Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition Spring 2021 by Winter Park Publishing Company

HOME CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

BUYER

SPRING 2021

Building Your

DREAM HOME Explore the Possibilities

Custom kitchen by Sorenson Construction

‘AG R IHO OD S’ A RE G RO WING • SUBUR B A N COM E B ACK • NE W COM M U NI T Y DI RE C TORY

In the Hanover Family Builders tradition of deeply understanding what Central Florida homebuyers want and value in their home, we proudly announce the Grand Openings of four exciting new home communities. You now have even more gorgeous two-story, single-story and townhomes to choose from, the possibilities are endless! Recently Ranked #1 in the Orlando Business Journal “Fast 50: Central Florida’s Fastest Growing Company,” Hanover Family Builders continues its commitment to building exceptional new homes and communities, all while providing first-class customer service, every single step of the way. Hanover Family Builders, Central Florida’s premiere home builder, is operated by thirdgeneration home builders whose track record boasts more than 20,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years. Visit HanoverFamilyBuilders.com or call 888-842-9266 for more information on the incredible homes available and community locations.

Our Legacy is Building Yours

* Developer may change home design, materials, amenities, method of construction, prices, promotions and features without notice. Availability subject to change. Plans, illustrations, photographs and other depictions may contain options and features which are not standard and may not be available on all models, model types or homes. Please see a Hanover New Home Advisor for complete terms and conditions. Copyright ©2021 Hanover Family Builders. All rights reserved. CGC#1507971.

Schedule a Visit to View Our Model Homes and Communities: HanoverFamilyBuilders.com 888-842-9266

Beautiful New Homes and Townhomes in Central Florida – AVAILABLE NOW!

Celery Oaks Bargrove

Trinity Lakes Preserve at Sunrise

Cypress Oaks

Sunrise Ridge

Ardmore Reserve

423

Ridgeview

DR. PHILLIPS

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

unc

MEDICAL CITY

LEGEND

Wiregrass

Cypress Hammock

First Place

Now Selling

Williams Preserve Hanover Lakes

Greenfield Village Grand Opening

17 Orchid Terrace

Davenport Estates

DAVENPORT

Coming Soon

570

Preservation Pointe

HAINES CITY

POINCIANA

FROM THE PUBLISHER STOP RAIDING STATE’S HOUSING TRUST FUND

Legislators wanted some of it, so they capped the revenue dedicated to affordable housing at $243 million and poured any amount above that into the general fund. In the 2019-20 legislative session, knowing they could not adjourn until a balanced budget was passed, legislators transferred $125 million from the Sadowski Fund to the general budget. Fast forward to the current legislative session, where two bills have been introduced taking 66 percent — a full two-thirds — of the revenue generated and redirecting it to combat rising sea levels and to clean up Florida’s wastewater issues. And not just for this year. but permanently. Don’t get me wrong. I believe Florida has some serious climate and environmental issues that are long overdue to be addressed — but not using funds expressly earmarked for affordable housing.

They’re at it again! The Florida legislature is raiding the Sadowski Trust Fund, which was established 30 years ago to provide a dedicated source of revenue to fund Florida’s affordable housing programs. And the program worked well for many years, providing assistance to working Floridians with down payments and closing costs. The fund has also allowed seniors to retrofit their homes so they can age in place. Funds for the trust are generated by an additional 10 cents per $100 in documentary stamp tax revenue. (That’s the transfer tax on deeds.) The revenue generated is then split, with 31 percent for a state government housing trust fund and 69 percent for a local government housing trust fund. All well and good, but a funny thing happened in the early 2000s. Florida was booming, and that additional 10 cents was generating a whole lot of money.

CONTENTS | S P R I N G

2021 26 PRICE CHECK

As prices spike, buyers are opting for smaller homes even if there’s a commute. By Mary Shanklin

4 FEATURED BUILDER

With 20 years experience in the building industry, RockWell Homes has been an overnight success story. By Michael Candelaria

36 GREEN ACRES

6 FEATURED COMMUNITY

RESOURCES

The time is right for the Tohoqua community in booming Osceola. By Michael Candelaria

48 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“Agrihoods” are mixing urban life with farming, and the concept is taking root in Orlando. By Mary Shanklin

HOME HOME HOME

A different (and cool) style for the 2021 New American Home by Phil Kean Design Group. By Michael Candelaria

to do when he was a child. Now he’s one of the country’s most respected architects and builders — and a budding fine artist to boot. By Michael Candelaria

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher/Director of Sales RANDY NOLES Editor and Publisher PHYLLIS M. MILLER Director of Administration CAROLYN EDMUNDS Art Director MYRON CARDEN Distribution Manager MICHAEL CANDELARIA, MARY SHANKLIN Contributing Writers HARRY WESSEL Contributing Editor MICHAEL LOWRY PHOTOGRAPHY, GREENLANDO CONSULTING, UNEEK IMAGE Contributing Photographers W i n te r Par k Pu bli shi n g Co m pany L LC

RANDY NOLES Chief Executive Officer ALLAN E. KEEN Co-Chairman, Board of Managers JANE HAMES Co-Chairman, Board of Managers THERESA SWANSON Vice Chairman, Board of Managers

Larry and Joanne Adams; The Albertson Company, Ltd.; Richard O. Baldwin Jr.; Jim and Diana Barnes; Brad Blum; Ken and Ruth Bradley; John and Dede Caron; Bruce Douglas; Steve Goldman; Hal George; Michael Gonick; Micky Grindstaff; Sharon and Marc Hagle; Larry and Jane Hames; Eric and Diane Holm; Garry and Isis Jones; Allan E. and Linda S. Keen; Knob Hill Group (Rick and Trish Walsh, Jim and Beth DeSimone, Chris Schmidt); FAN Fund; Kevin and Jacqueline Maddron; Drew and Paula Madsen; Kenneth J. Meister; Ann Hicks Murrah; Jack Myers; Michael P. O’Donnell; Nicole and Mike Okaty; Bill and Jody Orosz; Martin and Ellen Prague; Serge and Kerri Rivera; Jon C. and Theresa Swanson; Sam and Heather Stark; Randall B. Robertson; George Sprinkel; Philip Tiedtke; Roger K. Thompson; Ed Timberlake; Harold and Libby Ward; Warren “Chip” Weston; Tom and Penny Yochum; and Victor and Jackie A. Zollo. M e m be r s O f

56 COMMUNITIES

10 FEATURED FLOORPLAN

17 Phil Kean figured out what he wanted

BUYER

C o m m u n i t y Partn e r s

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher theresa@thefloridahomebuyer.com

2 FROM THE PUBLISHER

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

BUYER

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

SPRING 2021

BUYER

SPRING 2021

Building Your

Explore the Possibilities

DREAM HOME

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

BUYER

SPRING 2021

DREAM HOME

Custom home by The Einheit Company

DOUGLAS SCALETTA PHOTOGRAPHY

Building Your

HARVEY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

MANOR MANOR

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION

MICHAEL OKATY, ESQ. General Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

HOME

‘AG R IH O O D S’ AR E G RO W IN G • S U B U R B AN CO M EB AC K • N EW CO M M U N IT Y D IR EC TORY

DREAM HOME Explore the Possibilities

Custom home by Issa Homes

‘AG R I H O O D S’ A R E G RO W I N G • S U B U R B A N CO M E B AC K • N E W CO M M U N I T Y D I R E C TORY

Custom kitchen by Sorenson Construction

‘AG R I H O O D S’ A R E G RO W I N G • S U B U R B A N CO M E B AC K • N E W CO M M U N I T Y D I R E C TORY

ON THE COVER Readers of this issue of Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition may see one of three covers. Each features a custom home from one of the following local custom builders: The Einheit Company, Issa Homes or Sorenson Construction.

2 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Contact Us Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B Winter Park, Florida 32789 Phone: 407-647-0225 thefloridahomebuyer.com Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition Spring 2021 is published quarterly by Winter Park Publishing Company LLC, 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B, Winter Park, Florida 32789. Copyright 2021 by Winter Park Publishing Company LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Send all correspondence to Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition, 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B, Winter Park, Florida 32789. Unsolicited manuscripts without return postage will not be returned. DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in this publication do not constitute an offer for sale in any state or country where prohibited or restricted by law.

S A N S E BA STI A N R ESERV E

Enjoy Living with Amazing Amenities! Life at San Sebastian Reserve offers idyllic homes with access to spectacular amenities and the stunning surroundings of Apopka, Florida. These single-family homes feature sprawling interiors with gourmet kitchens, luxurious owner’s suites, and large covered lanais. Plus, enjoy a community cabana with a stunning pool, a playground, and picnic tables. All from the low $300s.

KHOV.COM/SANSEBASTIAN

561-509-2110

OPEN DAILY : MON - SAT 10AM - 6PM I SUN - 12PM - 6PM

2100 EMERALD SPRINGS DRIVE, APOPKA, FL

San Sebastian Reserve is offered by K. Hovnanian San Sebastian, LLC. Views not guaranteed; subject to change. Features and options may vary. Unless stated hardscape, landscape and decorator items not included. Prices subject to change without notice. Brokers Welcome! A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client's first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, or register their client in advance using the Rapid Registration form available by calling (888) 546-8466 or by emailing Alice Yale at AYale@khov.com or Hailey Drucker at HDrucker@khov.com. Registration is valid for 30 days. See a Sales Consultant for full details. Equal Housing Opportunity.

PUBLISHER’S PICK: COMMUNITY  ROCKWELL HOMES

RockWell Homes has completed the Eliot plan, which has several iterations including the farmhouse design (above). The home, located in the Winding Bay neighborhood of the Horizon West master-planned community, is priced from $478,900 and encompasses from 2,889 to 3,081 square feet with four bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms and a two-car garage. It features a chef’s dream kitchen and a generous lanai for outdoor living. The floorplan has a spacious loft where three of the bedrooms are located. There’s an optional en suite bathroom for a secondary bedroom and a pocket office for crafts or homework.

AN OVERNIGHT SUCCESS WHO’S BEEN WORKING AT IT FOR TWO DECADES

he late, great entrepreneur Steve Jobs was quoted as saying: “Overnight success stories take a long time.” Humorist Mark Twain once wrote: “Overnight success is a fallacy. It is preceded by a great deal of preparation.” Yet, comedian/actor Eddie Cantor, an entertainment icon from 100 years ago, may have said it best: “It takes 20 years to become an overnight success.” Cantor nailed it right on the head when it comes to builder Robby Mosier and his new entry into the local market, RockWell Homes. While Mosier seemingly has emerged out of nowhere, his journey in homebuilding has extended precisely those two decades. Growing up as a “small town, blue collar” native of Lugoff, South Carolina, Mosier started relatively low on the builder totem

4 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

pole, as an internal auditor at Morrison Homes. Over the years, Mosier was moved to Denver as the company’s vice president of finance. He was controller/vice president of Standard Pacific Homes in Raleigh and Charlotte before joining Beazer Homes in Phoenix as a chief financial officer for a region that stretched from Texas to California. Beazer moved him to Charleston as a division president. Then, Mosier ran the operation for a small, privately owned building company in Texas before taking a similar job in Minnesota. All that would certainly qualify as “a great deal of preparation,” by Mark Twain’s definition or anyone else’s. “I’ve lived all over the country,” says Mosier, president of RockWell Homes, headquartered at Celebration. “And, quite honestly, there’s really nothing [in the building industry] that I haven’t done or been a part of.” Now, Mosier has landed in metro Orlando — sort of. His wife, Meredith, and children Jackson, 8, Joah, 6, and Johnny, almost 2, will remain in Dallas. For now, as he builds his own empire, he’ll travel back and forth. But Mosier thinks the temporary inconvenience will ultimately be worth it.

“What’s most rewarding is that the vision aspect of it is mine,” he says. “Starting something and then seeing it all come together is something I’ve never experienced before. I’ve always executed other people’s visions.” While he was helping other companies be successful, Mosier was listening and learning. “I took the opportunity in the last 20 years to find great mentors,” he says, recalling long days that began at construction sites and ended at 9 or 10 p.m. behind a desk. Mosier adds: “I’m big about understanding everything. So, I’ve taken the opportunity to learn all parts of the business.” With RockWell Homes, Mosier will have help from real estate financier Daniel Traylor, managing partner of Columnar Investments, which is active in sprawling Horizon West in Winter Garden. Traylor had deals in place with national builders that fell through as COVID-19 began to spread last spring, creating, according to Mosier, “a decent little pipeline to get us started.” That start is at Winding Bay in Horizon West, one of the fastest-growing masterplanned communities in the country. The neighborhood will encompass 107 homes and amenities that include a resort-style pool, a splash pad, a dog park, a tot lot, a park and a cabana. The target market is first- and second-time moveup buyers. Further, the plan calls for building relationships, both with homebuyers and trade partners. The unofficial RockWell Homes’ mantra is, “We look forward to partnering with you,” and the company prefers to use such designators as “neighborhood construction partner” and “neighborhood sales partner.” Mosier notes that following the economic downturn more than a dozen years ago, he saw a shift in homebuilding that largely was driven by corporate finance. He doesn’t want to follow that pattern and become “all about the numbers and less about the customers.” In fact, he’s seeking to flip that equation. “We want to go back to what homebuilding used to be,” Mosier says. “We went to build communities; we went to

build neighborhoods. And we want to build relationships with our customers and our trade partners.” That philosophy also extends to the physical composition of Winding Bay, which will emphasize the idea of neighborhood. Says Mosier: “If you’re the buyer and you literally want to pull up into your garage and never meet anybody in your neighborhood, you may not want to buy from us.” Consequently, he adds, streetscapes and wide front porches will be prominent at Winding Bay. “Some of it sounds idealistic and, yes, it’s not going to be easy for us to execute as we grow,” he says. “And I understand that. But it’s who we want to be. We don’t want to grow so big that we forget those values.” To ensure success, Mosier believes in building no more than 250 to 350 homes annually. “As the range goes up,” he points out, “the leadership team running the business by necessity becomes more

Robby Mosier (right) with his wife, Meredith, and children, Jackson, 8, Joah, 6, and Johnny, almost 2. Mosier flies back and forth between Dallas, where his family is, and Orlando while he gets the RockWell Homes operation up and running.

removed from interaction with customers and tradespeople.” That’s not the way Mosier wants to operate RockWell — which doesn’t mean he isn’t looking forward to growth. In three to five years, he hopes to expand into other markets, likely Tampa, Austin, Dallas and Denver. For now, though, Mosier’s satisfaction is here and now. “Oh, there’s a sense of pride,” he says about his first model home rising in his first community as an entrepreneur. “The sense of pride in just our website coming live, hearing people commenting about our product and seeing that first home under construction — it’s a sense of pride that I’ve never felt before in my career.”  —Michael Candelaria SPRING 2021

PUBLISHER’S PICK: COMMUNITY  TOHOQUA

Ground was broken in Tohoqua, a 730- acre master-planned community in Osceola County, in 2016. Since then, growth has been rapid. At buildout, it could encompass as many as 2,400 homes.

THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR TOHOQUA IN BOOMING OSCEOLA

ndre Vidrine opened the discussion with a simple disclaimer: In describing the present and potential of his rising community of Tohoqua in Kissimmee, Vidrine says he doesn’t need hype to sell a project with so many obvious attributes. “What we try not to do is overpromise. That’s the key,” says Vidrine, founder and managing partner at Integrative Development Group and president of privately owned Tohoqua Master Association Inc. Vidrine then delivers a detailed, 30-minute outline of what has happened on the 730 acres in Osceola County where ground was broken in 2016 after a long delay following the crash of 2008. But once the economy bounced back, the developers got busy. The first models were completed in 2018 — which is an

6 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

impressively accelerated pace after a fallow period. Vidrine spoke from a fully decked-out Residents Club with a resort-style pool, a fitness center and tennis courts, among other amenities. Neptune Elementary School sits across from the community’s entrance, and onsite K-8 and high schools are planned. Playgrounds and parks are in place, too, along with trails that connect to regional networks via the adjacent Twin Oaks Conservation Area and the Florida National Scenic Trail. Nearby, similar recreation abounds thanks to the community’s location between East Lake Tohopekaliga and Lake Tohopekaliga. In addition, there are plenty of arterial roadways lined with businesses of all sorts. Neptune Road, which runs in front of the community, and Cross Prairie Parkway, which runs through it, are being expanded. “As a master plan, what’s making Tohoqua unique right now is just how much infrastructure we’re putting in at first,” Vidrine says. But there are also plenty of new homes with people already living them. In mid-February, Tohoqua had 329 lots developed and approximately 200 residents. Another 250 homes were under construction and a future phase encompassing 227 lots

Tohoqua was slated to start in 2008, but was delayed by the economic collapse. Now, though, there are several hundred homes in the community and several hundred more under construction — and they’re being bought as quickly as they can be built. The amenities are a big attraction, including a gorgeous Residents Club (below) with a resort-style pool.

