Homebuyer FAll 2023 by Winter Park Publishing Company

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first-time homebuyers • PUBLIC SCHOOL GUIDE • TOP COMMUNITIES

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Schedule an appointment today: 844.774.4636 *Pictures, photographs, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. See New Home Counselor for details. CRC 1330351 CGC 1520474

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LAKE EUSTIS LAKE EUSTIS

LAKE MONROE LAKE MONROE

MT. DORA MT. DORA 415 TOLL

453 TOLL

LAKE HARRIS LAKE HARRIS

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WEKIWA SPRINGS WEKIWA STATE PARK SPRINGS STATE PARK

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ORLANDO SANFORD INTL’ AIRPORT ORLANDO SANFORD INTL’ AIRPORT

LAKE MARY BLVD

429 TOLL

417

Titusville

ALTAMONTE MALL ALTAMONTE MALL

OVIEDO

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LAKE APOPKA

417 426

LAKE APOPKA

Titusville

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TOLL

RED BUG LAKE RD

LOCK

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434

426

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Cocoa

408

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THE MALL ATTHE MILLENIA MALL AT MILLENIA

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO UNIVERSAL 4 RESORT ORLANDO

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FLORIDA MALL FLORIDA

RESORT

TOLL

MALL

429

PREMIUM OUTLETS PREMIUM OUTLETS

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eola

ORLANDO INTERNATIONORLANDO AL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIRPORT

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BEACHLINE EXPWY 528

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TO BEACHES

Cocoa

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Banana River

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Pkwy

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TOLL TOLL

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SEAWORLD SEAWORLD WALT DISNEY WORLD WALT DISNEY RESORT WORLD RESORT

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Indian River

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EAST LAKE TOHO EAST LAKE

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LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA

PATPA AF 95

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275

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Lake Gibson

M Lake Parker Lake Parker

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Melbourne

Lakeland Lakeland

Selmon Expressway

275

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St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg 275

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301

275

301

Lake Parrish Lake Parrish

Bud Rhoden Rd

Buckeye Rd.

Moccasin Wallow Rd

275

Erie

69th Street E

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N. Rye Rd

Fort Hammer Rd

275

675

301 Upper Manatee River

Bradenton

789

Mirror Lake Village

Cypress Park Estates

Summerbrooke

Tarpon Bay

Leela Reserve

The Residences at Emerson Park

Marisol Pointe at MiraBay

Brighton

Upper Manat

301 684

ee River

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of Mexico 789

301

Sarasota Sarasota

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Siesta Key

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681

Venice

Avalon Ridge

Mezzano

Brixton

41 Gulf of Mexico

Townwalk at Babcock Ranch

41 Port Charlotte

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75 41

75 93

Gulf of Mexico

12 78

N. Fort Myers

867

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FROM THE PUBLISHER issued — which is pretty amazing ORLANDO HOME MARKET permits when you look at the number of permits

AVOIDS NATIONAL WOES Once again, the talking heads are reporting on the demise of the housing market. And once again, they’re talking about a national housing market. Sure, in some markets there’s cause for concern. Interest rates have been volatile lately and supply chain issues have caused shortages and higher prices. But let’s drill down to what’s happening here. Perhaps the best indicator of how healthy the market is to take a look at housing starts. After all, big builders aren’t going to invest in land, materials, infrastructure and impact fees if there’s little or no demand. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates and permits started to decline in April. But since then, the market has made a robust comeback, recouping all of the shortfall. Let’s fast forward to 2023. The data available for the first five months of the year shows the Central Florida market had over 10,000

pulled as a whole. Central Florida has roughly 12 percent of the state’s population, but more than 14 percent of the permits issued statewide were for homes in our market. As a percentage of its population, only Jacksonville had more permits issued. We hear a lot of talk about housing affordability in Florida. And yes, compared to states like Mississippi and Alabama it would seem we have an affordability issue. However, U.S. News and World Report ranks Florida 38th in housing affordability while also ranking it among the Top 10 “Best States to Live In.” Sounds like a bargain. So why is Central Florida an anomaly? It’s actually quite simple; people want to live here. So what it boils down to is this: Don’t listen to the talking heads. .

DEPARTMENTS 2 FROM THE PUBLISHER

26 OUR TOWNS

4 FEATURED BUILDER

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

6 FEATURED COMMUNITY

Leela Reserve, in Lake County, lives up to its name. By Patricia Letakis

RESOURCES

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CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

BUYER

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PHYLLIS M. MILLER Director of Administration TINA ROBERS Art Director MYRON CARDEN Distribution Manager MICHAEL CANDELARIA, MARY SHANKLIN, PATRICIA LETAKIS Contributing Writers HARRY WESSEL Contributing Editor W int e r Pa r k Pu b l is hing Co m pa ny L LC

JANE HAMES, CHAIR; RICK BALDWIN, JIM BARNES; KEN BRADLEY; HAL GEORGE; ISIS JONES; KRISTIN MATT; ELLEN PRAGUE Board of Managers MICHAEL OKATY, FOLEY & LARDNER LLP Legal Counsel ALLAN E. KEEN Chairman Emeritus

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; 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; Philip Tiedtke; Roger K. Thompson; Ed Timberlake; Harold and Libby Ward; Warren “Chip” Weston; Tom and Penny Yochum; and Victor and Jackie A. Zollo.

HOME HOME HOME thefloridahomebuyer.com

RANDY NOLES Editor and Publisher

Community Partners in Memoriam

60 COMMUNITIES

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher/Director of Sales

Bruce Douglas, George Sprinkel and Martin Prague

52 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

8 FEATURED FLOORPLAN

David Weekley Homes features the Magbee, a large townhome with thoughtfully designed space. By Patricia Letakis

BUYER

Co m m u nit y Pa rt ne r s

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher theresa@thefloridahomebuyer.com

CONTENTS | F A L L 2 0 2 3

Affortability is still the key for Stanley Martin Homes By Patricia Letakis

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

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Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B Winter Park, Florida 32789 Phone: 407-647-0225 thefloridahomebuyer.com

FEATURES 11 MANOR

Custom builder Dave Brewer Inc. builds custom homes that are big, bold and beautiful. By Patricia Letakis 16 THE FIRST TIME AROUND

Local builders are chasing (and catching) first-time homebuyers despite higher interest rates. By Michael Candelaria

Custom home by Issa Homes

first-time homebuyers • PUBLIC SCHOOL GUIDE • TOP COMMUNITIES

Custom home by Jones Clayton Construction

first-time homebuyers • PUBLIC SCHOOL GUIDE • TOP COMMUNITIES

Custom home by J. Richard Watson Construction

first-time homebuyers • PUBLIC SCHOOL GUIDE • TOP COMMUNITIES

ON THE COVER Readers of this issue of Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition may see one of three covers: One is a custom home by Issa Homes; one is a custom home by Jones Clayton Construction; and one is a custom home by J. Richard Watson Construction.

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Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition Spring 2023 is published quarterly by Winter Park Publishing Company LLC, 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B, Winter Park, Florida 32789. Copyright 2023 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.

The Voice of the People: Freedom of Speech

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Beyond the Medici: The Haukohl Family Collection

Amy Sherald (American, b. 1973), Hope is the thing with feathers (The little bird), 2021, Color screenprint on Coventry rag, 48 1/2 x 40 1/2 x 2 in., The Alfond Collection of Art, Gift of Barbara ’68 and Theodore ’68 Alfond. 2021.1.24 © Amy Sherald. Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth. Photographer credit: Thomas Barra

American Visions: Recent Additions to the Collection

Hank Willis Thomas, Emily Shur and For Freedoms, (American, b. 1976), Freedom of Speech, 2018, Archival pigment print, 54 x 43 1/4 x 2 in., The Alfond Collection of Art, Gift of Barbara ’68 and Theodore ’68 Alfond. 2018.1.30 © For Freedoms

Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848), Catskill Mountain House, The Four Elements, 1843-44, Oil on canvas, 28 1/2 x 36 1/2 in., Gift of Diane and Michael Maher. 2023.6 Giovanni Domenico Ferretti (Italian, 1692-1768), Harlequin and His Lady, ca. 1745, Oil on canvas, 23 5/16 x 19 31/64 in., Haukohl Collection. Photo Credit: MNHA/Tom Lucas

17th Century Florentine Sculpture, Saint Michael Archangel, mid 17th century, Polychrome wood, 25 15/64 x 18 57/64 x 11 1/2 in., Haukohl Collection. Photo Credit: MNHA/Tom Lucas

What’s New? Recent Acquisitions Through January 7, 2024

ROLLINS.EDU/RMA

PUBLISHER’S PICK: BUILDER  STANLEY MARTIN HOMES

Residents of Avalon Park Tavares by Stanley Martin Homes will enjoy not only affordable, energy-efficient homes but also ample recreational opportunities such as a pool and a cabana, as well as a playground and nearby marina.

