Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition Winter 2022 by Winter Park Publishing Company

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BUYER

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Custom home by Dave Brewer Inc.

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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 prior registration is required or if void by law. See New Home Counselor for details. CRC 1330351 CGC 1520474

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S

Hometown BUILDER

STETSON UNIVERSITY

LAKE EUSTIS

LAKE MONROE

MT. DORA 415

TOLL

453

LAKE HARRIS

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK

ORLANDO SANFORD INTL’ AIRPORT

4 LAKE MARY BLVD

TOLL

429

ALTAMONTE MALL

TOLL

417

LAKE APOPKA

5 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

3 TOLL

408

THE MALL AT MILLENIA

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT 4

FLORIDA MALL

TOLL

429

TOLL

528

BEACHLINE EXPWY 528

528

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PREMIUM OUTLETS

SEAWORLD TOLL

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

417

PREMIUM OUTLETS ce E Os

wy ola Pk

EAST LAKE TOHO

Wesley Chapel

LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA

275

75 Lake Gibson

8 Lake Parker

275

Lakeland

4 Selmon Expressway

275

St. Petersburg

275

SummerBrooke

Shorefront Cove

Mission Inn

Wyndrush Creek

Woodbury

TerraLargo

Residences at Emerson Park

Aviana

Cypress Park Estates

New Community New Community

75 Lake Parrish

275

New Community 5

Bradenton

Sarasota 75

Parkdale Place

Tarpon Bay

Waterset

New Community

Final Opportunities

Marisol Pointe at MiraBay New Community

North River Ranch

Trevesta

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Built for Family, by Family.

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.

110321

TO BEACHES

HOME

FROM THE PUBLISHER APPREHENSIVE? THIS IS 2007 After months, maybe even years of searching and making offer after offer, you’ve finally found it. The home of your dreams. It’s perfect — the size, the layout, the location and, most important, the price. But it’s at the top of your budget, which makes you hesitant. Thoughts of 2007 keep running through your head — the nightmarish stories you heard about people buying at the top of the market and then losing their equity and even their homes during the crash. But rest assured, this is not 2007 — not even close. In the frenzy of the early 2000s, the subprime mortgage industry was making loans to anyone; income didn’t matter, creditworthiness was an afterthought. If you could “fog a mirror” you got a loan. And not just any loan — you could get a low-interest, adjustable-rate loan for up to 125 percent of the home’s appraised value. Also, people were using their homes like ATMs —

CONTENTS | W I N T E R DEPARTMENTS

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION

taking out equity lines rather than letting rising home values increase their wealth. People flocked to real estate in droves, then the Federal Reserve came calling. They raised interest rates — people could no longer make note payments, and the market was flooded with distressed sellers dumping homes for whatever they could get. The market imploded and the Great Recession entered our lives. Fast forward to 2022: The lending rules are more stringent and lenders have become more thorough in the underwriting process. According to the Mortgage Bankers’ Association’s Mortgage Credit Availability Index, the amount of mortgage credit is still at a safe, normal level. Many experts are saying this market, in particular, even has room for continued appreciation. At a time when demand is outpacing availability and you’ve found your forever home, it’s time to enjoy and start living happily ever after.

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher theresa@thefloridahomebuyer.com

2022 24 OUR TOWN

4 FEATURED BUILDER

Hal George proves that nice guys do, indeed, finish first. By Michael Candelaria

RESOURCES

6 FEATURED COMMUNITY

53 PUBLIC SCHOOLS 60 COMMUNITIES

8 FEATURED FLOORPLAN

Quaint College Park gets a modern look with Urban Green 12. By Michael Candelaria

HOME HOME HOME CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

BUYER

winter 2022

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

BUYER

The region’s active-adult communities offer styles of life in many shapes, sizes and amenities. By Michael Candelaria

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com thefloridahomebuyer.com

winter 2022

f ai lnlt 2e 0 w r 221 0 2 2

BUYER

IS THE WEST SIDE THE BEST SIDE? GROWTH IS HEALTHY ALONG BURGEONING WELLNESS WAY

FEATURES 14 WHERE LIFE BEGINS AT 55

RANDY NOLES Editor and Publisher PHYLLIS M. MILLER Director of Administration TINA ROBERS Art Director MYRON CARDEN Distribution Manager MICHAEL CANDELARIA, MARY SHANKLIN Contributing Writers HARRY WESSEL Contributing Editor MICHAEL LOWRY PHOTOGRAPHY, GREENLANDO CONSULTING Contributing Photographers W int e r Pa r k Pu b l is hing Co m pa n y 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 MICHAEL OKATY, ESQ. General Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP

Custom home by Dave Brewer Inc.

REGIONAL RELOCATION GUIDE • ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES • School Guide

Custom home by J. Richard Watson Construction Company

REGIONAL RELOCATION GUIDE • ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES • School Guide

Custom home by The Einheit Company

NEW HOMES YOU CANGUIDE BUY NOW • CHECK OUT NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS REGIONAL RELOCATION • ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES • School Guide

ON THE COVER Readers of this issue of Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition may see one of three covers: one is a custom home by Dave Brewer Inc.; one is a custom home by J. Richard Watson Construction Company; and one is a custom home by The Einheit Company.

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

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 b e r s Of

HARVEY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Del Webb Sunbridge shines for 55-plus buyers near Lake Nona. By Michael Candelaria

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher/Director of Sales

Co m m u nit y Pa rt ne r s

There’s something for everyone in Central Florida. Let’s take a tour and you can see for yourself. By Michael Candelaria

2 FROM THE PUBLISHER

BUYER

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 Winter 2022 is published quarterly by Winter Park Publishing Company LLC, 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B, Winter Park, Florida 32789. Copyright 2022 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.

A whole new region is taking shape. Exploring big ideas. About the meaning of home. The importance of town. And the power of nature. From the creators of Lake Nona.

You’re invited. sunbridgefl.com

PUBLISHER’S PICK: BUILDER  PARKLAND HOMES INC.

HAL GEORGE PROVES THAT NICE GUYS DO, INDEED, FINISH FIRST

al George tends to use the words “lucky” and “blessed” to a great extent. As in he’s been both lucky and blessed to enjoy success in the same industry for nearly 40 years. Blessed, maybe, and lucky, maybe. But there’s also integrity, leadership, hard work and business smarts. Characteristically, though, George is nonchalant about both his legacy and his local impact. Who survives the ebbs and flows of construction and real estate, not to mention the Great Recession and a global pandemic, solely by virtue of good fortune? And who becomes a Habitat for Humanity leader just by being in the right place at the right time? As head of Parkland Homes Inc., a luxury custom-home builder based in Winter Park, George has literally built his company on a foundation that’s captured in this simple statement: “My whole career and my life, I try to do the right thing.” More insight on his unassuming approach: “Any builder that ever tries to make it sound like he’s the reason for all the success is crazy, because there are hundreds of people who work on every single house. It takes a lot of people. And not just those who work for you.” Since the mid-1980s, Parkland Homes has built or renovated more than 100 homes, mostly in the Winter Park/Maitland area and virtually all featuring uncommon craftsmanship and fine architectural detailing. Many of them dot the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, not far from Rollins College, from which George graduated in 1976. Prior to becoming a builder, in 1981 George founded Parkland International Realty Inc. and has served as president and broker since that time. The intent has been for Parkland International Realty and Parkland Homes to complement one another and provide clients with a full spectrum of real estate services. Additionally, in 1993 George helped to establish a Winter Park-Maitland affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. Earlier, he had begun volunteer homebuilding work in Orlando before connecting with former Rollins College president Thaddeus Seymour and others to start an even more local affiliate for the international organization. Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park-Maitland is now approaching 60 homes built. Partly for his involvement with Habitat, George was the recipient of the 2007 Good Samaritan Award from the Don Diebel Legacy Fund for helping others “without hope of recognition or personal gain.” Diebel was a Winter Park physician who was struck and

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

Although Hal George is known for building upscale homes, he chose to be photographed on the porch of a Habitat for Humanity home on Winter Park’s westside. He and former Rollins College president Thaddeus Seymour spearheaded the local Habitat affiliate in 1993.

killed by a passing vehicle in 2002 when he stopped to help stranded motorists by the roadside. Which is an act of kindness that one can imagine George doing. “It’s not all about money,” George says, reasserting his fundamental stance. “It’s not all about recognition or anything like that. It’s really just feeling like you’re doing the right thing. You go home at night and you can sleep.” While George can rest easy on his reputation, he remains busy in the field. Currently, Parkland Homes has five custom homes under construction, including three in Winter Park (two on lakefront), one in Windermere and one in New Smyrna Beach, where he’s seeking to branch out. Three of the homes are particularly spacious, ranging up to 10,000 square feet. Also, George’s company has 11 remodels in the works. Notably, Parkland Homes doesn’t use a website or much tangible marketing of any kind to attract business. George notes, “I honestly probably turn down more jobs than I take. I’m not saying it to be cocky; it’s just blessed.” Parkland Homes doesn’t have a big staff, either. Mostly, it consists of George and his nephew, Josh Barnes, who has worked with his uncle since 2015.

Since the mid-1980s, Hal George has built or renovated more than 100 homes, mostly in Winter Park and Maitland and many dotting the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. Says George: “We’ll look for the quality projects — projects we really enjoy and people we want to work with.”

George and his wife, Teresa, have two grown children: son Michael and daughter Leigh George McAuliffe. Father and son work together parttime. Leigh is a licensed contractor who was “primed to take over,” George says. However, with her fourth child on the way, she has stepped away from the business — but remains close at hand if needed. Meanwhile, the flow of work is steady, and the company operates “like a Whack-A-Mole machine,” describes George, referring to the popular arcade game. “When something pops up, we sort of smack it.” Still, George says, “I really think we’ll continue to do what we’ve been doing for many years. We’ll look for the quality projects — projects we really enjoy and people we want to work with. Being a small company, we can be fairly selective. The goal is to keep going.” George owns lots in New Smyrna Beach, and the prospect of beachside spec homes is looming. In addition, a merger of Parkland International Realty and Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has necessitated a new office in New Smyrna Beach, now being expanded and renovated. “That’s always been our world — just sort of look at what’s available and see what fits, what feels right, and with good

people,” he explains. And, he jokes about the beach location, “I could always just say I’m going to work and then paddle around.” Not coincidentally, George has surfed for about 60 years and is a paddleboard enthusiast. He is fit and physically active, albeit with some wear and tear. “Nine knee operations later, I’m not quite in the same kind of condition for surfing than I used to be, but I still love it,” he says. Indeed, at age 69, George concedes he’s in the “twilight” of his career, with the clock ticking — on an industry that has been good to him and better because of him. He repeats a common refrain: “I’ve been very blessed, very fortunate.” Yet, he quickly adds, he has no plan to retire anytime soon. “I’ll know when it’s right,” he says. “I operate a lot on gut feeling. I don’t know. I’m always going to do something like this.” And why shouldn’t he? Building is still his passion, whether for well-heeled custom-home clients or for families seeking a leg up from Habitat: “There’s a whole bigger list that I don’t like about [construction], especially now,” he adds. “But the part that keeps me going is I do love to see the creative part come together. I like to have that satisfaction of knowing [clients are] going to move their families into their homes.” n —Michael Candalaria WINTER 2022

PUBLISHER’S PICK: COMMUNITY  SUNBRIDGE

Del Webb, which is developing a 55-plus community within Sunbridge, has broken ground on a 27,000-square-foot complex called Hammock Club, which will feature indoor and outdoor amenities designed to help residents stay healthy and active year round. At 27,000 acres, Sunbridge will eventually encompass numerous communities aimed at a variety of demographics.

DEL WEBB SUNBRIDGE SHINES FOR 55-PLUS BUYERS NEAR LAKE NONA n March 2020, when Del Webb Sunbridge welcomed its first prospective homebuyers, Clint Ball, president of PulteGroup’s North Florida division, said: “Residents of Del Webb Sunbridge will enjoy an abundance of activities built around their interests. They’ll have many ways to engage in sports, hobbies and other healthy lifestyle pursuits.” But every developer says that about their active adult communities. Few, though, have the brand equity of Del Webb — since 2001 a brand of PulteGroup Inc. — which built its first retirement community in 1960 (Sun City in Arizona). In late 2021, as he assessed progress, Tavistock Group Managing Director Jim Zboril said: “We’re super excited about what’s happening out there.” As well he should be. Since that time, with sales continuing at a brisk pace, nothing has happened to curb that enthusiasm. Sunbridge is a 24,000-acre master-planned community by Tavistock, developer of burgeoning Lake Nona in southeast Orlando. The project sits just east of State Road 417 and south of State Road 528 — less than five miles from Tavistock’s signature “Medical City,” with its health sciences facilities and high-

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

tech neighborhoods. In a nutshell, that’s the setting for one of the newest and most promising places to live for retired and retiring boomers who want to continue to explore, grow and learn. There are 1,350 single-family homes and villas planned for Del Webb Sunbridge, to be brought on in stages. As of late December 2021, 342 homes had closed with prices starting in the mid-$300s. More than 500 people are now happily living there. The featured attraction at Del Webb Sunbridge — in addition to competitively priced homes and proximity to Lake Nona — will be a 27,000-square-foot, resort-style clubhouse, now under construction and scheduled to be open in the first half of 2022. There residents will enjoy fitness and wellness areas, an indoor/outdoor tavern, a grille pavilion, an aerobic exercise studio, and wet and dry craft rooms as well as a ballroom for special occasions. In addition, there’ll be an outdoor resort-style pool along with courts for tennis and pickleball, walking trails, sports fields, a playground and a community garden. Plus, there’s already a full-time lifestyle director who has brought residents together for social events and is planning a full calendar for 2022. “An abundance of activities” indeed. Complementing those community amenities is easy access to Lake Nona’s medical facilities as well as local shopping, dining, schools and the U.S. Tennis Association National Campus. Medical City — not an official term, but an apt one — contains the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center, AdventHealth Lake

The Ellenwood model, priced from the mid-$300s, is 1,579 square feet in size with two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. Its floorplan features a formal entryway and foyer that leads into an airy kitchen, café and gathering room.