SPRING 2021

PUBLISHER’S PICK: COMMUNITY  TOHOQUA

was under development. Buildout is approximately 2,400 single-family homes — which isn’t expected for years. Mattamy Homes currently is building in Tohoqua, with Lennar Homes and Pulte Homes poised to begin soon. Mattamy is offering single-family homes and townhomes ranging in size from 1,500 to 3,400 square feet. Best of all, the community is a great value. One of Mattamy’s three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family homes, measuring 2,187 square feet with a two-car garage, is priced at $362,555. One of its 1,528-square-foot townhomes — also with three bedrooms and two bathrooms — starts at $264,990. Lennar is building what it calls the Cottage Collection and the Estate Collection, with the Cottage Collection targeting growing families and the more expansive Estate Collection attracting move-up buyers with open layouts and lanais. Pulte will offer single-family and bungalow home designs as well as homes with multigeneration suites. Also, Pulte will build a 55-plus active adult community. Vidrine says that in all, Tohoqua will offer a menu of nine different product lines encompassing roughly 30 different home styles. Prices start at about $250,000 although some could hit the high $400s and even the low $500s with add-ons.

8 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

“It’s blue collar, it’s white collar, it’s all walks of life. It really makes for a vibrant and energetic community,” he adds. “I don’t know what else we could be building here right now.” Vidrine’s emphasis is on right now. Looking at an area map, he points to multitude of growth spots surrounding Tohoqua. Not a hard thing to do considering that Osceola is the eighth fastestgrowing county nationwide and the second-fastest in Florida. Among the drivers of growth are the Kissimmee Medical Arts District, where both AdventHealth Kissimmee and Osceola Regional Medical Center are expanding, and NeoCity, a 500-acre tech/advanced manufacturing center. Another advantage: Florida’s Turnpike, about five minutes from Tohoqua. “This community has a lot of jobs around it. And not only that, there are a lot of jobs you can quickly drive to,” Vidrine notes. “We speculated what was going to make this piece of property special and decided that it was the location — and the accessibility of the Turnpike. A buyer could ask, ‘How far can I get from here in 40 minutes?’” Suffice it to say, you can get just about anywhere in that span of time. And none of this takes into account 80 additional acres set aside for a town center. Plans call for 475,000-squarefoot, mixed-use development — commercial, office and retail

space — plus a 200-room hotel. Possibly. The town center will develop based on demand from residents, who are still moving in — so Vidrine is leaving himself some wiggle room. Clearly, though, Vidrine and his development partners have been patient, which bodes well for Tohoqua. While he acknowledges that the journey has been long, he also believes the “last 10 years have been amazing to live in Central Florida.” He’s hoping to take full advantage of the timing, now and post-pandemic. Recent challenges have turned him more philosophical and reflective. “It’s about providing opportunity for people,” Vidrine says. “It’s about overcoming challenges and adversity. People want hope. This project took a long time to do. I want to get there. I want to make the residents happy and make my partners happy. I’m not taking a break until all this hard work is completed. I’m staying focused.” Vidrine adds that he’s consumed with doing it right. “People are moving to Florida. They’re coming here, and there are a lot of them,” he says. “So how do you plan effectively? It takes a lot of intentional design. That’s what we’re doing here. We’re very methodical about step by step.” But without wasting time.  —Michael Candelaria

The Tohoqua Residents Club (facing page and above) features homey gathering areas and a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the pool. For kiddie-style exercise, the community boasts neighborhood playgrounds (below) that are an easy stroll from adjacent homes.

SPRING 2021

PUBLISHER’S PICK: FLOORPLAN  THE NEW AMERICAN HOME 2021

The New American Home 2021 is centrally located in picture-postcard Winter Park’s downtown corridor. The three-level structure (facing page) sits at the end of a row of seven townhomes in a luxury infill development. The first floor entry area (above) and gallery space features custom metal screens and a floating staircase, enhanced with lighting under each tread and clear glass balusters.

AN OPEN AND ELEGANT STYLE FOR THE 2021 NEW AMERICAN HOME

alk about a floorplan that had a lot to live up to. This one was for the New American Home 2021, which was part of the International Builders’ Show held by the National Association of Homebuilders. Every builder in the country would be looking with intense interest. IBS, slated for Orlando in early February, was canceled and held virtually. But viewers could see the home via a 3D tour online and had to be impressed with the layout — which encompassed two townhomes that were combined to create one single-family masterpiece with all the state-of-the-art bells and whistles. Ultimately the floorplan, created by Winter Park-based Phil Kean Design Group, grandly delivered in scope, size and detail. Scope? The New American Home 2021 is centrally located in picture-postcard Winter Park’s downtown corridor, which tal-

1 0 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

lied plus-plus points for general walkability. The three-level structure sits at the end of a row of seven townhomes in a luxury infill development. As such, it serves as the project’s exclamation point. Additionally, it showcases the latest products and technologies from the NAHB’s Leading Suppliers Council. So let’s just say, the scope was broad. Regarding size, this year’s New American isn’t a sprawling suburban mansion of the sort that was typical through most of the 2000s. It measures 5,536 square feet (4,397 square feet of living space) with three bedrooms (one with padded leather walls), 4.5 bathrooms, a three-car garage, an airy great room, an exercise room, a courtyard with indoor-outdoor living features as well as multiple terraces. There are, in fact, three terraces: one on the second floor and two on the third floor. And, for the record, each floor has a doggie door that leads to its outdoor terrace — plus there’s a firstfloor dog yard. Those extra spaces don’t count as living area, but make the home seem even bigger than it is. Overall, the plan is decidedly open, elegant, modern and bright. Here’s how Phil Kean, head of Phil Kean Design Group, describes the look of the home, which he expected to put on the

SPRING 2021

PUBLISHER’S PICK: FLOORPLAN  THE NEW AMERICAN HOME 2021

The second floor is dedicated to the owner’s suite, including a large master bedroom (above) and spa-like master bath that connects to a boutique walk-in closet (below). It also has a lounge with a walk-out balcony, along with the main laundry room and an exercise room (facing page) with an en suite bathroom.

1 2 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Main Level

Second Level

Third Level

IN BRIEF  MODEL: The New American Home  BUILDER: Phil Kean Design Group  SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,536 square feet  BEDROOMS/BATHROOMS: 3/4.5  GARAGE: 3-car

 PRICE: $4.2 million  NOTES: Other features include an airy great room, an exercise room and sauna, a courtyard with indoor-outdoor living features as well as multiple terraces.

SPRING 2021

PUBLISHER’S PICK: FLOORPLAN  THE NEW AMERICAN HOME 2021

The kitchen is the highlight of the home. It eschews the “white everywhere” look by mixing darker walnut — especially notable on the floor-toceiling china cabinet — with brighter colors and an array of finishes.

market this spring and price at $4.25 million: “It’s about as ‘New Yorky’ a townhouse as you can get in Central Florida. So, it’s kind of fun that way and still being single-family.” The main living space is on the top floor, which is common in coastal areas but isn’t often seen in Central Florida, according to Kean, who adds that the home is “upside-down, where the living and the views are the best at the top.” In essence, there’s a unique living experience on each floor. The first floor, with an art gallery entrance, contains a three-car garage and a guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom and office. The second floor is dedicated to the owner’s suite, including a large master bedroom and spa-like master bath that connects to a boutique walk-in closet. It also has a lounge with a walk-out balcony, along with the main laundry room and an exercise room with an en suite bathroom. The third floor features 14-foot ceilings, making it the ideal place to entertain — whether it’s in the great room, the music room or the state-of-the-art kitchen that connects to a large outside terrace with a summer kitchen overlooking the treetops. Meanwhile, hallways are minimal throughout the floorplan, as Kean sought maximum impact for a design that breathes both warmth and luxury. Then there are the details, such as an oversized kitchen that combines form with function using Signature Kitchen Suite

1 4 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

appliances and Kohler plumbing fixtures. Finishes include custom Plato and Wellborn cabinetry and LG Hausys countertops. The kitchen is the highlight of the home. It eschews the “white everywhere” look by mixing darker walnut — especially notable on the floor-to-ceiling china cabinet — with brighter colors and an array of finishes. The outdoor terrace features bright orange pops of color. There’s a custom floating stairway, too, and an elevator if climbing up three floors seems needlessly strenuous. Plus the home is designed to exceed the requirements to earn the National Green Building Standard’s Emerald Level certification. That means, for example, that the large windows come with a low-e coating, among many other energy-saving features. Notably, some of the details were adjusted late in the design process to fit new needs that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Construction work began in early 2020.) One major change involved transforming a bedroom on the second floor into a home office. All the bathrooms in the home were outfitted with state-of-the-art bidet toilets, and a home gym and steam spa were incorporated. Indeed, the New American Home 2021, top to bottom, has ample design-showplace qualities. Or, as Kean says, “If the floorplan works, that’s what makes the house.”  —Michael Candelaria

The third floor features 14-foot ceilings, making it the ideal place to entertain — whether it’s in the great room, the music room or the state-ofthe-art kitchen (above) that connects to a large outside terrace with a summer kitchen overlooking the treetops (below).

SPRING 2021

MAKE HEALTHIER MOVES They say home is where the heart is – but the rest of you lives here, too. Taylor Morrison is committed to making sure the healthiest move you can make is into a new home. That’s why we offer our TM LiveWellTM features including whole-home air filtration, clean water technologies, low VOC paint and healthy home products in every new home we build. Not as upgrades but as standard features.

Safer Paint. Healthier Air. Cleaner Water. Standard. taylormorrison.com/make-moves/Orlando | 407.756.5025 *TM LiveWell™ features are subject to availability for new purchase agreements and based on region, community and specific plans. Products may be changed for comparable or newly improved replacements or additions and may not be available in a limited number of completed homes. Details available. Nothing contained herein or in any related materials regarding the TM LiveWell™ included features as of a buyer’s Purchase Agreement Date is a guaranteed commitment on performance results and health benefits or independently verified and remain subject to change daily without notice by third party suppliers outside of Taylor Morrison’s control. All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, elevations, site plans, features, brands, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, availability or delay without notice. Any community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Maps and plans are not to scale, are not intended to show specific detailing and all dimensions are approximate. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options depending on stage of construction. Community Association or other fees may be required. This communication is not intended to constitute an offering in violation of the law of any jurisdiction and in such cases our communications may be limited by the laws of your state. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager or Internet Home Consultant for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers and complete licensing details per jurisdiction. For our Age Qualified Communities only: At least one resident of household must be 55 or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55 in limited circumstances. For minimum age requirements for permanent residents in a specific community, please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for complete details. © February, 2021, Taylor Morrison, Inc. (“TM”). The TM LiveWell™ registered and unregistered marks are owned by TM. All rights reserved. ORL 02/18/21 3281

T H E G U I D E T O C E N T R A L F L O R I D A’ S L U X U R Y B U I L D E R S A N D C O M M U N I T I E S

CUSTOM BUILDER PROFILE

DESIGN-DRIVEN

TO SUCCEED

Phil Kean figured out what he wanted to do when he was a child. Now he’s one of the country’s most respected architects and builders — and a budding fine artist to boot. By Michael Candel aria

hil Kean, in retrospect, was set up for industry excellence. His father was a builder and a master craftsman who did his own carpentry. His mother also worked in the family business. Often, Kean — who grew up in Vero Beach and Melbourne on Florida’s east coast — would go with his father to the office and, by age 11, he had decided that he wanted to be an architect. Not long afterward, he could read and understand architectural plans. Such was life as the son of a contractor. The foundation for success was solid. Yet, who could have predicted this kind of success for Kean and his company, Phil Kean Design Group? Kean recently finished his third New American Home — the National Association of Home Builders’ annual showcase home, which was to have been unveiled as part of the 2021 International Builders’ Show. The show, set for February 9-12 was canceled, but Kean’s work was seen globally via 3-D virtual tours. (See related story, page 10.) Similarly, Kean completed the 2020 New American Remodel as part of last year’s IBS, held in Las Vegas. Not coincidentally, Kean’s regional and national awards span the categories of sustainable design and green construction, interior design and homebuilding. Most recent accolades include Best of Show in the American Residential Design Awards from the American Institute of Building Design. Kean is a licensed architect, a certified residential contractor,

1 8 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Phil Kean Design Group’s headquarters is on Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park. Kean’s company started in 2002 doing architecture only, but expanded into building as demand grew for his distinctive homes.

a licensed interior designer and a certified green professional, among other designations. In addition, he’s a member of the American Institute of Architects, the American Institute of Building Design and the American Society of Interior Designers. Also, he’s past president of Central Florida’s Master Custom Builder Council and serves on the NAHB’s board of directors. By all measurable accounts, Kean is a recognized luxury

“The key to being a good architect is listening. I’ve always told all of my team members that if you listen really close, usually within the first 15 minutes a client is going to tell you everything you need to know to make them happy.” —Phi l Kean

SPRING 2021

Kean’s custom homes and remodeling projects have won more awards than it’s possible to list. One of many notable remodels was the Bianca at Keene’s Pointe (above) in Windermere, which won the Grand Award during the 2019 Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Greater Orlando Builders Association. Kean is known for designing homes that meld the indoors and the outdoors — as is dramatically shown in this custom home in Winter Park (right).

home-design leader. He just doesn’t sound like one, especially when he recalls the early days of his journey as a homebuilder. For someone whose trademark today is eye-catching homes that feature walls of glass that open to extensive indoor/outdoor living spaces, his start wasn’t exactly grand. Phil Kean Designs was established in 2002, with the business centered almost entirely on architecture. He began in customhome building with one project, and as demand increased, he became a builder as well as an architect. Nonetheless, he kept the company name the same, with “design” in the title. “It was just easier,” he says with a laugh and a shrug of the shoulder. Although he designs and builds in all styles, Kean would quickly become a local pioneer in the sort of modern architecture with midcentury influences that some other builders have now adopted. Under the Phil Kean Design Group corporate umbrella are diverse business divisions ranging from architecture and homebuilding to interior design, construction, landscape design and kitchen design with a state-of-the-art kitchen showroom. The showroom is located next to his headquarters on Fairbanks Avenue — which some in Winter Park have taken to calling “Philbanks” because he has helped remake a significant stretch of the commercial corridor. The company can handle real estate transitions, too. “You walk in with your ideas, and you walk out with your keys; it’s really that kind of operation,” he says. Approximately 40 people are on the Phil Kean Design Group payroll, and expansion is being contemplated in Tampa Bay. As for homebuilding, at any one time there are typically 15 or so projects in various stages of completion, with the custom

2 0 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

homes taking an average of 1.5 years to complete. Because of the company’s multiple divisions, one project will likely use some or all of Kean’s services. Also, Kean’s new-home projects can be found across Florida, the Bahamas, Spain and West Africa, with styles ranging from his signature sleek modern structures to Spanish Mediterranean, West Indies, French country, Colonial and traditional. Presently, Kean has 25,000-square-foot-plus homes underway

in Tampa and Vero Beach. But don’t expect the soft-spoken Kean to take a ton of credit. Characteristically, he deflects. “You surround yourself with people who are smarter than you,” he says. “I have some really, really smart people who make better decisions than I do. I’m good at a lot of things, but you can’t be good all the time.” Being smarter than Kean — who studied at Harvard and Washington University in St. Louis and has master’s degrees in architec-

ture and business administration — is quite an accomplishment. But Kean, above all else, is a good listener — which he credits as being crucial to his success. “The key to being a good architect is listening,” he notes. “I’ve always told all of my team members that if you listen really close, usually within the first 15 minutes a client is going to tell you everything you need to know to make them happy.” Then, Kean’s focus turns to design. He says that while builders SPRING 2021

One of Kean’s most popular homes — winner of the 2007 Golden Aurora Award from the Southeastern Building Conference — was the NeMo (New Modern) in Winter Park. Features included a huge kitchen with wine stockpiling; an extravagant proprietor’s retreat with a vast shower and a separate steam and back rub room; a saltwater aquarium; and separate media and diversion rooms.

often approach projects by accounting for numbers first, he takes a different tack. “I approach it from design first and then I figure out the numbers,” he explains. “And if I need to change the numbers, then I go back to the design. We’re always design-driven.” Case in point is his emphasis on sustainability. Phil Kean Design Group built its first “super green” Florida house in 2012. Eight years later, the 2020 New American Remodel was specifically designed to achieve the National Green Building Standard’s Emerald certification, Energy Star certification and net-zero status. Green construction and energy efficiency not only save money and foster healthier living, asserts Kean, they don’t necessarily come with a hefty price tag. Mostly, he has found that at the million-dollar price point of his homes, green “adds so little cost.” “I’ve done some analysis,” he notes, “and it’s like a $3,000 difference to make some of those choices that make a home truly green. And that’s just negligible in a multimillion-dollar project.” The past 18 months have been challenging in many respects, although real estate has weathered the pandemic quite well. Kean labels his work on the 2021 New American Home as an “honor” and “exciting” while adding that although COVID-19 caused some roadblocks, “we did make it through; we did.” Kean’s company remained especially busy, which its owner

2 2 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

attributes to “people rethinking ‘home’ and how they want to live.” Assessing the pandemic’s impact, he concludes: “We feel really blessed and fortunate.” That good fortune has afforded Kean time to pursue some personal passions, oil painting being at the top of the list. He began creating art as a child, sketching people, animals, landscapes, houses, and wildflowers with pastels. As a second-grader, he painted a mural. He started painting “for real” about five years ago, working with oils and dabbling with selling his work on a micro website. Painting is fun and relieves stress, says Kean, adding “who wants to watch TV anymore?” He has been with his partner, Brad Grosberg — who runs the company’s real estate division — for 37 years and both are staunch supporters of the local arts scene. Kean also runs in marathons, and is working his way toward a personal goal of competing all 50 states. Any way you look at it, Kean has come a long way — but he still looks back. He laments that his father, who died in the 1980s, never got to see his son succeed in the industry. “You always wonder if you have that little angel that sort of says, ‘Let’s do this.’ Maybe he wasn’t done,” Kean said. “I don’t know. But I know he would be proud of what we accomplished.” ■

These two Winter Park custom homes reflect Kean’s versatility. While many builders take a numbers-first approach, Kean works backward to achieve the same result. “I approach it from design first and then I figure out the numbers,” he explains. “And if I need to change the numbers, then I go back to the design. We’re always design-driven.”