AFFORDABILITY IS STILL THE KEY FOR STANLEY MARTIN

tanley Martin Homes may be one of the new builders to make its Central Florida debut, but its expertise goes back to 1966 when partners Stanley Halle and Martin Alloy founded the company in Maryland. In 2021, Stanley Martin moved into the Central Florida market with the purchase of Avex Homes, a company with more than 4,500 homesites and a seasoned team with knowledge and expertise. In fact, when the deal was made, Avex was already building 300-plus homes per year. Stanley Martin’s vision at the time of acquisition was twofold, says Rich Browning, the company’s vice president of land: to become a top-five homebuilder in the market and to use the existing Avex operation as a jumping off point to expand into new markets throughout Florida. “Both visions are still in place today, and the company is making significant progress in its goals,” says Browning. For Stanley Martin, Lake County is proving to be a particularly strong market these days, one where they can provide homes at affordable prices — something that’s becoming very tough to do in Orange and Seminole counties, Browning ad-

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The Juniper model offers the perfect blend of modern design and practical living — the perfect floorplan for your lifestyle.

mits. The company is also actively working in Brevard, Osceola, Volusia and Polk counties. With a focus on first-time buyers, Stanley Martin has designed a portfolio of single-family homes priced from the low $300s. Models range from three to five bedrooms, two to three full baths and measure 1,350 to 2,856 square feet. Browning admits that affordability is the biggest challenge today. “As a builder, it’s our responsibility to continuously push to provide new homes to our customers within an affordable price range,” he says. “I believe we’re successfully doing so,

The Chester at Sorrento Pines (above) is a 3,000-square-foot model that boasts a smart design with an open floorplan. The Portland (below right) is a 1,500-square-foot model with a combined kitchen-living area highlighted by a kitchen island.

while also providing an excellent homebuying experience.” One of the builder’s top selling models is the Craftsman-inspired Juniper, priced in the mid-$300s. It’s a four-bedroom, two-bath home, measuring 1,839 square feet. It boasts an open floorplan, a covered lanai and a two-car garage. Models can be visited at the Sunset Lakes Estate and Sorrento Pines communities. Actively engaged in Lake County, Stanley Homes is building and selling homes in several communities: Avalon Park Tavares, Mayhill in Eustis, Sorrento Pines, Silver Lake Point in Leesburg and Sunset Lakes Estates in Mascotte, a city of 6,600 near Clermont. Browning cites Sunset Lakes Estates as an example of the communities in which Stanley Martin builds. While prices in Clermont have risen, “this community allows us to offer well-priced new construction homes while still providing convenient access to Central Florida’s employment centers, attractions and recreational activities,” he notes. The company also has created the SMart Selected Homes program, where each community offers a wide range of homes at or near completion with a variety of finishes. Adds Browning: “We do this to ensure that we can meet our buyers’ needs when they’re ready to purchase, rather than saddling them with uncertain time frames for construction and overwhelming option-selection processes.” n —Patricia Letakis FALL 2023

PUBLISHER’S PICK: COMMUNITY  LEELA RESER VE

Location and amenities make Leela Reserve highly desirable. Amenities include a pool and cabana, a playground and a dog park. Nearby public boat access offers convenient entry to Lake Harris, an additional incentive to water sport enthusiasts.

LEELA RESERVE LIVES UP TO LAKE COUNTY’S NAME

ake County lives up to its name with an abundance of communities near sparkling waterways. Case in point: Leela Reserve by Park Square Homes. The new community, currently in phase one, boasts proximity to Lake Eustis, Lake Dora and Lake Harris — all within a 5-mile radius and part of the Harris Chain of Lakes. Homeowners turned boaters, fishermen and jet ski lovers need not travel far to find plenty of water-centric recreation. But that’s only one of the selling points of this brand-new community tucked in a quiet corner of Tavares, the seaplane capital of Florida just west of Orlando. “Demand for new homes in Lake County is strong, and Park Square Homes is delighted to release the first homesites for sale in Leela Reserve,” says Nicole Stanton, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Location and amenities make this community highly desirable.”

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Tavares, a neighbor to small-town Eustis, is nestled between Mount Dora and Leesburg, with Clermont to the south and The Villages to the north. From its location at State Road 19 and Slim Haywood Avenue, Leela Reserve easily connects with County Road 561, State Road 19 and U.S. Highway 441, as well as shopping, dining, schools and workplaces. It’s 13 miles from Florida’s Turnpike and just a short drive from historic downtown Tavares, which sits on the edge of Lake Dora and is home to parks and waterfront dining options. Divided into three phases, the community will encompass 362 new single-family homes when completed. The first phase, consisting of 69 homesites, contains streets with names like Suraj Circle, Radha Trail Road and Valhalla Drive. The streets are, in fact, named for family members of Park Square’s owners. Construction is already underway, with homeowners expected to begin setting up housekeeping this fall. Amenities such as a resort-style swimming pool and cabana with key-code entry and playfields will follow. There are eight floorplans available, ranging from three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and 1,520 to 2,380 square feet. The standard lot is 60 feet by 20 feet, and homes are set 20 feet apart from neighboring houses. The Excite model, with 1,520 square feet, is the smallest

The Pembroke (above) is a model that features 2,380 square feet with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a loft and two-car garage. The Evolve (below right) is a model that boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,662 square feet. Its open floorplan is highlighted by 9-foot, 4-inch ceilings, while the kitchen offers 42-inch upper cabinets for extra storage, a spacious island with a sink, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

floorplan offered and priced at $345,010; it’s a popular option with empty nesters looking to downsize. The two-story Pembroke is the largest at 2,380 square feet; it’s priced at $434,188. An attractive choice with families, the home has a unique mom-endorsed feature: a laundry chute on the upper level. Two models are currently open at Leela Reserve. The modern-contemporary Imagine, with four bedrooms, three baths, a patio and a two-car garage, measures 1,900 square feet. Buyers can choose from three floorplan options, priced in the $300s. The other model, Evolve, has three bedrooms, two baths, a covered lanai and a two-car garage. It covers 1,662 square feet and is priced at $359,430. Among signature features offered in Leela Reserve’s Park Square homes are electric car 220V-40A outlets, brick-paved driveways, video doorbell cameras, fully sodded lawns with irrigation systems and magnolia trees. Interior highlights include 17-inch tile floors, quartz countertops and stainless-steel kitchen appliances. n —Patricia Letakis

FALL 2023

PUBLISHER’S PICK: FLOORPLAN  DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES

The Magbee (center) is a two-story townhome that clocks in at 1,844 square feet — quite large in comparison to standard townhomes. It has three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half-bathroom and a two-car garage.

THE MAGBEE IS BIG, WITH THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED SPACE

ince setting up shop in Orlando in the 1990’s, David Weekley Homes has become a staple in Central Florida’s homebuilding market. No doubt you’ve seen the company’s signage throughout the Orlando area as new communities and homes have sprouted up over the years. One of the largest privately held homebuilders in the United States, David Weekley reached a milestone in 2020 when its home sales hit the 100,000 mark. Today the number registers at 115,000 and still growing throughout 19 markets. Looking back, it was a long stretch that paid off well for the two brothers — David and Dick — who began the company in Houston in 1976. Today David Weekley remains at the top of its game with an impressive portfolio of single-family homes, 55-plus community homes and townhomes. The newest model locally is the Magbee. The two-story townhome, which clocks in at 1,844 square feet, is quite large in comparison to standard townhomes. It has three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half-bathroom and a two-car garage. The Magbee is being built at the Astera community in Lake Mary, located within the Lake Mary Wellness & Technology Park — a mixed-use development de-

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signed for sustainable living and work with a medical wellness town center. Prices start from the low $400s. The Magbee boasts a well-thought-out floorplan that makes the most of the home’s ample space. From the front entrance, a staircase sits immediately to the right, providing quick access to the three upstairs bedrooms. Continue through the home and you’ll note a lovely open design that flows through the first floor, encompassing the kitchen, family and dining space. The back of the home opens from the dining area to a yard — ideal for a small garden or for just sitting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. Here homeowners have the option of a 12-foot sliding glass door and an awning. The kitchen area features an island with a double sink and plenty of dining space for casual mealtimes. More counter space and cabinets hug two walls, and there’s a pantry. Tucked in the corner of the kitchen leading to the garage are a powder room or half-bath and the underside of the stairs, which is cleverly designed as storage space. All bedrooms are on the second floor. The front half of the home encompasses the owner’s retreat, which includes a private bathroom, with a water closet, and a walk-in clothes closet. Tray ceilings are an option for the bedroom. Centrally located off the staircase is the utility room with a washer and dryer, as well as a second full bathroom. Two bedrooms complete the upper level, and both have energy-efficient windows framing a backyard view. The Magbee model will be open November 2023. n —Patricia Letakis

Optional Awning at Dining and family

first floor with Optional left end unit

First Floor

IN BRIEF  TOWNHOME: The Magbee  SIZE: 1,844 square feet  BEDROOMS/BATHROOMS: 3 bedrooms,

second Floor

 STYLE: Single-family townhomes  PRICE: Low $400s  BUILDER: David Weekley Homes

2 full bathrooms and one half-bathroom

FALL 2023

“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 Cole Homes Dave Brewer, Inc. DeLorenzo Homes, Inc. Derrick Builders, Inc. Farina & Sons, Inc. custombuilt.com | facebook.com/ MasterCustomBuilderCouncil

Goehring & Morgan Construction Hannigan Homes Hardwick General Contracting Issa Homes Jones Clayton Construction J. Richard Watson Construction LunDev Custom Homes McNally Construction Group Phil Kean Design Group

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

MANOR

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

Modern lakefront home in Lake Mary by Dave Brewer Inc. FALL 2023

Dave Brewer Inc., which has been around for almost 49 years, boasts a portfolio of more than 1,500 custom homes built throughout metro Orlando including this coastal-inspired home in Windermere.