Nona, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital and a variety of other healthcare facilities. Further, in February 2021, AdventHealth and Del Webb Sunbridge partnered to deliver new health and wellness services in the form of fitness training, wellness classes and spa services, as well as access to a wellness ambassador exclusive to the community. During the partnership announcement, Ball emphasized the “active and healthy lifestyle” approach for residents at the heart of every Del Webb community. As for the homes at Del Webb Sunbridge, buyers can choose from a selection of 13 design options from three design collections — which span homes with two to five bedrooms, two to five bathrooms and two- to three-car garages. The community’s Distinctive Series includes seven floorplans that range in size from 1,670 to 2,808 square feet. For example, the Prestige model (priced starting at $427,990) is 2,080 square feet and offers two to three bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms and two- or three-car garages. The floorplan also includes walk-in closets. The Echelon Series has five floorplans that range in size from 2,269 to 3,452 square feet. For example, the Stardom plan (priced from $513,990) is 2,269 square feet and has two to three bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms and two- or threecar garages. The plan also features an expansive kitchen and covered lanais. At the highest end of the spectrum, the two-story, 3,453square-foot Stellar Grand has options that include up to five

bedrooms and five baths, as well as three-car garages. Its starting price is $593,490. There’s an attached-home option called the Ellenwood (priced from the mid-$300s), measuring 1,579 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. Its floorplan is emblematic of the versatility and efficiency for which Del Webb is known: A formal entryway and foyer lead into an airy kitchen, café and gathering room. Just off the foyer is a flex room for an office or den. The owner’s suite serves as a retreat and features a luxe bathroom and spacious walk-in closet. Then there’s the second phase of Del Webb Sunbridge. Official land-development plans are expected to be announced in early 2022. “We’re excited about the attention that Del Webb Sunbridge has attracted,” concluded Ball. “With everything this growing area has to offer — including sustainable living, healthcare education and technology — it’s easy to see why people are choosing to make this area their new home.” n —Michael Candelaria

WINTER 2022

PUBLISHER’S PICK: FLOORPLAN  URBAN GREEN 12 BY SCG HOLDINGS

QUAINT COLLEGE PARK GETS A MODERN LOOK WITH URBAN GREEN 12

he simple description is that Urban Green 12 is a new 12-unit townhome community situated in the heart of College Park, one of the most desirable established neighborhoods in Central Florida. Developed by SGC Holdings, a national single-family and townhome developer, the three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom units — three separate en suites — feature open floorplans (a total of 1,937 square feet) and ample natural light while also including individual outdoor living spaces. In essence, Urban Green 12 offers luxury along with a maintenance-free lifestyle — sort of a “lock and leave” scenario for homeowners. Also, homes are priced starting at $449,900, with the first closings expected in mid-January and move-ins by the end of January. But, just as College Park isn’t just any neighborhood, these floorplans are far from run of the mill — and offer a powerful wow factor. Each of the three-story layouts are essentially the same, so we’ll describe one to give you an idea. To begin, there’s an attached one-car garage and a welcoming private walkway to the front patio entrance — or “their own little greenspace in front of their unit,” as described by Kim Griffin of the Exclusive Premier Group, the real estate company

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

that handles sales and marketing. That first floor also contains a guest bedroom that’s easily convertible to a private home office or gym, plus an adjacent full bathroom with a granite countertop. The main living areas are located on the second floor, which offers abundant natural lighting, a gourmet kitchen, an open living-dining space and a large balcony. The kitchen is equipped with Samsung Energy Star appliances, including a stainless-steel convection slide-in range, a 36-inch French door-style refrigerator, and a dishwasher and microwave-hood combination. In addition, there are Quartz countertops and stainless under-mount sinks, Moen stainless-steel faucets with pullout sprayers, 42-inch-tall upper cabinets with LED under-cabinet lighting and spacious pantries. A staircase leads to the two primary bedrooms on the third floor. The master bedroom suite comes complete with an air-conditioned walk-in closet with a custom shelving system, a walk-in shower with a frameless glass door, separate soaker tubs (corner units only), and granite countertops with under-mount sinks and Moen plumbing fixtures. The second bathroom also has granite countertops. A laundry room with washer and dryer hookups is located on the third floor near the two bedrooms. Notably, given the separate en suite nature of those bedrooms and bathrooms, some prospective buyers in the young-professional demographic have indicated interest in having a roommate to share costs, according to Amanda Wood of the Exclusive Premier Group. Aside from young professionals, young families have emerged as prospective buyers.

The Urban Green 12 kitchen (above) is equipped with Samsung Energy Star appliances, including a stainless-steel convection slide-in range, a 36-inch French door-style refrigerator, and a dishwasher and microwave-hood combination. The master suite (below) has a walk-in shower.

IN BRIEF  HOME: Urban Green 12  SIZE: 1,937 square feet  BEDROOMS/BATHROOMS: 3 bedrooms,

 PRICE: $449,900  BUILDER: SCG Holdings  NOTES: An infill development in one

3.5 bathrooms  STYLE: Townhome

of Orlando’s most desirable established neighborhoods.

WINTER 2022

First Floor

Third Floor

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

Second Floor

Wood adds that monthly rents for nearby luxury apartments are in the range of $2,800 to $3,200, meaning that ownership could make more financial sense. And, as for the location, while it’s in the heart of College Park and within walking distance of the city’s Dubsdread Golf Course, it’s also a short drive to Winter Park, downtown Orlando, Ivanhoe Village, Mills/50, the Creative Village and the New Packing District. More details: Among the exterior components are lowemission double-pane windows for soundproofing and energy savings, maintenance-free aluminum continuous-vented soffits, LED recessed lighting on the front porch and lanai, an eco-friendly landscape package and irrigation system, and a brick-accent base on the facade. On the inside, there’s luxury vinyl tile/engineered wood flooring on the first and second floors, and high-end carpet in the bedrooms. Porcelain tile flooring is used in the bathroom and laundry room. Plate-glass mirrors are used in the bathrooms. The entire floorplan boasts custom-finished knockdown ceilings, along with Kwikset interior lever door handles in a brushed-nickel finish. Designer lighting fixtures and decorative rocker switches are used, too, as is a custom light package. Environmental efficiency is especially evident throughout the home, extending to a dedicated electric-car outlet in each garage. Similarly, certified wood from sustainable forests is used. And the roofs are cool, as in the light-color shingles deflecting heat and light. —Michael Candelaria

SAFE ACCESS TO YOUR

HEALTHCARE INFORMATION. As a leader in healthcare, Orlando Health is excited to be the ﬁrst-in-market to offer a new tool that makes managing your healthcare easy and secure. Orlando Health MyChart provides a centralized, interactive online location for you to safely access and share health records, view test results, schedule appointments, pay medical bills, connect with your doctor’s ofﬁce and more — even across multiple healthcare organizations.

Learn More at OrlandoHealth.com/MyChart

MyChart® is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation. WINTER 2022

“The Seal of Homebuilding Excellence” 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. Basso Homes 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 Sorenson Construction Silliman Cityside Homes Stonebridge Homes The Einheit Company Waters Custom Builders LLC Woodruff Construction and Development

P.O. Box 536732 Orlando, Florida 32853 | 407.875.2121

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

Latitude Margaritaville reflects the laid-back vibe of Jimmy Buffett, with an emphasis on enjoying leisure-time activities. Developed by Minto Communities, the community offers “conch cottages,” villas and single-family homes, with prices starting in the low $200s.

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

AT 55

The region’s active adult communities offer styles of life in many shapes, sizes and amenities. BY MICHAEL CANDELARIA

ow big is the active adult (age 55plus) community market nationwide? In a word, huge. Consider that in 2019, home sales in active adult communities totaled more than $534 billion. Then consider that the market is projected to grow more than 4 percent annually through 2027, when sales are expected to pass $732 billion. That means the active adult trend is not only hot today, the forecast calls for it to get even hotter.

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Residents of Legacy Pointe at UCF have lifelong access to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. And they’ll receive a UCF student ID card, offering access to a multigenerational campus where lifelong learning programs, activities and events abound.

Fact is, before turning 65, ever-increasing numbers of people between 55 and 64 years of age will seek maintenance-free living filled with recreational activities in communities that typically are built near other amenities, such as shopping malls, parks, restaurants and similar places for socializing. Taking notice, the National Association of Home Builders has a 55+ Housing Industry Council, which serves builders and industry professionals who work in what the trade association calls “the strongest growth segment of today’s housing market: meeting the needs of aging but vibrant boomers.” Also notably, in metro Orlando by 2030, the number of seniors (people aged 55 or older) is projected to reach 1 million and outnumber people aged 17 or younger for the first time ever, according to the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research. And here’s even better news for those in that continually broadening demographic group: Central Florida has a wealth of 55-plus communities scattered across the region, easily totaling more than two-dozen and well equipped to accommodate even more. So, if you’re looking for active-adult communities filled with amenities, here’s a sampling of the diverse lifestyles these communities very capably deliver.

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BACK TO SCHOOL Just as the calendar turned to 2020, Legacy Pointe at UCF began construction on its 43.5-acre community near the University of Central Florida. By fall 2021, even before residents began moving in, the new community — affiliated with the university — was more than 80 percent presold. Directly across from Seminole County’s Econ River Wilderness Area, Legacy Pointe offers residents the opportunity to live in spacious villas and apartment homes. The community includes common areas such as a swimming pool, game room, auditorium, salon and spa, and fitness center. Additionally, residents have lifelong access to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Much of that care will come from UCF. Further, residents will receive a UCF student ID card and have access to a multigenerational campus where lifelong learning programs, activities and events will be offered. As a sign of the times, in fall 2020, UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management introduced the state’s first Senior Living Management Bachelor of Science degree, an interdisciplinary program that combines hospitality management with aging studies and healthcare management.

When they tell you that at K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons you can walk outside your back door and play golf, they aren’t kidding. And it’s all just down the street (almost literally) from Disney and the quaint town of Celebration, with its many stores, cafés and healthcare facilities.

All totaled, Legacy Pointe consists of 32 independent-living villas; 140 independent-living apartments; 48 assisted-living and memory care apartments; and 48 skilled nursing suites. Price points vary based on a variety of factors. Applicants pay an entrance fee based on the size of their apartment home or villa, plus a monthly fee to cover all amenities, services, utilities, dining and healthcare. In one recent example, a resident’s down payment was $38,000, equaling about a 10 percent deposit for the entrance fee, to reserve a one-bedroom apartment with a den. Also, there’s a monthly fee, which in this instance was approximately $4,800.

legacypointeatucf.com 407-917-6418

THEMED RESORT K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Orlando is, in fact, located in Kissimmee. Yet, there’s no uncertainty about the emphasis at this gate-guarded community. It’s resort-style living with an emphasis on relaxation and recreation. Community amenities include a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse with a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, arts and crafts rooms, more than 10 activity clubs, walking trails, a dog park and sports courts galore — for everything from

pickleball and bocce ball to tennis. Yes, residents can play 18 holes of golf on site, too. And it’s all just down the street (almost literally) from Disney and the quaint town of Celebration, with its many stores, cafés and healthcare facilities. Villas are priced from $336,990. One example is the single-story Emelie, consisting of 1,435 square feet and a two-car garage. Single-family homes start from $474,990, including the nearly 2,000-square-foot Saint Lucia and the 2,445-squarefoot Tobago. A total of more than 500 single-family homes are planned for the community, which has been in the works since late 2015 but is now operating at full speed since opening about two years ago.

khov.com 352-717-4574

NATURE COMMUNE Living at the Esplanade at Highland Ranch in Clermont could be a healthy decision. The Taylor Morrison community features TM LiveWell — a suite of home products and technologies focused on providing healthier air, cleaner water and safer paint. For example, enhanced air filtration effectively removes dust, dirt and mold, while the use of low-VOC paint means exWINTER 2022

Amenities at Esplenade at Highland Ranch include a clubhouse (above) with a fitness room and a multipurpose room for yoga and exercise classes, along with a card room, a treatment room, a coffee bar and a catering kitchen. Home choices include the 2,275-square-foot Lazio model (below), priced from $505,900.

posure to fewer chemicals. Other healthy components include filtered water at the kitchen sink, engineered to reduce contaminants; and a hands-free kitchen faucet to help prevent the spread of germs. At the same time, Highland Ranch is oriented around an extensive network of parks and open spaces that provide opportunities to stay active, meet neighbors and have direct access to nature. Three miles of walking trails connect directly to the seven-mile South Lake Trail, which links up with the 19-mile West Orange Trail. For other forms of recreation, community amenities include a clubhouse with a fitness room and a multipurpose room for yoga and exercise classes, along with a card room, a treatment room, a coffee bar and a catering kitchen. Also, there are play areas for pickleball, bocce ball, tennis and billiards. There’s even a full-time, onsite lifestyle manager to assist in coordinating activities and events. As for the homes, new construction brings one-story living and floorplans that measure up to 2,929 square feet with three-car garages. Each floorplan is available in a variety of elevations, with prices ranging from about $334,995 to $415,477. The smallest home is the 1,610-square-foot Capri (two bedrooms, and two bathrooms), which is priced starting at $378,995. Some of the larger models are already sold out. Clermont, of course, is part of booming Lake County. But

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despite the growth, as evidenced by Esplanade at Highland Ranch, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy.

esplanadehighlandranchlifestyle.com 866-325-0703

WAVE OF POPULARITY Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach — inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and bestselling author Jimmy Buffett — opened in June 2019 to rave reviews.

Beazer Homes’ Gatherings of Lake Nona is a tightknit community within the burgeoning metropolis of Lake Nona in southeast Orange County. And the sunset views (above) are mighty pretty looking over the pool from the clubhouse deck. Home choices include the 1,368-square-foot Aspen model facing page), priced from $354,990.

Developed by Minto Communities, the community offers “conch cottages,” villas and single-family homes, with prices starting in the low $200s. The Conch Collection of cottages range in size from 1,204 to 1,466 square feet and are priced starting from $233,900. The Caribbean Collection of villas (1,503-1,862 square feet) are priced starting at $273,490. The largest single-family homes are 2,564 square feet and are priced starting from $374,990. Each new Latitude home is designed and built to provide a low-maintenance lifestyle with an accent on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Latitude’s Town Center amenities include a thatched roof bandshell with full-size concert stage, a jumbo screen to show live concerts and movies and a dedicated area for dancing. A fitness center sits adjacent to a lagoon-style pool with “beach” entry (it’s a manmade beach) and its own Tiki Island, among other highlights. There are pickleball courts, too, along with a nature trail, the Barkaritaville Dog Park and a residents-only Beach Club nearby on the Atlantic Ocean. Not coincidentally, Latitude Margaritaville ranked No. 20 nationally on the prestigious John Burns Real Estate Consulting list of 2020’s Top 50 Master-Planned Communities. Meanwhile, net sales for 2020 totaled 645, a 48 percent increase over 2019. In January 2021, Minto Communities closed on a 260-acre

property just east of the existing Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach community to expand by another 500 homes. Minto now is approved to build 3,900 homes at Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach.

latitudemargaritaville.com 866-464-7137

MASTER PLAN The Gatherings of Lake Nona is a small, tightknit community within a sprawling mega development. As such, the Gatherings offers some of the best of 55-plus living within what has become the burgeoning metropolis of Lake Nona in southeast Orange County. Lake Nona is a 17-square-mile, master-planned community developed by Tavistock Development Company. It’s continually ranked among the fastest-growing communities in the country and is known for well-designed neighborhoods, top-rated educational facilities, the latest technologies, thriving business and research clusters, vibrant retail and entertainment centers, and diverse workspaces. Lake Nona neighborhoods are designed to support and encourage an active lifestyle with more than 40 miles of trails, dozens of parks and hundreds of community events each year. Also, the entire community is part of the Lake Nona Life Proj-

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Hyde Park is a gated manufactured-home community on the doorstep of vibrant downtown Winter Garden. Community amenities include a clubhouse that includes a large swimming pool as well as a whirlpool spa, a fully equipped kitchen, a billiards room, a fitness room, shuffleboard courts and barbeque/picnic area. Some homes are priced below $100,000.

ect, a long-term wellness study that examines the associations between lifestyles and health. Residents of the Gatherings receive those benefits, plus they can experience low-maintenance condominium life priced from approximately $320,000 to more than $450,000. The two- and three-bedroom condos, built by Beazer Homes, range in size from 1,368 to 1,805 square feet and come with elevator access. The largest of the floorplans is the Dogwood (priced from $400,670), which touts “dedicated spaces” that include a large study, an elegant dining room, an open breakfast area and a secluded guest retreat.

beazer.com 321-445-5050

MANUFACTURED APPEAL Luxury comes in numerous shapes and sizes. For proof, there’s Hyde Park, a gated manufactured-home community. This community is all about unexpected quality and the benefits of location — on the doorstep of vibrant downtown Winter Garden. In prototypical fashion, Hyde Park plays to the strengths of Winter Garden’s adjacent town amenities. Just beyond the community’s gates, Plant Street Market features organic food and handmade crafts. Additionally, residents can learn about

old Florida by visiting nearby history museums; watch movies and plays at the historic Garden Theatre; and dine at one of the many distinctive eateries along the West Orange Trail. Plus, they can soak up the retro ambiance at the historic downtown clock tower and pavilion, or bird-watch and commune with nature by the lake. Meanwhile, the community has plenty of features of its own, including a clubhouse with a large swimming pool as well as a whirlpool spa, a fully equipped kitchen, a billiards room, a fitness room, shuffleboard courts and barbeque/picnic area. In similar style, a wide range of attractive two- and threebedroom manufactured homes are available. One such home, preowned with a sale pending in mid-December, was priced at $90,000. The floorplan featured a flex space for a home office or crafting area; a cathedral ceiling; a master bedroom/bathroom with a walk-in shower; and a light, bright kitchen with a dining area and abundant counterspace and all the appliances. The exterior boasted a shingled roof and sunroom, among other elements. BlairGroup Communities, the marketer of Hyde Park, labels the project “surprisingly affordable.”

hydeparkfla.com 407-656-9712

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MORE ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES Arlington Ridge Retirement Community Leesburg $160,900-$450,000 arlingtonridgeusa.com 844-212-7872 Cresswind at Victoria Gardens DeLand $200,000-$300,000 kolterhomes.com 386-873-4680 Del Webb Sunbridge St. Cloud Mid-$300s-$585,766 delwebb.com 407-805-1930 See Page TK Green Key Village Lady Lake $350,020-$603,600 greenkeyvillage.com 352-314-0126

Solavita Kissimmee $267,995-$499,995 solivita.com 407-548-1469 The Lakes at Harmony Harmony From the low $300s joneshomesusa.com lakes-at-harmony 407-593-2285 Tohoqua Reserve Kissimmee $288,990-$467,180 pulte.com 407-554-5373

lake highland preparatory school EMPOWERED BY

EDUCATION

My time mentoring and competing on the speech and debate team, engaging in advanced research in ASPIRE, and leading the Youth Health Club has

Highlanders receive an unparalleled education with long-lasting life lessons rooted in integrity, grit, and grace.

driven me to challenge myself in areas that genuinely interest me. I am wellprepared to succeed and make an impact on my future community. Ananya Bhatheja

DEFINED BY

Matriculated to Washington University in St. Louis

CHARACTER

“#1 K–12 Private School” by Niche.com | www.lhps.org • 407-206-1900 ext. 1

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SAN SEBASTIAN RESERVE

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 dog park. All from the high $300s.