SPRING 2021

A REFLECTION OF

YOU A true custom home is a major investment. That’s why experts say picking the right builder is key.

true custom home reflects the individual tastes, needs and dreams of the homeowner. Building it is one of the largest investments you’ll make during your lifetime — so the highest quality craftsmanship and the most attentive service possible are mandatory. Yet many people spend more time researching and investigating the purchase of a new car than the building of a custom home. These days, people in every profession are pressed for time. So, how can you ensure that you’ll get your money’s worth from a custom builder — both during and following completion of your project? The Master Custom Builder Council (MCBC), based in Winter Park but with members throughout Central Florida, can help you find the right custom-home builder. MCBC is a highly selective consortium of competitors who actually root for one another. “MCBC builders have ideas that they don’t share with others,” says Pamela Davis, the group’s executive director. “However, they recognize that if their competitors are successful and profitable, it might be easier for them to be successful and profitable as well. One member isn’t the least bit threatened when another member is doing well.” All 26 MCBC members have undergone a detailed vetting process before membership is offered. In addition to checking on MCBC membership, though, there are other steps a buyer

2 4 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

HERE’S WHAT’S HOT IN CUSTOM BUILDING

should take before signing a contract: • Speak to at least five former clients. These references can provide invaluable information, and a builder should readily offer their names when he or she makes an initial presentation. • Verify licensing. Is the builder a state-registered or statecertified contractor? All MCBC builders have a contractor’s license from the State of Florida and own their companies. Visit myfloridalicense.com, call 850-487-1395 or download the free Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) mobile app to check for yourself. • Evaluate track records. How long has the builder been in business? To become an MCBC member, a builder must be a permanent resident of Central Florida and must have been in the business of building custom homes for at least the preceding three years. • Scrutinize business practices. Ask the builder for at least five credit references and contact the vendors to find out how the builder meets his or her financial commitments. MCBC members have their credit monitored monthly. If everything checks out, you should then consider what style home you’d like. Look for a builder who has experience working in your chosen architectural genre and can make valuable suggestions on designs, material and finishes. “Many of our members have niches,” says Davis. “A niche isn’t just a specific location. It can also be a style or design of a home, a marketing technique, a price range or a customer profile.” Also, consider personal rapport. All the ingredients of a good relationship — including trust, communication and compatibility — must be present. After all, the builder you select will be a constant presence in your life for at least eight months. MCBC members believe you can’t cut corners on integrity, craftsmanship or personal service. That’s why they follow a strong Code of Ethics set forth by the organization. Finally, a builder who is truly astute about buyer relations will continue to offer service after your home has been completed and you’ve moved in. And remember: MCBC membership is an honor reserved for builders whose reputations have been established and sustained over time. Only MCBC builders’ homes carry the MCBC Seal; The Seal of Homebuilding Excellence. Contact the MCBC at 407-875-2121 or visit custombuilt.com for more information. ■

Master Custom Builder Council (MCBC) members keep up with what’s going on in the industry. The group visits innovative homes across the U.S. and hosts speakers who discuss what’s new and what’s coming. Knowledge — along with craftsmanship, creativity, stability and service — is their competitive edge. So, when we wanted to find out what’s hot in customhome building, we naturally asked MCBC members first. Here’s what they pinpointed as the latest trends: Although custom homes are usually larger, today’s homeowners are placing less emphasis on square footage and more on the quality of materials. Also topping the wish list are more elaborate outdoor dining spaces with courtyards and fireplaces. First-floor guest suites are popular these days, while secondary bedrooms now often have private bathrooms. Taller vanities, fireplaces and fountains adorn lavish master bathrooms, as well as his-and-her vanity areas with stone flooring and lots of mosaic tiles. Black accents are being used along with polished nickel and brushed chrome fixtures. As for kitchens, cooktop hoods are getting special attention. Hoods, of course, are essential for proper ventilation. But today they’ve become akin to signature pieces of art, handcrafted from copper, glazed tile, stainless steel and various stones. It’s common now to see more contemporary kitchens equipped with large commercial stainless-steel appliances. Colored concrete countertops are now being used for outdoor summer kitchens. There are also notable trends in flooring. Lower-pile carpets with woven patterns and textures, and even high-end commercial carpets, are being used in new custom homes. More exotic woods, such as bamboo, are becoming more popular. Entry doors are much larger, with wrought ironwork, glass etchings and detailed panels. Interior doors are also taller and wider, with glass and wood inlays and unique detailing. Exteriors include more architecturally correct details and deeper colors. Large, intricately detailed fixtures that complement the home’s architecture are being used extensively. Oversized chandeliers, for example, are popular in dining rooms. Large patios that offer a resort-style vibe with comfortable furnishings and fireplaces are important — particularly to homeowners who enjoy entertaining.

SPRING 2021

PRICE CHECK AS PRICES SPIKE, BUYERS ARE OPTING FOR SMALLER HOMES, EVEN IF THERE’S A COMMUTE. By Mary Shanklin

2 6 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

ith the ease of working remotely, new schools opening and on-demand delivery, Central Florida’s suburbs have never looked so good. Technology has eased many of the headaches that once came with living further from costlier urban areas. And best of all, buyers can now get more casa for their paychecks with fewer sacrifices. Right? Just as the ’burbs have become most alluring, the rest of the world seems to have discovered them, too. A mass migration into Florida and an exodus from apartments into homes has ratcheted up competition among buyers to record levels. As a result, prices have spiked even in the outskirts and builders have responded with more innovative floorplans on smaller lots. “It feels very frenzied right now, and people don’t make very good decisions when it’s frenzied,” says Lisa Dilts, principal with Orlando-based real estate advisory group Compspring. “Do your research and use caution. For newhome buyers, it’s a feeling that you’re going to miss out.” In her recent research of Clermont and Mount Dora, Dilts says she found that people are relocating to Central Florida not just from the Northeast but also California, South Florida and Chicago. “It’s not a bubble,” Dilts notes. “It’s financially driven. It’s expedited demand pushing it faster than it would otherwise.” Even old standbys such as Davenport, St. Cloud, Groveland and Sanford have seen sharp price hikes, she adds. Hanover Family Builders Co-President Steve Orosz, whose family has been building homes in the Orlando region for decades, says Central Floridians may wince at rising prices and commutes, but relocators from places such as New York and Los Angeles are enthralled with what they see as manageable mortgages and tame traffic. “We have enough data in the last nine months to know this in-migration thing is real,” Orosz says. “Folks from out of state — they’ve seen that this is still a good market, even with smaller square-footage homes.” Out-of-state buyers now make up about a fifth of sales in Hanover projects, which is double or triple the amount from a year ago, Orosz adds. The fast-changing look of new local neighborhoods is evident from the ground up. More compact yards and multistory structures are increasingly commonplace in a suburbia long filled with stucco, three-bedroom homes framed with St. Augustine lawns. Consider that in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties, construction permits for new homes edged down in January from a year ago while permits for townhomes and apartments shot up, according to data from the National Association of Homebuilders. SPRING 2021

SCENE SETTER So, what can buyers expect in Orlando’s new hypercompetitive market? Cute, old College Park bungalows used to be the darling for Central Florida’s young, professional crowd. The area just northwest of downtown Orlando delivered charm, affordability and proximity to jobs. But those days are over, says Brent Bartholomew, Orlando division president for David Weekley Homes. “That was the way to do it,” he notes. “But College Park is unattainable for almost anyone anymore.” With dim prospects in once-welcoming close-in areas and new suburban comforts, buyers are more willing to trade ample living space and proximity to jobs in exchange for sleek, highly functioning homes even if they’re a little out of the way. “There’s a whole generation of new buyers who don’t want the space their parents had,” Bartholomew says. “They don’t want to waste time mowing lawns. They’re not used to doing maintenance. They’re looking for something more efficient.”

PRICE CHECK With Metro Orlando home prices rising five times faster than historic levels during the last year, something has to give. Homes in an area of mostly Orange and Seminole counties, for instance, come under contract in 45 days — about half the time it took a decade ago, according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association. For both new and existing homes in the region — which encompasses Orange, Lake, Seminole and Osceola counties — the midpoint price in January was $315,000, which was up 16 percent from a year earlier. Remember that inflation rose less than 1 percent during that time. And prices for townhomes and condominiums? They rose 18 percent. Further from Orlando’s core, in Volusia County, those price jumps were even more dramatic. Bartholomew calls it an “interesting time.” He adds: “If you didn’t know the real estate market, or how developers have to build and how land gets sold, and if you lived out in Texas or Oklahoma, it may not seem logical why prices have gone up so much in Florida.”

David Weekley’s Townhome Series in Laureate Park at Lake Nona, priced from $318,990 to $329,990, offers energy-efficiency and family-friendly floorplans ranging in size from 1,281 to 1,523 square feet. Also in Laureate Park is The Reef, part of the company’s Village Series, which is priced from $525,990 and encompasses 2,753 square feet. Both reflect the trend of packing more sizzle into a smaller footprint by building up, not out.

2 8 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Brent Bartholomew

“THERE’S A WHOLE GENERATION OF NEW BUYERS WHO DON’T WANT THE SPACE THEIR PARENTS HAD.” —BRENT BARTHOLOMEW, ORLANDO DIVISION PRESIDENT, DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES

SPRING 2021

Pulte Homes is building Foxtail, a townhome development in the Isles at Lake Nona. Priced at $324,990 for 1,652 square feet, they offer an affordable option in a development whose brand is associated with luxury. Lennar’s Next Gen floorplan (right), is a “home within a home” with space that can serve as a home office, gym or mother-in-law suite. Next Gen homes are available in several Central Florida new-home communities, and are generally priced from the high $200s to the mid-$400s, depending on the specific model.

Builders are paying more for land and labor. As in the past, they partly fault newconstruction taxes known as impact fees for pushing up prices. But one thing that is working for buyers in this competitive market: some of the lowest interest rates the country has experienced in a half century. In January, interest rates on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage were less than 3 percent. Buyers with favorable credit ratings can shave hundreds of dollars from the monthly mortgage payment. Brad O’Connor, chief economist for Florida Realtors, says those rates should remain steady for the coming months. “With most economists, we all kind of think we reached a bottom — but most still believe rates won’t go up significantly in the next year,” he adds. And even though down payments can be a struggle, buyers whose income wasn’t impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic were better able to save money that they otherwise would have spent on restaurants, exotic trips and party shoes.

RIGHT-SIZED REALITIES The new breed of townhomes has been reconfigured with widths no wider than a double garage door. In southeast Orlando’s city-style Lake Nona community, for example, home prices now average more than a half-million dollars. To appeal to buyers on tighter budgets, builders are offering tall, thin homes that extend up higher than they spread out. “As the pricing has gone up, we’re going to smaller products and doing three-story homes,” says Rob Adams, vice president of residential development at Tavistock Development Company. He noted that Pulte has townhomes there priced in the $300s. And David Weekley has introduced a skinny-jeans version of townhomes there, too. “We put a ton of effort and time into making the smaller footprint feel and look like a much larger home,” says Bartholomew of David Weekley.

3 0 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

“DO YOUR RESEARCH AND USE CAUTION. FOR NEW-HOME BUYERS, IT’S A FEELING THAT YOU’RE GOING TO MISS OUT.” —LISA DILTS, PRINCIPAL, COMPSPRING

Lisa Dilts

SPRING 2021

“FOLKS FROM OUT OF STATE — THEY’VE SEEN THAT THIS IS STILL A GOOD MARKET, EVEN WITH SMALLER SQUARE-FOOTAGE HOMES.” —STEVE OROSZ, CO-PRESIDENT, HANOVER FAMILY BUILDERS

One of Hanover Family Builders’ many projects is Cypress Oaks in Minneola. The company is pushing further out from Orlando in an effort to keep prices affordable — and it’s working. The community’s 1,711-square-foot Greenwich model is priced starting at $289,000.

3 2 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Townhouses as narrow as 16 feet with about 1,280 square feet of space have started selling in Lake Nona and will soon be underway in Clermont, he notes. Likewise, the company plans single-family homes that are about 24 feet wide with 1,700 square feet in Ocoee. “At Laureate Park, you have younger healthcare folks who can live close to work,” Bartholomew says. “They don’t need the third bedroom. The first several sales have been Steve Orosz, Co-President of to pilots. They love it. The Hanover Family Builders. pool is next door.” Floorplans are adapting fast. Compspring’s Dilts cites new interest in Lennar’s Next Gen floorplan, known for its adaptability with space that can serve as a home office, gym or mother-inlaw suite. Sales of those plans accounted for a fifth to a quarter of Lennar sales in California, but the concept was far less popular in Central Florida. In the last four months, however, that’s started to change, she adds. Some builders are still working to serve up more traditional, single-family homes for less than $300,000. The key seems to be moving further out from Orlando’s core, says Hanover’s Orosz. The family-owned company recently purchased a development site in the Leesburg area. Other Hanover projects include Cypress Oaks and Eagle Pointe, both near a new Turnpike exit in Minneola; and William’s Preserve and Greenfield Village, both in Davenport. “We’re still trying to focus on affordability, so we’ve been more aggressive on sites that are further out in the Central Florida area,” Orosz says. That means scouting for areas where they can build 30-footwide homes on 40-foot-wide lots in hopes of keeping prices from about $250,000 to $300,000 for homes that range in size from 1,329 - 2,536 square feet. Beyond relatively smaller lots than Central Florida had in the past, Orosz notes that builder design centers now feature a wider range of cabinets, countertops, floor finishes and paint palettes. Amenities also push up the cost of homes — and developers are weighing what to offer and how much more buyers are willing to pay for it. The equation becomes more complicated as renters leave apartment complexes laden with resort pools, movie theaters, fitness gyms and billiards rooms. “It’s become challenging when people are coming out of a heavily amenitized apartment complex,” Orosz says. In the quest to make home purchases attainable, the guardhouses and boat launches seem negotiable. The pool and cabana? A must. ■

Finding Affordability: Here Are Some Tips The secret sauce of negotiating prices and financing in a hot real estate market can prove more valuable than a dozen search engines. Throughout Central Florida, agents and builders have stories of multiple offers stacked up like pancakes and dripping with personal letters pleading for a home. Instances have emerged of prospective buyers entering lotteries to land a contract. “I had a builder tell me the other day for every three sales they have, they were increasing the price $5,000,” says Orlando area real estate broker Mark Glaser, who has been trying to purchase a new home in the Winter Garden area for a year. Glaser was among those who offered cost-saving tips to consider when looking for a home and negotiating price: n In saving for a down payment, buyers may have relatives willing to gift them some money. Rules about everything from the amount of the gift to the credit score of the buyer all apply when getting a mortgage. n Homebuyers can use a service such as Credit Karma to monitor their credit score. The higher the score, the better rate they can expect and the easier the process of working through the underwriters will seem. Glaser said buyers should expect to have a score of at least 620 before moving forward. n Builders aren’t giving incentives the way they used to, but some do provide “flex money,” which can be used for closing costs — if buyers don’t use it all up at the design center. n When shopping for neighborhoods, buyers should consider city or county tax rates. Just a few blocks inside or outside a municipal boundary can make a difference of thousands of dollars a year. n Flexibility about moving dates can help buyers at the negotiating table. Shortages of materials and labor have pushed back completion times from the typical six months to nine months or even a year, says Ashley Boyd, agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. n Many builders won’t discount the price for buyers who represent themselves without an agent. Agents often expect 3 percent commission on a sale and some will offer buyers a commission rebate of 1 percent. Boyd says she earns her money, adding that she has even taken photos of job sites when buyers can’t be there. In the kind of sellers’ market Orlando buyers are experiencing, some buyers may be more interested in signing a contract than looking for savings. “A lot of agents are asking for $30,000 over list [price], with buyers paying the difference,” Boyd says. She suggests adding an escalation clause into the offer showing that the buyer is willing to pay $1,000 over the highest price, up to a certain point. SPRING 2021

C E N T R A L F L O R I D A’ S H O M E T O W N B U I L D E R Out with the old, in with the new. Spring is a great time to buy a new home. Choose from a quick move-in home or build the home you have always dreamed of owning. Park Square Homes offers truly livable designs in welcoming and vibrant communities from Central to Southwest Florida.