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CUSTOM BUILDER PROFILE

THE BOLD AND THE

beautiful

BIGGER HOMES WITH MORE AMENITIES ARE BACK. AND THAT’S GOOD NEWS FOR DAVE BREWER INC. By PATRICIA LETAKIS

alking into Dave Brewer Inc.’s offices in Sanford is like entering an art gallery since poster-sized photos of the award-winning estate homes built by the company over the last 20 years or so adorn the walls. And there are plenty of them — with clean, modern sophistication and beautiful coastal-inspired architecture contrasting President and owner with Old World and MediterraMatt Trask nean designs. The company, which has been around for almost 49 years, boasts a portfolio of more than 1,500 custom homes built throughout metro Orlando and the coastal areas. Behind that track record of success is founder Dave Brewer and current president and owner Matt Trask. Brewer, who moved his business from Indiana to Orlando in the 1970s, joined forces with Trask in the early 2000s when a family friend introduced them. Trask recalls the conversation that catapulted him into the homebuilding industry: “Dave and I talked, and he said, ‘l’ll give you an opportunity to work,’ and I said, ‘Well here’s what I’m looking for. I will work with you, but I won’t work for you — or I’ll compete with you. It’s really up to you.’”

Brewer laughed, says Trask, and said, “Oh, that’s what I like to hear.” The rest, of course, is local homebuilding history. Today Brewer is more of a mentor, with Trask at the helm for 18-plus years. Yet the Dave Brewer brand, which the two fostered together, continues to be synonymous with quality. Trask, whose passion for architecture began in high school, grew up in a family of entrepreneurs with interests in land development, building and real estate. Although he earned his degree in business and finance at the University of Central Florida, he knew his career path would eventually follow that of other family members. “He [Brewer] taught me everything he knows about building, which was extremely important,” Trask says. “And as far as the business and marketing side, I got to share that side with him and it just kind of worked.” Dave Brewer Inc. is considered a large company in terms of custom homebuilding, with 15 to 20 homes built each year. The company’s focus is on executive-style homes starting at 4,000 square feet — with the biggest one measuring a castle-like 31,000 square feet. The company’s homes typically start at $1.4 million. You’ll find Dave Brewer projects spread across Central Florida, from Windermere and Winter Park to Heathrow and Lake Mary as well as in Volusia and Lake counties. Many are on the water. Trask admits that for years the company’s bread and butter has been in gated luxury communities such as Heathrow Woods, Alaqua Lakes and Bella Collina, where they were featured builders. FALL 2023

“We do A to Z,” says Trask. “They [clients] don’t have to feel like, ‘What do I have to do next, how do I get there?’ The goal is to build them a home that we are all proud of, with an experience second to none and then in the end we’re all friends.” The copany has made plenty of friends with the homes like those shown here and on the facing page.

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Over time, however, gated communities have become smaller and established communities are recycling themselves as older homes are torn down because of their prime locations. Dave Brewer Inc. has a staff of about 10 people and works often with architect Bernie Johnson of Johnson Design and interior designer Pam Neiman of Neiman Interiors, who specialize in luxurious high-end homes. Trask points out that before COVID-19, the trend was toward smaller, smarter, simpler homes that could be built cost-efficiently. However, during pandemic quarantines and a trend toward working at home, that trend reversed itself. “Since then, homes have gotten back to being bigger, with more entertainment options,” Trask says. Homeowners are opting for game and home theater combos and gyms as well as kid’s entertainment space and luxurious outdoor areas. Every custom home has a summer kitchen, Trask notes, but homeowners are dreaming bigger these days — asking for basketball courts, putting greens and pools with lazy rivers. Many Dave Brewer homes include outbuildings, such as detached workshops, and almost all have mother-in-law suites. When it comes to design style, Trask says transitional, contemporary and modern are the most popular. “We’ve always been known for our quality, but there are certain things we do that are standard in our homes,” he adds. Signature elements include the use of glass to create openness plus craftsman-quality detailing and well-laid-out spaces. “All these little things seem petty, like who cares?” notes Trask. “But when you see the big picture, that’s what gives you the details that everybody appreciates. We have high standards.” For Trask, it’s all about designing a home that’s livable, not

just a pretty home that can be featured in a magazine. “I’m still one of those guys who really loves and has a passion for, not just home building, but home design,” he says. “I’d spend a Saturday afternoon walking through homes, if I had the time these days, just looking and appreciating them.” He also enjoys the personal side of the business. In an age where everything is automated and done online, he maintains an old-school mentality. “That personal face-to-face interaction, I feel like it’s by the wayside, but it’s really important to me,” he says. For Trask that means regular office meetings with clients. “We do A to Z,” says Trask. “They [clients] don’t have to feel like, ‘What do I have to do next, how do I get there?’ The goal is to build them a home that we are all proud of, with an experience second to none and then in the end we’re all friends.” n FALL 2023

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the first

time around LOCAL BUILDERS ARE CHASING FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS DESPITE HIGHER INTEREST RATES — AND STILL CATCHING THEM. BY MICHAEL CANDELARIA

Walker’s initial searches left her inee-Ta Walker, originally from creasingly frustrated. “I just could not Seattle, had been in the Orlando find a home, and I was getting like a litarea since 2016. A divorce had tle down, a little depressed,” she says. changed her life circumstances, “I was thinking, ‘OK, how’s this going to so she decided to remain in the area work?’” and begin looking for a new permanent A co-worker led Walker to Park Square home. Homes, where a discussion left her with Walker’s mother, learning of her plan another question: Where the heck is not to move back to Seattle, wanted to Mount Dora? Park Square Homes had a live with her daughter because of probmodel in a community there that met all lems related to advancing age. So, Walkof her needs — except location. er’s search began to become a first-time She consulted her smart phone’s homebuyer. GPS and found the commute time to be She was renting in Lake Nona, where less than expected. The model was the home prices — like those in most of the unbuilt Pensacola, and the community region — were rapidly rising. Further comwas Summerbrooke, represented by plicating matters, her potential new home Tee-Ta Walker renderings and an “imaginary” road, rehad to be both affordable and meet her spectively. Upon arrival, however, it didn’t take long for Walker mother’s specific needs. to be sold. That meant a bedroom and laundry downstairs, so Mom On paper, Walker saw that the Pensacola had four bedwouldn’t have to worry about climbing stairs. Also, Walker rooms, 3.5 bathrooms with flex space, a sizeable loft, walk-in didn’t care for the typical multigenerational floorplan, where livclosets and 2,570 square feet of living space along with a coving quarters are distinctly separated. She wanted to be nearby ered patio. The price was $478,990. if needed. FALL 2023

Summerbrooke is located just two miles from Mount Dora’s variety of restaurants and its historic downtown shopping district. The community also offers heavy amenities such as a community clubhouse with a pool, and recreation areas. The Pensacola model features three to five bedrooms and two to three bathrooms in 1,525 to 3,075 square feet.

The Summerbrooke Pensacola

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KB Home’s Plan 2320 model has four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and features green construction techniques. The open floorplan comes with 9-foot ceilings and an inviting family room. And the stylish kitchen features 36-inch upper cabinets, Brazilian white granite countertops, a dining nook, a large pantry and an island for food preparation and casual meals.

Also, Walker was able to “visualize” the community through a virtual tour. “I think the tipping point for me to move forward was that Park Square still wanted to show me where my house was going to be, even though there was nothing I could see,” says Walker, who has a marketing consulting business. She adds: “I’m a very visual, analytical person. They took me down this virtual road, and we got to the spot where my home was going to be built. I remember putting my hands out and felt like, ‘Oh, my God; this is my home!’” Walker signed a contract in April 2022 but didn’t close until this July, as construction work was slowed, just as it had across the nation, due to building materials and labor challenges due to lingering supply chain issues from COVID-19. She was able to finally move in this August: “It took longer than anticipated, but they kept me connected. I received a call every week. I felt like I was literally part of the process.” Adds Kelley Desjardins Ruiz, a new-home counselor with Park Square: “Handholding is probably too strong a word, but there are education and guidance components, absolutely. It’s about trust with the not just the new-home sales counselor, but with the builder in general.” Park Square Homes isn’t alone in its effort to attract firsttime homebuyers. In 2022, first-time homebuyers accounted for approximately 26 percent of all homebuyers in the United States, according to published data. In that quest for market share, where are other builders active across Central Florida? Here’s a sampling.