KHOV.COM/SANSEBASTIAN

407-214-4522 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) 425-1714 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. WINTER 2022

OUR TOWNS THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. LET’S TAKE A TOUR AND YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF. BY MICHAEL CANDALARIA

Orlando’s compact but lively downtown is highlighted by its iconic fountain on Lake Eola in the city’s signature park.

Central Florida features an array of options for living, working and playing.

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Orange County is home to a roster of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, including Walt Disney World . That’s Cinderella’s Castle, of course, which looms near the park’s entry.

And, of course, there are the internationally known theme parks and attractions, as well as the beaches and generally boundless scenic beauty. There are thriving industries, too — including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, innovative technologies and corporate headquarters, as well as logistics and aerospace, life sciences and healthcare, aerospace and defense. That’s just for starters. So, take your pick. Chances are very good that what you’re looking for is here — and it’s here to stay. Following is a countyby-county primer of regional highlights.

Orange County At a Glance Land Area: 1,004 square miles Population: 1,420,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 25% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 1,573,001 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 28.2 Mean Household Income: $54,335 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 34.6%

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STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

hroughout Central Florida, like the multitudes of new residents who arrive each week, the accolades are steady and significant. The newcomers? At last count, more than 1,000 people move each week to Central Florida. In fact, the region has been adding at least that many people every week for the past 60 years, according to the Orlando Economic Partnership. Just imagine. The accolades? As only a cursory sampling, they include being ranked the No. 4 Best Market in U.S. for Development Opportunities (CBRE, 2021) and No. 1 in the country for Job Growth (U.S. Department of Labor, 2015-2018). Plus, it’s Florida — with all the lifestyle attributes for which the Sunshine State is known. Simply put, people love to live in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties — along with Brevard, Lake, Polk and Volusia counties — for many reasons. The state’s center offers something for everyone. The counties and their neighborhoods span a broad spectrum of settings. There are urban cores and charming retreats. There are rolling hills and tree-lined canopies in both old and emerging communities. There is rich history, ample character and continual change.

At more than 31,000 acres, Lake Apopka is the third-largest lake in Florida. Ongoing restoration efforts by the St. Johns River Water Management District and Orange and Lake counties have improved the water quality and helped return the lake to its longtime position as one of Central Florida’s most important natural resources.

Apopka Apopka’s roots, literally and figuratively, are in agriculture. However, this booming city of more than 50,000 residents, located in the northwest corner of Orange County, now encompasses some of the region’s most exclusive housing addresses. The region was settled in the 1840s and named after the Timucuan Indian word meaning “big potato,” or potato-eating place. Ironically, the farms that still surround the city grow just about everything but potatoes. Noted as “The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World,” Apopka’s foliage industry is a multimillion-dollar business. Cut flowers, blooming plants, roses and bulbs are also grown in abundance. Yet, agriculture is rapidly vanishing as dozens of muck farms, created when Lake Apopka was diked during World War II, were purchased by the state and shut down in an effort to restore the polluted body of water to a pristine state.

College Park Although its residents may be getting younger, much about this beloved Orlando neighborhood, which was platted in the 1920s, remains the same. The 80-year-old commercial district along Edgewater Drive has always been home to an array of delightful mom-and-pop shops and eclectic eateries. The streets have always been quiet and the homes well-kept and charming. Much of the talk of College Park these days continues to be about maintaining the Mayberryesque character of the area versus the further development of large-scale condominium and retail projects. In recent years, that’s been a seesaw battle

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because of its prime location adjacent to downtown Orlando.

Gotha If you’re not a horticulturist, perhaps you’ve never heard of Gotha, a tiny rural enclave located inconspicuously north of upscale Windermere. But if plants are your passion, you may know Gotha as the one-time caladium capital of the world and home of Henry Nehrling, a horticulturist who specialized in growing tropical and subtropical plants. Nehrling, who moved to Gotha in 1884, established one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world, as well as an experimental agriculture station for the study of exotic strains of bamboo, amaryllis, bromeliad, orchid, Ficus and, of course, the caladium, which Nehrling was the first in Florida to grow and sell. Gotha’s tree-shaded, one-block commercial district features the circa-1920 New Life at Zion Lutheran Church. And across the street is Yellow Dog Eats, a funky restaurant that occupies a circa-1879 structure that had previously been a private home and a general store. The unincorporated town borders Windermere and Winter Garden.

Maitland Since the 1960s, Maitland (population 17,000), has been a quintessential bedroom community. Some of the area’s first suburbs were built there to attract young families looking for large lawns and good schools. In the late 1970s, a sprawling office park called Maitland

Center was built near the Interstate 4 interchange, also giving the city a distinctive business identity. In recent decades, other large mixed-use projects were developed throughout the city, giving Maitland’s somewhat nebulous downtown district a more cohesive look. Also in Maitland is Enzian Theater, the region’s only art-house cinema. The arts scene is further strengthened by the Art Center at Maitland, founded in 1937 by sculptor André Smith. The center was originally intended to be a compound where artists could live and work. The center, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features an open-air chapel that has become a popular place for weddings. Maitland has plenty of other history. It was established in 1838 as Fort Maitland, named in honor of Capt. William S. Maitland, a hero of the Second Seminole War. Adjacent to Maitland is Eatonville (population 2,147), founded in 1887. It’s thought to be the oldest city in the country incorporated by African Americans. Folklorist Zora Neale Hurston lived in Eatonville for a time and wrote about the community in books such as Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Oakland More than 100 years ago, Oakland was the industrial and social hub of Orange County. Today, the picturesque town, which lies two miles west of Winter Garden on the southern shores of Lake Apopka, is home to approximately 3,500 people. Elected officials still refer to Oakland as a town, although it was incorporated as a city in 1959. The city designation does seem a bit incongruous for this rural enclave, where voters have rejected proposals to pave the narrow clay streets for fear

that more people might want to drive on them. Still, change is coming — with new housing communities popping up in and around the area. Among the city’s assets is the 22-mile West Orange Trail, a mecca for hikers and bikers beginning in Oakland and stretching northeast to Apopka along the original Orange Belt and Florida Midland rail beds. Oakland is also home to the 93-acre Oakland Nature Preserve, where wildlife abounds and paths and boardwalks line the shores of Lake Apopka.

Ocoee Ocoee remained an isolated citrus town clustered around Starke Lake until the 1980s. Now, with roughly 48,000 residents, it’s neck-and-neck with Winter Garden for the third most populous city in Orange County, behind Orlando and Apopka. The transformation began three decades ago, when devastating freezes destroyed thousands of acres of citrus trees and opened west Orange and south Lake counties for development. Today, Ocoee boasts a one-million-square-foot regional mall and at least three dozen subdivisions with homes in all price ranges. Ocoee’s beginnings were inauspicious. In the mid-1850s a physician named J.D. Starke led a group of enslaved people into the area and established a camp along the western shores of the lake that now bears his name. Captain Bluford Sims, who hailed from Ocoee, Tennessee, arrived in 1861 and bought 50 acres from Starke. He then platted what would become downtown Ocoee. Through the years, Ocoee developed into a thriving citrus-

The Central Florida arts scene is strengthened by the Art Center at Maitland, founded in 1937 by sculptor André Smith. The center, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features an open-air chapel that has become a popular place for weddings.

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Southern elegance describes the historic Withers-Maguire House in Ocoee, a fast-growing town with vestiges of its history. Built in 1888, the house is of a Gothic Stick style with beautiful heart-pine floors throughout the interior. The house was purchased in 1979 by the city of Ocoee and meticulously restored to its current beauty and charm.

producing center. Today, however, housing is the city’s hottest commodity. Florida’s Turnpike, State Road 408 (formerly known as the East-West Expressway) and State Road 429 (the Western Beltway) all pass through the city, meaning once-remote downtown Orlando is a much shorter commute. At the same time, Ocoee retains vestiges of days gone by. For example, there’s the circa-1890 Ocoee Christian Church, with its gothic architecture and Belgian-made stained-glass windows, and a quaint downtown district boasting several vintage buildings.

Downtown Orlando Downtown continues to bustle. During the building frenzy of the early 2000s, scarcely a week passed without a new major condominium development being announced for the oncesleepy district. Then, with the economic downturn of 2007, growth slowed before roaring back. In recent years, with construction of an arena (Amway Center), a performing arts center (Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts) and a soccer stadium (Exploria Stadium), plus the renovation of a football stadium (Camping World), downtown is booming with residential and commercial activity, while the expansion of Interstate 4 (the I-4 Ultimate Project) promises even more growth. Orlando’s history dates to 1838 and the height of the Seminole Wars. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present-day Orlando city limits to protect settlers from attacks by Indians. By 1840, a small community had grown up around the fort. It was called Jernigan, for a pioneering family who had estab-

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lished the first permanent settlement in the area. Patriarch Aaron Jernigan established the settlement’s first post office in 1850. Six years later, the community officially changed its name to Orlando. The Town of Orlando was incorporated in 1875 with 85 inhabitants, 22 of whom were qualified voters. It’s unclear where the name came from, although some historians believe that a local judge named it for a character in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Orlando proper, somewhat surprisingly, is not a particularly large city with 300,700 residents. The Orlando Metro Area, defined as encompassing Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole and Volusia counties, contains more than 2.7 million people, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Florida and the seventh-largest in the Southeast.

Southeast Orlando At roughly 100 square miles, the region generally referred to as southeast Orlando encompasses the University of Central Florida, Orlando International Airport and an array of masterplanned communities, as well as stretches of pastureland, piney forests and wetlands abutting the Econlockhatchee River. The remaining rural areas are rapidly vanishing as the pace of growth accelerates, particularly in the form of those large master-planned communities that contain a mixture of singlefamily and multifamily homes clustered around retail and commercial development. Most notable is sprawling Lake Nona, consisting of residential, commercial, education and healthcare development, making it a prototypical modern metropolis. Lake Nona is among the top-selling master-planned commu-

In 2021, downtown Orlando saw completion of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a worldclass performing arts campus that features three distinct venues. Downtown is also booming with residential and commercial activity, while the expansion of Interstate 4 (the I-4 Ultimate Project) promises even more growth.

nities in the U.S. with more than 17,000 residents. Measuring 17 square miles, the 11,000-acre community is one-fourth the size of Washington, D.C., and three-fourths the size of Manhattan. One of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the U.S., Lake Nona — which is being developed by Tavistock Development Company in south Orlando — is recognized for its thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, top-rated education facilities, leading-edge business and research clusters, and diverse retail and entertainment centers. Bisected by State Road 417, Lake Nona sits southeast of the Orlando International Airport and just north of Osceola County. While thousands of residents call Lake Nona home, there also are many nonresidential projects in the community — and many more on the way. When Lake Nona began to emerge about 15 years ago, the idea of investing in a community 25 miles from downtown Orlando may have seemed like a gamble. But the once-remote area has since filled with more new residents and businesses of every variety. At the intersection of Lake Nona Boulevard and Tavistock Lakes Boulevard, the Lake Nona Town Center encompasses hotels, offices, restaurants and apartment buildings. Plans call for the open-air, urban district to eventually contain 4 million square feet of entertainment, shopping and dining space. Boxi Park Lake Nona is in the Town Center just south of State Road 417 on Lake Nona Boulevard. It offers a mix of restaurants and bars, beach volleyball courts and a live entertainment venue to create an outdoor entertainment destination built using 14 repurposed shipping containers arranged in one- and two-story configurations.

Among the first of its kind on the East Coast, the 30,000square-foot park is family- and dog-friendly. Customers can find food and beverage options showcasing different cuisines, along with two full-service bars serving a selection of cocktails. A beer garden features its own craft beer line. Visitors have several hotel choices with Marriott: Courtyard for short-term guests and Residence Inn for long-term stays. The Town Center buildings are adjacent and share a lobby. Each hotel offers more than 100 rooms and fitness centers. Nearing completion is the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, which will be the Town Center’s crown jewel. With its curvilinear glass edges jutting 17 stories skyward, the hotel has 239 guest rooms and the brings the community new entertainment options with a restaurant, lounge and a pool that may be visited by locals. Phase II of the Town Center will feature the 110,000-squarefoot Lake Nona Wellness Center. The facility will feature a medically based fitness program, sports performance training, physician offices and community education spaces for Lake Nona residents, families and employees as well as elite athletes. The center will also feature first-class equipment and on-demand fitness programs from Lake Nona partner Technogym. Amenities will include childcare facilities with outdoor play, a daylighted public concourse and an indoor/outdoor demonstration kitchen. In addition, there’ll be an indoor climbing wall, indoor and outdoor pools, an outdoor classroom, outdoor training turf, a wellness plaza, a zen garden and a sports performance area with a 40-yard sprint track. Lake Nona’s health and life sciences cluster, also known as winter 2022

Southeast Orlando’s Lake Nona is among the top-selling master-planned communities in the U.S. with more than 17,000 residents. Measuring 17 square miles, the 11,000-acre community is about three-fourths the size of Manhattan.