Pictures, photographs, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. See New Home Counselor forphotographs, details. CRC 1330351 1520474 Pictures, colors, CGC features, and040721 sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information including pricing, included features,

terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. See sales counselor for details. CRC 1330351 CGC 1520474 040921

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

STETSON UNIVERSITY

Built for Family, by Family.

AB E

DA YT

1 44

LAKE EUSTIS

MT. DORA

LAKE MONROE

46 427

46 TOLL

ORLANDO SANFORD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

453

LAKE HARRIS

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK

W LAKE MARY BLVD

Compass Landing

Summerbrooke

Woodbury

Parkdale Place

Valencia Isle

Lakeside at Toscana

Aviana

RedBridge Square

Cypress Park Estates

N RONALD REAGAN BLVD

TOLL

429

ALTAMONTE MALL

414

LAKE APOPKA 436

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

THE MALL AT MILLENIA 4

FLORIDA MALL

TOLL

429

528 ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

S ORAN GE

AVE

PREMIUM OUTLETS

TOLL

528

SEAWORLD

Coming Soon!

TOLL

408

551

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Coming Soon!

BEACHLINE EXPWY 528

Coming Soon!

TO BEACHES

Tarpon Bay

WETHERBEE ROAD TOLL

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

ce E Os

417

PREMIUM OUTLETS 530

wy ola Pk

192

EAST LAKE TOHO

17 92 MIA

192

LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA

INC

M TA

7 IAN LVD AB

8 17

9 10

540

THOMPSON NURSERY RD

Call now: 844-774-4636 For a complete listing of available Quick Move-In Homes, visit ParkSquareHomes.com

Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law.

Agrihoods are somewhat new on the development landscape. In fact, they were unheard of even a decade ago. Today, throughout the U.S. and Canada, about 200 agrihoods are in various stages of construction or completion, research shows. There are two new agrihoods underway in the Orlando area.

3 6 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

GREEN ACRES AGRIHOODS ARE MIXING URBAN LIFE WITH FARMING, AND THE CONCEPT IS TAKING ROOT IN ORLANDO. BY MARY SHANKLIN

SPRING 2021

ountry tunes wafted and Tampa Bay Bucs flags flapped as Bill and Rebecca Hurst wheeled their gasengine golf cart to one of their favorite neighborhood spots — the community garden in Winter Garden’s Oakland Park. Once considered a grandmotherly throwback, vegetable gardens now attract the cool crowd and have come to define several high-profile communities taking shape in Central Florida. “It tastes better when it comes from your own farm,” says Hurst, who grew up on a farm in Kentucky. Among other things, the Hursts’ three children have immersed themselves in plant science and the satisfaction of growing their own food. Developers have turned to garden- and farm-based “agrihood” communities as a way to source local food, promote health and engage families like the Hursts. Agrihoods are somewhat new on the development landscape. In fact, they were unheard of even a decade ago. Today, throughout the U.S. and Canada, about 200 agrihoods are in various stages of construction or completion, research shows. In addition to converting suburbanites into gardeners, the agrineighborhoods have been hailed as a way to preserve slivers of fast-disappearing farmland and make farming accessible to everyone who has a bit of Oliver Wendell Douglas in their souls. In Florida, the Pine Dove Farm in Tallahassee launched about three years ago with community gardens, a small farm and Florida vernacular homes all intertwined on 203 acres. Near Palm Beach in Wellington, Arden came online about two years ago with an urban-style farm among its thousands of acres. In Central Florida, the agrihood concept is in its infancy and doesn’t yet have the wide appeal that community golf courses

3 8 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

once did. But the marriage of crops and residential development is emerging quickly in a region that has long traded agricultural lands for homes and highways. “I think people like walking to the farmers’ market. People like being outdoors,” says Brock Fanning, who oversees the Orlando division of Toll Brothers, which is building townhomes in The Packing District, an emerging College Park agrihood. The Hurst’s Oakland Park neighborhood and several other Orlando-area communities have dabbled with raised garden plots or even occasional shared community gardens, such as Osceola County’s Harmony. And backyard gardens have increasingly sprouted up in yards near downtown Orlando and other parts of the region. Fleet Farming, a nonprofit founded by Orlando-based IDEAS for Us and the state’s Cooperative Extension Service, has helped amateur gardeners cultivate rows of bib lettuce, stalks of sweet corn and heritage tomatoes in plots reminiscent of the Victory Gardens that spawned more than a third of the country’s vegetables during World War II. In the Audubon Park area east of downtown Orlando, for instance, Fleet Farming has transformed more than a dozen lawns into productive gardens managed by the nonprofit, which does the cultivating and harvesting. The group also has helped hundreds of other home gardeners locally. Now, the budding trend is about to take root in the heart of Florida’s old orange-grove culture. Two new Central Florida residential communities have defined themselves with professionally managed, working farms — The Grow in east Orange County, near Lake Pickett Road and State Road 50, and the College Park’s Packing District.

After a weekend afternoon working with kids in their rented Oakland Park garden bed, Rebecca Hurst says she has probably invested more money into the plot than the value of the vegetables she’ll get out of it. But she enjoys seeing her children learn about farm-to-fork living, and playing outside instead of sitting in front of screens. And soon, they may even get to eat a carrot they’ve grown themselves

SPRING 2021

The Grow When developer Dwight Saathoff began crafting a new megaproject centered on the idea of urban farming, he considered details like cucumber beetles and pickleworms. “Community gardens are going to be difficult when the homeowner takes care of their particular plot,” says Saathoff, president of the Orlando-based Project Finance and Development Group. “In Florida, you have to have those plants nearby and visit daily.” Ah yes, convenience. Without proximity between people and their plants, pests such as pickleworms can multiply on the undersides of succulent leaves while unsuspecting gardeners enjoy adult beverages and binge on Netflix from the comfort of their homes a few blocks away. Shared, remote garden spaces can also spark conflicts with pesticide chemicals drifting onto unwanted places. To balance the ceaseless demands of vegetable gardens with the ability to access them easily, Saathoff took a multipronged approach for The Grow. On track to be the largest agrihood in the region, the 1,200-acre community is slated for construction to begin in less than a year. As planned, thousands of old-Florida-style homes will wrap around parks along with vintage-style retail and a 9-acre farm managed by professional farmers. Split rail fences and a windmill will add to the ambiance. Twenty-three acres of community gardens will be spread throughout The Grow, with two of the larger gardens tended by professional farmers. The remainder will be populated with lowermaintenance plants such as blueberries, papayas, fig trees and citrus.

The professional farmers will serve as “farm ambassadors” to advise homeowners with at-home garden installations about growing seasons, potted herb gardens and more. Saathoff says assistance from the neighborhood experts will encourage gardens that are “less intimidating and more likely to succeed.” Adding a professionally managed farm to a neighborhood is similar to adding amenities such as a clubhouse or pool, adds Saathoff. Maintenance costs are, of course, greater for farms — but fruit and

4 0 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

vegetable sales to the on-site restaurant and market can offset overhead. Hosting weddings and other events at the community barn is also expected to boost finances “and the HOA will fill in the gap,” he notes. Branded by the concept of agrihoods, The Grow’s estate lots are marketed as “farmettes” and span at least 150 feet. Home prices are expected to range from $315,000 to $1.3 million, with varied materials and elevations that are reflective of the Florida farmhouse style.

On track to be the largest agrihood in the region, The Grow is slated for construction to begin in less than a year. As planned, thousands of old-Florida-style homes will wrap around parks along with vintagestyle retail and a 9-acre farm managed by professional farmers. Split rail fences and a windmill will add to the ambiance. Twentythree acres of the community gardens will be spread throughout the 1,200-acre tract, with two of the larger gardens tended by professional farmers. The remainder will be populated with lower-maintenance plants such as blueberries, papayas, fig trees and citrus.

SPRING 2021

The Grow VILLAGE MASTER PLAN

Welcome Center and Café

Produce Stand/Market

Event Barn

Farmers Market Plaza/Deck

Restaurant

Ice Cream Shop

Splash Pad

Trellis

Retail

Greenhouse

Working Barn

Townhomes

Bike Rental

Central Mews

Existing Wetlands

Future Out-Parcel (1.25 Acres)

Grass Parking

Creek Crossing

Tractor Bridge

Animal Village

Farm (9 Acres Total)

VILLAGE CORE: 35,000 square feet of office/ retail/restaurant

4 4 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Famed beef brisket is the secret behind farm operations in the Packing District’s 200-acre residential and commercial project in Orlando’s College Park area. The charitable arm of the 4 Rivers Smokehouse restaurant chain, founded by John Rivers, is bringing an educational farming campus to life there. Almost half The Packing District will be residential, restaurants, shops and offices. The other half will be park space, and there’ll be as many as 3,500 townhomes, apartments and duplexes on the site. The residential mix will include Toll Brothers’ 8-acre townhome neighborhood, The Brix. The name stems from a measurement that helps determine the peak ripeness of fruit and is a nod to the citrus legacy of the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, says Toll’s Brock Fanning. The builder expects to roll out the first of its 135 three-story townhomes in August or September. Featuring optional rooftop terraces, the brick-clad architecture is described as “urban, transitional, and industrial-inspired.” Floorplans range in size from 1,388 to 1,975 square feet and are priced starting in the mid-$300s. The farm campus is the district’s signature tract. Situated on property leased to the 4R Foundation by the City of Orlando, the farming operation will help feed disadvantaged families. It’s also expected to engage residents with opportunities to volunteer and purchase produce. “In looking at The Packing District and the things that would benefit all of Central Florida, we felt an urban farm was a critical part of what we wanted to do,” says Kenneth Robinson, president of the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, which has worked with the city on the undertaking. Without any real examples nearby of what they had in mind, the foundation searched for a community farm model and found the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture in Tarrytown, New York. In addition to providing food to local residents and restaurants, the center partners with farmers on innovative farming techniques. Packing District backers toured Stone Barns and came back with more than just ideas. They also found a

The Packing District

director. Sara Elliott has relocated from New York and now serves as director of the 4Roots Farm Campus. “Food kind of touches everything in our lives — and more and more people are craving that connection of back-to-nature through the food they eat,” Elliott says. “This will definitely be a place where they can have that experience.” With a million-dollar boost from the Dr. Phillips organization, the farm campus will feature a professionally operated farm, discovery center, event barn, teaching/demo kitchen, farm-to-table restaurant and farmers’ markets.

The residential portion of The Packing District will include Toll Brothers’ 8-acre townhome neighborhood, The Brix (top). The builder expects to roll out the first of its 135 three-story townhomes in August or September. Floorplans range in size from 1,388 to 1,975 square feet and are priced starting in the mid-$300s. The exterior of The Brix and a master bathroom from one of its units is pictured above. The farm campus (facing page) is the district’s signature tract. Situated on property leased to the 4R Foundation by the City of Orlando, the farming operation will help feed disadvantaged families. It’s also expected to engage residents with opportunities to volunteer and purchase produce.

SPRING 2021

Philanthropist and restaurateur John Rivers (left), founder of 4 Rivers Smokehouse restaurant chain, has made it a mission to feed the hungry. Rivers is the driving force behind The Packing District’s 4Roots Farm & Agricultural Center.

CHALLENGES Like any new endeavor, blending snap beans and watermelon with community mailboxes and parks could face some growing pains Liz Felter, a regional specialized agent for the Florida extension services, says she has worked with several developers considering agrihoods in Central Florida. “I think honestly, when they come to us for information and fact finding, they’re overwhelmed when they realize what they don’t know,” Felter says. “It’s a lot harder work and has a lot more science than you might imagine.” Insects, nematodes, freezes and shortages of farmhands are just a few of the stressors. In addition, homeowners’ associations may tire of subsidizing operations. “Community gardens are nice and great, and I love the fact that we have people who want to do it,” adds Felter, who has a doctorate in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida. “They’re in love with the romance of doing it but they don’t want to

do the work.” The reality is, this new brand of development may replace pastures, groves, hammocks and prairie. That’s why Caroline Chomanics, chief operations officer with Fleet Farming, cautions homebuyers from embracing gardening at the expense of nature. She says she supports people growing their own food but prefers gardening in established areas instead of developing ones. “There’s a fine line between being environmentally responsible and “greenwashing,” which is trying to make something look environmental or sustainable when it perhaps cut down a beautiful pristine forest,” she notes. Even the fundamental element of homebuyers’ appetite for agrihoods remains to be seen. How much will they pay to be part of the experience? How much will they participate and support it? Even though the sweet taste of bib lettuce freshly plucked from the garden is undeniable, less than half of agrihood residents surveyed shopped in their

4 6 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

neighborhood market during the course of a month, one study showed. Buying into a community that sells the promise of a new lifestyle may sound familiar. Golf courses sprouted throughout the Central Florida region and banked on the idea that homebuyers would play and pay. That didn’t work out so well. Like golf courses, community farms typically require financial support from homeowners. A Massachusetts study found that several agrihoods charge homeowners annual fees to help keep their operations going. Recent research into the fast-growing field of agrihoods shows resident engagement “may be limited.” According to a 2020 study by University of Massachusetts researcher Benjamin Breger, residents he surveyed said it was more the communities’ charm and character that attracted them — the working farms, not so much. One thing is certain, Breger found. Buyers want assurances that farms won’t eventually be plowed over to make way for more development. On balance, however, the idea holds promise. “As demand for quality urban and suburban housing continues to increase, agrihoods can be seen as a development model, which may be able to alleviate the tension between housing and farmland preservation and also to contribute to the local and regional food systems,” Breger concluded. After a weekend afternoon working with kids in their rented Oakland Park garden bed, Rebecca Hurst says she has probably invested more money into the plot than the value of the vegetables she’ll get out of it. And she’s fine with that. She enjoys seeing her children learn about farm-to-fork living and playing outside instead of sitting in front of screens. And soon, they may even get to eat a carrot they’ve grown themselves. ■

Representing the area’s leading custom home builders, the Master Custom Builder Council has pledged to maintain the highest professional standards in the home building industry, dedicating themselves to using their craft to make Central Florida an even finer place to live.