KB Home has Deer Run Estates in St. Cloud (Osceola County), which is convenient to Florida’s Turnpike, U.S. Highway 192, Narcoossee Road and Lake Nona. Prices range from $361,990 to $461,516, with sizes ranging from 1,393 to 3,016 square feet. The company’s two-story Plan 2320 model has four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and features “green” construction. The open floorplan comes with 9-foot ceilings and an inviting family room along with upgraded tile flooring. And the stylish kitchen features 36-inch upper cabinets, Brazilian white granite countertops, a dining nook, a large pantry and an island for food preparation and casual meals. FALL 2023

The Redbud by Taylor Morrison Homes is a 2,143- square-foot, four-bedroom model in which an extensive living area comprises most of the ground floor, with the kitchen on one end and the gathering room on the other. A casual dining room connects the two spaces and leads outside to the patio via sliding glass doors. An oversized walk-in pantry is conveniently located next to the owner’s entrance for easy unloading, and a powder room and coat closet is found adjacent to the foyer.

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The Bamboo, part of the Conch Collection at Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach, is an 1,811 square foot model that features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Latitude Margaritaville — part of the late Jimmy Buffet’s business empire, has a community center, a pool and a clubhouse with a cabana (and tiki huts!) as well as tennis courts.

Upstairs, a loft provides space for study or play. The primary suite boasts an expansive walk-in closet, a tray ceiling and a roomy connecting bath that showcases a linen closet, a raised, dual-sink vanity and a shower surrounded by tile. In Leesburg (Lake County), Liberty Preserve, a community by Taylor Morrison, offers homes ranging in size from 1,500 to 2,669 square feet and priced from $299,995 to $414,935. Community amenities include a park, a playground and a pond tucked away in the rolling hills. The five-bedroom, two-story Redbud contains 2,273 square feet, with a guest bedroom downstairs, plus a master bedroom and three secondary bedrooms upstairs. An extensive living area comprises most of the ground floor, with the kitchen on one end and a gathering room on the other. A casual dining room connects the two spaces and leads outside to the patio via sliding glass doors to a covered lanai. An oversized walk-in pantry is located next to the owner’s entrance, and a powder room and coat closet are adjacent to the foyer. Minto Communities is busy at Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach (Volusia County) with homes that start at $299,500 (for 1,205 square feet) and go up to $495,990 (for 2,564 square feet). Latitude Margaritaville — part of the late Jimmy Buffet’s business empire, has a community center, a pool and clubhouse with a cabana (and tiki huts!) as well as tennis courts and trails. FALL 2023

The company’s one-story Bamboo, a model that’s part of the Conch Collection, is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage with walk-in closets, dining and living rooms, a porch and a two-car garage. Lawson Dunes by Lennar, located in Winter Haven, offers homes from $299,990 to $379,755 with sizes that range from 1,444 to 2,370 square feet. Onsite amenities include a swimming pool, a tot lot, a dog park and multiuse trails. As part of its Manor Collection, the company offers the Columbia model. At 2,370 square feet, it has five bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with the primary bedroom downstairs and a two-car garage. In Ocoee (Orange County), David Weekley Homes is building at Lake Meadow Landing, a community highlighted by a playground, a pool, a lake, a dog park and nature trails. Townhomes that range in size from 1,807 to 2,104 square feet are priced from $396,999 to $467,619. There’s a private, gated entrance and yard maintenance is included. The spacious townhomes feature open floorplans, as exemplified by the two-story Josephine. The four-bed, three-bathroom model spans 2,104 square feet, with an upstairs primary bedroom that includes an en suite bathroom and an oversized walk-in closet plus two more bedrooms. At Winding Meadows in Apopka (Orange County), Pulte Homes is banking on the convenience of the popular new S.R. 429/Kelly Park interchange with homes priced from $376,990 (for 1,848 square feet) to $602,290 (for 3,416 square feet). Parks and walking trails highlight the community amenities. The company’s two-story Jasmine is a model that comes with four bedrooms — with the primary bedroom upstairs — and three bathrooms. There are walk-in closets and a spacious loft along with a covered lanai and two-car garage.

The Columbia at Lawson Dunes by Lennar Homes is part of the company’s Manor Collection. This two-story model clocks in at 2,370 square feet and features five bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms (with the primary bedroom downstairs) and a two-car garage.

The Jasmine by Pulte Homes, located at Winding Meadows in Apopka, is a 2,104-square-foot model with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. There are walk-in closets and a spacious loft along with a covered lanai as well as a two-car garage.

In Ocoee, David Weekley Homes is building at Lake Meadow Landing, a community highlighted by a playground, a pool, a lake, a dog park and nature trails. There’s a private, gated entrance and yard maintenance is included.

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5 Questions To Consider Before You Buy Your first step is to determine what your long-term goals are and how home ownership fits in with those goals. Perhaps you’re simply looking to transform all those “wasted” rent payments into mortgage payments that give you something tangible: equity. Or maybe you see homeownership as a sign of independence and enjoy the idea of being your own landlord. Also, buying a home can be a good investment. Narrowing down your big-picture homeownership goals will point you in the right direction. Here are six questions to consider:

HOW’S YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH?

Before falling in love with your dream home, do a serious audit of your finances. The result of this audit will tell you whether you’re ready to take this big step, or if you need to do more to prepare. First, don’t even think about buying a new home before you have an emergency savings account that includesat least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. At the same time, check your credit score. Generally, to qualify for a home loan, you’ll need good credit, a history of paying your bills on time and a maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 43 percent. Lenders generally prefer to limit housing expenses (principal, interest, taxes and homeowner’s insurance) to about 30 percent of the borrowers’ monthly gross income, though this figure can vary widely depending on the local real estate market. Paying down some of your debt or looking for ways to generate extra income before applying for a mortgage could help to improve your debt-to-income ratio.

WHICH TYPE OF HOME WILL BEST SUIT YOUR NEEDS?

WHICH SPECIFIC HOME FEATURES DO YOU WANT?

You have many options when purchasing a residential property: from a traditional single-family home to a duplex, a townhome or a condominium. Each option has its pros and cons. You can save on the purchase price in any category by choosing a fixer-upper, but be forewarned: The amount of time, sweat equity and money required to turn a fixer-upper into a dream home might be a lot more than you bargained for.

You’ll be making perhaps the biggest purchase of your life, and you deserve to have that purchase fit both your needs and wants as closely as possible. So, make a list! Your list should include basic desires, like size and neighborhood, as well as smaller details like bathroom layout and how the kitchen is outfitted. You might also separate your list into “must” and “wants” to give yourself some flexibility.

Scanning real estate websites and reading magazines like Orlando Homebuyer can help you get a sense of the pricing and availability of properties offering the features that are most important to you.

HOW MUCH MORTGAGE DO YOU QUALIFY FOR?

HOW MUCH HOME CAN YOU ACTUALLY AFFORD?

Before you start shopping, it’s important to get an idea of how much a lender will give you to purchase your first home. You may think you can afford a $300,000 home, but a lender may think you’re only good for $200,000 based on factors like how much other debt you have, your monthly income and how long you’ve been at your current job. Consider getting pre-approved for a loan before placing an offer on a home. In many instances, sellers won’t even entertain an offer that’s not accompanied by a mortgage pre-approval. You do this by applying for a mortgage and completing the necessary paperwork. It is beneficial to shop around for a lender and to compare interest rates and fees by using a tool like a mortgage calculator, which can be found all over the internet.

