By Holley Long
In an area that was once acres of orange groves is Horizon West, one of the most desirable places to relocate to in Central Florida. Though technically a part of Windermere and Winter Garden, Horizon West has become its own bustling community, welcoming more businesses and residents every day.
Where is it?
Nestled along SR-429, Horizon West is a small, but steadily growing area in southwest Orange County. A master planned community, the area is split into five villages and a Town Center. The villages are designed to have everyday essentials, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities, within walking distance of residents.
With Winter Garden to the north, the lakes of Windermere to the east, and Walt Disney World to the south, location couldn’t be better. Horizon West is so close to Disney, in fact, that a lot of residents are able to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from their backyards. The area’s proximity to SR-429 and I-4 also make it easy to travel to other popular Orlando attractions, like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and downtown Orlando, in under thirty minutes.
Neighborhoods and Home Buying
With established neighborhoods and even more under construction, Horizon West has embraced the suburban way of life. Read on to learn about a few of the communities on the rise in the area.
Silverleaf Reserve Bungalows
Image by Silverleaf Reserve by Meritage Homes
Many Horizon West neighborhoods are built with proximity to schools in mind. This community of single family homes, starting in the $500s and being built by Meritage Homes, is a walkable distance from Hamlin Middle School.
It’s also just a short drive from major employment centers, like Disney and Orlando Health. Across SR-429 is Hamlin Town Center, a shopping center with a Wal-mart, Publix, banks, and more, making running errands that much more convenient.
Encore at Ovation
Image by Encore at Ovation by M/I Homes
This community already has a lot of residents, as well as move-in ready homes, but even more are being constructed to expand the neighborhood. Built by M/I Homes, and with homes priced from the low $400s, Encore is located in an area of Horizon West that is very much still underdevelopment, but it won’t be long before it’s just as lively as other parts.
Just down the road is Flamingo Crossings Town Center, a shopping center with a Target, Walgreens, primary care doctor’s office, and restaurants. It’s also in one of the closest areas of Horizon West to Disney World (the “Walt Disney World” archway is just down the road).
Independence
Image by Independence Florida
A master planned community within a master planned community, Independence was founded nearly 20 years ago and is still proving to be a slice of oasis for residents and prospective homeowners. Its nearly 1,900 properties, ranging from apartments to luxurious estates, are architecturally pleasing and surrounded by many elements of Floridian nature.
Beautiful architecture extends to the five-story brick Clock Tower, the reflecting pool “Mall,” and the Georgian community buildings inspired by historic New England. Living in this community grants residents to a number of resort-style amenities, such as pools, clubhouses, and sports courts. There are also over a dozen parks and miles of biking and walking trails throughout Independence, so residents can travel easily throughout the community.
Del Webb at Oasis
Image by Del Webb
Being a quieter part of Orange County, Horizon West may sound like the perfect place to retire. Welcoming the 55+ aged community is Del Webb, a neighborhood built by Pulte Homes. It’s gated, and the amenities offered are top notch.
Residents of Del Webb can lounge poolside in cabanas, workout in the fitness center on technogym equipment, or relax and chat by outdoor firepits. The neighborhood is just down the road from Target, too, making grocery shopping an easy adventure, and Disney World and other Orlando attractions are just a short drive away.
Schools
There are over a dozen Orange County schools that Horizon West students can be zoned for, but more schools are expected to be added to the area over the next few years. Many of the main neighborhoods in Horizon West will get an elementary school within two miles, so parents can walk or bike with students to school drop-off, keeping the roads clear of cars and buses.
Things To Do in Horizon West
Horizon West is still developing, but there’s still plenty to do in and around the area!
Shopping and Entertainment
Since it’s technically part of Winter Garden, Horizon West residents can enjoy popular shopping districts in the city like Winter Garden Village, an outdoor mall with department stores and fun home decor shops. Downtown Winter Garden is also a great place to shop, with boutiques, a bookstore, and, on Saturdays, the Farmer’s Market.
There's also the Flamingo Crossings town center right of Osceola Parkway just west of the 429, with new shops and restaurants opening this year and next!
If you're looking for some family fun, that's not the theme parks, then you have to check out the newly opened Urban Air Adventure Park! Young and old alike can enjoy VR experiences, bumper cars, video games, flying high on the trampolines, and more.
And, have I mentioned enough times that Horizon West is close to Walt Disney World? That includes Disney Springs, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, where visitors can buy anything from athletic wear at Lululemon, purses and bags at Kate Spade, or even T-shirts and souvenirs from World of Disney.
Dining
It seems like new restaurants are opening everyday in Horizon West, especially over in the Flamingo Crossings Town Center. Already open is Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., Hash House a Go Go, Pieology, and more quick-service and sit down restaurants. Restaurants still to open include Skyline Chili, Simply Capri, and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill.
Over in Hamlin Town Center, diners can find staples like fast food restaurants and breakfast spots, but there are also spots offering interesting dishes, such as Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, The French Cafe, and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.
Overall
With a lot of the area already built, and much more on the, well, horizon, Horizon West is attracting both newcomers and Central Florida natives. It offers a quiet suburban bubble without being too far removed from the theme parks and other attractions Orlando is popular for. If you’re in the market for a home in this rising community, let our team help you find it!
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
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