“The Seal of Homebuilding Excellence” Cahill Homes Charles Clayton Construction Dave Brewer, Inc. DeLorenzo Homes, Inc. Derrick Builders, Inc. Farina & Sons, Inc. Goehring & Morgan Construction custombuilt.com | facebook.com/ MasterCustomBuilderCouncil

Hannigan Homes Hardwick General Contracting Issa Homes Jones Clayton Construction J. Richard Watson Construction LunDev Custom Homes McNally Construction Group

Phil Kean Design Group Posada Custom Homes PSG Construction Silliman Cityside Homes Stonebridge Homes The Einheit Company Woodruff Construction and Development P.O. Box 536732 Orlando, Florida 32853 | 407.875.2121

PUBLIC SCHOOLS School grades provide an easily understandable way to measure the performance of a school. Schools are graded A, B, C, D or F, and the grade is determined using up to 11 components. There are four achievement components, which are calculated using student performance on statewide standardized assessments, including comprehensive assessments, end-of-course (EOC) assessments and Florida Alternate Assessments (FAA). The achievement components measure the percentage of full-year enrolled students who achieve a passing score. There are also learning gains components and a middle school acceleration component, as well as high school acceleration and graduation rate components. Each component is worth up to 100 points in the overall calculation. The four achievement components — English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies — are shown on the following pages. Also shown are school grades for two years, high school graduation rates and the percentage of students on free or reduced lunch programs. For more information about the complexities of school grading, and to see results of the other components that determine school grades, visit the Florida Department of Education website at fldoe.com. School grades were not given for the 2020-2021 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

LAKE ORIENTA

75.0

55.4

LAWTON

26.0

BENTLEY

63.2

LAYER

57.4

CARILLON

29.1

LONGWOOD

63.9

CASSELBERRY

72.8

MIDWAY

86.2

CHOICES IN LEARNING (CHARTER)

22.0

PARTIN

23.2

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

76.1

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BEAR LAKE

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALTAMONTE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

MAKING THE GRADE

SEMINOLE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

CRYSTAL LAKE

42.7

PINE CREST

94.9

EASTBROOK

60.8

RAINBOW

35.0

ENGLISH ESTATES

76.3

RED BUG

48.7

EVANS

38.1

SABAL POINT

34.0

FOREST CITY

70.9

SPRING LAKE

80.2

GENEVA

47.2

STENSTROM

43.4

GOLDSBORO MAGNET

51.5

STERLING PARK

56.0

HAMILTON

90.0

WALKER

22.5

HEATHROW

19.3

WEKIVA

34.1

HIGHLANDS

62.6

WICKLOW

88.5

IDYLLWILDE

85.3

WILSON

27.9

KEETH

31.6

WINTER SPRINGS

75.5

LAKE MARY

49.2

WOODLANDS

32.5

SEMINOLE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CHILES

26.5

MILWEE

66.4

GREENWOOD LAKES

66.7

ROCK LAKE

39.5

INDIAN TRAILS

41.1

SANFORD

50.6

JACKSON HEIGHTS

31.5

SOUTH SEMINOLE

67.5

MARKHAM WOODS

46.5

TEAGUE

58.0

MILLENNIUM

68.1

TUSKAWILLA

52.1

LYMAN

53.5

OVIEDO

34.1

SEMINOLE

57.4

WINTER SPRINGS

52.8

SEMINOLE COUNTY VIRTUAL FRANCHISE

19.5

100

29.7

SEMINOLE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS CROOMS ACADEMY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

38.2

100

HAGERTY

20.7

LAKE BRANTLEY

45.7

LAKE HOWELL

53.6

LAKE MARY

42.6

SEMINOLE COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS GALILEO SCHOOL FOR GIFTED LEARNING K-8 (CHARTER)

27.5

4 8 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

SEMINOLE SCIENCE K-8 (CHARTER)

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

100.0

MICHIGAN AVENUE

87.3

100.0

MILL CREEK

100.0

CHESTNUT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

100.0

NARCOOSSEE

38.0

CYPRESS

100.0

NEPTUNE

91.6

DEERWOOD

100.0

PARTIN SETTLEMENT

79.2

EAST LAKE

76.8

FLORA RIDGE

100

HICKORY TREE

65.5

HIGHLANDS

100.0

KISSIMMEE

92.4

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

CENTRAL AVENUE

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BOGGY CREEK

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

OSCEOLA COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

PLEASANT HILL

97.8

POINCIANA ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

100.0

REEDY CREEK

92.4

ST. CLOUD

59.6

SUNRISE

89.8

100.0

99.0

KOA

100.0

THACKER AVENUE SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

LAKEVIEW

82.1

VENTURA

OSCEOLA COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS DENN JOHN

100.0

NARCOOSSEE

56.3

DISCOVERY INTERMEDIATE

100.0

NEPTUNE

72.1

HORIZON

92.3

PARKWAY

92.0

KISSIMMEE

100.0

ST. CLOUD

66.8

NEW DIMENSIONS

75.4

OSCEOLA

82.9

POINCIANA

83.7

PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL

58.9

100

ST. CLOUD

59.0

ST. CLOUD PREPARATORY ACADEMY

40.2

OSCEOLA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS AVANT GARDE ACADEMY OF OSCEOLA 6-12 (CHARTER)

100.0

CELEBRATION

62.1

FOUR CORNERS UPPER 9-12 (CHARTER)

GATEWAY

80.5

HARMONY

37.8

LIBERTY

84.7

OSCEOLA COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS AVANT GARDE ACADEMY POINCIANA K-8 (CHARTER) BELLALAGO ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) CANOE CREEK ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

CELEBRATION SCHOOL K-8

FLORIDA CYBER K-12 (CHARTER)

FOUR CORNERS K-8 (CHARTER)

HARMONY COMMUNITY SCHOOL

57.7

24.8

OSCEOLA SCIENCE K-8 (CHARTER) OSCEOLA VIRTUAL SCHOOL (SECONDARY) POINCIANA ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS PK-5 (CHARTER)

100.0

P. M. WELLS ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

89.6

100.0

71.8

88.9

25.7

68.1

73.3

KISSIMMEE ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) MATER BRIGHTON LAKES ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

MATER PALMS ACADEMY K-12 OSCEOLA COUNTY SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS 6-12 (CHARTER)

78.8

86.9

85.1

43.2

RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT BOGGY CREEK K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT POINCIANA K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT TAPESTRY K-8 (CHARTER) ST. CLOUD PREPARATORY ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) UCP OSCEOLA PK-2 (CHARTER) WESTSIDE SCHOOL K-8

64.1

84.7

86.5

40.2

86.3

Won’t you be our friend? Okay, well, at least like us? Check out Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition’s Facebook page, and like us for a chance to win a

$500

Publix Gift Card.

thefloridahomebuyer.com SPRING 2021

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

96.1

LAWTON CHILES

100.0

54.3

LITTLE RIVER

100.0

APOPKA

91.6

LOCKHART

100.0

AVALON

26.9

LOVELL

100.0

AZALEA PARK

100.0

MEADOW WOODS

100.0

BALDWIN PARK

40.5

METROWEST

73.8

School Grade 2019

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2018

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

ANDOVER

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALOMA

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

MICHAEL MCCOY

100.0

41.0

MILLENNIA

80.1

BONNEVILLE

100.0

MILLENNIA GARDENS

100.0

BROOKSHIRE

48.7

MOLLIE RAY

100.0

CAMELOT

57.6

MOSS PARK

33.1

CASTLE CREEK

97.2

NAP FORD COMMUNITY (CHARTER)

100.0

CATALINA

100.0

NORTHLAKE PARK COMMUNITY

40.6

CHENEY

100.0

OAK HILL

100.0

BAY LAKE BAY MEADOWS

CHICKASAW

100.0

OAKLAND AVENUE (CHARTER)

31.3

CITRUS

90.8

OAKSHIRE

84.4

CLAY SPRINGS

89.4

OCOEE

100.0

COLUMBIA

60.8

ORANGE CENTER

100.0

CONWAY

100.0

ORLANDO SCIENCE (CHARTER)

39.7

CYPRESS PARK

100.0

ORLO VISTA

100.0

CYPRESS SPRINGS

53.5

PALM LAKE

48.2

DEERWOOD

54.4

PALMETTO

100.0

DILLARD STREET

100.0

PERSHING-PINE CASTLE

85.8

DOMMERICH

19.6

PHILLIS WHEATLEY

100.0

DOVER SHORES

100.0

PINAR

100.0

DR. PHILLIPS

37.1

PINE HILLS

100.0

DREAM LAKE

94.7

PINECREST CREEK (CHARTER)

90.6

PINELOCH

100.0

38.5

PINEWOOD

100.0

EAGLES NEST

100.0

PRAIRIE LAKE

67.9

EAST LAKE

58.4

PRINCETON

35.7

DURRANCE EAGLE CREEK

ECCLESTON

100.0

RIDGEWOOD PARK

100.0

ENDEAVOR

66.6

RIVERDALE

100.0

ENGELWOOD

100.0

RIVERSIDE

100.0

FORSYTH WOODS

100.0

ROCK LAKE

100.0

HIAWASSEE

100.0

ROCK SPRINGS

66.5

HIDDEN OAKS

70.4

ROLLING HILLS

100.0

HILLCREST

27.1

ROSEMONT

100.0

HUNGERFORD

100.0

SADLER

100.0

HUNTERS CREEK

52.4

SAND LAKE

47.6

INDEPENDENCE

18.6

SHENANDOAH

61.3

IVEY LANE

100.0

SHINGLE CREEK

100.0

JOHN YOUNG

72.6

SOUTHWOOD

83.5

KEENES CROSSING

23.9

SPRING LAKE

100.0

LUCIOUS AND EMMA NIXON ACADEMY CHARTER

100.0

STONE LAKES

29.6

KILLARNEY

100.0

SUN BLAZE

50.1

SUNRIDGE

53.2

SUNRISE

31.7

SUNSET PARK

28.7

TANGELO PARK

100.0

THORNEBROOKE

29.7

THREE POINTS

100.0

TILDENVILLE

59.3

TIMBER LAKES

40.5

LAKE COMO

88.0

LAKE GEM

100.0

LAKE GEORGE

98.4

LAKE SILVER

99.5

LAKE SYBELIA

62.0

LAKE WESTON

100.0

LAKE WHITNEY

21.4

LAKEMONT

53.2

LAKEVILLE

94.8

LANCASTER

100.0

LAUREATE PARK

17.4

5 0 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

UCP EAST (CHARTER)

UNION PARK

100.0

VENTURA

100.0

VISTA LAKES

51.5

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

100.0

WHISPERING OAK

20.8

79.8

WILLIAM FRANGUS

99.6

WATERFORD

51.3

WILLIAM S. MAXEY

100.0

School Grade 2019

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

WASHINGTON SHORES WATERBRIDGE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WEST CREEK

46.6

WINDERMERE

9.4

WEST OAKS

100.0

WINEGARD

100.0

WESTBROOKE

44.8

WOLF LAKE

WESTPOINTE

63.2

WETHERBEE

81.3

WYNDHAM LAKES

69.9

ZELLWOOD

100.0

ORANGE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS APOPKA

71.0

LEGACY

66.5

AVALON

27.3

LIBERTY

100.0

BRIDGEWATER

28.0

LOCKHART

100.0

CARVER

100.0

MAITLAND

43.3

CHAIN OF LAKES

69.3

MEADOW WOODS

80.0

COLLEGE PARK

100.0

MEADOWBROOK

100.0

CONWAY

69.3

MEMORIAL

100.0

CORNER LAKE

64.5

OCOEE

70.5

DISCOVERY

44.7

ODYSSEY

67.8

FREEDOM

85.2

PIEDMONT LAKES

97.5

GLENRIDGE

52.7

ROBINSWOOD

100.0

GOTHA

63.3

SOUTH CREEK

70.1

HOWARD

39.4

SOUTHWEST

51.8

HUNTERS CREEK

54.6

STONEWALL JACKSON

100.0

INNOVATION

42.8

SUNRIDGE

32.9

JUDSON B. WALKER

100.0

TIMBER SPRINGS

45.7

LAKE NONA

40.9

UNION PARK

100.0

LAKEVIEW

66.3

WESTRIDGE

100.0

WOLF LAKE

56.1

ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS APOPKA

55.5

MAYNARD EVANS

97.4

COLONIAL

95.7

OAK RIDGE

95.0

CORNERSTONE CHARTER ACADEMY

38.6

OCOEE

65.2

CYPRESS CREEK

67.8

OLYMPIA

50.4

DR. PHILLIPS

54.8

TIMBER CREEK

34.0

EAST RIVER

UNIVERSITY

60.1

EDGEWATER

60.2

WEKIVA

82.2

FREEDOM

61.5

WEST ORANGE

38.8

JONES

69.9

WILLIAM R. BOONE

48.1

LAKE NONA

41.4

WINDERMERE

24.0

LEGACY (CHARTER)

3.3

100

WINTER PARK

36.6

ORANGE COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS ARBOR RIDGE K-8

51.3

ORANGE COUNTY VIRTUAL K-12

24.3

BLANKNER K-8

32.7

ORLANDO SCIENCE MIDDLE HIGH 6-12 (CHARTER)

39.0

100

PASSPORT K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

75.7

100.0

54.2

81.0

62.4

BRIDGEPREP K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

CENTRAL FLORIDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) CORNERSTONE ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

64.3

29.4

HOPE K-8 (CHARTER)

3.9

INNOVATION MONTESSORI OCOEE K-8 (CHARTER)

7.6

LAKE EOLA K-8 (CHARTER)

3.9

LEGENDS ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

OCPS ACADEMIC CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE PK-8 ORANGE COUNTY PREPARATORY ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

PINECREST PREPARATORY K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT CHICKASAW TRAIL K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT CROWN POINT K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT GOLDENROD K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT HUNTERS CREEK K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

WEDGEFIELD SCHOOL K-8

45.0

WINDY RIDGE K-8 (CHARTER)

49.3

61.7

SPRING 2021

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

100.0

KATHLEEN

100.0

KINGSFORD

100.0

AUBURNDALE CENTRAL

100.0

LAKE ALFRED

100.0

BARTOW ACADEMY

45.7

LAKE SHIPP

100.0

BEN HILL GRIFFIN JR.