Sometimes a bank will give you a loan for more than you really need. Just because a bank says it will lend you $300,000 doesn’t mean that you should actually borrow that much. Many first-time homebuyers make this mistake and end up “house poor” with little left after they make their monthly mortgage payment to cover other basic costs of living. In deciding how big a loan to actually take, you’ll want to look at the home’s total cost, not just the monthly payment. Consider how high the property taxes are in your chosen neighborhood, how much homeowners insurance will cost — in Florida, a lot — and how much your closing costs will be. Home shopping with a smaller budget than you’re approved for will not only give you more flexibility, but it can also help you in a competitive housing market. When demand for homes outpaces supply, prices go up and make affordability even more challenging. If you shop with enough wiggle room, you may not end up losing a bidding war on your dream house. — Courtesy of Investopedia

FALL 2023

WHAT ABOUT INTEREST RATES? Interest rates on 30-year fixedrate mortgages are hovering around 8 percent. Yikes? That’s been tough for homebuyers, who have watched their buying power erode. At a 6 percent interest rate, a buyer looking to spend $2,000 a month on principal and interest could afford a loan of roughly $333,500. With interest rates at 8 percent, that same buyer can afford only $272,500. Their target home price has dropped $61,000 as more of that monthly payment has to go toward servicing interest. But if you’re in the position to buy a home regardless, there are a few steps you can take to buffer the effects of high rates. GET ALL THE HELP YOU CAN: If you’re a first-time homebuyer, look into state and local programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance. These can be no- or low-interest loans or even outright grants. You may not even have to be a true first-timer: Many programs consider you a first-time home buyer if

you haven’t had an ownership interest in a home for at least three years. CONSIDER HOME TYPES: Rather than a detached, single-family home, consider that a condo or townhouse might better suit your budget. Also, check out new construction, as newly built homes are nearly one-third of the current market. Home builders with robust inventories are often able to provide incentives that make new homes more affordable. And, with warranties to consider, a new home won’t become an unanticipated money pit the way an older home can. BE INTEREST-RATE AWARE: When you’re researching sample interest rates at various lenders, read the fine print. With rates so high, many lenders are including discount points — prepaid mortgage interest — to make their sample rates appear lower. Buying points can be a good strategy, but there’s an upfront cost, so you want to know if they’re included when trying to decide which lender has the best rates for you. — Courtesy of NerdWallet

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TrustcoBank.com

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

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PMI- Private Mortgage Insurance. Lender paid Private Mortgage Insurance on loans over 89.5% Loan-to-value. Subject to credit approval. Please note: we reserve the right to alter or withdraw these products or certain features thereof without prior notification. NMLS#474376 FALL 2023

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FALL 2023

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 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 bottlenecks, making the western portion of Volusia an easy 30-minute commute to downtown Orlando. Buyers 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

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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 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, restaurants, 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 Supermarkets Brunswick Corp.

2022-23 GUIDE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

■ SCHOOL GRADES ■ STANDARDIZED TEST PASSAGE RATES ■ HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES A special feature of Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2020-21

71.7

LAKE ORIENTA

69.8

56.4

LAWTON

30.1

BENTLEY

65.4

LAYER

51.5

CARILLON

29.0

LONGWOOD

59.5

CASSELBERRY

70.6

MIDWAY

84.8

CHOICES IN LEARNING (CHARTER)

21.7

PARTIN

24.0

CRYSTAL LAKE

49.6

PINE CREST

87.4

EASTBROOK

59.1

RAINBOW

37.7

ENGLISH ESTATES

68.4

RED BUG

48.1

EVANS

36.7

SABAL POINT

30.6

FOREST CITY

68.0

SPRING LAKE

77.4

GENEVA

43.2

STENSTROM

40.9

GOLDSBORO MAGNET

41.4

STERLING PARK

54.3

HAMILTON

83.8

WALKER

25.2

HEATHROW

20.8

WEKIVA

36.1

HIGHLANDS

59.9

WICKLOW

82.6

IDYLLWILDE

78.5

WILSON

24.3

KEETH

29.4

WINTER SPRINGS

76.5

LAKE MARY

46.5

WOODLANDS

36.5

School Grade 2022

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2021-22

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

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

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 two prior years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SEMINOLE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

SEMINOLE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CHILES

29.2

MILWEE

GREENWOOD LAKES

66.2

ROCK LAKE

37.1

INDIAN TRAILS

46.1.

SANFORD

49.6

JACKSON HEIGHTS

33.9

SOUTH SEMINOLE

70.8

MARKHAM WOODS

50.4

TEAGUE

58.5

MILLENNIUM

72.2

TUSKAWILLA

54.8

SEMINOLE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS CROOMS ACADEMY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

42.8

100

LYMAN

54.7

HAGERTY

23.6

OVIEDO

32.5

LAKE BRANTLEY

47.1

SEMINOLE

56.5

LAKE HOWELL

54.5

WINTER SPRINGS

52.6

LAKE MARY

44.2

SEMINOLE COUNTY VIRTUAL FRANCHISE

52.1

29.8

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

30.4

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SEMINOLE SCIENCE (K-8 CHARTER)

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2022

School Grade 2019

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

LINCOLN-MARTI (CHARTER)

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher LAKEVIEW

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

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

93.7

OSCEOLA COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS BOGGY CREEK

BRIDGEPREP ACADEMY OF ST. CLOUD (CHARTER)

100

CENTRAL AVENUE

CHESTNUT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

CREATIVE INSPIRATION JOURNEY SCHOOL OF ST. CLOUD (CHARTER)

CYPRESS

51.5

100

34.3

100

66.7

MICHIGAN AVENUE

85.5

MILL CREEK

100

NARCOOSSEE

33.1

NEPTUNE

91.6

PARTIN SETTLEMENT

62.6

PLEASANT HILL

100

POINCIANA ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

100

REEDY CREEK

DEERWOOD

100

EAST LAKE

78.2

95.7

37.4

ST. CLOUD

70.3

FLORA RIDGE

HARMONY

HICKORY TREE

41.3

SUNRISE

91.1

HIGHLANDS

100

KISSIMMEE

THACKER AVENUE SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES VENTURA

100

KOA

100

VICORY (CHARTER)

83.5

OSCEOLA COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS DENN JOHN

100

NEPTUNE

82.7

DISCOVERY INTERMEDIATE

100

PARKWAY

94.7

HARMONY

35.3

HORIZON

70.7

SPORTS LEADERSHIP ARTS MANAGEMENT (CHARTER)

100

69.9

ST. CLOUD

79.2

KISSIMMEE

100

NARCOOSSEE

52.3

OSCEOLA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS CELEBRATION

56.8

NEOCITY ACADEMY

28.4

FOUR CORNERS UPPER (CHARTER)

35.7

100

NEW DIMENSIONS (CHARTER)

79.9

GATEWAY

85.3

OSCEOLA

88.4

HARMONY

35.7

POINCIANA

92.4

LIBERTY

96.1

PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL

69.3

ST. CLOUD

MATER BRIGHTON LAKES PREPARATORY (CHARTER)

66.7

76.9

TOHOPEKALIGA

OSCEOLA COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS AMERICAN CLASSICAL ACADEMY (K-12 CHARTER) BELLALAGO ACADEMY (K-8 CHARTER) BRIDGEPREP ACADEMY OSCEOLA COUNTY (K-8 CHARTER)

OSCEOLA COUNTY SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS (6-12)

33.4

100

80.4

OSCEOLA SCIENCE (K-8 CHARTER)

63.7

79.6

OSCEOLA VIRTUAL (FRANCHISE)

14.7

CANOE CREEK ACADEMY (K-8)

43.7

83.4

CELEBRATION SCHOOL (K-8)

28.8

P. M. WELLS ACADEMY (K-8 CHARTER) RENAISSANCE AT BOGGY CREEK (K-8 CHARTER) RENAISSANCE AT POINCIANA (K-8 CHARTER) RENAISSANCE AT TAPESTRY (K-8 CHARTER) ST. CLOUD PREPARATORY ACADEMY (K-8 CHARTER)

68.7

FLORIDA CYBER ACADEMY AT OSCEOLA (K-12 CHARTER)

70.2

FOUR CORNERS (K-8 CHARTER)

79.7

KISSIMMEE ACADEMY (K-8 CHARTER) MATER ACADEMY ST. CLOUD (K-8 CHARTER) MATER BRIGHTON LAKES ACADEMY (K-8 CHARTER)

60.3

80.9

MATER PALMS ACADEMY (K-8 CHARTER)

70.5

88.7

75.6

100

VICTORY (6-12 CHARTER)

80.5

WESTSIDE (K-8)

76.3

fa l l 2 0 2 3

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2022

MILLENNIA GARDENS

MOLLIE RAY

MOSS PARK

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2020-21

100

88.2

100

77.5

100

24.9

NORTHLAKE PARK COMMUNITY

21.1

OAK HILL

100

OAKLAND AVENUE (CHARTER)

21.8

OAKSHIRE

81.7

OCOEE

100

ORANGE CENTER

100

ORLANDO SCIENCE (CHARTER)

32.5

ORLO VISTA

100

PALM LAKE

PALMETTO

100

PHILLIS WHEATLEY

100

PINAR

100

PINE HILLS

100

38.5

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

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

LUCIOUS & EMMA NIXON ACADEMY (CHARTER)

MEADOW WOODS

METROWEST

MICHAEL MCCOY

MILLENNIA

ORANGE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ALOMA

89.5

ANDOVER

67.3

APOPKA

79.8

AVALON

23.7

AZALEA PARK

100

BALDWIN PARK

31.9

BAY LAKE

31.7

BAY MEADOWS

31.8

BONNEVILLE

100

BROOKSHIRE

37.8

CAMELOT

78.7

CASTLE CREEK

100

CASTLEVIEW

29.8

CATALINA

100

CHENEY

100

CHICKASAW

100

CITRUS

98.1

CLAY SPRINGS

90.4

COLUMBIA

83.1

CONWAY

100

CYPRESS SPRINGS

65.7

DEERWOOD

71.5

DILLARD STREET

89.7

PINECREST ACADEMY AVALON (CHARTER)

DOMMERICH

13.9

PINECREST CREEK (CHARTER)