Medical City, is home to top medical and research facilities, including the University of Central Florida Health Sciences Campus and the Lake Nona Cancer Center as well as Nemours Children’s Hospital, the University of Florida Research & Academic Center and the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Together they provide a unique collection of research, education and medical care options — all state-of-the-art. So let’s have a look at what, exactly, Medical City has to offer. The UCF Health Sciences campus includes several facilities. Established in 2006, the UCF College of Medicine is one of the first U.S. medical schools in decades to be built from the ground up. Included is a 170,000-square-foot medical education facility, which features the latest in lab and classroom technology, as well as the 198,000-square-foot Burnett Biomedical Sciences building. The college is unique nationally because of the large undergraduate and graduate programs in biomedicine offered through the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. The Burnett School boasts almost 3,000 undergraduates — making biomedical sciences the third most popular major at UCF. In addition, the 204,709-square-foot UCF Lake Nona Medical Center — a partnership hospital between HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division and UCF Academic Health — has opened adjacent to the medical school. The 100-bed teaching hospital provides healing for patients throughout Central Florida and beyond. It also educates healthcare providers of the future and supports the work of brilliant medical researchers that will lead to lifesaving care.

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Near the hospital is the 175,000-square-foot UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center, which houses cancer researchers, clinical trials and treatment for patients. And there are other key components of Medical City. The 1.2 million-square-foot Orlando VA Medical Center serves the region’s 400,000 veterans by providing acute care, complex specialty care, advanced diagnostic services, and a large multispecialty outpatient clinic as well as administrative and support services. The VA facility is also home to the SimLEARN National Simulation Center, which is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare services for veterans through the application of simulation-based learning strategies to clinical workforce development. The University of Florida Research and Academic Center at Lake Nona is a 110,000-square-foot facility where basic, clinical and translational research in drug discovery and development takes place. UF’s center also houses a nationally ranked Doctorate in Pharmacy program. The 92,000-square-foot GuideWell Innovation Center, located near the UF facility, is a medical innovation hub for startups and healthcare entrepreneurs. The three-story building includes co-working space for startups on the first floor and houses clinical and research companies on the upper floors. Designed to promote collaboration and acceleration of groundbreaking ideas, the center provides the resources and collaborative environment innovators need to develop new solutions — and the connections to take concepts to market. The 30,000-square-foot, first-floor collaboration space of-

Lake Nona’s health and life sciences cluster, also known as Medical City, is home to top medical and research facilities, including the University of Central Florida Health Sciences Campus. Nearby are the Lake Nona Cancer Center, the Nemours Children’s Hospital, the University of Florida Research & Academic Center and the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

fers leaders from around the globe access to the best thinking in health innovation. Also in the building: exhibit space for new medical technology, a presentation venue, a video production studio, a nutrition lab and meeting space. The Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute is a 35,000-square-foot global training center for the company’s employees. Also available through the institute are services to help everyone from athletes to executives be more productive and perform at their personal best in high-stress situations. The institute’s campus includes the Corporate Athlete Course, a conference center, comprehensive testing and diagnostic facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a worldclass tennis center. The 630,000-square-foot Nemours Children’s Hospital is part of a state-of-the-art health campus that also includes Nemours Children’s Clinic, an ambulatory diagnostic center and extensive research and education facilities. Healing gardens, nature trails, pet therapy areas and water features help create a peaceful environment that fosters both mental and physical healing. Big Four professional services firm KPMG selected Lake Nona for its national training center from a competitive field of 50 prospective cities nationwide. The high-tech campus opened in early 2020 and focuses on enhancing the skills and services of KPMG professionals through immersive training in cutting-edge classroom and field environments. About 50,000 employees worldwide will train each year in various accounting disciplines. Opened last summer, the Lake Nona Performance Club is

130,000 square feet — big enough to hold several grocery stores. The concept is a 360-degree approach to health for everyone from infants to seniors, with specialized equipment for rehabbing injured athletes. Aquatics include a leisure pool, lap pool and whirlpool. The studio space for yoga, barre and Pilates is larger than most houses. The gymnasium features basketball and volleyball courts. And Lake Nona has partnered with Chopra Global, a leading whole-health company founded by wellness guru and bestselling author Deepak Chopra, to create the Chopra MindBody Zone and Spa. On Adventure Lake adjacent to the City of Orlando’s Heroes City Park, the Nona Adventure Park is a watersports park that features a two-track Rixen Cable System for water-skiers and wakeboarders. It also offers an aqua park with a series of floating pathways, climbing obstacles, slides and trampolines. There’s even a summer camp, which pretty much always sells out. In addition, the park has a pro shop as well as a 60-foot climbing tower with a ropes course and climbing walls. The Wi-Fi-enabled main entrance houses an upscale café with food and beverages, and a dry seating area for spectators. The largest tennis facility in the country, the USTA National Campus features 100 courts and innovative developmental programs that make it a training destination for professional, collegiate and amateur players. Home to thousands of training players and teams and to hundreds of tournaments each year, the 64-acre campus is open to the public and serves all levels of play for all ages. The winter 2022

The largest tennis facility in the country, the USTA National Campus features 100 courts and innovative developmental programs that make it a training destination for professional, collegiate and amateur players. Home to thousands of training players and teams and to hundreds of tournaments each year, the 64acre campus is open to the public and serves all levels of play for all ages. The campus has hosted 675,000 visitors and attendees since opening in 2017.

campus has hosted 675,000 visitors and attendees since opening in 2017. Current and former professionals who have visited, trained, coached and played at the facility include James Blake, CiCi Bellis, the Bryan Brothers, Jim Courier, Chris Evert, Ivan Lendl, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Madison Keys, Billie Jean King, Jack Sock, Frances Tiafoe and David Young. The facility was selected as the host site of the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2019 and 2021, as well as the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2022. XL Soccer World plans to open a new 50,000-square-foot indoor athletic complex off Narcoossee Road, near Valencia College’s Lake Nona campus. The facility will feature two, sixversus-six 4G boarded turf fields and two multisurface fields. There’ll be camps, adult leagues, a mini sports academy for youngsters (soccer, basketball, baseball and flag football). In addition, there’ll be Youth Soccer programs and even an XL National Team consisting of selected players who’ll have an opportunity to compete in Europe. Construction is underway on a Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital with 60 beds and a potential for double that number. The new hospital will focus on “medically complex” rehabilitation solutions in concert with Lake Nona’s Medical City.

Windermere Nestled among the spring-fed Butler Chain of Lakes, the cozy town of Windermere has emerged as one of the hottest housing markets in Florida and the Southeast. With Lake Butler on the west, Lake Down on the east and

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Lake Bessie on the southeast, Windermere is a verdant peninsula where many of the homes are on the shoreline. Not coincidentally, Windermere and the area surrounding it encompasses some of Central Florida’s most upscale new communities, home to businesspeople, entrepreneurs and athletes. The lakes, in fact, attracted one of Windermere’s first investors, Joseph Hill Scott. Scott’s son, Stanley, homesteaded the property and supposedly named it after Lake Windermere in England. Little changed until 1910, when a pair of Ohio investors named D.H. Johnson and J. Calvin Palmer bought all the land they could piece together and formed the Windermere Improvement Company for the purpose of developing it. Some old homes and buildings have been preserved and add to the charm of this small town — yes, it’s a town, not a city — nestled among the ancient oaks on an isthmus between lakes Down and Butler. Although the main drag is paved, most of the residential streets in Windermere proper aren’t — which is just the way the residents like it. But, of course, that’s “Old Windermere.” The ritzy gated communities, such as Isleworth, known for its profusion of professional athletes, are in unincorporated Orange County despite their Windermere mailing address.

Winter Garden It was 1857 when W.C. Roper was riding through the backwoods of west Orange County on horseback, seeking a place to build a home for his family waiting back in Georgia. Roper bought 600 acres along the shore, between presentday Winter Garden and Oakland, and returned a year later with his wife and 10 children.

While much of “Old Windermere” has looked the same for generations, like the historic Town Hall, the area around the quaint, lake-dotted community is now dotted with upscale custom-home neighborhoods.

The ambitious settler operated a sawmill, a gristmill, a sugar mill and a cotton gin. Later, he built a tannery for making shoes and served as Orange County’s superintendent of schools from 1873 to 1877. Fast-forward to the 1920s, when Roper’s son Frank planted the area’s first orange trees, marking the humble beginnings of an industry that would sustain and define Winter Garden, which had been incorporated in 1903, for the next six decades. Fast-forward again to the 1980s, when devastating freezes destroyed thousands of acres of citrus. Developers began buying up decimated groves for new homes, creating new subdivisions seemingly overnight. Then came a brilliant project called Rails to Trails, through which abandoned rail beds across the country were converted into hiking and biking trails. The popular West Orange Trail passes directly through Winter Garden, thus converting the all-but-forgotten city into an oasis for thousands of ready-to-spend strollers. And most are charmed by what they see. As a result, Winter Garden is blossoming anew — this time as a scenic place to live in literally dozens of new communities. Today the rustic-chic city of 48,000 is a destination for visitors, residents and businesses. Incorporated in 1908, Winter Garden sits on the southern shore of Lake Apopka and is 20 minutes west of Orlando. One of the most picturesque of any in the region, Winter Garden’s downtown district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. It covers about 100 acres in the general area of Woodland, Tremaine, Henderson and Lakeview streets. West Plant Street, which runs east and west through the district, is home to several dining and shopping choices. In

addition, the popular Winter Garden Farmers Market sets up downtown each Saturday. It has been recognized as one of the country’s best farmers’ markets by the American Farmland Trust. Plant Street Market, housing more than 20 merchants including the popular Crooked Can microbrewery, opened in 2014 on the site of a demolished apartment complex. The market houses farm-to-table restaurants, a bakery, a butcher, a chocolatier, a wine bar and various sellers of artisanal food items. The $2 million project extended downtown’s footprint beyond City Hall and further solidified Winter Garden’s reputation as a foodie’s dream and as a reminder of the city’s long history with agriculture. In addition, the New York Beer Project, a New York-based brewery, last year broke ground for its new 24,000-square-foot facility. The project, located on the corner of Seidel Road and Seton Creek Boulevard, will feature a gastropub, an indoor beer garden, a tap room, a sidewalk bistro and three Big Apple-themed event spaces. An icon of downtown Winter Garden is the restored Garden Theatre, a circa-1930s movie house. Now a performing-arts center, it hosts live theater, dance and musical programs as well as the annual Starlight Film Festival. In addition, the city partnered with the Winter Garden Arts Association to convert the old Boyd Street Fire Station into a hub for visual art that now houses a gallery and a teaching facility. It’s the first step toward creation of an Art and Design District, which will offer artists both living space and studio space. The city’s Heritage Foundation operates two museums: The Winter Garden Heritage Museum, located in the old Atlantic Coast Line Depot, and the Central Florida Railroad Museum, winter 2022

Winter Garden, in West Orange County, is considered one of the region’s coolest small cities, with a funky downtown historic district filled with mom-and-pop eateries and intriguing boutiques. The West Orange Trail runs through the center of town.

located in the old Tavares & Gulf Railroad Depot. Both museums offer free admission. Residents and visitors looking for a special night out can visit the critically acclaimed Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel on Plant Street. Diners and shoppers have even more choices in the Winter Garden Village, located off Daniels Road and just northwest of State Road 429. Winter Garden and Ocoee, its neighbor to the east, are developing an economic corridor that connects their downtowns. Their goal is to turn a six-mile roadway, called East Plant Street in Winter Garden and West Franklin Street in Ocoee and populated by warehouses and auto repair shops, into inviting city gateways at the State Road 429 interchange.

West Orange County While Orlando’s sunrise side burgeons with fast-growing Lake Nona and seam-busting UCF, the region’s sunset side has emerged as just as much of a hot spot. Horizon West is home to five unique villages and a town center situated on the center of 28,000 acres — that’s just under 32 square miles, which is nearly the size of neighboring Walt Disney World. The village-centric design means that homes will be nearby a commercial village center, walkable schools and public parks, where wide pathways connect everything. Green spaces and nature preserves are found along pathways and throughout each village. Split-rail fences and orangecrate relief art distinguish community thoroughfares.

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That wasn’t the case decades ago, when Horizon West was home mostly to thousands of acres of orange groves. Repeated freezes in the late 1980s set into motion a plan by landowners to develop the vast acreage, where citrus farming was no longer viable. The landowners, mostly growers, presented an intelligent and comprehensive plan to Orange County that was unprecedented in its sheer scope. Horizon West began to take form when the plan was adopted in 1995. Six villages were proposed, which are now known as Lakeside, Bridgewater, Town Center, the Seidel area (Village F), Hickory Nut (Village H) and Ovation (Village I). Later came Hamlin, which included a town center with more than 2 million square feet of mixed-use commercial space and up to 4,870 residential units at buildout. The town center is already ringed with residential communities. Development of a 3,624-acre central area, which spans all four quadrants of the State Road 429 exchange, will take up to a decade to fully complete and will act as a destination for the entire region with components that encompass dining, entertainment, offices, hotels, medical, wellness, shopping, housing and education. Horizon West’s villages have been approved for 40,282 residential units, making the projected population at buildout 100,705. Because of faster than anticipated growth, it’s already more than halfway complete, according to county officials, and is currently home to about 25,000 people. Clearly, there are plenty of reasons why West Orange County is attracting buyers in droves. One of those reasons might be the lingering

Park Avenue is the dining and retail hub of Winter Park, and one of the most eclectic commercial districts in all of Florida. It’s anchored by Central Park, a carefully manicured, 11-acre green space dotted with monuments to the city’s history.

social impact of COVID-19. Workers who are no longer tied to the daily demands of commuting have opted for larger homes and more manageable mortgages than they might get in more established areas closer to office parks and central business districts. Schools are also starting to keep pace with growth. An ambitious building program backed largely by a half-penny sales tax has helped ease the overcrowding. And Horizon West on its own has driven a major expansion of public schools.

Winter Park Once a haven for artists, writers and some of the most influential families in the country, Winter Park was promoted in the late 1800s as a refuge for “the cultured and wealthy.” Those early boosters would almost certainly be pleased to see how it all turned out. Today, the city is home to 70-plus parks and nearly as many oak trees (20,000) as residents (approximately 31,000). Its eight square miles encompass lovely old homes, an upscale shopping district, a prestigious liberal arts college, a plethora of galleries and museums and street signs that admonish motorists to “drive with extraordinary care.” The heart of Winter Park is Park Avenue, stretching 10 blocks and boasting more than 100 shops, from upscale national retailers to one-of-a-kind boutiques. In addition, the downtown shopping district has spread west on New England Avenue as posh apartments and retail stores have sprung up. On the north end of Park Avenue is the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, showcasing the world’s larg-

est collection of Tiffany glass. Several blocks farther west is Winter Park Village, a retail and entertainment complex on U.S. Highway 17-92. Year-round the city is alive with festivals and special events, highlighted by the renowned Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. On the shores of Lake Virginia is beautiful Rollins College, one of the highest rated liberal arts colleges in the country. Recent big projects in Winter Park have included a new Library & Events Center designed by celebrity architect David Adjaye. Soon to come, on downtown property dubbed “Innovation Triangle” by Rollins College, is a new facility for the Rollins Museum of Art and the Crummer Graduate School of Business. The other edge of the triangle is the college-owned Alfond Inn, a highly rated boutique hotel.

leading employers Walt Disney World Resort Universal Orlando Resort AdventHealth Orlando Health Publix Supermarkets Greater Orlando Aviation Authority University of Central Florida Lockheed Martin Corp. Resource Employment Solutions Darden Restaurants Inc.