100.0

LAKELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL HOUSE (CHARTER)

7.8

LAUREL

100.0

LENA VISTA

100.0

LEWIS ANNA WOODBURY

100.0

LINCOLN AVENUE ACADEMY

32.2

LOUGHMAN OAKS

95.5

MAGNOLIA MONTESSORI ACADEMY (CHARTER)

0.0

MCKEEL CENTRAL ACADEMY K-6

30.8

MEDULLA

94.2

NORTH LAKELAND

100.0

OSCAR J. POPE

100.0

PALMETTO

100.0

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALTURAS

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALTA VISTA

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

POLK COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

37.0

BETHUNE ACADEMY

79.5

CARLTON PALMORE

96.4

CHAIN OF LAKES

75.8

CLARENCE BOSWELL

100.0

CLEVELAND COURT

77.1

COMBEE ACADEMY

100.0

CRYSTAL LAKE

100.0

BERKLEY

DALE R. FAIR BABSON PARK

68.9

DIXIELAND

100.0

DR. N.E. ROBERTS

95.3

DUNDEE ACADEMY

82.5

EAGLE LAKE

100.0

EASTSIDE

100.0

EDGAR L. PADGETT

95.1

ELBERT

100.0

FLORAL AVENUE

100.0

FRANK E. BRIGHAM ACADEMY

51.1

FRED G. GARNER

100.0

GARDEN GROVE

90.7

GIBBONS STREET

100.0

GRIFFIN

100.0

HARTRIDGE ACADEMY

53.5

HIGHLAND CITY

83.6

HIGHLANDS GROVE

66.1

HILLCREST

89.3

HORIZONS

91.3

INWOOD

100.0

JAMES E. STEPHENS

100.0

JAMES W. SIKES

77.3

JANIE HOWARD WILSON

100.0

JESSE KEEN

100.0

JOHN SNIVELY

100.0

PHILIP O’BRIEN

100.0

PINEWOOD

100.0

POLK AVENUE

100.0

POLK CITY

100.0

PURCELL

100.0

R. BRUCE WAGNER

97.2

R. CLEM CHURCHWELL

86.5

SANDHILL

100.0

SCOTT LAKE

71.5

SLEEPY HILL

100.0

SOCRUM

99.1

SOUTH MCKEEL ACADEMY K-7

28.3

SOUTHWEST

100.0

SPESSARD L. HOLLAND

77.7

SPOOK HILL

100.0

VALLEYVIEW

56.9

WAHNETA

100.0

WALTER CALDWELL

97.9

WENDELL WATSON

72.9

WINSTON ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

75.8

POLK COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS BARTOW

97.6

LAKE GIBSON

75.5

BERKLEY ACCELERATED (CHARTER)

38.8

LAKE MARION CREEK

100.0

BOK ACADEMY (CHARTER)

59.3

LAKELAND HIGHLANDS

58.7

CRYSTAL LAKE

100.0

LAKELAND MONTESSORI (CHARTER)

23.3

DANIEL JENKINS ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY

75.6

LAWTON CHILES ACADEMY

42.7

DENISON

95.7

DISCOVERY ACADEMY OF LAKE ALFRED (CHARTER)

76.9

DUNDEE RIDGE

78.7

JERE L. STAMBAUGH

100.0

JEWETT ACADEMY MAGNET

60.0

KATHLEEN

100.0

LAKE ALFRED POLYTECH ACADEMY

92.2

5 2 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

MCLAUGHLIN FINE ARTS ACADEMY

100.0

MULBERRY

91.7

SHELLEY S. BOONE

100.0

SLEEPY HILL

100.0

SOUTHWEST

100.0

UNION ACADEMY

41.2

WESTWOOD

100.0

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

70.9

LAKE REGION

82.2

59.6

LAKE WALES

64.1

23.2

100

LAKELAND

59.8

DISCOVERY

76.4

96.6

28.0

100

FORT MEADE MIDDLE/SENIOR

MCKEEL ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY 7-12

FROSTPROOF MIDDLE/SENIOR

90.4

GEORGE W. JENKINS

49.8

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

BARTOW

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

AUBURNDALE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

84.0

80.0

LAKE GIBSON

63.7

81.1

100

25.8

21.1

RIDGE COMMUNITY

68.8

TENOROC

91.8

WINTER HAVEN

74.1

66.2

75.0

81.7

Graduation Rate 2017-18

KATHLEEN

POLK PRE-COLLEGIATE ACADEMY 9-10

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

HAINES CITY

MULBERRY

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

CHAIN OF LAKES COLLEGIATE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

POLK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS

POLK STATE COLLEGE COLLEGIATE

POLK COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS -

58.5

62.0

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

RIDGEVIEW GLOBAL STUDIES ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) ROCHELLE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS K-8 (CHARTER) ROSABELLE W. BLAKE ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

85.4

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

CITRUS RIDGE - A CIVIC ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) CYPRESS JUNCTION MONTESSORI K-8 (CHARTER) DAVENPORT SCHOOL OF THE ARTS K-8 (CHARTER) JEWETT SCHOOL OF THE ARTS K-8 (CHARTER)

MASCOTTE

100.0

MINNEOLA CONVERSION (CHARTER)

64.7

LAKE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ALTOONA

100.0

ASTATULA

80.5

BEVERLY SHORES

100.0

PINE RIDGE

55.8

CLERMONT

100.0

ROUND LAKE

54.6

CYPRESS RIDGE

34.3

SAWGRASS BAY

82.8

EUSTIS

100.0

SEMINOLE SPRINGS

81.7

EUSTIS HEIGHTS

100.0

SORRENTO

68.3

FRUITLAND PARK

100.0

TAVARES

89.4

GRASSY LAKE

57.6

100.0

GROVELAND

THE VILLAGES ELEMENTARY OF LADY LAKE

LEESBURG

100.0

TREADWAY

98.1

LOST LAKE

54.1

TRIANGLE

100.0

UMATILLA

92.6

LAKE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CARVER

100.0

MOUNT DORA

79.8

CLERMONT

78.2

OAK PARK

100.0

EAST RIDGE

54.6

TAVARES

80.9

EUSTIS

90.2

UMATILLA

92.7

GRAY

79.2

WINDY HILL

58.2

LAKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM

LEESBURG

88.7

MOUNT DORA

64.2

87 86

EAST RIDGE

50.9

SOUTH LAKE

62.2

EUSTIS

71.0

TAVARES

60.2

LAKE MINNEOLA

45.2

UMATILLA

79.4

SPRING 2021

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

PINECREST LAKES ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

32.5

SPRING CREEK PK-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

School Grade 2019

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LAKE COUNTY VIRTUAL K-12

11.9

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

14.5

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

LAKE COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS IMAGINE SCHOOLS AT SOUTH LAKE K-8 (CHARTER)

BLUE LAKE

90.4

OSTEEN

73.9

CHAMPION

82.4

PALM TERRACE

96.1

CHISHOLM

66.2

PATHWAYS

49.9

CITRUS GROVE

70.7

PIERSON

85.9

CORONADO BEACH

37.5

PINE TRAIL

53.9

VOLUSIA COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

CYPRESS CREEK

34.6

PORT ORANGE

68.6

DEBARY

44.3

PRIDE

77.9

DELTONA LAKES

82.0

R. J. LONGSTREET

72.2

DISCOVERY

86.7

READ-PATTILLO

76.9

EDGEWATER PUBLIC

76.7

SAMSULA ACADEMY

2.9

EDITH I. STARKE

96.4

SOUTH DAYTONA

83.9

ENTERPRISE

80.2

SPIRIT

81.4

FOREST LAKE

76.6

SPRUCE CREEK

65.3

FREEDOM

57.2

SUGAR MILL

77.2

FRIENDSHIP

88.0

SUNRISE

80.1

GEORGE W. MARKS

68.1

SWEETWATER

46.9

HORIZON

64.8

THE READING EDGE ACADEMY

10.1

INDIAN RIVER

75.3

TIMBERCREST

72.4

LOUISE S. MCINNIS

87.5

TOMOKA

55.4

MANATEE COVE

72.5

TURIE T. SMALL

98.4

ORANGE CITY

79.6

VOLUSIA PINES

81.4

ORMOND BEACH

78.7

WESTSIDE

97.6

ORTONA

82.9

WOODWARD AVENUE

72.7

OSCEOLA

71.0

VOLUSIA COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CAMPBELL

92.1

HERITAGE

73.2

CREEKSIDE

41.0

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

62.4

DAVID C. HINSON SR.

56.8

ORMOND BEACH

58.9

DELAND

67.1

RIVER SPRINGS

61.1

DELTONA

80.0

SILVER SANDS

61.1

GALAXY

75.2

SOUTHWESTERN

74.1

VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS ATLANTIC

61.3

PINE RIDGE

69.2

DELAND

57.1

SEABREEZE

43.4

DELTONA

68.0

SPRUCE CREEK

37.9

MAINLAND

70.8

UNIVERSITY

57.2

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

51.0

T. DEWITT TAYLOR MIDDLE-HIGH

76.5

38.2

VOLUSIA COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS BURNS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL K-8 (CHARTER)

50.1

HOLLY HILL K-8

93.1

5 4 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

IVY HAWN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS K-8 (CHARTER)

TrustcoBank.com

Home sweet home town bank. The trusted services you need to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. The reliable home town service you need to get your Orlando home. Finding the right mortgage is like finding that perfect home all over again. At Trustco Bank we want you to feel right at home. With many plan options and a genuine interest in your life, we provide friendly, helpful financial advice, right around the corner. Plus, we’ll stick by your side every step of the way! We’re a home town bank you can rely on.

Home Town Low closing costs No borrower paid PMI¹ No points or appraisal fees Friendly, neighborhood service Over 50 Florida branch locations NEW Home Town Free Checking account Learn more at TrustcoBank.com or by calling 800-670-3110.

Since 1902.

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

PMI- Private Mortgage Insurance. Lender paid Private Mortgage Insurance on loans over 89.5% Loan-to-value. Subject to credit approval. Please note: we reserve the right to alter or withdraw these products or certain features thereof without prior notification. NMLS#474376

in every way

rsh R d

15A

Main St

e Bl v d

Sipes Ave

Lake Ashby Rd

Pell Rd ill B

lvd

N Central Ave S Central Ave

St way

road

R La ed B ke ug Rd

Econlockhatchee Trl

Chickasaw Trl

Alafaya Trl

eh Pin

Snow Hill Rd

Lone Palm Rd

Hancock Lone Pine Rd

Chickasaw Trl

Snow Hill Rd

awill Tusk

Tuskawilla Rd

Alafaya Trl

Lake Howell Rd

Temple Dr

Lakemont Ave

e Exwy

Ramp

Kirby Smith Rd

Bee Lin

Conway Gardens Rd

Chickasaw Trl

Goldenrod Rd

Crystal Lake Dr

Cameron Ave

Pa rk

Sanford Ave Dr

r oD

SO rlan d

ve E Lake St

od A

Ave

rlan

Winter Park Rd Bumby Ave

Beardall Ave

S French Ave

N Airport Blvd

Upsala Rd

Rd S Country Club Rd N Country Club Rantoul Ln

gwood Lake Mary Rd

Lon

Range Line Rd

Lo n

Ora nge Ave

P r e v a t t Av e

g Jr

er Kin

D r M a rt i n Lu t h K e n t u c k y Av e

Veterans Memorial Pkwy

N No l

lto n aB De

d Blv

eall

rd B

Cha r l e s R

icha

Boggy Creek Rd

Clapp Simms Duda Rd

rco o Rd ssee

Fells Cove

Lake Myrtle

Simpson Rd eR

East Lake Tohopekaliga

Partin Settlement Rd

Kings Hwy

ore

Cypress Ave 10th St 16th St

St. Cloud

Lake Lizzie

Bay Lake

Lake Colin

Buck Lake

Alligator Lake

Hickory Tree Rd

Harmony

Cat Lake

o Br

534

Nova Rd

Trout Lake

Deer Run Rd

441

Coon Lake

rove

Kissimmee Park Rd

ek Rd

Cypress Pkwy

192

R va

Lake Preston

Lake Joel

g Sun

Lake Tohopekaliga

Lake Center

Rummell Rd

Mississippi Ave Hickory Tree Rd

tun

Vermont Ave

Nep

Tram Rd

Smith St

P rovid

Woodland Blvd

Fatio Rd Orange Blvd

Lake Emma Rd

Markham Woods Rd

Palm Springs Dr

Parramore Ave

Rio Grande Ave

Orange Blossom Trl

You Pkw ng y

John Young Pkwy

Texas Ave

Orange Blossom Trl

Bermuda Ave

Thacker Ave

Buena Ventura Lakes

Rockwood Dr

Poinciana Blvd

Irlo

Bourne Rd

Rinehart Rd

Longwood Markham Rd

Lake Markham Rd

Raymond Ave

Montgomery Rd

Maitland Ave

Orlando Ave

Bear Lake Rd

Forest City Rd

Magnolia Homes Rd

Tampa Ave

Ivey Ln

Bruton Blvd

ak Turkey L e Rd

Dr Phillips Blvd Della Dr

Wes tw Blvd ood

Appopka-Vineland Rd

Thornton Ave

Powers Dr

Hastings St

Hiawassee Rd

Kirkman Rd

Clark Rd

Good Homes Rd ApopkaVineland Rd

Forest City Rd

Lakeville Rd

Hiawassee Rd

Apopka Vineland Rd

Rose Ave

Sheeler Rd

Hu nt Club Blvd

Wekiwa Springs Rd

Thompson Rd

Park Ave Hempel Ave

Mercy Dr

Rock Springs Rd

Vick Rd

Marden Rd

World Dr

Line Dr

Plymouth Sorrento Rd

Brick Lake

Lake Gentry

on M

OSCEOLA COUNTY

em o

ria l Hw

192

Marion Rd

Poinciana Pkwy

Jack

Watkins Rd

R aw

lop

Lake

Cypress Lake

523 Lake Hatchineha

Flori

das

Tpk

Kissimmee KisRiver sim eR

e re

ive

Lake Pierce

Lake Mabel Loop Rd

Pine St

Hatc hin Cana eha l

Dr La ke sh or e

Binion Rd

opka Rd Ocoee Ap

Maguire Rd

Windermere Rd

Avalon Rd

Pine Hills Rd

Duxbury Ave

Round Lake Rd Round Lake Rd

Vineland Rd

World D

Lake

Wilson Rd Old Lake Wilson Rd

ar sP

530

Hickory Tree Rd

East

Cocoa Water Plant Rd

Lake Mary Jane Rd

Lake Mary Jane

Canoe Cre

Blvd

Dallas Blvd

Narcoossee Rd

Lake Hart

Tindall Rd

ke Floridas Tp

Powerline Rd

Hartzog Rd

528

Caspian

542

Bee Line Exwy Ramp

Pope St

sse

Sand Hill Rd

520

o rco

wy Gn

ri l Flo tra Cen

r Cre

o Tayl

Moss Park Rd

n Ca

Econlockhatchee River

417

Lake Nona

Wheeler Rd

ial D

Wewahootee Rd

Orlando Int'l Airport

d Ol

as R d

Fort Christmas Rd

Colon

Bee Line Exwy

Kissimmee Park Rd

Cr u

Ch rist m

528

sh ke

Loop Rd

r Fo

Dallas Blvd

as R

St Johns River

tt Rd

Judge Rd

Buckeye

stm

Bithlo

rl aT fay Ala

You

Chri

Lake Picke

420

Lake Pickett Rd

Riv

Lake Pickett

uota

Trl

a Gnw

436

stm

hns

Chul

Tanner Rd

420

hri

SEMINOLE COUNTY

420

l Florid

551

Hoffner Ave

Cabbage Slough

St Jo

Lockwood Blvd

aya Alf

Woodbury Rd

Little Econlockhatchee River

Curry Ford Rd

port Air lvd B

6th St

Volusia Ave

Ave

Ce ntra l

Umatilla Rd r Du nc an D

Monroe St

Haines Creek Rd

rt C

Centra

ke sh Dr ore

Bro

Alafaya Trl

erhill Rd Und

e Lak

Mills Lake Lake Mills Rd

419

Dean Rd

El Prado Ave

Chuluota

419

ORANGE

408

Puzzle Lk

Brumley Rd

E 2nd St

434

Union Park

Lake Underhill Dr

Pershing Ave

Semoran Blvd

Dean Rd

Econlockhatchee Trl

Valencia College Ln

Lake Nixon

Lake Eva

Rouse Rd

Goldenrod Rd

Forsyth Rd

Dixie Belle Dr

Old 9 Foot Rd

d Blvd

Long Lake

Bath Lake

Lokanotosa Trl

425

Round Lake

Oviedo

Alafaya Trl

University Blvd

S tat

Camp Rd

Spirit Lake Rd

Dea

Semoran Blvd Ranger Blvd

Gaston Foster Rd

Tindel

rla

halet

McCulloch Rd Rd McCulloch

Ravlerson Cv Old Mims Rd

Canal Rd

Thompson

Waverly

552

Michigan Ave

South Port Can

Lake Hatchineha Rd

Dundee

550

540

Deep Lake

417

tan YucaDr

Bee Line Exwy

Tradeport Dr

546

Cypress Gardens

Lake Proctor

Buck Lake

Puzzle Lake

Boggy Creek Rd

Lake Russell

Tim

540A

542

Conway Rd

ALT 27

Lake Hamilton

Bennett Rd

Lake Eloise

ven

ill

Eagle Lake Lake Loop Rd Mc Leod

Lake Marion

544

Lake Hamilton

Azalea Park

Koa S

Boggy Creek Rd

Lk Harney

426

Lake Hayes

Sand Rd

tur

Lake Harney

Lake Charm Geneva Dr

Chapman Rd

551

527A

Florida Pkwy

Gopher Slough

R art NH Harts Lake Geneva

Island Pond

426

417

Buen

or e

Eagle Lake

Lake Lulu

Country Club Rd

Ave

Alo

Wetherbee Rd

Meadow Wood

Lake

417

Bear Guilly Lake e

r Blvd

Buckeye Rd

Lake Winter Inwood Cannon 542 Lake Haven Lake Jan Deer Howard Lake Lake Mariam Phyl 540 Otis