87.6

DOVER SHORES

100

PINELOCH

100

DR. PHILLIPS

28.6

PINEWOOD

100

DREAM LAKE

100

PRAIRIE LAKE

EAGLE CREEK

PRINCETON

31.7

EAGLES NEST

100

RIDGEWOOD PARK

100

EAST LAKE

80.1

RIVERDALE

100

ECCLESTON

100

RIVERSIDE

100

ENDEAVOR

66.9

ROCK LAKE

100

ENGELWOOD

100

ROCK SPRINGS

91.4

FORSYTH WOODS

100

ROLLING HILLS

100

HIAWASSEE

100

ROSEMONT

100

HIDDEN OAKS

77.8

SADLER

100

HILLCREST

27.2

SALLY RIDE

100

HUNGERFORD

100

SAND LAKE

34.7

HUNTERS CREEK

38.4

SHENANDOAH

91.3

INDEPENDENCE

18.8

SHINGLE CREEK

100

IVEY LANE

100

SOUTHWOOD

85.2

JOHN YOUNG

89.4

SPRING LAKE

100

KEENES CROSSING

19.1

STONE LAKES

25.8

KILLARNEY

100

SUMMERLAKE

15.7

LAKE GEM

100

SUN BLAZE

23.9

LAKE GEORGE

94.2

SUNRIDGE

76.9

LAKE SILVER

100

SUNRISE

29.8

LAKE SYBELIA

85.1

SUNSET PARK

24.3

LAKE WESTON

100

SUNSHINE

71.7

LAKE WHITNEY

18.2

TANGELO PARK

100

LAKEMONT

71.6

THORNEBROOKE

30.3

LAKEVILLE

100

THREE POINTS

100

LANCASTER

100

TILDENVILLE

60.6

LAUREATE PARK

13.9

TIMBER LAKES

30.4

LAWTON CHILES

100

UNION PARK

100

LITTLE RIVER

100

VENTURA

100

LOCKHART

100

VILLAGE PARK

28.9

LOVELL

100

VISTA LAKES

47.5

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

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2022

School Grade 2019

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2020-21

84.4

WETHERBEE

68.5

100

WHISPERING OAK

16.2

WATER SPRING

WILLIAM FRANGUS

100

WATERBRIDGE

87.4

WILLIAM S. MAXEY

100

WATERFORD

WINDERMERE

WEST CREEK

31.9

WINEGARD

100

WEST OAKS

100

WOLF LAKE

35.3

WESTBROOKE

37.2

WYNDHAM LAKES

71.3

WESTPOINTE

68.2

ZELLWOOD

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

WASHINGTON SHORES

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

VISTA POINTE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS APOPKA

91.5

LEGACY

84.2

AVALON

20.8

LIBERTY

100

BRIDGEWATER

LOCKHART

100

CARVER

100

MAITLAND

37.7

CHAIN OF LAKES

77.2

MEADOW WOODS

81.6

COLLEGE PARK

100

MEADOWBROOK

100

CONWAY

96.6

MEMORIAL

100

CORNER LAKE

OCOEE

85.1

DISCOVERY

ODYSSEY

71.5

FREEDOM

67.5

PIEDMONT LAKES

100

GLENRIDGE

69.8

70.3

GOTHA

PINECREST COLLEGIATE ACADEMY (CHARTER)

HORIZON WEST

24.3

ROBERTO CLEMENTE

100

HOWARD

29.9

ROBINSWOOD

100

HUNTERS CREEK

37.4

SOUTH CREEK

70.6

INNOVATION

29.1

SOUTHWEST

63.6

JUDSON B. WALKER

100

SUNRIDGE

24.6

LAKE COMO

84.7

TIMBER SPRINGS

39.7

LAKE NONA

25.8

UNION PARK

100

77.4

WESTRIDGE

100

WOLF LAKE

70.8

LAKEVIEW

ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS APOPKA

66.8

LAKE NONA

29.7

100

COLONIAL

96.6

LEGACY (CHARTER)

100

CORNERSTONE CHARTER ACADEMY

34.3

MAYNARD EVANS

100

CYPRESS CREEK

68.9

OAK RIDGE

100

DR. PHILLIPS

68.7

OCOEE

80.1

EAST RIVER

71.3

OLYMPIA

39.4

EDGEWATER

81.8

TIMBER CREEK

25.9

FREEDOM

43.4

100

UNIVERSITY

70.2

HORIZON

18.5

WEKIVA

95.8

INNOVATION MONTESSORI (CHARTER)

32.7

WEST ORANGE

29.9

WILLIAM R. BOONE

37.8

JONES

100

WINDERMERE

19.5

LAKE BUENA VISTA

38.7

WINTER PARK

30.4

INNOVATION MONTESSORI OCOEE (K-8 CHARTER)

LAKE EOLA (K-8 CHARTER)

LEGENDS ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

100

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

100

95.8

ORANGE VIRTUAL (FRANCHISE)

ORANGE COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS ARBOR RIDGE (K-8)

64.9

BLANKNER (K-8)

32.5

BRIDGEPREP (K-8 CHARTER)

100

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

43.9

32.7

HOPE (K-8 CHARTER)

fa l l 2 0 2 3

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2022

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2020-21

59.7

66.2

WEDGEFIELD SCHOOL (K-8)

40.6

WINDY RIDGE (K-8 CHARTER)

40.6

School Grade 2019

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher 42

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher 47

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

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

ORANGE COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS -

34.2

PASSPORT (K-8 CHARTER)

100

PERSHING (K-8)

63.1

100

Graduation Rate 2020-21

75.6

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

RENAISSANCE AT CROWN POINT (K-8 CHARTER) RENAISSANCE AT GOLDENROD (K-8 CHARTER) RENAISSANCE AT HUNTER’S CREEK (K-8 CHARTER)

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PINECREST PREPARATORY ( K-8 CHARTER) RENAISSANCE AT CHICKASAW TRAIL (K-8 CHARTER)

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ORLANDO SCIENCE (6-12 CHARTER)

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ORLANDO GIFTED ACADEMY (2-6)

ALTA VISTA

100

JESSE KEEN

100

ALTURAS

100

JOHN SNIVELY

100

AUBURNDALE CENTRAL

100

KATHLEEN

100

BARTOW ACADEMY

51.2

LAKE ALFRED

96.2

BELLA CITTA

77.6

LAKE SHIPP

100

BERKLEY (CHARTER)

29.3

100

3.5

BETHUNE ACADEMY

LAKELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL HOUSE (CHARTER)

CARLTON PALMORE

100

LAUREL

100

CHAIN OF LAKES

73.8

LENA VISTA

100

CLARENCE BOSWELL

100

LEWIS ANNA WOODBURY

100

CLEVELAND COURT

81.7

LINCOLN AVENUE ACADEMY

40.7

LOUGHMAN OAKS

COMBEE ACADEMY OF DESIGN & ENGINEERING

75.9

100

MCKEEL CENTRAL ACADEMY K-6

36.6

CRYSTAL LAKE

100

MEDULLA

100

NORTH LAKELAND

100

OSCAR J. POPE

100

POLK COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

DALE R. FAIR BABSON PARK (CHARTER)

68.2

DAVENPORT

100

PALMETTO

100

DIXIELAND

100

PHILIP O’BRIEN

100

DR. N.E. ROBERTS

100

PINEWOOD

100

DUNDEE ACADEMY

91.8

POLK AVENUE (CHARTER)

100

EAGLE LAKE

100

POLK CITY

100

EASTSIDE

100

PURCELL

100

EDGAR L. PADGETT

100

R. BRUCE WAGNER

92.3

ELBERT

100

R. CLEM CHURCHWELL

96.4

FLORAL AVENUE

100

SANDHILL

100

FRANK E. BRIGHAM ACADEMY

62.9

SCOTT LAKE

72.2

FRED G. GARNER

100

SLEEPY HILL

100

FROSTPROOF BEN HILL GRIFFIN JR.

