnpike
The Canyons at Highland Ranch
Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (C); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (B) Amenities: Park, pool, cabana, splash pad, mail kiosk, pet stations, four miles of walking trails Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $500s Notes: Three beautiful collections of homes are offered; easy access to the seven-mile South Lake Trail; five public golf courses nearby.
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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Volusia County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lincoln Oaks
2011 Buckhanon Trail, Deland, FL 32720 • ashtonwoods.com
Schools/Grades: Citrus Grove (B); Deland (C); Deland (I) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, nature trail Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 321-204-6254 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Historic Deland, known as “the Athens of Florida,” offers easy access to Orlando, Lake Mary and Daytona as well as popular beaches, regional parks and one of Florida’s oldest private colleges, Stetson University.
Halifax Plantation
3500 Merritt Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 • halifaxplantation.com
Schools/Grades: Pine Trail (A); Ormond Beach (B); Seabreeze (C) Amenities: Gated community; clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, golf course, tennis courts, pool, fitness center Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030, Landsea Homes, 407-759-6329, Vanacore Homes, 888-519-1309 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Minutes to the Atlantic Ocean, the Intercoastal Waterway and Tomoka State Park.
Venetian Bay
424 Luna Bella Lane, Suite 122, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 • venetianbay.info
Schools/Grades: Chisholm (A); New Smyrna Beach (I); New Smyrna Beach (B) Amenities: Golf course, driving range, putting green, splash pad, pool, clubhouse, restaurant, lounge Builders: Paytas Homes, 386-402-8185; Platinum Home Builders, 386-690-5339; The Johnson Group, 386-767-8000; D.R. Horton Homes, 844-509-7695; Meritage Homes, 855-588-6374 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s; townhomes, from the low $300s Notes: Close to beaches; miles of trails for walking or biking.
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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Polk County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cypress Park Estates
339 Bottle Brush Drive Haines City, FL 33844 • parkquarehomes.com
Schools/Grades: Eastside (C); Shelley S Boone (C); Ridge Community School (C) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, tot lot, dog park Builders: Park Square Homes 407-5290-3108 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Haines City residents and visitors enjoy proximity to beautiful lakes, golf courses, sports venues and the Legoland theme park; minutes from grocery stores and shopping and dining and options.
Providence
Schools/Grades: Loughman Oaks (D); Shelley S. Boone (C); Ridge Community (C) Amenities: Gated community; Michael Dasher-designed 18-hole championship golf course; clubhouse and restaurant, resort-style pool, tennis courts, fitness center, volleyball court, children’s playground and picnic area Builders: ABD Development Company, 863-427-7528; Lennar 877-821-4943; FID Capital Group, 407-868-0186 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Exclusive waterfront and golf course homesites available.
Tierra del sol
Schools/Grades: Bella Cita (C); Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy (C); Davenport (D) Amenities: Pool, cabana, tot lot Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-934-0075 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Convenient to major employers including Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World and Universal Studios; nearby Posner Park, an 80-acre open-air shopping mall, offers an impressive variety of stores and restaurants as well as a Cinepolis IMAX Theater.
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DON’T JUDGE ME BY MY CURB APPEAL
BY Marni Jameson
Iwant a T-shirt that reads: “Don’t Judge Me by My Curb Appeal.” Or maybe a tattoo. I’m tired of making excuses for my front yard. If I haven’t made this clear: Just because I know what to do doesn’t mean I do what I know. (Another T-shirt I need.) I mean, if everyone did what they knew they should do, the world would be full of vegetable-eating, sunscreen-wearing, physically fit, nonsmoking, kind people with good hygiene who floss daily.
I know curb appeal is important. And I will get to it, after I am done paying for college, and pay off the cars and finish helping our veterinarian pay for his curb appeal.
Meanwhile, I feel I should come home wearing a stocking cap to avoid ugly rumors.
“Isn’t that where that home columnist lives?”
I almost had curb appeal once. Last summer, my husband and I finally had some money for landscaping. I lobbied to fix the front yard. He lobbied for the back.
“But the front yard is what everybody sees,” I argued.
“The backyard is what I see.”
This only begins to cover the many different ways we view the world.
However, early in our marriage, we made a pact. Whenever we don’t agree on a home improvement, I get the last word on the inside; he gets the last word on the outside. So the backyard looks better, but — sorry neighbors — the front has to wait.
I confess all this to a Realtor friend who put the whole mess in perspective: “A house is like a marriage,” he said. “You have to continually re-evaluate what you can do to make the relationship better, and rekindle the feeling it inspired when you first moved in.”
“How does this relate to curb appeal?”
“What if your home isn’t for sale?”
His eyebrows make a teepee. “Starting with our front yard.”
According to the National Association of Realtors, boosting curb appeal is one investment you’re almost guaranteed to recoup. Here are 10 top curb-appeal tips: n TAKE A FRESH LOOK. After living in a house, it’s easy — and convenient — to stop noticing what needs fixing. For sellers in denial, a smart Realtor should show them pictures of competing homes for sale. n VIEW YOUR HOUSE AS A PORTRAIT. Create a com-
position where everything — hardscape, softscape, entryway, exterior walls and the roof — works together. Have the big picture before you proceed. n GREEN UP THE GRASS. If it’s brown, or has bald spots, fix it. While you’re at it, prune, weed and clean up the rest of the yard. n FILL FLOWER BEDS. Plant flowers and shrubs that will look good now and later. That is, after summer annuals go, have something in planters that will bloom or change color in fall. Tier planters so taller shrubs are in back, smaller ones in front. n REFRESH PAINT. If you can’t afford to paint the whole house, at least repaint the trim. Make doors and windows pop. If a buyer walks up to a door that’s neglected, they think, “This is a project house.” That can kill a deal. n COLOR IT CAREFULLY. Pick a palette that conforms to the neighborhood yet sets your house apart — a fine but critical line. Neutral isn’t the same as boring. Don’t be that house where people drive by and say, “What happened here?” n REVISIT YOUR APPROACH. Design a welcome path from street to door, which should be the focus. Punch up walkways and driveways. If replacing them with good-looking pavers is out of the budget, add a stone or brick border. Fix or replace uneven or boring walkways n ADD POLISH. If your outdoor light fixtures look weathered, or your door handle looks worn, repaint or replace them. Shiny, new metal makes people say, “Oooo.” n TEND TO THE SMALL STUFF. Simple details like new address numbers, a new doorbell, a handsome mailbox and a fresh doormat say you care. n ADD AN ELEMENT. A pediment over the entry, an upgraded front door, a cover over the porch, or some columns can add major drama for less money than you’d think.
Marni Jameson is the author of six home and lifestyle books, including What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want; Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go; and Downsizing the Blended Home: When Two Households Become One. Reach her at marnijameson.com.
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