Hanging Moss Rd

Lake Lake Conine Lake Fannie Smart

527

eola

Howard Ave

University Blvd

436

Blv

Lake Hartridge

544

Tradeport D

la Rd

E Osceo

Osc

Kentucky St

434

Ave

Summerfield Rd

655

Haines City

544

4th St

Marquette Ave

r ek D

Ariana

Pleasant Hill Rd

Lake Rochelle

Lake Henry Lucerne Park Rd

Aloma

426

cia

Lake Mariana

gold

Dike Rd

Howell Branch Rd

Goldenrod

Gatlin Ave

Little Lake Conway

580

17 Lake Haines

Mari

580

re on C

507

Lake Alfred

Tower Lake

Mari

urndale Lake

Lake Lowry

South Blvd

Lake

Lake Alfred

Hammock Lake

Reaves Rd

Lake Ann

Conway

528A

Kissimmee

E Airport Blvd

EL a D ke

in Po

Lake Van

Morris Rd

Reedy Creek

Poinciana Place

Davenport

Vine St

Pershing Ave Gatlin Ave

Campbell Ham Brown Rd

Lake Arietta

559

Bonnet Lake

Lake Lowry Rd

557

547

441

Lake Margaret Dr

415

Lake Cockran

Little Lake Howell

Casselberry

Landstreet Rd

Thorpe Rd

Trl

e Laurel Av

557

Lake uliana

n dendro Rhodo Ave

North Blvd

Lake Mattie

ossom

Lake St. Charles

Gum Lake

Cla

nge Bl

557A

547 4

Patrick St

Blvd

Osceola Pkwy

a cian

ell R

Old Grade Rd

Fuss

92 17

417

International Dr

Loughman

527A

Winter Springs

Curry Ford Rd

Belle Isle Conway Pine LakeNela Castle Ave

535

Osceola Pkwy

S Ora

Lake Jessamine

Taft-Vineland Rd

423

Osceola Pkwy

Osceola Polk Line Rd

582

Williamsburg

Michigan Ave

Edgewood

Lancaster Rd

Bee Line Exwy

Poin

l Rd

528

da Pkw Central Flori

Holden Ave

Sky Lake

482

d lan

Gen tle Rd

nal

e Vin

R hinn Brown S

Tri County Rd Deen Stil

Tangelo Park

Kaley St

527

Holden Heights

Oak Ridge Rd

423

Sand Lake Rd

atio

Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy

Sandhill Rd

Funie Oak Island Rd Steed Rd

an Fleet

POLK COUNTY

192

Conroy Rd

Big Sand Lake

rn Inte

Oak Ridge

43rd St

439

Clear Lake

East-West Exwy

Landsta

536

Mcleod Rd

25th St

Silver Lake Blvd Silver Lake Dr

ary

St Johns River

Lake Jessup

Executive Airport 408

Robinson St

Buena Vista Dr

429

192

South St

545

er Dr ent ot C Epc

Tp k

Conroy Rd

Lake Buena Vista

Vista Blvd

435

Washington St

Orange Blvd Columbia StCenter

e uir MagBlvd

kR ree B og g y C

Car Care Dr

Bay Lake

Lake Mann

Maytown Rd

Glenridge Way

Daetwyler Dr

Seven Seas Dr

Avalon Rd

474

535

50 Colonial Dr

John Young Pkwy

Bay Lake

Seven Seas Lagoon

Orlando

e Rd

427

Lake Bingham

Corrine Dr

Orange Ave

Asian Way

Seidel Rd

Smith St

Floridas Tpke

Sawgrass Lake

Raleigh St

Doctor Phillips

Lake Sheen

Lake Mabel

Old Winter Garden

e Hiawasse Metrowest Rd Blvd

rid

Lake Tibet Butler

438

2nd Ave

ock Hanc Lake Rd

416

438

431

Lake Virginia

Celery Ave

13th St

Pineway Dr

Palmer Ave

Winter Park

Fairview Shores

Ferncreek Ave

ew Lee Rd ate rD r

423

Doyl

419

Howell Branch Rd

Lake Maitland

Bumby Ave

441

North Ln

Pine Hills

E Lake M

436 Lake Howell

the Woods

Lake Ave

Eatonville

t Bl

S Triplet Lake

Horatio Ave

Ed g

r Casselberry Se m Red Bug Lake Fern oran Blv Red Bug Lake Rd d Park Lake of

Maitland

Kennedy Blvd

Prairie Lake

Maitland Blvd

Lk Butler

Big Lk

t e e n Rd Lk Bethel

Sanford

25th St Deforest Lake

434 Lake Wildmere Lake Hodge Dog Track Rd Lake Kathryn Seminola Blvd Lake Lake Dr Triplet

Adelaine LakeE Altamonte Dr

Lake Seminary

414

E nt e r p r i s e O s

Park Ave

535

Porter Rd

Lake Needham

Lockhart

Long Lake

Pine St Pine St

Bachman Rd

Hammond Lake

Island Lake

Rundle Rd

OrlovistaRd

526

91 F lo

Bay Hill

Chase Rd

Overstreet Rd

Winegard Rd

Cypress Lake

Gre Rd en S

Shell Pond Rd

Pike Lake

Conroy Rd

Dixie Lake

e ett qu Fic Rd

Doyle

L ak e sh ore

Se m in

1st St

Longwood

North St

Summerlin Ave e Orang Ave

Main

Trout Lake

W Vin inte ela r G nd dn Rd

FicquetteHancock Rd

545

Lake Louisa

Ov erl

Lake Mary

427

Longwood Hills Rd

Island Lake

Colonial Dr

408

Westover Roberts Rd

Lake Butler

Lake Nellie

lvd

435

Gotha Rd

Lake Down

Ave

Windermere

Mann Rd

Malcolm Rd

Ocoee

439

Park

Lake Butler Blvd

Beggs Rd

Silver Star Rd

Professional Pkwy

Tilden Rd

Stone Rd

Lotus

Lake Alma

Altamonte Spring Springs Lake

John Young Pkwy

545

ms A D Mi

Woodlawn Cemetary Rd

50 Roper Rd

535

Tiny Rd

Marsh

545

Hartwood Marsh Rd

Bear Lake

pka Rd

Johns Lake

561

Old Apo

Johns Lake

Colonial Dr

Semoran Blvd Mirror Lake 436

Forest City Lake

Wekiva Springs

434

Sand Lake Rd

Bear Lake

Silver Star Rd

Lake Starke

Kissimmee Ave

Story Rd

Oakland Ave

Lakewood Ave

12th St

Oakland

455

438

Plant St

Ap o

Clarcona Ocoee Rd

oee na Oc Clarco Rd

Wurst Rd

437

Winter Garden

Lake Minnehaha

429

Fullers Cross Rd

Minneola

Clermont

Keene Rd

435

Semoran Blvd

South Apopka

McCormick Rd

Ingram Rd

Montverde

Lake Minneola

Lake Apopka

455

565

437

561A

436 424

Lake Brantley

Lake Wekiva

ar y Ave

Main St

Michael Gladden Blvd

Boy Scout Rd

Harmon Rd

Lake Apopka

565A

Apopka

Lust Rd

561

Lake Mccoy Votaw Rd

Theresa Lk

l l is R

Welland Rd

455

Trl

Deltona

ed E

Grace Lake Williamson Rd

Wek iva Springs Rd

Little Crystal Lake Loch Low

Lake Mary

Greenwood Lake Green Way Blvd

Lake Myrtle

Mc Garity Lk

loss

Lake Danson Crystal Lake

Lk Ashby

ge B

Roach Rd

Twin Lakes

Lake Emma

Wekiva River

B lv d

rm an

Oran

561A

Lake Prevatt

Welch Rd

Wayside Dr

Lake Mary Blvd Rice Lake

l vd

Ave

441

E No

Lk Gleason

Dupont Ho Lk wl El k c a m B l v d Angela Lk

ole Blvd

Markham Rd Lake Irish Sawyer Lake Banana Lake Island Lake Marietta Lake

Wekiva River

Three Island Lks

Laughlin Rd

Palm

448A

435

Ponkan Rd

Sylvan Lake

Oste e n

Sadler Rd

Golden Gem Rd

Jones Ave

Kelly Park Rd

D eb

W Airp

Haas Rd

Ondich Rd

Sadler Ave

Astatula

Shepherd Lake

ORANGE COUNTY

435 Wadsworth Rd

Lake Markham

433

Neighborhood Lakes

435

Lake Ola

437

Alt 4

448

Baird Ave

437

448

561

Mount Plymouth

415

Lk Monroe

Blvd

Orange

431

Yankee Lake

F ort S m ith B lvd

D i r k sen Dr

Strickl Ba

Mount Dora

Wekiva River

Sax

B dy

46A Wolf Branch Rd

448

Lake Beauclair

St Johns River

El k camB

Highland St

11th Ave

Lake Beauclair

561

FPL Reservoir

Black Water Creek

437

Limit Ave

44B

46 Oakland Park

Lake Dora

Lake Idamere

DeBary

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Muck Lk

e le

Howlan d B l v

441

Lk Colby

H ighbank s Rd

Bay St

Alfred St

Lake Frances

Lake Helen

Sa x o n Bl v d

rise

Radio Rd

LAKE COUNTY

44A

44B

Burleigh Blvd

Little Lake Harris

44A

M a in St

Orange City

Black Water Creek

Orange Ave

Tavares

439

452 Eustis Lake Eustis

ke Harris

Blue Spring State Park

St Johns River

Lake Dalhousie

G r a v e s Av e

erp

19A

Mid Florida Lakes

Howey-inthe-Hills

450

47 472 2

Ent

Willis V McCall Rd

Bassville 473 Park

441

Lake Norris

Glenc

L ak

Isla Silver Lake

W 1st St

lda

473

Treadway School Rd

Hontoon Island State Park

Lake Umatilla

452

Orange Camp Rd

Mc G reg or Rd

SamsulaSpruce C re e k

Lk Winnemisett

S u m m i t Av e

R et

era

44 Silver Lake

Collins St

Southridge Golf Course

Ta y lor Rd

St a t e

Black Water Swamp

Umatilla

B eresford Ave

Tracy Lake

Ocala St

De Land

De Land Southwest

Lk Beresford

Blue Lk

Ne w York Av e

B l u e L a k e Av e

m Kis

450

Bear Lake

Lake Akron

Central Ave

Lake Yale

We s t De Land

K e p le r Rd

Lake Talmadge

M i n n e s o t a Av e

T South Tomoka Wildlife Management Area

North De Land

P l y m o u t h Av e

Be l t i n e

S p r i n g G a r d e n Av e

I n t e r n a t i o n a l Sp

ay edw

lvd

nd y Blvd

G r a n d Av e

Twin St Johns Lks River

Ha zen Rd

Black Water Swamp

450

Gl enwood Rd Mercers Fernery Rd

eralda Marsh

Carter Rd

Alexander Springs Creek

MARION COUNTY

Ta yl

Lk Woodruff

445

Williams Rd

ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

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 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-2021 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Avalon Cove 9080 Morgana Court, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • joneshomesusa.com

Schools/Grades: Winter Springs (N/A); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (B) Amenities: Conservation areas with lake access, tot lot; natural-gas community Builder: Jones Homes USA, 407-988-3235 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the $700s to over $1 million Notes: An exclusive south Winter Garden lakefront community just minutes from popular shopping, dining and entertainment areas such as Winter Garden Village, Hamlin Town Center and more. Enjoy world-class golf, nearby parks and lake, and proximity to the region’s theme parks and attractions.

Bridlewood 436 Cavesson Street, Apopka, FL 32712 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Rock Springs (A), Apopka (C), Apopka (B) Amenities: Tot lot Builders: DR Horton Homes, 407-850-3016 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Nearby recreation opportunities include hiking along the shores of Lake Apopka, canoeing at Wekiwa Springs State Park or cycling along the 22-mile-long paved West Orange Trail.

Bridle Path 5526 Plymouth Sorrento Road, Apopka, FL 32712 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Zellwood (C), Wolf Lake (B), Apopka (B) Amenities: Cabana, pool, walking and nature trails Builders: DR Horton Homes, 321-733-2080 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Located near shopping, entertainment and tourism destinations with direct access to northwest Central Florida’s growing highway system, making it easy to get almost anywhere.

Eagle Creek 10350 Emerson Lake Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32832 • joneshomesusa.com

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (B) Amenities: Gated community; golf course, tennis courts, pool, health/fitness center, clubhouse Builders: Jones Homes USA, 407-636-9261 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the high $300s to $1 million Notes: Village Center with elegant hotel planned; near Lake Nona’s Medical City and Orlando International Airport; 40 minutes to the Atlantic beaches.

Gatherings of Lake Nona 7573 Laureate Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32837 • beazer.com

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (B); 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 $290s 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).

SPRING 2021

ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank

HAMLIN - THE ENCLAVE 7712 Minutemen Loop, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Independence (A); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (A) Amenities: Community clubhouse and pool overlooking Lake Hartley Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the $mid-300s Notes: Conservation and lakefront homesites available.

FINAL OPPORTUNITY HAVENCREST 7518 Blue Quail Lane, Orlando, FL 32835 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Windy Ridge (A); Chain of Lakes (B); Olympia (A) Amenities: Gated entry, natural-gas community Builders: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $800s Notes: Nestled between prestigious Dr. Phillips area and Windermere; just minutes from A-rated schools, shopping, services, top medical facilities, upscale eateries and recreation.

Lakeshore 8818 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • tollbrothers.com • liveatlakeshore.com

Schools/Grades: Independence (A); Bridgewater (B); Windermere (B) Amenities: On-site clubhouse and community pool, walking trails, neighborhood parks, lakes Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-778-5200 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$600s Notes: Luxurious community featuring executive and estate homes with exquisite architectural appointments, outstanding standard features and hundreds of customization options.

LAKESIDE 1068 Lakeside Estates Drive, Apopka, FL 32703 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Apopka (A); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (A) Amenities: Gated, waterfront, resort-style amenities Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Enjoy Lakeside living in the heart of Apopka, with convenient access to S.R. 429 and S.R. 414; less than 30 minutes to major employment centers including Maitland, downtown Orlando and the attractions area.

Laureate Park at Lake Nona South Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32827 • lakenona.com/live/neighborhoods/laureate-park

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (B); 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-$300s to $1 million; townhomes, from the low $300s 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.

5 8 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

Legado 13650 Reams Road, Windermere, FL 34786 • mattamyhomes.com

Schools/Grades: Bay Lake (N/A), Bridgewater (A), Windermere (B) Amenities: Pool, cabana, pocket parks, playground, nature trails Builders: Mattamy Homes, 407-378-3840 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Low-maintenance lifestyle with lawncare included through HOA and no CDD fees.

Meridian Parks 11932 Landing Point Loop, Orlando, FL 32832 • mattamyhomes.com

Schools/Grades: Moss Park (A), Innovation (A), Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Event lawn, bike-share program, firepit, fitness center, paw park, party room, outdoor art installations Builders: Mattamy Homes, 407-545-5813 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $200s; single-family, pricing TBA Notes: Art, parks, nature and technology combine in a community with outdoor art installations (updated twice a year), an electric car charging station, Amazon Lockers and public wi-fi; true 1-gigabit internet speed included with HOA dues.

Oakland Park 15211 East Oakland Avenue, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • liveatoaklandpark.com

Schools/Grades: Tildenville (B); Lakeview (B); West Orange (A) Amenities: Pool and recreation area, pocket parks, West Orange Trail runs through community, charming streetscape with sidewalks Builders: David Weekley Homes, 407-865-8295; J&J Building, 407-476-7520; RCB Homes, 407-876-0729 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$500s Notes: Located just minutes from historic downtown Winter Garden on the shores of Lake Apopka; certified green homes in a traditionally styled neighborhood.

San Sebastian Reserve 2100 Emerald Springs Drive, Apopka, FL 32712 • khov.com

Schools/Grades: Rock Springs (A), Apopka (C), Apopka (B) Amenities: Gated, resort-style pool, cabana, playground, dog park Builders: K. Hovnanian Homes, 321-263-2644 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Close to S.R.429, S.R. 414 and Florida’s Turnpike.

South Creek 12370 Bowes Branch Road, Orlando, FL 32824 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Wetherbee (B), South Creek (B), Cypress Creek (B) Amenities: Outdoor fitness stations, walking paths Builders: DR Horton, 407-415-0030 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $200s Notes: Convenient low-maintenance lifestyle; professional lawncare and exterior pest control included.

SPRING 2021

ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

The Oaks at Kelly Park 2424 Park Ridge Street, Apopka, FL 32712 • tollbrothers.com

Schools/Grades: Zellwood (C), Wolf Lake (B), Apopka (B) Amenities: Future swimming pool, cabana, tot lot, two parks with walking paths Builders: Toll Brothers, 407-753-6191 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located less than a mile from S.R. 429 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.

Valencia Isles

COMING SOON!