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If all you know about Seminole County is what you see while driving along U.S. Highway 17-92, then you need to get off the beaten track and check out the county’s natural beauty, such as Lake Triplett in Casselberry. Seminole County has 148 lakes, 29 parks, 89 miles of trails and 6,000 acres of preserved wilderness areas.

seminole County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 298 square miles Population: 471,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 11% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 492,260 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 27.5. Mean Household Income: $66,768 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 39.6%

Altamonte Springs Although Altamonte Springs was incorporated in 1920, its population totaled only 5,000 as recently as 1970. But that was before developers turned this erstwhile whistle-stop into a thriving suburb. Today, Altamonte Springs, population 45,300, is known both for the Altamonte Mall, built in 1974 as the area’s first regional mall, and the newer Uptown Altamonte, as well as for the presence of virtually every franchised eatery in the world. Uptown Altamonte, spanning more than 25 acres on the shores of a 40-acre manmade lake, now has established itself as the pulse of Altamonte Springs and serves as an economic and aesthetic focal point. Many of the city’s subdivisions can be found along Palm Springs Drive, Maitland Avenue and Montgomery Road, not far from the mall. Some of the older developments are nestled around hidden lakes that seem far removed from the hustle

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and bustle. Multifamily housing also is plentiful, with approximately three-dozen apartment developments located within the city limits, primarily along Semoran Boulevard, also known as State Road 436. Apartment living, plus the convenience of shopping and entertainment venues, has made Altamonte Springs popular among young adults.

Casselberry Founded by World War I veteran Hibbard Casselberry, who in 1926 bought 3,000 acres to grow ferns, Casselberry emerged as a suburban residential community after World War II. By the time it was incorporated in 1965, Casselberry encompassed numerous family-oriented subdivisions and a budding business district near the intersection of State Road 436 and U.S. Highway 17-92. In the decades that followed, the city continued to grow, and its population today stands at more than 30,000 people. As such, Casselberry is a quintessential bedroom community, also boasting more than 15 parks, two-dozen lakes and a municipal golf course. Adjacent to Casselberry is unincorporated Fern Park, which, as the name suggests, also traces its beginnings to the ferngrowing industry. Like Casselberry, it developed into a bedroom community for Orlando, starting in the 1950s.

Lake Mary Lake Mary became one of Central Florida’s hottest growth areas, thanks in large part to the dogged persistence of Jeno Paulucci, a self-made millionaire who made his first fortune sell-

ing frozen Chinese food and a second one selling frozen pizza. The city today continues to sit at the epicenter of Florida’s High-Tech Corridor, which follows Interstate 4 from Tampa through Seminole County and northeast to Daytona Beach. Along the route, government and industry have joined forces to attract leading-edge companies in such fields as telecommunications, medical technology and microelectronics. In Lake Mary, with a population of about 18,000, dozens of such companies have set up shop in several sprawling business centers that have combined to create a Central Florida version of Silicon Valley. But it all started as an isolated railroad station known as Bents, the surname of a local grove owner. In 1900, industry arrived in Bents when Planters Manufacturing Co. built a factory to produce starches, dextrins, farina and tapioca. The facility closed in 1910, however, and Bents — later renamed Lake Mary for the wife of a local pastor — seemed destined to remain an out-of-the-way country town. That was the case for another half-century, until the construction of Interstate 4 and a successful campaign by community boosters to get a Lake Mary interchange tacked onto the project. The resulting tracts of easily accessible land caught the eye of Paulucci. In the late 1970s, he announced plans to build a luxuri-

ous residential development and business hub called Heathrow. Today, such developments — both pricey and more moderate — are plentiful, along with an array of complementary mixed-use developments featuring shops, restaurants and apartment complexes.

Longwood Of all Seminole County’s municipalities, Longwood, population roughly 17,500, has the most history to preserve, and has done the best job of preserving it. But it’s still a modern place, with a plethora of exclusive country club communities, office parks and shopping centers. In 1873 a New Englander named Edward Henck homesteaded a tract of land that he named Longwood, after a Boston suburb he had helped plan. Henck was also the town’s first postmaster and its first mayor. And in what may have been his spare time, Henck co-founded the South Florida Railroad and built a line connecting Sanford and Orlando, which enabled Longwood to boom as a citrus- and lumber-shipping center as well as a winter resort destination. But as crucial as Henck was to Longwood’s development, it was a carpenter named Josiah Clouser, a Henck employee, whose legacy is most visible.

Of all Seminole County’s municipalities, Longwood, population roughly 17,500, has the most history to preserve, and has done the best job of preserving it. This most modern of cities boasts a remarkable historic district encompassing a two-block area on Warren and Church avenues near the intersection of County Road 427 and State Road 434.

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Although it barely topped 2,000 residents in the early 1980s, the Seminole County city of Oviedo today has a population of more than 41,000. Much of the business activity has moved from the “old” downtown to Oviedo on the Park, a 50-acre town center on the north side of Mitchell Hammock Road. The site encompasses homes, businesses, a lake, an amphitheater and a boardwalk as well as municipal buildings.

Clouser, a Pennsylvanian, constructed most of the buildings still standing in Longwood’s remarkable historic district, a twoblock area on Warren and Church avenues near the intersection of County Road 427 and State Road 434. There are plenty of events to keep residents occupied. The annual Arts and Crafts Festival, held in November, features more than 200 artists and handcraft exhibitors selling unique items, fine jewelry and seasonal décor. Also, the Founders Day Spring Arts and Crafts Festival is held each March.

Oviedo While Oviedo might be one of Central Florida’s oldest communities, first settled some 140 years ago, this boomtown knows how to embrace newcomers. Indeed, few Central Florida municipalities witnessed the kind of growth Oviedo saw beginning in the early 2000s and continued for much of the past 15 years. The town’s population is about 45,000, more than a tenfold increase since 1980. Oviedo has a mall, too — called, appropriately, the Oviedo Mall. Oviedo’s growth was a long time coming. The area’s first settlers, who put down stakes near Lake Jesup in the 1860s, called it Solary’s Wharf. In 1883, postmaster Andrew Aulin dubbed it Oviedo, supposedly after seeing a Spanish town of the same name on a map. Longtime locals point to 1964 as perhaps the most significant year in Oviedo’s history. That’s when a desolate 1,145acre tract in rural northeast Orange County, about seven miles

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east of the city, was selected as the site for Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida). Since that time, Oviedo’s history has been rewritten, to a large extent, with orange groves and celery fields giving way to housing communities and a new downtown to accommodate the university’s surrounding growth.

Sanford Located on the shores of Lake Monroe, Sanford once rivaled Orlando as the region’s largest city. A major distribution center for vegetables and citrus, it was known as “The Celery Capital of the World.” But agriculture is no longer king in Sanford (population 62,000). Today, it’s the Seminole County seat, making county government the leading employer. And, after years of stagnation, Sanford also is a city on the rise, thanks to a burgeoning airport, Orlando-Sanford International Airport — one of the fastest-growing in the country — and a downtown redevelopment initiative that has given life to a new entertainment district, highlighted by the scenic Sanford Riverwalk. Sanford is the county’s most populous city. Relocators to Sanford can choose from an array of new subdivisions on the city’s outskirts, they can latch on to Victorian fixer-uppers in the city center or they can enjoy emerging apartment living as part of downtown’s rebirth. Leading that rebirth is San Leon, a, new mixed-use development that hearkens back to the founding of the city and con-

sists of ground-level retail with residential uses on top floors. The hope, according to city officials, is that the project will spark a resurgence of new projects in the downtown area. Sanford’s downtown has become a Central Florida destination, bolstered by the Sanford Main Street initiative. Its mission is to “preserve and enhance the historic charm” while “encouraging local spending, tourism and a sense of community.”

Winter Springs Until the mid-1950s, Winter Springs was nothing more than several square miles of scrub pine and palmettos. That’s when developers Raymond Moss and William Edgemon bought the land, subdivided it and introduced the Village of North Orlando. At the start of the 1970s, a time of rampant growth throughout Central Florida, the area contained one small grocery store and roughly 300 homes straddling State Road 434. Tuscawilla, eastern Seminole County’s first upscale golf course community, changed all that, along with a new city charter getting adopted in 1972, which gave the city the new

name of Winter Springs. In the past two decades, the city’s growth has rivaled that of adjacent Oviedo. The population is now 38,500 and growing, bolstered by projects such as the sprawling Town Center at the corner of State Road 434 and Tuskawilla Road.

leading employers Seminole County Public Schools Orlando Sanford International Airport AT&T Mobility Central Florida Regional Hospital Consulate Health Care LLC Chase Card Services Concentrix Deloitte Consulting LLP Seminole State College of Florida Seminole County Government

The Seminole County city of Sanford was restored and rejuvenated about 20 years ago. Hugging the shores of Lake Monroe, Sanford today is a lively destination for shopping and dining, and boasts an array of antique emporiums and art galleries.

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Osceola County’s Silver Spurs Rodeo, still held every year in Kissimmee, is a throwback to the days of the county’s stature as a cattle-ranching mecca. There are still plenty of cowboys, along with others who like the area’s affordable homes and array of recreational opportunities.

osceola County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,385 square miles Population: 376,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 45% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 452,100 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 34 Mean Household Income: $52,279 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 21.8%

Kissimmee As a whole, Osceola County had Florida’s second-largest growth in population from 2010 to 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That growth has been especially evident in Kissimmee, its largest city at approximately 75,000 people. At the same time, by virtue of the vibe that continues to permeate the community, the one-time slogan for Kissimmee of “Big-time attractions, small-town hospitality” still fits. A friendly, down-to-earth place, Kissimmee is still recognized for its biannual Silver Spurs Rodeo and its genuine cowboy panache. It just happens to exist alongside Walt Disney World, the world’s No. 1 tourist attraction. Formerly called Allendale, the city began as a tiny trading post on the northern bank of Lake Tohopekaliga. It was incorporated in 1887 as Kissimmee — a Native American term meaning “long water.” It later became the Osceola County seat

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and, by the 1930s, cattle rivaled citrus as its main industry. But housing now powers the economy. With developable land becoming scarce in Orange and Seminole counties, much of the region’s residential growth for the next decade is expected to take place in and around Kissimmee, according to a study by the Urban Land Institute. To make certain that at least some of Kissimmee’s heritage is preserved, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency continues to actively improve the historic downtown district near Main Street and U.S. 192 with appealing mixed-use projects. One example: City Centre Kissimmee, which consists of luxury residential units plus parking garages as well as retail, restaurants, financial institutions and professional offices. Also spurring growth around Kissimmee is NeoCity, a mixed use “smart city” and technology incubator that will eventually contain, in addition to its research and manufacturing facilities, a 1.4 million-square-foot retail and entertainment hub and 1,150 condominiums with nearly 400,000 square feet of amenities and common space. In addition, Kissimmee remains a sporting paradise, with numerous boat ramps on the shores of Lake Toho, which is known for excellent bass fishing. Southport Park, for example, offers covered pavilions, grills and campgrounds, while picnic areas abound at Partin Triangle Park and Whaley’s Landing. Hunters can enjoy the wide-open Osceola Plain, home to turkey, white-tailed deer and fox squirrels. Kissimmee is also culturally diverse. About 68 percent of its population identifies as Hispanic, and many arts and entertainment venues reflect that burgeoning international flair.

St. Cloud St. Cloud has been called “A Soldier’s Colony,” “The Friendly Soldier City,” “The Wonder City” and “The City of Schools.” Also, it was known as an inexpensive place for tourists to stay while visiting Walt Disney World. In the 1970s, St. Cloud teamed with much-larger Kissimmee to market itself internationally as an affordable alternative for vacationers wishing to explore the theme parks without paying resort hotel prices. Yet, these days, city officials are working to downplay that tourism connection while promoting the charms of St. Cloud as a great place to live. The military references hearken back to 1909, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization for Union soldiers who had served in the Civil War, bought 35,000 acres for development as a community for veterans. More than a century later, St. Cloud boasts one of Central Florida’s most charming downtown districts. It’s replete with antique shops occupying vintage storefronts, several excellent restaurants, a historical museum and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Meanwhile, growth continues, with St. Cloud’s population now exceeding 57,000. And there are some exciting community amenities on the way for them to enjoy. For example, the city’s first-ever splash pad, inspired by Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest, is soon to open.

Ground was broken last year for the one-acre project at the 65th Infantry Veterans Park in the expansive community of Buenaventura Lakes near Kissimmee. When complete, there’ll be 34 water features, including a water dump platform, spraying palms, animals and plants. The park, which already includes a highly acclaimed disk golf course, serves as a tribute the 65th Infantry Regiment, which was nicknamed “The Borinqueneers.” The storied Puerto Rican regiment of the U.S. Army distinguished itself during the Korean War.

leading employers School District of Osceola County Walt Disney Company Orange Lake Resorts & Holiday Inn Club Vacations Osceola Regional Medical Center AdventHealth Celebration Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Westgate Vacation Villas Osceola County Government Valencia College Osceola Wilson Resort Management

It’s called Lake County for a reason, dotted with big bodies of water like Lake Minneola. In fact, the county encompasses more than 1,000 lakes and 202 square miles of water.

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The county mixes the past and the future, with the iconic Citrus Tower (left), built in the 1950s to provide views of citrus groves that are now mostly under development. n The future is represented by Olympus, a new healthoriented development that marks the beginning of Wellness Way.

lake County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,156 square miles Population: 370,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 29% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 410,900 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 30 Mean Household Income: $54,513 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 24%

Clermont and South Lake County The Citrus Tower, built in 1956, was once an awesome attraction that invited picnickers and tourists to its observation deck for panoramic views of Lake County’s sprawling citrus groves. The tower — now considered a kitschy relic of a bygone era — is still there, but the landscape has starkly changed. Now you’ll see thousands of new homes on the rolling hills that have always distinguished burgeoning Lake County from its geographically challenged neighbors. That isn’t to say sprawl has destroyed Lake County’s charm. There are still groves, woods, barns and more than 1,400 lakes scattered across 221 square miles. The county’s unpretentious municipalities still boast quaint business districts with momand-pop shops.

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

Yet, like other previously rural areas in Central Florida, Lake County is growing fast — particularly in south Lake County, which has increasingly become an attractive suburban alternative for people who work in more populous Orange and Seminole counties. The city of Clermont, population of more than 44,000 and steadily rising, is ground zero for the county’s housing boom. The stage was set with construction of metro Orlando’s Western Beltway, which has made a once-daunting commute quite manageable. Clermont is truly at the crossroads of Florida, located at the intersection of State Road 50, which runs east and west, and U.S. 27, which runs north and south. Bordered by Lake Minnehaha on the south and Lake Minneola on the north, Clermont is on a chain of 16 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River in the Ocklawaha Basin of tributaries of the St. Johns River. “The Gem of the Hills,” as Clermont is sometimes called, also is popular among triathlon enthusiasts. Orlando Health South Lake Hospital’s all-in-one campus is home to the USA Triathlon National Training Center, which is designed to meet the needs of all ages and fitness levels. Growth, then, is both literally and figuratively healthy in and around Clermont. And it’s about to get even more so with Wellness Way. The southeast portion of the county, formerly known as the South Lake Sector Planning Area, encompasses nearly 15,500 acres east of U.S. 27 and south of State Road 50. The mostly rural expanse has been poised for major development as a sort

of expansion — or even a duplication — of booming Horizon West in bordering west Orange County. Comparable to Horizon West, multiuse Wellness Way is divided into smaller sectors, including a town center. It will eventually include about 16,500 residential units, but that number remains somewhat fluid for now. Suffice it to say, it’ll be big. Infrastructure is being planned or is underway with multiple new roads designed to literally connect into the future. This includes several new connector roads that will connect Horizon West to neighboring communities in Lake County. Clearly, there are big visions for this rustic setting, which today is marked primarily by citrus groves, bumpy dirt roads, lakes and hills, and pastures where cows contentedly graze. All the while, homebuilders (and developers) have been watching and taking notice — and already have gotten busy with what surely will accelerate stark changes to the landscape. At the center of the initial activity is master-planned Olympus, a 243-acre community in Clermont bordered to the west by U.S. 27 and 4,372-acre Lake Louisa State Park. Proximity of a development like Olympus to Clermont makes a lot of sense, if you know anything about Clermont. While some cities tout the names of corporations they land or public lands they acquire, Clermont lists the names of Olympians who train in their town. Last year, Triathlete magazine named the city one of the nation’s top 10 for triathletes — putting the Lake County hamlet in the same league as San Diego, California; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, North Carolina. “This suburb of Orlando is quickly building a reputation as one of the country’s true tri meccas,”

magazine editors wrote. Athletes come to the rolling, lake-dotted area to train yearround on some of Florida’s rare hills. Nowhere else in Central Florida — or perhaps the state — do road signs declare “Caution: High Cyclist Activity” and “Cyclists May Take the Full Lane.” Essentially marking the start of Wellness Way, Olympus features uncommon elevations and vistas, a natural lake and full entitlement for more than 1,000 residential units to accompany 1 million-plus square feet of office, medical, retail, restaurant and industrial space. The planned centerpiece of this initial community will be the Olympus Athlete Center. It comes with all the right buzzwords: “sports performance,” “athlete nutritional services” and “media and broadcast facilities.” As planned, the sports campus would include a tennis center, an ice sports arena, an aquatics center, an area for beach volleyball and a field sports complex for lacrosse, soccer and rugby. You can kind of imagine svelte bodies sporting the Olympus logo on T- shirts: “Epic Every Day.” The arena, by the way, might accommodate concerts and other events. Activity has come in stages, beginning in 2018, when master plans were first outlined to the Lake County Commission by Winter Park-based Olympus Sports and Entertainment Group, the community’s developer. Although the infrastructure phase of Olympus didn’t begin until last summer, during the next decade — if all goes as planned — Olympus is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs and generate more than $1.4 billion in local economic impact.

