AN IDYLLIC SETTING MAKES PRAIRIE OAKS FEEL JUST LIKE HOME

In the St. Cloud area of Osceola County, a brand-new community is making its mark among many others in this rapidly growing sector of Central Florida. Prairie Oaks by Cardel Homes, located off of Narcoossee Road in a laid-back setting, offers a choice of five stylish models perfect for growing families as well as downsizing empty nesters.

Homes range in size from 1,725 to 3,220 square feet with corner and oversized lots available, as well as lots adjacent to preserve areas.

Here are the one-story models: The Juniper, which measures 1,725 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, is priced starting at $439,990; the Cypress, which measures 2,014 to 2,708 square feet with four bedrooms and two or three bathrooms, is priced starting at $459,990; and the Hawthorne, which measures 2,534 square feet with four or five bedrooms and three bathrooms, is priced starting at $499,990.

Here are the two-story models: The Maple, which measures 2,800 square feet with four or five bedrooms and two or three bathrooms, is priced starting at $519,990; and the Magnolia, which measures 3,220 square feet with five or six bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, is priced starting at $549,990.

Prairie Oaks is planned for 200 homes. Cardel Homes is building 40 of them, all located in the front of the community with easy access in and out. The average homesite measures a minimum of 50 feet wide by 120 feet deep.

Sidewalks run through the community and alongside a lake encircled by magnolia trees. When completed, there’ll also be a designated dog walk, while a recreation center and swimming pool are on the drawing board as well. Preserved granddaddy oaks will highlight the center’s adjacent park.

Although Prairie Oaks may be some 30 miles from Orlando, it’s less than eight miles from the bustling Lake Nona area, with its bounty of shopping and dining options and a progressive town center where something is always happening.

When it comes to medical needs, Lake Nona — also known colloquially as Medical City — is home to the UCF College of Medicine, Nemours Children’s Hospital and the Orlando VA Medical Center.

South of Prairie Oaks is historic St. Cloud, known for its boutiques, antique stores and locally owned restaurants that line Main Street and its arteries. Parents can choose from among St. Cloud’s public schools, public charter schools and an assortment of private schools. There are also various early learning centers in the area.

For enthusiasts of the outdoors, Lake Tohopekaliga, the largest lake in Osceola County, is 18 miles away. It offers scenic walking paths for birdwatching and airboat rides on the 22,700-acre waterway.

However, Lake Toho is probably best known as a world-class bass fishing destination that hosts professional fishing competitions. Another lake, East Lake Tohopekaliga, is ideal for boaters with its Lakefront Park Marina in St. Cloud — a convenient place to rent a boat slip and explore whenever you please.

Prairie Oaks offers a tranquil setting that’s close enough to everything you need to make it an idyllic community in which to build a new home. Visit cardelhomes.com for more information about this amenity-packed community. n

Patricia Letakis