Postal address TBA • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Little River (C), Union Park (D), University (A) Amenities: TBA Builders: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Townhomes from the mid-$200s Notes: Located just 1.2 miles from the intersection of S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 408 (the East-West Expressway), providing easy access to downtown Orlando; close to major employment centers and a variety of shopping centers, grocery stores and dining locations — including the Waterford Lakes Town Center.

Woodland Park 12054 Alder Branch Loop, Orlando, FL 32824 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Wetherbee (B), South Creek (B), Cypress Creek (B) Amenities: Community pavilion, pool, parks, playground, multipurpose field Builders: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-330-2270 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located just west of Lake Nona Medical City employment centers and 12 miles south of downtown Orlando; variety of home designs from which to choose; numerous community amenities.

Visit Central Florida’s largest searchable new-home database There are plenty of websites with new-home listings. But there’s only one that’s as detailed, current and hyper-local as thefloridahomebuyer.com. Our data-gathering staff constantly updates our web content and provides a searchable database that includes pictures, floorplans, builder information and community profiles. It’s everything you see here in print plus much more. Check out the print version of Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition, then expand your search online.

thefloridahomebuyer.com

6 0 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

SEMINOLE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

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 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-2021 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Celery Oaks 2040 Celery Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 • hanoverfamilybuilders.com

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 high $200s Notes: Located less than a mile from the Downtown Sanford Historic District with its awardwinning 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.

Griffin Park

FINAL OPPORTUNITY

1237 Chittamwood Court, Lake Mary, FL 32746 • davidweekleyhomes.com

Schools/Grades: Lake Mary (A); Greenwood (B); Lake Mary (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool with covered seating, parks, walking trails and dog park Builder: David Weekley Homes, 689-999-0093 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $300s; single-family, from the mid-$500s Notes: Nearby shopping, dining and recreation at Griffin Farm at Midtown, easy access to major roads including I-4 and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).

Hawk’s Crest Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL 32792 • meritage.com • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Eastbrook (B); Tuskawilla (B); Lake Howell (B) Amenities: Gated community; splash pad, lake, pond, park, playground, community pool, cabana, play lawn, picnic tables and grilling area Builders: Meritage Homes, 407-392-3380; Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s; townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located along the southern shores of Lake Howell.

NORTHERN OAKS 956 Talon Place, Winter Springs, FL, 32708 • dreamfindershomes.com

Schools/Grades: Geneva (B), Jackson Heights (A), Oviedo (A) Amenities: Brick entrance, adjacent to conservation area, just 35 homesites Builder: Dream Finders Homes, 407-492-6008 or 407-692-0760 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Easy access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay), close to UCF and the beaches.

PARKVIEW PLACE 3623 Voyager Lane, Sanford, FL 32773 • tollbrothersinc.com

Schools/Grades: Midway (C); Sanford (A); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated, community pool and cabana Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-674-7874 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Near the Seminole County Sports Complex, and shopping and dining in the Downtown Sanford Historic District, Lake Mary, Seminole Towne Center and Colonial Town Park.

SPRING 2021

SEMINOLE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

River’s Edge 1501 Missouri Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 • mybellavista.com

Schools/Grades: Wilson (A); Sanford (A); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated, tot park, walking trail Builder: Bellavista Homes, 407-873-6316 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $200s 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 and the Central Florida Zoo.

Riverside Oaks 3682 Arbordale Loop, Sanford, FL 32771 • tollbrothers.com

Schools/Grades: Hamilton (C); Pine Crest (C); Midway (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 $300s 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).

Wyndham Preserve 2714 Magpie Way, Sanford, FL 32773 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Midway (C), Millennium (C), Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated, pool, cabana Builders: DR Horton, 321-733-2097 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Convenient to the St. Johns River, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and downtown Orlando with direct access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 415; the nearby Downtown Sanford Historic District encompasses local breweries, a trendy food scene and fun nightlife.

OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

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 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-2021 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alexander Park 2652 Ham Brown Road, Kissimmee FL 34746 • mybellavista.com

Schools/Grades: Sunrise (B); Horizon (B); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, tot park, recreation field Builder: Bellavista Homes, 407-873-6316 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$200s Notes: Intimate townhome community offering easy access to major roads and employment centers as well as shopping and dining.

6 2 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

Bellalago 1520 Gateway Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34746 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Bellalago Academy (K-8) (B); Liberty High (C) Amenities: Two 7,000-square-foot clubhouses, lifestyle center, multipool aquatic center, fitness center, water park and tot lot, tennis and basketball courts; nature and bike trails including a 1,300foot 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 $300s Notes: Village Shoppes at Bellalago, located just outside of the community, encompasses shops, restaurants, banks and a Publix supermarket with a drive-through pharmacy.

Casa Bella 4479 Casablanca Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34758 • kbhome.com

Schools/Grades: Reedy Creek (C) Horizon (B) Poinciana (C) Amenities: Community pavilion and open spaces Builders: KB Home, 407-587-3580 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $200s Notes: No CDD fees, convenient to U.S. Hwy. 17-92 and the Kissimmee SunRail station; near hiking trails, Kissimmee Lakefront Park and wilderness preserves.

Cypress Hammock 1237 Regal King Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34758 • hanoverfamilybuilders.com

Schools/Grades: Reedy Creek (C) Horizon (B) Poinciana (C) Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, playground Builders: Hanover Family Builders, 407-305-3701 Products/Prices: Townhomes, pricing TBA; single-family, from the mid- $200s Notes: Located on Poinciana Boulevard within walking distance of the Kissimmee SunRail station; interest list now forming.

Hanover Lakes 3325 Hickory Tree Road, St. Cloud, FL 34772 • hanoverfamilybuilders.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: Hanover Family Builders, 407-315-2628 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $200s Notes: Unique waterfront community on the Alligator Chain of Lakes.

Kindred 1508 Park Side Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34744 • drhorton.com

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 Builders: DR Horton Homes, 407-978-6035 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the $250s; single-family from the $270s 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.

SPRING 2021

OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

Overlook Reserve 4823 Marcos Circle, Kissimmee. FL 34758 • hanoverfamilybuilders.com

School/Grades: Sunrise (C); Horizon (C); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Zero-entry resort-style swimming pool with splash pad, pool cabana, tot lot Builder: Hanover Family Builders, 407-543-2281 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Convenient access to Orlando International Airport and Lake Nona’s Medical City.

Stonewood Estates Townhomes 930 Umbria Lane, Saint Cloud, FL 34771 • crafthomes.com

Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (A); Narcoossee (A); Harmony (B) Amenities: Community pool and cabana Builder: Craft Homes, 407-605-6150 Product/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $200s Notes: Easy access to Narcoossee Road; close proximity to dining, shopping and employment at Medical City and Lake Nona.

SUNBROOKE 5809 Bullock Place, St. Cloud, FL 34771 • ashtonwoods.com

Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (A); Narcoossee (A); Harmony (A) Amenities: Clubhouse, swimming pool, playground Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 407-250-1565 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $320s Notes: Short drive to employment centers such as Lake Nona’s Medical City and Orlando International Airport; conservation lots available.

TOHOQUA 1706 Flourish Avenue, Kissimmee FL 34744 • tohoqua.com

Schools/Grades: Neptune (C); Neptune (B); St. Cloud (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool, clubhouse and events room, fitness center, tennis courts, playground and 5 miles of community trails Builders: Lennar Homes, 866-495-4059; Pulte Homes, 407-550-5534; Pulte Active Adult, 407-5545373; Mattamy Homes, 407-845-9293 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$200s; townhomes, from the low $200s Notes: New amenities center now open; located adjacent to a 370-acre conservation area with trails to Lake Tohopekaliga; 5 minutes from Florida’s Turnpike and walking distance to schools; wide variety of home designs and prices.

Wiregrass 5579 Jack Brack Road, St. Cloud, FL 34771 • avexhomes.com • crafthomes.com • hanoverfamilybuilders.com Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (A); Narcoossee (A); St. Cloud (B) Amenities: Community pool, playground, sports/recreation field, dog park Builders: Avex Homes, 866-578-2051; Craft Homes, 407-605-6150; Hanover Family Builders, 407451-3137 or 321-424-4598 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Outstanding recreation, including golf, boating and fishing, shopping and dining are all just minutes away; convenient nearby access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay), S.R. 528 (the Beachline), U.S.-192 and Florida’s Turnpike.

6 4 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

LAKE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

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 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-2021 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ardmore Reserve 1312 Blarney Street, Minneola, FL 34715 • dreamfindershomes.com • hanoverfamilybuilders.com

Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (B); East Ridge (B); Lake Minneola (B) Builders: Dream Finders Homes, 904-738-0165; Hanover Family Builders, 407-965-2274 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s 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 16690 Cavallo Drive Montverde, FL 34756 • bellacollina.com

Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (A); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (A) 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; Dave Brewer Homes, 407-330-9901; Vogel Building Group, 407-230-4660; Primo Homes, 407-632-4501; Hampton Bay Homes, 407-701-7009; J. Drewes Construction, 407-744-3133 Products/Prices: Condominiums, from the $300s; single-family, from the $500s to just under $1 million Notes: Residents enjoy convenient access to Florida’s Turnpike, S.R. 429 and S.R. 528.

Crestview 2691 Ridgetop Lane Clermont, Florida FL 34711 • taylomorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Lost Lake (A); 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 low $300s Notes: Crestview is a 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, Maitland Center and downtown Orlando.

Cypress Oaks 9309 Oglethorpe Drive, Groveland, FL 34736 • hanoverfamilybuilders.com

Schools/Grades: Groveland (C); Clermont (B); South Lake (C) Amenities: Lakefront community pool and cabana Builder: Hanover Family Builders, 407-871-3394 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $200s Notes: Easy access to S.R. 27, S.R. 50 and Florida’s Turnpike; adjacent to the South Lake Trail and near historic downtown Clermont.

Sawgrass Bay Sawgrass Bay Boulevard, Clermont, FL 34714 • homedynamics.com • kbhome.com

Schools/Grades: Sawgrass Bay (C); Windy Hill (B); East Ridge (B) Amenities: Nature trails, playground, pool and cabana, conservation areas Builders: Home Dynamics, 352-988-5955; KB Home, 407-587-3580 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s 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.

SPRING 2021

LAKE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

FINAL OPPORTUNITY Serenoa Sawgrass Bay Boulevard, Clermont, FL 34714 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Sawgrass Bay (C); Windy Hill (B); East Ridge (B) Amenities: Gated community; clubhouse, swimming pool, lap pool, splash pad, fitness center, playground, dog park Builder: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3470 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Residents will enjoy a community clubhouse complete with fitness center and flex room as well as a resort-style pool, splash park area and playground.

Sunrise Ridge 121 Green Branch Boulevard, Groveland, FL 34736 • hanoverfamilybuilders.com Schools/Grades: Groveland (C); Gray (B); South Lake (C) Amenities: Conservation areas Builder: Hanover Family Builders, 407-325-9838 or 352-348.5949 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $200s Notes: Low HOA dues, convenient to Florida’s Turnpike

The Canyons at Highland Ranch 516 Bellflower Way, Clermont, FL 34715 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (B); East Ridge (B); Lake Minneola (B) Amenities: Park, pool, cabana, splash pad, mail kiosk, pet stations, 4 miles of walking trails Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Three beautiful collections of homes are offered; easy access to the 7-mile South Lake Trail; five public golf courses nearby.

WILSON ESTATES 1825 Wilson Prairie Circle, Groveland, FL 34736 • kbhome.com

Schools/Grades: Groveland (C); Clermont (B); South Lake (C) Amenities: Near Lake Hiawatha Preserve, which offers a playground, two dog parks and picnic areas Builder: KB Home, 407-587-3580 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $200s Notes: Convenient to U.S. Hwy. 27, Florida’s Turnpike and S.R. 50.

Visit Central Florida’s largest searchable new-home database at

thefloridahomebuyer.com 6 6 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

VOLUSIA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

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 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-2021 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compass Landing 1000 West Rhode Island Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Manatee Cove (C); River Springs (B); University (B) Amenities: Playground and park Builder: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $200s Notes: Walking distance to local elementary, middle and high schools; just three miles from I-4 with easy access to major Central Florida employers

Halifax Plantation 3500 Merritt Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 • halifaxplantation.com

Schools/Grades: Pine Trail (B); Ormond Beach (B); Seabreeze (B) Amenities: Gated community; clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, golf course, tennis courts, pool, fitness center Builders: Vanacore Homes, 888-519-1309; Dream Finders Homes, 561-723-8069; Vintage Estate Homes, 407-603-3253 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s; golf villas, from the mid-$200s Notes: Minutes to the Atlantic Ocean, the Intercoastal Waterway and Tomoka State Park.

Rivington 660 Kimber Lane, DeBary, FL 32713 • khov.com

Schools/Grades: DeBary (A), River Springs (B), University (B) Amenities: Community amenity center with pool and indoor/outdoor common areas Builders: K. Hovnanian Homes, 321-263-2681 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid $200s; single-family homes, from the $270s Notes: A 296-acre master-planned community adjacent to the St. Johns River, west of U.S. Hwy. 17-92 and south of Konomac Lake; easy access to Lake Mary and Sanford employment centers and just a quarter mile from the DeBary SunRail station.

Venetian Bay 424 Luna Bella Lane, Suite 122, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 • venetianbay.info

Schools/Grades: Chisholm (B); New Smyrna Beach (B); 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 high $200s; townhomes, from the high $200s Notes: Close to beaches; miles of trails for walking or biking.

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/florida-homebuyer-orlando SPRING 2021

POLK COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

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 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-2021 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lake Lucerne 108 Sunfish Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33881 • kbhome.com

Schools/Grades: Fred G. Garner (C); Denison (C); Winter Haven (N/A) Amenities: Near Lake Eva Park and Lake Eva Beach Builder: KB Home, 407-587-3580 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$200s Notes: Near 50 lakes for fishing, boating and skiing; convenient to employers, including Winter Haven Hospital and Publix corporate headquarters; near resorts, including Legoland Florida Resort and Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo; easy access to shopping and dining in Winter Haven; convenient to U.S. 27 and Polk Parkway.

Providence 131 Chadwick Drive, Davenport, FL 33837 • providenceflorida.com

Schools/Grades: Loughman Oaks (C); 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, from the mid-$300s; golf villas, from the low $300s Notes: Exclusive waterfront and golf course homesites available.

William’s Preserve 581 Sardinia Circle, Davenport, FL 33837 • hanoverfamilybuilders.com

Schools/Grades: Loughman Oaks (C); Shelley S. Boone (C); Ridge (C); Davenport School of the Arts (A) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, gated entrance, tot lot, conservation area Builder: Hanover Family Builders, 407-588-9237 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the low $200s Notes: Minutes to Walt Disney World Resort; convenient access to I-4, S.R. 429 and U.S. 27.

We are proud to announce that

HOMEBUYER is now available in more than 300

in ORANGE, SEMINOLE, OSCEOLA, LAKE, POLK, VOLUSIA, BREVARD, MARION AND PINELLAS COUNTIES.

thefloridahomebuyer.com 6 8 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

The home of your dreams

AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD!

COMING SOON! KINDRED

Single-Family Homes 11 plans to choose from 3-5 Bedrooms, 2 & 3-Car Garages 1,504 - 2,807 Sq. Ft.^ from the high $200s* Townhomes 2 plans to choose from 2-4 Bedrooms, 1-Car Garage 1,568 - 1,816 Sq. Ft.^ from the mid $200s* 1508 Park Side Ave. Kissimmee, FL 34744

POINCIANA ENCLAVE

CAMDEN BAY

Single-Family Homes 2 plans to choose from 4 Bedrooms 2-Car Garages 1,498 - 1,828 Sq. Ft.^ from the low $200s*

Townhomes 2 plans to choose from 3 Bedrooms 1-Car Garage 1,673 - 1,758 Sq. Ft.^ Coming Soon!

New Homes Throughout Poinciana & Kissimmee, Kissimmee, FL 34758

E. 17th Street, Saint Cloud, FL 34769

Contact a Sales Associate for a list of available homes

Call today to be placed on our interest list!

D.R. Horton is equal housing opportunity builder. *Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Pictures, photographs, features, colors and sizes are approximate for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. ^Square footage dimensions are approximate. Florida Registered Building Contractor License # CBC1252212

find your calm

L A U R E AT E PA R K I N L A K E N O N A Brightly colored bungalows, townhomes, cottages and estate homes from six homebuilders priced from the high $200s to over $1 million