Downtown Mount Dora is a busy and scenic place, filled with intriguing shops and restaurants. Southern Living magazine spotlighted the city in a story called “Small Towns We Love.” The business district is also home to a major annual art festival.

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As part of the approved plan, the development will contain 48 acres of nonresidential land focused on agribusiness and community recreational facilities, along with a 200-foot buffer of trees and five miles of interconnected community trails for walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Mount Dora To the north, Mount Dora, population 15,200, continues to be a center of development, with Eustis and Umatilla also attracting significant development attention. Mount Dora, the aptly named “New England of the South,” was founded in 1874, when homesteaders first discovered the gently sloping lakeside hills that rise to 184 feet — hardly a mountain, but a formidable height by Central Florida standards. The city hugs the shores of 3,600-acre Lake Dora, named for Dora Ann Drawdy, who homesteaded two miles south with her husband in 1846. Today, downtown Mount Dora contains dozens of historic buildings housing antique shops, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Tree-shaded Donnelly Park occupies a full block in the center of town, inviting picnickers and tennis players to enjoy the lush surroundings.

One of the major attractions in Polk County is Florida Southern College, which encompasses the largest number of buildings designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Just about every structure on the campus is a distinctive modernist masterpiece, all carefully restored and maintained.

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

Within walking distance is Palm Island Park, adjacent to Gilbert Park, which boasts one of the most beautiful nature trails in the state. The downtown area also hosts an annual art festival, as well as numerous antique and craft fairs, specialty auto shows and historic home tours. The city has a respected community theater, too, along with an art center and a historical museum.

leading employers Publix Supermarkets AdventHealth Waterman UF Health Leesburg Hospital Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Walmart Supercenters The Villages of Lake-Sumter Inc. Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers Lifestream Behavioral Center Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corp.

In Polk County, Bok Tower Gardens is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places you’ll find anywhere. Its massive carillon tower was dedicated during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge. The gardens were founded by publishing magnate Edward Bok and his wife, Mary Louise Bok, whose home is still on the grounds and open for tours.

polk County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,874 square miles Population: 761,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 20% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 766,400 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 27.8 Mean Household Income: $50,584 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 20.2%

Sandwiched between Orlando and Tampa Bay, Polk County has been a bit overlooked, at least historically. But shine a spotlight on the county that sits in the geographical center of Florida, and you’ll realize that, despite a low profile, Polk is both distinct and growing — particularly in the Four Corners area where Polk, Lake, Orange and Osceola counties meet. Growth is happening there by virtue of neighboring communities, including Horizon West and its five designated mixeduse villages, plus the bulging mega developments Celebration and Bay Lake, among others. By distance, Four Corners is

approximately 25 miles southwest of Orlando and 37 miles northeast of Lakeland. Polk County has picturesque small towns and giant masterplanned communities; historic tourist attractions; a college (Florida Southern in Lakeland) designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright; a vibrant arts community; and a diversified economy. As for size, it’s larger than Rhode Island and about the same as Delaware. Although located between two metropolises that are steadily advancing toward one another, Polk boasts its own rich history and identity. Tourism was thriving here many years before Walt Disney started buying land in Central Florida, and visitors continue to boost the local economy at attractions such as the Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven and the historic Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. The 60-bell carillon tower remains an ideal place for a pastoral stroll through lush parklands. Polk County has its share of bustling midsized cities, including its two largest: Lakeland (population 102,700) and Winter Haven (population 36,700). Laid-back Bartow (population 18,500) is the county’s seat, while Davenport (population 7,300) has emerged in recent years as one of the region’s hottest boomtowns for new development. winter 2022

Lake Wales (population 16,000) has been named Florida’s population center by the U.S. Census Bureau -- the result of a geographic population calculation done every decade to summarize population shifts across the country. It’s the closest city to the middle of Florida’s population, by geographic location. A thriving arts scene also is evident in Polk, with a string of museums, art centers and theaters. Sports tourism is also a very big deal. In fact, Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing (PSCM) – part of Visit Central Florida — is the only organization in the state to earn both the Sports Organization of the Year award from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the Florida Sports Foundation’s Sports Commission of the Year Award. Also, PCSM has been recognized as the Sports Organization of the Year by both the Independent Softball Association and Youth Basketball of America. It’s an official division of Polk County government. How’s this for a tourist attraction in youth athletics? Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale is a multipurpose sports complex that encompasses nine collegiate-size baseball fields (sodded with type 419 Bermuda grass on all playing surfaces) and 11 lighted soccer fields. Events hosted there have ranged from the National Dog Agility Championships and regional rugby championships to

the RussMatt Central Florida Baseball Invitational — which is the nation’s largest collegiate baseball tournament. Similarly, the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center in Winter Haven features a 58,400 square foot multiuse gymnasium space that accommodates six basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts and a second-floor observation area. Polk County is home to more than 220 annual sporting events and serves as the headquarters for USA Water Ski and the Florida Youth Soccer Association.

leading employers Publix Supermarkets Polk County School Board Lakeland Regional Health Walmart Amazon.com Geico City of Lakeland BayCare AdventHealth Polk County Board of County Commissioners

RELOCATION TIPS suits your lifestyle. Talk to people who live there and follow the local news. • Know the cost of living in the new city. There are significant differences in cost of living among U.S. cities. Do the research and plan accordingly. • Don’t make any long-term commitments. Consider renting at first to avoid buying into a neighborhood you might end up not liking. You might not like the job, either. Some companies offer temporary corporate housing. • Stay organized. Much of moving-related stress comes from managing all the logistics, such as leaving your current home and finding a new one. Be organized. Keep to-do lists for both your departure and arrival locations. • Know what’s available to you. Many companies offer a variety of relocation services and most are flexible in what they provide, such as home-hunting trips and assistance in selling or buying your home. Also, if your employer doesn’t typically offer relocation assistance, ask for it and negotiate. • Take time to get to know your new environment before you move. Find the neighborhood that best

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

• Find out if any of your moving expenses are tax deductible. Even if your new employer doesn’t offer any financial assistance for your relocation, you might be eligible for partial reimbursement come tax time. • Build a social support network. Use online services to find others in the area who have similar interests or hobbies. Your new company may also offer clubs and interest groups to meet new people.

HELPFUL LINKS theorlandohomebuyer.com orlandorealtors.org • state27homes.com realtor.com • houselogic.com homeownershipmatters.realtor

Daytona Beach’s brightly lit boardwalk is known to vacationers and spring breakers, of course. But the World’s Most Famous Beach is within easy driving distance of anywhere in Central Florida. Volusia County’s new-home developments are mostly within 15 minutes or so of the beach.

volusia County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,103 square miles Population: 555,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 14% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 573,800 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 25.9 Mean Household Income: $49,494 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 23.7% Geographically, Volusia County sits 50 miles northeast of Orlando, between the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. But these days, in a region where the growth is pushing outward in all four directions, geography doesn’t mean as much as it once did. Indeed, as metro Orlando spreads north and east along Interstate 4 through Seminole County, west Volusia is directly in growth’s path. Today the area, once identified almost exclusively with Daytona Beach (population 72,600), is emerging as a suburb of Orlando. For example, with 96,000 residents, Deltona has long since surpassed Daytona Beach as the largest municipality in the county. It has seen monumental growth since 1980. Much of the activity is spurred by commercial development along the High-Tech Corridor, which runs the length of Interstate 4 between Tampa and Daytona Beach. In addition, the widening of the Interstate 4/St. Johns River Bridge alleviated one of the region’s most annoying traffic winter 2022

bottlenecks, making the western portion of Volusia an easy 30-minute commute to downtown Orlando. Lured by that enhanced access, as well as by the region’s abundance of lakes, springs and the nearby beach, families began flocking to the new-home communities near Interstate 4. Buyers also have discovered the impressive stock of historic homes west of downtown DeLand (population 37,700), which is clearly one of the coolest small towns in Florida. The quaint downtown district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is thick with eateries and antique shops. And stately Stetson University, which has been located here since 1883, adds an air of permanence. Meanwhile, tiny Lake Helen (population 2,800) is holding its breath as Victoria Park adds 4,000 homes and 10,000 residents right near the city’s border. The rural enclave is expected to grow nearly 20 percent by 2025. Those interested in more natural settings, plus an unusual lunch, may head north on U.S. 17 to De León Springs State Park, where you can cook your own pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill and then paddle a canoe through the wilderness. In the winter, manatees seeking warmer water can be seen lolling around at Blue Springs State Park. In the summer, humans, seeking relief from the heat, plunge into the same bubbling blue oasis.

Many of the changes in Volusia County involve Daytona Beach, especially around Interstate 95 and LPGA Boulevard. Five or six years ago, big stories included the arrival of a Trader Joe’s distribution center, the opening of Tanger Outlets Mall and the Tomoka Town Center, and the completion of a new headquarters site for TopBuild Corp., a Fortune 1000 company. Then came more retail, restaurant apartment complexes and the massive live/work/play communities of Mosaic and Latitude Margaritaville.

leading employers AdventHealth System Halifax Hospital System Publix Supermarkets Walmart Associates Inc. Stetson University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Florida Healthcare Plans Sykes Communications Winn Dixie Super Markets Brunswick Corp.

They call Brevard County the Space Coast, but this image of an astronaut lounging on the beach is likely not meant to be taken literally (too hot!) But there are plenty of beaches on which space industry workers (and everybody else) can relax. The county extends 72 miles north and south off the Atlantic Coast.

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

brevard County

STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,016 square miles Population: 606,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 12% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 637,600 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 25.2 Mean Household Income: $56,775 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 30.2% While some people might remember the popular late-1960s TV show I Dream of Jeannie, which featured a “a mythical town” named Cocoa Beach and referenced nearby space activities, Cocoa Beach is very real and thriving, right along with the rest of Brevard County. The county, which extends 72 miles north and south off the Atlantic Coast, has a population of approximately 606,000 people. That makes it the 10th most populated county in Florida. There are a total of 16 cities and towns along the aptly named Space Coast, the largest of which is Palm Bay (population 120,000), where the historic district sits on the mouth of Turkey Creek and Palm Bay — very picturesque. The next-biggest city is Melbourne (population 85,000), which hugs the Indian River Lagoon. The northernmost city is Titusville (population 47,000). In the center are Cocoa (population 19,000), Cocoa Beach (population 12,000) and Cape Canaveral (population 10,400). To the south, along with Palm Bay, is Melbourne (population 83,600). The history of Brevard County dates back thousands of years before Europeans arrived in the 16th century. The Windover Archeological Site, found in 1982, has the world’s largest collection of human remains and artifacts of the early Archaic Period — 6,000-5,000 BCE, or more than 8,000 years ago. It’s designated as a National Historic Landmark. The area that’s today’s Brevard County began to be settled when the U.S. Army and Florida Militia established supply posts and routes during the Second Seminole War in 1835. Previously, early Spanish explorers had sailed along the Brevard coastline, and the primary inhabitants were Seminole Indians. The county was established in 1854. Brevard’s modern-day emergence came by virtue of a literal leap of faith when the nation invested in a major launch complex on Merritt Island — now known as the Kennedy Space Center — to meet the challenge of sending astronauts to the moon. That, plus nearby Cape Canaveral’s continuing role in the country’s missile development and testing program, spawned a tech-industry boom that continues today. (Cape Canaveral is now home to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station). Manufacturing is also a leading economic driver, with more than 500 manufacturers in key industries including aviation,

aerospace, medical equipment, communications, transportation and emerging technology. More growth is on the way. Last year the world’s largest satellite manufacturing facility, Terran Orbital Corp., announced that Merritt Island will be the site for its Commercial Spacecraft and Constellation Facility. The 660,000-square-foot project — which represents an investment of more than $300 million in new construction and equipment — is expected to create approximately 2,100 new jobs with an estimated annual average wage of $84,000 by late 2025. Transportation in the county is excellent, thanks to the continual growth of both Interstate 95 and Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Meanwhile, tourism is strong, anchored by the county’s numerous waterways, general beauty, and robust arts and recreation scenes.

leading employers Brevard County Public Schools Harris Corp. United Space Alliance Health First Inc. 45th Space Wing Space Gateway Support Brevard County Government Wuesthoff Health Systems Inc. Northrop Grumman Corp. The Boeing Co.

winter 2022

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Waterleigh • 10482 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden FL 34787 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. Certified Builder Contractor License Number CBC1252212

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in every way

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.