100

SOCRUM

100

GARDEN GROVE

89.6

30.6

GRIFFIN

100

SOUTH MCKEEL ACADEMY K-7 (CHARTER)

HARTRIDGE ACADEMY (CHARTER)

74.9

SOUTHWEST

100

HIGHLAND CITY

91.2

SPESSARD L. HOLLAND

87.4

HIGHLANDS GROVE

69.8

SPOOK HILL

100

HILLCREST (CHARTER)

98.1

VALLEYVIEW

57.1

HORIZONS

WAHNETA

100

INWOOD

100

WALTER CALDWELL

100

JAMES E. STEPHENS

100

WENDELL WATSON

78.9

JAMES W. SIKES

71.5

WILLOW OAK SCHOOL

100

JANIE HOWARD WILSON (CHARTER)

100

WINSTON ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

75.8

5 6 H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2022

School Grade 2019

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2020-21

98.3

LAKE ALFRED POLYTECH ACADEMY

33.7

LAKE GIBSON

88.9

BOK ACADEMY (CHARTER)

61.8

LAKE MARION CREEK

100

CRYSTAL LAKE

100

LAKELAND HIGHLANDS

62.5

DANIEL JENKINS ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY

93.9

LAKELAND MONTESSORI (CHARTER)

15.4

DENISON

LAWTON CHILES MIDDLE ACADEMY

45.3

MCLAUGHLIN FINE ARTS ACADEMY

100

MULBERRY

98.9

SHELLEY S. BOONE

98.7

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BERKLEY ACCELERATED (CHARTER)

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BARTOW

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

POLK COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS

100

DISCOVERY ACADEMY OF LAKE ALFRED (CHARTER)

74.8

DUNDEE RIDGE

89.9

EDWARD W. BOK ACADEMY NORTH (CHARTER)

57.5

SLEEPY HILL

100

JERE L. STAMBAUGH

100

SOUTHWEST

100

JEWETT ACADEMY MAGNET

72.5

UNION ACADEMY

53.9

KATHLEEN

100

WESTWOOD

100

POLK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS AUBURNDALE

84.5

LAKE WALES (CHARTER)

58.2

BARTOW

69.9

LAKELAND

66.5

CHAIN OF LAKES COLLEGIATE (CHARTER)

100

MULBERRY

92.3

DAVENPORT

72.7

POLK PRE-COLLEGIATE ACADEMY (CHARTER)

DISCOVERY (CHARTER)

69.2

GEORGE W. JENKINS

59.1

POLK STATE COLLEGE COLLEGIATE (CHARTER)

100

HAINES CITY

92.9

RIDGE COMMUNITY

83.2

KATHLEEN

92.7

TENOROC

79.5

100

LAKE GIBSON

LAKE REGION

95.5

WINTER HAVEN

81.2

35.1

100

MCKEEL ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY (7-12 CHARTER) MI ESCUELA MONTESSORI (K-8 CHARTER) NAVIGATOR ACADEMY OF LEADERSHIP DAVENPORT (K-8 CHARTER)

22.9

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)

88.4

62.7

FORT MEADE (6-12)

100

POLK VIRTUAL

FROSTPROOF (6-12)

96.2

88.4

JEWETT SCHOOL OF THE ARTS (K-8 CHARTER) MAGNOLIA MONTESSORI ACADEMY (K-7 CHARTER)

72.2

75.9

5.5

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

100

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fa l l 2 0 2 3

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2022

School Grade 2019

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2020-21

74.3

MASCOTTE (CHARTER)

100

96.3

PINE RIDGE

BEVERLY SHORES

100

ROUND LAKE (CHARTER)

53.1

CLERMONT

100

SAWGRASS BAY

82.3

CYPRESS RIDGE

SEMINOLE SPRINGS

92.2

EUSTIS

100

SORRENTO

80.8

EUSTIS HEIGHTS

100

TAVARES

100

FRUITLAND PARK

100

GRASSY LAKE

54.3

THE VILLAGES ELEMENTARY OF LADY LAKE TREADWAY

100

GROVELAND

TRIANGLE

100

LEESBURG

UMATILLA

53.9

89.2

LOST LAKE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ASTATULA

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALTOONA (CHARTER)

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LAKE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

LAKE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CARVER

100

MT. DORA

82.3

CLERMONT

78.2

OAK PARK

100

EAST RIDGE

57.7

TAVARES

97.7

EUSTIS

94.2

UMATILLA

93.6

GRAY

80.2

WINDY HILL

61.8

PINECREST LAKES PREP (CHARTER)

27.1

66.9

LAKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS EAST RIDGE

54.6

EUSTIS

71.6

LAKE MINNEOLA

47.6

SOUTH LAKE

LEESBURG

97.8

TAVARES

74.1

MT. DORA

63.1

UMATILLA

87.7

56.2

34.8

31.1

100

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

LAKE POINTE ACADEMY (K-8)

LAKE VIRTUAL (FRANCHISE)

28.7

PINECREST ACADEMY FOUR CORNERS (K-8 CHARTER) PINECREST ACADEMY TAVARES (K-8 CHARTER) PINECREST LAKES ACADEMY (K-8 CHARTER)

MINNEOLA CONVERSION (PK-8 CHARTER)

56.2

SPRING CREEK (PK-8 CHARTER)

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

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2020-21

OSTEEN

69.3

83.4

PALM TERRACE

92.2

CHAMPION

82.4

PATHWAYS

49.6

CHISHOLM

57.2

PIERSON

82.8

CITRUS GROVE

70.2

PINE TRAIL

52.7

CORONADO BEACH

34.5

PORT ORANGE

75.2

CYPRESS CREEK

41.2

PRIDE

75.8

DEBARY

42.5

R. J. LONGSTREET

73.6

DELTONA LAKES

77.9

READ-PATTILLO

68.5

DISCOVERY

85.8

7.1

EDGEWATER

77.6

READING EDGE ACADEMY (CHARTER)

EDITH I. STARKE

95.2

SAMSULA ACADEMY (CHARTER)

4.5

ENTERPRISE

79.6

SOUTH DAYTONA

85.9

FOREST LAKE

74.1

SPIRIT

80.3

FREEDOM

56.3

SPRUCE CREEK

65.6

FRIENDSHIP

SUGAR MILL

76.2

GEORGE W. MARKS

74.4

SUNRISE

HORIZON

64.1

SWEETWATER

42.7

INDIAN RIVER

74.1

TIMBERCREST

71.9

LOUISE S. MCINNIS

84.1

TOMOKA

55.2

MANATEE COVE

TURIE T. SMALL

94.8

ORANGE CITY

82.1

VOLUSIA PINES

76.9

WESTSIDE

ORMOND BEACH

WOODWARD AVENUE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

78.4

School Grade 2022

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2020-21

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2022

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BLUE LAKE

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BEACHSIDE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

VOLUSIA COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

VOLUSIA COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CAMPBELL

HERITAGE

CREEKSIDE

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

62.7

DAVID C. HINSON SR.

59.9

ORMOND BEACH

57.6

DELAND

69.8

RIVER SPRINGS

59.4

DELTONA

SILVER SANDS

67.6

GALAXY

74.8

SOUTHWESTERN

74.3

VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS ATLANTIC

61.4

PINE RIDGE

69.7

DELAND

56.7

SEABREEZE

45.7

DELTONA

68.6

SPRUCE CREEK

41.8

MAINLAND

71.3

UNIVERSITY

58.6

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

48.5

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

58.4

T. DEWITT TAYLOR (6-12)

74.4

HOLLY HILL (K-12)

87.5

VOLUSIA VIRTUAL (FRANCHISE)

36.2

37.5

VOLUSIA VIRTUAL (PROGRAM DISTRICT PROVIDED)

42.9

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

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LAKE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Lake County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bella Collina 16690 Cavallo Drive, Montverde, FL 34756 • bellacollina.com

Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (C); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (B) Amenities: Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course, tennis club, fine-dining clubhouse, community pool, full-service spa and fitness center. Builders: Builders: Dream Finders Homes, Vogel Building Group, Primo Homes, J. Drewes Construction, Davila Custom Homes, Cam Bradford, McNally, Main Line Homes, Toll Brothers, Inc. 407-496-4980 Products/Prices: Condominiums, from the $400s; single-family, from the $600s to over $1 million Notes: Near Florida’s Turnpike, S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) and S.R. 528 (the Beachline Expressway).

Estates at Lakeview Preserve 3208 Sailing Pier Avenue, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Lost Lake (C); Windy Hill (B); East Ridge (B) Amenities: Gated, pool and pavilion, splash pad, fitness center, playground, picnic area Builders: Pulte Homes, 407-641-4788 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $600s Notes: Private enclave of 70-foot homesites within a gated community.

Hills of Minneola 2394 Gold Dust Drive, Minneola, FL • ashtonwoods.com

Schools/Grades: Astatula (C); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (B) Amenities: Tot lot, dog park, 60-acre green space. Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 407-787-9995 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located just off Lake Apopka; near Winter Garden as well as Lake Louisa State Park.

lake lincoln 19530 Lake Lincoln Lane, Eustis, FL 32736 • LandseaHomes.com

Schools/Grades: Eustis (C); Eustis (C); Eustis (C) Amenities: Dog park, walking trail, playground Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-392-2601 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: The stylish boutiques and restaurants of Eustis and the charm of historic downtown Mount Dora are both just a short drive away; greater Orlando is also easily accessible.

leela REserve 3090 Suraj Circle, Tavares, FL 32778 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Tavares (C); Tavares (C); Tavares (I) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, playground, dog park Builder: Park Square Homes, 844-774-4636 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Near outdoor recreation including nature trails, golf courses and access to the Lake Harris boat ramp; also near public schools, and other shopping and dining options including a Publix supermarket.

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LAKE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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Liberty Preserve Leesburg, FL 34788 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Treadway (C); Oak Park (C); Leesburg (C) Amenities: Planned park that will include a tot lot and a shade pavilion Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $200s Notes: Located near S.R. 44, S.R 441, U.S. 27 and S.R. 429 (the Daniel Webster Western Beltway), which provide proximity to interstates, key state and county transportation corridors, employment centers and major healthcare systems.