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

76.1

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

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

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

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

SEMINOLE SCIENCE K-8 (CHARTER)

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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

PLEASANT HILL

97.8

POINCIANA ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

100.0

REEDY CREEK

92.4

ST. CLOUD

59.6

SUNRISE

89.8

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

EAST LAKE

76.8

FLORA RIDGE

100

HICKORY TREE

65.5

HIGHLANDS

100.0

KISSIMMEE

92.4

KOA

100.0

THACKER AVENUE SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

100.0

LAKEVIEW

82.1

VENTURA

99.0

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

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

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

57.7

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

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)

53 58 89

52 63 91

50 44 87

24.8

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

100.0

25.7

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

89.6

68.1

64.1

73.3

84.7

78.8

100.0

71.8

88.9

74 83 97

B A A

C C A

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

86.5

40.2

86.3

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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

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2018

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

MICHAEL MCCOY

100.0

BAY MEADOWS

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

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

EAGLE CREEK

38.5

PINEWOOD

100.0

EAGLES NEST

100.0

PRAIRIE LAKE

67.9

EAST LAKE

58.4

PRINCETON

35.7

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

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

UNION PARK

100.0

VENTURA

100.0

VISTA LAKES

51.5

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

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

ANDOVER

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALOMA

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

BAY LAKE

DURRANCE

KILLARNEY

100.0

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

UCP EAST (CHARTER)

winter 2022

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

WEST CREEK

46.6

WINDERMERE

9.4

WEST OAKS

100.0

WINEGARD

100.0

WESTBROOKE

44.8

WOLF LAKE

WESTPOINTE

63.2

WYNDHAM LAKES

69.9

WETHERBEE

81.3

ZELLWOOD

100.0

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

WATERBRIDGE

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

WASHINGTON SHORES

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

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

100.0

64.3

29.4

HOPE K-8 (CHARTER)

3.9

INNOVATION MONTESSORI OCOEE K-8 (CHARTER)

7.6

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

LAKE EOLA K-8 (CHARTER)

3.9

LEGENDS ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

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

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

61.7

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

81.0

62.4

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

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

7.8

37.0

LAKELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL HOUSE (CHARTER) LAUREL

79.5

100.0

BETHUNE ACADEMY

LENA VISTA

96.4

100.0

CARLTON PALMORE

LEWIS ANNA WOODBURY

75.8

100.0

CHAIN OF LAKES

LINCOLN AVENUE ACADEMY

100.0

32.2

CLARENCE BOSWELL

LOUGHMAN OAKS

77.1

95.5

CLEVELAND COURT

COMBEE ACADEMY

100.0

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

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

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

ALTURAS

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALTA VISTA

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

POLK COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

BERKLEY

CRYSTAL LAKE

100.0

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

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

MCLAUGHLIN FINE ARTS ACADEMY

100.0

MULBERRY

91.7

SHELLEY S. BOONE

100.0

DISCOVERY ACADEMY OF LAKE ALFRED (CHARTER)

76.9

DUNDEE RIDGE

78.7

SLEEPY HILL

100.0

JERE L. STAMBAUGH

100.0

SOUTHWEST

100.0

JEWETT ACADEMY MAGNET

60.0

UNION ACADEMY

41.2

KATHLEEN

100.0

WESTWOOD

100.0

LAKE ALFRED POLYTECH ACADEMY

92.2

winter 2022

Graduation Rate 2017-18

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

70.9

LAKE REGION

82.2

59.6

LAKE WALES

64.1

23.2

100

LAKELAND

59.8

MCKEEL ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY 7-12

28.0

100

MULBERRY

81.1

POLK PRE-COLLEGIATE ACADEMY 9-10

100

25.8

21.1

RIDGE COMMUNITY

68.8

TENOROC

91.8

WINTER HAVEN

74.1

66.2

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BARTOW

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

AUBURNDALE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

POLK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS CHAIN OF LAKES COLLEGIATE DISCOVERY

76.4

FORT MEADE MIDDLE/SENIOR

96.6

FROSTPROOF MIDDLE/SENIOR

90.4

GEORGE W. JENKINS

49.8

HAINES CITY

84.0

KATHLEEN

80.0

LAKE GIBSON

63.7

POLK STATE COLLEGE COLLEGIATE

62.0

75.0

81.7

Graduation Rate 2017-18

58.5

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

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

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

85.4

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

POLK COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS 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

PINE RIDGE

55.8

100.0

ROUND LAKE

54.6

34.3

SAWGRASS BAY

82.8

100.0

SEMINOLE SPRINGS

81.7

100.0

SORRENTO

68.3

100.0

TAVARES

89.4

57.6

100.0

THE VILLAGES ELEMENTARY OF LADY LAKE TREADWAY

100.0

98.1

LEESBURG

TRIANGLE

54.1

100.0

LOST LAKE

UMATILLA

92.6

LAKE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ALTOONA

100.0

ASTATULA

80.5

BEVERLY SHORES

100.0

CLERMONT

CYPRESS RIDGE

EUSTIS

EUSTIS HEIGHTS

FRUITLAND PARK

GRASSY LAKE

GROVELAND

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

LEESBURG

88.7

MOUNT DORA

64.2

LAKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM

EAST RIDGE EUSTIS LAKE MINNEOLA

50.9

SOUTH LAKE

62.2

71.0

TAVARES

60.2

45.2

UMATILLA

79.4

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

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

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

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

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

14.5

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

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science 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

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 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

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

88 90

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

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

winter 2022

rsh R d

15A

Main St

Rd 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

Alafaya Trl

eh Pin

Snow Hill Rd

Lone Palm Rd

Hancock Lone Pine Rd

Chickasaw Trl

Goldenrod 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

Cameron Ave

Pa rk

Sanford Ave Dr

SO rlan d

Beardall Ave

S French Ave

N Airport Blvd

Ave

rlan

Winter Park Rd Bumby Ave

Crystal Lake Dr

Sipes Ave

gwood Lake Mary Rd

Lon

Range Line Rd

ve E Lake St

od A

Lo n

Ora nge Ave

e Bl v d

N No lto n aB

Clapp Simms Duda Rd

rco o Rd ssee

Fells Cove

Lake Myrtle

Boggy Creek Rd

Simpson Rd eR

East Lake Tohopekaliga

Partin Settlement Rd

Kings Hwy

ore

Cypress Ave 10th St 16th St

192

St. Cloud

Lake Lizzie

Bay Lake

Lake Colin

Buck Lake

Alligator Lake

Harmony

Cat Lake

Hickory Tree Rd

o Br

534

Nova Rd

Trout Lake

Irlo

Deer Run Rd

441

Coon Lake

rove

Kissimmee Park Rd

R va

Lake Preston

Lake Joel

g Sun

Lake Tohopekaliga

Lake Center

Rummell Rd

Mississippi Ave Hickory Tree Rd

tun

Tram Rd

Smith St

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

Volusia Ave

Veterans Memorial Pkwy

d Blv

eall

rd B icha

Cha r l e s R Upsala Rd

Rd S Country Club Rd N Country Club Rantoul Ln

Orange Blvd

Lake Emma Rd

Markham Woods Rd

Palm Springs Dr

Parramore Ave

Orange Blossom Trl

Rio Grande Ave

You Pkw ng y

John Young Pkwy

Texas Ave

Orange Blossom Trl

Bermuda Ave

P rovid

Woodland Blvd

Fatio 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

Appopka-Vineland Rd

Wes tw Blvd ood

Thacker Ave

Boggy Creek Rd

Rockwood Dr

Poinciana Blvd

Lake Mary Jane

Hickory Tree Rd

Bourne 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

ek Rd

Lake Gentry

on M

OSCEOLA COUNTY

em o

ria l Hw

192

Marion Rd

Poinciana Pkwy

Jack

Watkins Rd

R aw

lop

Lake

523 Lake Hatchineha

Flori

das

Tpk

Kissimmee KisRiver sim eR

e re

ive

Lake Pierce

Lake Mabel Loop Rd

Cypress Lake

Pine St

Hatc hin Cana eha l

Dr La ke sh or e

Binion Rd

opka Rd Ocoee Ap

Maguire Rd

Windermere Rd

Vineland Rd

World D

Lake

ar sP

Wilson Rd Old Lake Wilson Rd

Cocoa Water Plant Rd

Lake Mary Jane Rd

542

Bee Line Exwy Ramp

Dallas Blvd

Narcoossee Rd

Buena Ventura Lakes

Canoe Cre

East

Dallas Blvd

528

Tindall Rd

ke Floridas Tp

Powerline Rd

r Cre

o Tayl

520

Lake Hart

15 530

Blvd

Pine Hills Rd

Duxbury Ave

Round Lake Rd Round Lake Rd

Avalon Rd

Fort Christmas Rd

Pope St

wy Gn

ri l Flo tra Cen

Wheeler Rd

sse

Hartzog Rd

as R d

ial D

Econlockhatchee River

o rco

Sand Hill Rd

r Fo

Colon

Moss Park Rd

Lake Nona

n Ca

Ch rist m

Wewahootee Rd

Orlando Int'l Airport

d Ol

as R

tt Rd

Bithlo

rl aT fay Ala

stm

St Johns River

420

417

Kissimmee Park Rd

Trl

Chri

Lake Picke

420

Lake Pickett Rd

Bee Line Exwy

sh ke

Cr u

Lake Pickett

uota

aya Alf

Woodbury Rd

a Gnw

Loop Rd

528

port Air lvd B

Buckeye

stm

6th St

Chul

Tanner Rd

420

hri

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Riv

rt C

l Florid You

Cabbage Slough

hns

Mills Lake Lake Mills Rd

Centra

436

St Jo

Lockwood Blvd

Alafaya Trl

Dean Rd

551

Vermont Ave

Ave

Ce ntra l

Umatilla Rd r Du nc an D

Monroe St

Haines Creek Rd

Dean Rd

Rouse Rd

Econlockhatchee Trl

Semoran Blvd

ke sh Dr ore

Bro

Alafaya Trl

Goldenrod Rd

Forsyth Rd

Dixie Belle Dr

Dea

Semoran Blvd Ranger Blvd

Gaston Foster Rd

Old 9 Foot Rd

d Blvd

419

Judge Rd

South Port Can

Camp Rd

Spirit Lake Rd

Chuluota

Lake Eva

419

Little Econlockhatchee River

Curry Ford Rd

Bee Line Exwy

Tradeport Dr

Tindel

rla

halet

erhill Rd Und

e Lak

Puzzle Lk

Brumley Rd

E 2nd St

Canal Rd

Thompson

Waverly

Conway Rd

550

540

El Prado Ave

Lake Nixon

ORANGE

408

Lake Underhill Dr

S tat

Caspian

Tim

540A

Bennett Rd

Lake Hatchineha Rd

Dundee

Cypress

Valencia College Ln

Hoffner Ave

Cypress Pkwy

HOM 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 Gardens

Lake Eloise

ven

Eagle Lake Lake Loop Rd Mc Leod

Lake Lulu

542

546

Lake Hamilton

Long Lake

Bath Lake

434

Union Park

Ravlerson Cv Old Mims Rd

Round Lake

Oviedo

Lokanotosa Trl

425

Boggy Creek Rd

Buen

hil

ho e

Eagle Lake

544

Lake Hamilton

McCulloch Rd Rd McCulloch

University Blvd

r Blvd

Country Club Rd

Deep Lake

Pershing Ave

Buckeye Rd

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

552

Michigan Ave

Blv

Lake Hartridge

544

Lake Lake Conine Lake Fannie Smart

Lake Proctor

Buck Lake

Puzzle Lake

r ek D

655

Lake Marion

ALT 27

544

417

tan YucaDr

Koa S

Alo

551

Azalea Park

Lake Rochelle

Haines City

Lake Henry Lucerne Park Rd

re on C

Lake Mariana

Ariana

Ave

Lk Harney

426

Lake Hayes

Sand Rd

580

17 Lake Haines

Hanging Moss Rd

527A

Lake Harney

Lake Charm Geneva Dr

Chapman Rd

426

417

tur

Gopher Slough

R art NH Harts Lake Geneva

Island Pond

417

Bear Guilly Lake e

Wetherbee Rd

Florida Pkwy

Howard Ave

University Blvd

436

527

Lake Russell

Mari

507

Lake Alfred

gold

580

Lake

Lake Alfred

Morris Rd

urndale Lake

Lake Lowry

Davenport

South Blvd

Tower Lake

Mari

Tradeport D

Meadow Wood

Nep

Pleasant Hill Rd

Lake Van

Hammock Lake

Reaves Rd

4th St

eola

Lake

434

Ave

Summerfield Rd

cia

559

Reedy Creek

Aloma

426

Landstreet Rd

Thorpe Rd

Dike Rd

Howell Branch Rd

Goldenrod

Gatlin Ave

Little Lake Conway

Kissimmee

Campbell

Poinciana Place

Lake Ann

Conway

528A

la Rd

E Osceo

Osc

Kentucky St

EL a D ke

in Po

Lake Arietta

Bonnet Lake

Lake Lowry Rd

557

547

Vine St

Pershing Ave Gatlin Ave

Trl

e Laurel Av

557

Lake Juliana

n dendro Rhodo Ave

North Blvd

Lake Mattie

ossom

Lake St. Charles

Gum Lake

Cla

nge Bl

557A

Patrick St

Ham Brown Rd

547 4

582

Osceola Pkwy

Blvd

ell R

Old Grade Rd

Fuss

Loughman

527A

441

417

International Dr

Osceola Pkwy

S Ora

92 17

Lake Margaret Dr

Marquette Ave

Lake Cockran

Little Lake Howell

Curry Ford Rd

Belle Isle Conway Pine LakeNela Castle Ave

535

Osceola Pkwy

Osceola Polk Line Rd

Lake Jessamine

Taft-Vineland Rd

423

a cian

l Rd

Williamsburg

Michigan Ave

Edgewood

Lancaster Rd

Bee Line Exwy

Poin

d Gen tle Rd

528

da Pkw Central Flori

Holden Ave

Sky Lake

482

d lan

Tri County Rd Deen Stil

nal

atio

Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy

Sandhill Rd

Tangelo Park

Kaley St

527

Holden Heights

Oak Ridge Rd

423

Sand Lake Rd

e Vin

Funie Oak Island Rd Steed Rd

R hinn Brown S

Van 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

E Airport Blvd

Winter Springs

Casselberry

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

kR ree B og g y C

Car Care Dr

Bay Lake

Lake Mann

e uir MagBlvd

415

Lake Jessup

Glenridge Way

Daetwyler Dr

Seven Seas Dr

Avalon Rd

474

535

50 Colonial Dr

John Young Pkwy

Bay Lake

Seven Seas Lagoon

Orlando

Silver Lake Blvd Silver Lake Dr

ary

St Johns River

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

Maytown Rd

427

Lake Bingham

Palmer Ave

Winter Park

Fairview Shores

Ferncreek Ave

ew Lee Rd ate rD r

423

e Rd

419

Howell Branch Rd

Lake Maitland

Bumby Ave

441

North Ln

Pine Hills

25th St

Pineway Dr

436 Lake Howell

the Woods

Lake Ave

Eatonville

E Lake M

S Triplet Lake

Horatio Ave

Maitland

Kennedy Blvd

t Bl

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

Prairie Lake

Maitland Blvd

Ed g

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

Adelaine LakeE Altamonte Dr

Lake Seminary

414

Celery Ave

13th St

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

Doyl

Lk Bethel

Sanford

25th St Deforest Lake

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

Lk Butler

Big Lk

t e e n Rd

Se m in

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

E nt e r p r i s e O s

Main St

Michael Gladden Blvd

Boy Scout Rd

Harmon Rd

Lake Apopka

565A

Apopka

Lust Rd

561

Lake Mccoy Votaw Rd

Doyle

L ak e sh ore

l l is R

Welland Rd

455

Trl

Theresa Lk

ed E

Wek iva Springs Rd

Deltona

loss

Grace Lake Williamson Rd

Mc Garity Lk

ar y Ave

1st St

Little Crystal Lake Loch Low

Lake Mary

Lk Ashby

ge B

Roach Rd

Lake Danson Crystal Lake

Greenwood Lake Green Way Blvd

Lake Myrtle

B lv d

rm an

Oran

561A

Lake Prevatt

Welch Rd

Twin Lakes

Lake Emma

Wekiva River

l vd

Ave

441

E No

Lk Gleason

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

Laughlin Rd

Palm

448A

435

Ponkan Rd

Wayside Dr

Lake Mary Blvd Rice Lake

Three Island Lks

ole Blvd

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

Wekiva River

Oste e n

Sadler Rd

Golden Gem Rd

Jones Ave

Kelly Park Rd

Sylvan Lake

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

D eb

Strick Ba

415

Lk Monroe

Blvd

Orange

431

Yankee Lake

F ort S m ith B lvd

D i r k sen Dr

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

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

meralda Marsh

Carter Rd

Alexander Springs Creek

MARION COUNTY

Ta yl

Lk Woodruff

445

Williams Rd

Bay

Ponce Inlet

kland ay Turnbull Bay

ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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D ix

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New Smyrna Beach

Lytle

So u

Av e

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swy

ian

Ind

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Riv

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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.

Edgewater

Rid

A1A

gew ood

Av e

Atlantic Ocean

tla

n t ic Av

Eagle Creek

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

na ve ra

H a l i f a x Av e

Oak Hill

lN a ti on al Se

as ho re

Ken

Mosquito Lagoon

ne d

y P kwy

M aytow

n Rd

Tu r

ull

3 Cr

John F Kennedy Space Center

Vanns Slough

ilo

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (B) Amenities: Gated community; golf course, tennis courts, pool, health/fitness center, clubhouse Builder: Jones Homes USA, 407-636-9261 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the high $300s to $1 million Notes: Village Center with an 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 mid-$300s Notes: 55-plus active-adult community featuring new condos with elevator access; residents enjoy maintenance-free living with easy access to Lake Nona’s Medical City and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay). St Johns River

Holly Estates 3524 Crimson Clover Drive, Mount Dora, FL 32757 • drhorton.com Schools/Grades: Zellwood (C); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (B) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, exercise stations, soccer field, children’s playground Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 352-729-4795 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the $300s Notes: Near historic downtown Mount Dora with its many lakes, a historic railroad station, vibrant dining and shopping, and one of three freshwater lighthouses in Florida.

520

St Johns River

Taylor k Cree

520

Nov a Rd

532

Lake Poinsett

Nova Rd

Deer Park Rd

Lake Winder

LAKESIDE 1068 Lakeside Estates Drive, Apopka, FL 32703 • taylormorrison.com Schools/Grades: Apopka (A); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (A) Amenities: Gated community, waterfront, resort-style amenities Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Enjoy lakeside living in the heart of Apopka, with convenient access to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) 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 Irlo Br

onson

Memor

ial Hw

Crabgrass Creek

192

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 high $300s to $1 million; townhomes, from the mid-$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.

Bull Creek

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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: Brierhill Homes, 407-363-6913; David Weekley Homes, 407-865-8295; J&J Building, 407-476-7520; RCB Homes, 407-876-0729; Rockwell Homes, 407-890-0425 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located just minutes from historic downtown Winter Garden on the shores of Lake Apopka; certified green homes in a traditionally styled neighborhood.

Phillips Grove 7965 Wandering Way, Doctor Phillips, FL 32836 • pulte.com Schools/Grades: Sandlake (A); Southwest (A); Dr. Phillips (B). Amenities: Gated community, lawn care included, outside summer kitchen, pool and cabana, sports courts. Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-449-8039 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$800s Notes: Located within minutes of I-4; near Central Florida’s “Restaurant Row;” convenient to schools and shopping; limited number of lakefront homesites on the Butler Chain of Lakes available.

Pinewood Reserve 5973 Wooden Pine Drive, Orlando, FL 32829 • pulte.com Schools/Grades: Hidden Oaks (B); Odyssey (B); Colonial (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana, playground, dog park Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-845-9049 Product/Price: Single-family and townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Easy access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) offers easy access to top shopping and dining areas such as the Waterford Lakes Town Center and the Lake Nona Town Center.

San Sebastian Reserve 2100 Emerald Springs Drive, Apopka, FL 32712 • khov.com Schools/Grades: Rock Springs (A), Apopka (C), Apopka (B) Amenities: Gated community, resort-style pool, cabana, playground, dog park Builder: K. Hovnanian Homes, 321-263-2644 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Close to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), 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 Builder: D.R. Horton, 407-415-0030 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $300s Notes: Convenient low-maintenance lifestyle; professional lawncare and exterior pest control included.

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ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

Sunset Preserve 4125 Sunset Preserve Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32820 • pulte.com Schools/Grades: East Lake (-); Corner Lake (C); East River (-) Amenities: Gated community, private boat ramp, lakefront pavilion, children’s playground Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-676-7843 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $500s Notes: Tucked among the trees off of Lake Picket in East Orlando; features a private community boat ramp, a lakefront open-air pavilion and a children’s playground; located near S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 408 (the East-West Expressway).

The Brix at The Packing District 3025 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 • tollbrothers.com Schools/Grades: Lake Silver (C); College Park (C); Edgewater (A) Amenities: Bike lane leading directly into College Park; food hall and beer garden, futuristic regional park with a pond overlook, 40-acre urban farm, sports fields, pavilion, entertainment stage, scenic walking and jogging trails, and more. Builder: Toll Brothers, 877-431-0444 Product/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$400s Notes: Near downtown Orlando and College Park; an exclusive community featuring 135 townhomes; home designs will feature urban, transitional, and industrial-inspired architecture.

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 Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-753-6191 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located less than a mile from S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) and near I-4 and major roadways, residents have easy access to schools, entertainment, shopping and dining and neighboring cities; nearby outdoor recreation includes hiking, biking and swimming in a natural spring at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Waterleigh 10482 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • drhorton.com Schools/Grades: Water Spring (-); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (B) Amenities: Waterfront or water access; walking and nature trails; exercise and fitness center; two resortstyle amenity centers; lakes, ponds and swimming pools; tot lots and sports fields; beach volleyball and minigolf; a community garden Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-395-9707; Emerald Homes, 407-395-9707 Product/Prices: Single-family homes, from the high $300s Notes: Located in the Horizon West area with 1,400-plus acres encompassing more than a dozen lakes and clear water ponds; near shopping, dining, major attractions and top-notch medical facilities; served by excellent schools.

Westhaven at Ovation 8818 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • tollbrothers.com Schools/Grades: Water Springs (NA); Water Springs (NA); Horizon (NA) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, wetlands and water features Builder: Toll Brothers, 877-431-0444 Product/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $400s; single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Nestled in a natural setting; embodies tranquility with a picturesque location just minutes to shopping, dining, entertainment and schools.

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Winding Bay 15131 Mayberry Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • khov.com • rockwell-homes.com Schools/Grades: Water Spring (-); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana with splash pad, playground, dog park, activity field Builders: K Hovnanian Homes, 321-221-5884; Rockwell Homes, 407-890-0425 Product/Price: Townhomes, from the low $400s; single-family from the mid-$500s Notes: Just minutes from S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), which provides easy access to all major highways; 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport and Downtown Orlando and just 10 minutes from Walt Disney World, the Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital and the Horizon West 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 Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-330-2270 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$500s Notes: Located just west of Lake Nona’s Medical City employment centers and 12 miles south of downtown Orlando; variety of home designs from which to choose; numerous community amenities.

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2018

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SEMINOLE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

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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 • LandseaHomes.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 mid-$300s Notes: Located less than a mile from the Downtown Sanford Historic District with its award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, tree-lined streets, parks and nature trails as well as a spectacular marina with boating, fishing and dinner cruises.

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 high $400s; townhomes, from the low $400s Notes: Located along the southern shores of Lake Howell.

Kensington Reserve 3828 Hanworth Loop, Sanford, FL 32773• ryanhomes.com Schools/Grades: Pinecrest (C); Sanford (A); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, beach entry pool, cabana, playground Builders: Ryan Homes, 407-966-3086 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Located minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment options; two miles from SanfordOrlando International Airport.

Legacy Place 1583 Grand Rue Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707 • meritage.com Schools/Grades: Sterling Park (B), South Seminole (B), Winter Springs (B) Amenities: Yoga lawn, dog park, tot lot, grilling area, putting green Builders: Meritage Homes, 844-244-2373 Product/Price: Townhomes, from the low $300s Notes: Located in the desirable Casselberry submarket only a few miles from S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and I-4; easy access to major employment centers.

Riverbend 4101 Silverstream Terrace, Sanford, FL 32771 • drhorton.com Schools/Grades: Midway (C); Millennium (C); Seminole (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana, park Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-878-2284 Product/Price: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Near Sanford’s historic downtown district with local breweries, a trendy food scene and fun nightlife; also near the St. Johns River, New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach with direct access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 415.

WINTER 2022

SEMINOLE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

Parkdale Place 10731 Wood Dale Circle, Oviedo, FL 32765 • parksquarehomes.com Schools/Grades: Evans (A), Jackson Heights (A), Oviedo(A) Amenities: Gated community, walking trails Builder: Park Square, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $700s Notes: Surrounded by natural parks, wildlife preserves, local attractions and shopping; easy access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 434.

River’s Edge 1501 Missouri Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 • mybellavista.com Schools/Grades: Wilson (A); Sanford (A); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, tot park, walking trail Builder: Bellavista Homes, 407-873-6316 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $300s Notes: Located in a highly rated Seminole County school district, this gated community is near major transportation arteries and the Seminole Towne Center, the Downtown Sanford Historic District, Lake Monroe 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 mid-$400s Notes: Located along the St. John’s River, close to golf courses, the Sanford Riverwalk and the Downtown Sanford Historic District; near regional universities and colleges, shopping and dining, beaches, and major highways, including I-4 and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).

OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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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, new phase coming soon Notes: Intimate townhome community offering easy access to major roads and employment centers as well as shopping and dining.

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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 1,300-foot lakefront boardwalk with gazebo; fishing pier and community boat ramp and lift Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-853-8598 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $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.

Cypress Hammock 1237 Regal King Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34758 • LandseaHomes.com Schools/Grades: Reedy Creek (C) Horizon (B) Poinciana (C) Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, playground Builder: Hanover Family Builders, 407-305-3701 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s; single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Located on Poinciana Boulevard within walking distance of the Kissimmee SunRail station; interest list now forming.

Glenwood 5354 Douglas Fir Drive, St. Cloud, FL 34771 • drhorton.com Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (A); Narcoossee (A); Harmony (B) Amenities: Pool, walking trails Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-850-5207 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located just off Florida’s Turnpike and near Lakeshore Park, with a beachfront playground, outdoor dining, a boat ramp and marina, picnic pavilions, a children’s splash pad and more; easy access to the Cocoa and Melbourne beaches, Orlando International Airport, Lake Nona’s Medical City, and regional attractions via S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 528 (the Beachline Expressway).

Hanover Lakes 3325 Hickory Tree Road, St. Cloud, FL 34772 • LandseaHomes.com Schools/Grades: Hickory Tree (B); St. Cloud (B); Harmony (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool and splash pad; boat access to pristine chain of lakes; homesites with private docks available; nature park with dock and pavilion; low HOA dues Builder: Hanover Family Builders, 407-315-2628 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s 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 Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-978-6035 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $300s; single-family from the mid-$300s Notes: Located in the heart of Kissimmee, with direct access to Florida’s Turnpike, Osceola Parkway, I-4; Osceola County’s NeoCity, a master-planned tech center, is nearby.

WINTER 2022

OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

COMING SOON! Reedy Reserve Townhomes 3312 Reedy Glen Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34758 • taylormorrison.com Schools/Grades: Hidden Oaks (B); Odyssey (B); Colonial (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana, playground, dog park Builder: Taylor Morrison, 407-756-5025 Product/Price: Single-family and townhomes, from the mid $300s Notes: Featuring thoughtfully designed floorplans from Taylor Morrison’s Canvas Studio.

southern Pines 3921 Southern Vista Loop, St. Cloud, FL 34772 •taylormorrison.com Schools/Grades: Michigan Avenue (B); Saint Cloud (B); Saint Cloud (B) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, tot lot, ponds and conservation areas Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-250-8109 Products/Prices: Single-family, coming soon Notes: Located within the city of St. Cloud, allowing easy access to Florida’s Turnpike as well as the employment and retail corridors of Narcoossee Road and U.S. Route 192.

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 high $300s 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, 407-554-5373; Mattamy Homes, 407-845-9293 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s; townhomes, from the low $300s 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 • LandseaHomes.com Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (A); Narcoossee (A); St. Cloud (B) Amenities: Community pool, playground, sports/recreation field, dog park Builders: Hanover Family Builders, 407-451-3137 or 321-424-4598 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$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. Hwy. 192 and Florida’s Turnpike.

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

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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Lake County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 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 • LandseaHomes.com Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (B); East Ridge (B); Lake Minneola (B) Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-965-2274 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $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; Vogel Building Group, 407-230-4660; Primo Homes, 407-632-4501; J. Drewes Construction, 407-744-3133 Products/Prices: Condominiums, from the $300s; single-family, from the $500s to over $1 million Notes: Near Florida’s Turnpike, S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) and S.R. 528 (the Beachline Expressway).

Crestview 2691 Ridgetop Lane, Clermont, Florida FL 34711 • taylormorrison.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 mid-$400s Notes: Gated community tucked in the rolling hills of Lake County; offers easy access to commuter routes and major job centers like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Maitland Center and downtown Orlando.

Cypress Oaks 9309 Oglethorpe Drive, Groveland, FL 34736 • LandseaHomes.com Schools/Grades: Groveland (C); Clermont (B); South Lake (C) Amenities: Lakefront community pool and cabana Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-871-3394 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s 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 Schools/Grades: Sawgrass Bay (C); Windy Hill (B); East Ridge (B) Amenities: Nature trails, playground, pool and cabana, conservation areas Builder: Home Dynamics, 352-988-5955 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the upper $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.

WINTER 2022

LAKE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

Summerbrooke 2250 Natoma Boulevard, Mount Dora, FL 32757 • parksquarehomes.com Schools/Grades: Triangle (B); Mount Dora (B); Mount Dora (C) Amenities: Pool, trails, basketball courts, fitness center, tot lot, clubhouse, dog park Builder: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Single-family, the mid-$300s Notes: Set among the rolling hills of Lake County, the scenic beauty of Mount Dora is perfect for enjoying nature walks and the outdoors; just two miles from Mount Dora’s historic downtown shopping district.

Sunrise Ridge 121 Green Branch Boulevard, Groveland, FL 34736 • LandseaHomes.com Schools/Grades: Groveland (C); Gray (B); South Lake (C) Amenities: Conservation areas Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-325-9838 or 352-348.5949 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Low HOA dues, convenient to Florida’s Turnpike

The Canyons at Highland Ranch 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 low $400s Notes: Three beautiful collections of homes are offered; easy access to the 7-mile South Lake Trail; five public golf courses nearby.

Woodbury 279 E Myers Boulevard, Mascotte, FL 34753 • parksquarehomes.com Schools/Grades: Mascotte (C); Gray (B); South Lake (C) Amenities: Private community entrance Builder: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Located near the Florida Citrus Tower and downtown Clermont and offers easy access to S.R. 50 and Florida’s Turnpike.

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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.

Lincoln Oaks 2011 Buckhanon Trail, Deland, FL 32720 • ashtonwoods.com Schools/Grades: Citrus Cove (B); Deland (C); Deland (C) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, nature trail Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 321-204-6254 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Historic Deland known as “the Athens of Florida,” offers easy access to Orlando, Lake Mary and Daytona as well as popular beaches, nationals parks and one of Florida’s oldest private colleges, Stetson University.

Halifax Plantation 3500 Merritt Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 • halifaxplantation.com Schools/Grades: Pine Trail (B); Ormond Beach (B); Seabreeze (B) Amenities: Gated community; clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, golf course, tennis courts, pool, fitness center Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877.415.0030, Landsea Homes, 407.759.6329, Vanacore Homes, 888-519-1309 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Minutes to the Atlantic Ocean, the Intercoastal Waterway and Tomoka State Park.

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 Builder: K. Hovnanian Homes, 321-263-2681 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $200s; single-family, from the mid-$300s 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 low $300s; townhomes, from the high $200s Notes: Close to beaches; miles of trails for walking or biking.

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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 low $300s 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 and townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Exclusive waterfront and golf course homesites available.

Tierra del sol 5219 Tuscany Lane, Davenport, FL 33897 • taylormorrison.com Schools/Grades: Citrus Ridge (C); A Civics Academy (C); Ridge Community (C) Amenities: Pool, cabana, tot lot Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-934-0075 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Convenient to major employers including Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World and Universal Studios; nearby Posner Park, an 80-acre open-air shopping mall, offers an impressive variety of stores and restaurants as well as a Cinepolis IMAX Theater.

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.

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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

Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition Winter 2022

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