Parkside at Cherry Lake 1155 Calico Pointe Circle, Groveland, FL 34736 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Clermont (C); Windy Hill (B); South Lake (C) Amenities: National Wildlife Federation-certified butterfly garden, walking trails Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 352-989-8225 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Easy access to Cherry Lake Park, which is directly south of the community and includes 40 acres of scenic countryside views, a basketball court, a pavilion and restrooms.

Summerbrooke 2250 Natoma Boulevard, Mount Dora, FL 32757 • parksquarehomes.com

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

preserve at Sunrise 121 Green Branch Boulevard, Groveland, FL 34736 • LandseaHomes.com Schools/Grades: Groveland (D); Gray (C); South Lake (C) Amenities: Conservation areas Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-325-9838 or 352-348-5949 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Low HOA dues, convenient to Florida’s Turnpike

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ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Orange County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 or 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Avalon Ridge 3000 Avalon Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Whispering Oaks (A); Hamlin (N/A); West Orange (B) Amenities: Recreation area, walking trail Builder: Park Square Homes, 844-774-4636 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $700s Notes: Coming soon. Situated within a highly sought-after area of Winter Garden, will soon offer single-family quarter-acre homesites that have been thoughtfully designed for space and comfort.

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

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Gated community; golf course, tennis courts, pool, health/fitness center, clubhouse Builder: Jones Homes USA, 407-636-9261 Products/Prices: Single-family homes, call for pricing details Notes: Village Center with an elegant hotel planned; near Lake Nona’s Medical City and Orlando International Airport; 40 minutes to the Atlantic beaches.

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

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Internet and cable included; each home has a private balcony and a one-car garage Builder: Beazer Homes, 321-445-5050 Products/Prices: Condominiums, from the low $400s 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).

Harvest at Ovation Winter Garden, FL 34787 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Water Spring (A); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (A) Amenities: Planned lakefront amenity center and 5-acre park Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family homes, from the mid-$500s Notes: Flamingo Crossings Village, Hamlin Town Center and Winter Garden Village are within a short distance; close to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) as well.

Isles of Lake Nona 10774 Pahokee Beach Place, Orlando, FL 32827 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Laureate Park (C); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Gated, pool and cabana, splash pad, clubhouse, fitness center, playground, sports courts Builders: Pulte Homes, 407-805-1637 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $500s; townhomes, from the low $400s Notes: New single-family and townhomes on a large interconnected network of ponds that offer water views; location offers quick access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida Greeneway).

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ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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Ivy Trail 2100 Emerald Springs Drive, Apopka, FL 32703 • khov.com

Schools/Grades: Rock Springs (C); Apopka (C); Apopka (C) Amenities: Dog park, picnic area, tot lot, walking paths Builders: K. Hovnanian Homes, 888-802-1050 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Close proximity to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), S.R. 414 (the Apopka Expressway) and I-4.

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

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Pool, bike trails, dog park, pocket parks, fitness center, community garden Builders: Craft Homes, 407-443-0528; David Weekley Homes, 407-865-8296; Dream Finders Homes, 904-738-0165 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the low $500s to over $1 million Notes: Traditional neighborhood development adjacent to Lake Nona’s Medical City; variety of architectural styles available; planned Village Center; streets named for Nobel Prize winners.

Mezzano Mezzano Lane, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Summerlake (B); Hamlin (N/A); Horizon (B) Amenities: Lake views, future community pool and cabana, recreation area Builders: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located between the Orange County National Golf course and Sawgrass Lake; close proximity to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), shopping, restaurants, healthcare, recreation and entertainment.

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

Schools/Grades: Tildenville (A); Lakeview (C); West Orange (B) Amenities: Pool and recreation area, pocket parks, West Orange Trail runs through community, charming streetscape with sidewalks Builders: 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 low $400s to over $1 million Notes: Located just minutes from historic downtown Winter Garden on the shores of Lake Apopka; certified green homes in a traditionally styled neighborhood.

NOW OPEN Osprey Ranch 15143 Mayberry Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • khov.com

Schools/Grades: Water Spring (A); Water Spring (A); Horizon (B) Amenities: Community park, pool and cabana, tot lot Builder: K. Hovnanian Homes, 888-802-1072 Product/Price: Single-family, from the high $400s; townhomes, from the low $400s Notes: Numerous amenities in a sought-after location.

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ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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5973 Wooden Pine Drive, Orlando, FL 32829 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Hidden Oak (B); Odyssey (I); Colonial (C) Amenities: Pool and cabana, playground, dog park Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-845-9049 Product/Price: Townhomes, call for pricing 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.

residences at Emerson park Model Opening Soon, Apopka, FL 32703 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Wheatley (B); Wolf Lake (B); Wekiva (I) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, playground, clubhouse Builder: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Townhomes, prices TBA Notes: Near S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), S.R. 414 (John Land Apopka Expressway), Wekiva Springs State Park, Kelly Park and AdventHealth’s Apopka campus.

Sunset Preserve 4125 Sunset Preserve Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32820 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: East Lake (C); Corner Lake (B); East River (B) Amenities: Gated community, private boat ramp, lakefront pavilion, children’s playground Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-676-7843 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the low $600s Notes: Tucked among the trees off of Lake Pickett in East Orlando; features a private community boat ramp, a lakefront open-air pavilion and a children’s playground; located near S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 408 (the East-West Expressway).

The Brix at The Packing District 5 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 • tollbrothers.com

Schools/Grades: Lake Silver (D); College Park (C); Edgewater (C) Amenities: Bike lane leading directly into College Park; food hall and beer garden; regional park with a pond overlook; 40-acre urban farm; sports fields and entertainment stage; scenic walking and jogging trails Builder: Toll Brothers, 877-431-0444 Product/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $300s 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 (C) Amenities: Future swimming pool, cabana, tot lot, two parks with walking paths Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-753-6191 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $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.

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ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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Waterleigh 10482 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Water Spring (A); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (A) Amenities: Waterfront or water access; walking and nature trails; exercise and fitness center; two resort-style amenity centers; lakes, ponds and swimming pools; tot lots and sports fields; beach volleyball and minigolf; a community garden Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-395-9707; Emerald Homes, 407-395-9707 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s; townhomes, from the low $400s 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.

Westridge Park 11142 Amber Ridge Drive, Zellwood, FL 32798 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Zellwood (C); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (C) Amenities: Park, tot lot, pool and cabana Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030 Product/Price: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Great location with easy access to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway); Zellwood Station Golf Club and the West Orange Trail are nearby, as are shopping and entertainment venues.

OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Osceola County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amelia groves 1697 Groveline Road, St. Cloud, FL 34771 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Hickory Tree (B); Harmony (B); Harmony (B) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, playground, walking trails Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-305-0031 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located between downtown St. Cloud and the vibrant Lake Nona area; reflects the city while carving out a unique space of its own.

Big Sky 3921 Southern Vista Loop, Saint Cloud, FL 34772 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Partin Settlement (C); Neptune (B); Gateway (C) Amenities: Amenity center, park Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-933-3020 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s; townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located near U.S. Highway 192 and Florida’s Turnpike; offers easy access to retail, employment centers, entertainment, healthcare and much more.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

brixton 5200 Jack Brack Road, Saint Cloud, FL 34771 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (B); Narcoossee (B); Harmony (A) Amenities: Playground, recreational field, trails, dog run Builder: Park Square Homes, 844-774-4636 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located on the corner of Wiggins Road and Jack Brack Road, just off Narcoossee Road, the community is perfectly positioned minutes from Lake Nona, shopping and dining, public and private schools and sports fields.

Cypress Cay 4511 Cypress Cay Way, Kissimmee, Florida 34746 • centex.com

Schools/Grades: Flora Ridge (C); Kissimmee (C); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Community pool, playground, walking trail, half-court basketball Builder: Centex Homes, 407-863-6587 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located just minutes from The Loop outdoor mall and area attractions.

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

Schools/Grades: Reedy Creek (C); Horizon (C); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, playground Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-305-3701 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the high $300s Notes: Located on Poinciana Boulevard within walking distance of the Kissimmee SunRail station; interest list now forming.

Hanover Lakes 3325 Hickory Tree Road, St. Cloud, FL 34772 • LandseaHomes.com

Schools/Grades: Hickory Tree (B); St. Cloud (B); Harmony (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool and splash pad; boat access to pristine chain of lakes; homesites with private docks available; nature park with dock and pavilion; low HOA dues Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-315-2628 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Unique waterfront community on the Alligator Chain of Lakes.

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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 mid-$300s; single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located in the heart of Kissimmee, with direct access to Florida’s Turnpike, Osceola Parkway, I-4; Osceola County’s NeoCity, a master-planned tech center, is nearby.

Stepping Stone 64 Citrine Loop, Kissimmee, FL 34758 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: KOA (C); Discovery Intermediate (C); Liberty (C) Amenities: Community park Builder: Taylor Morrison, 407-379-7713 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Easy commute to theme parks; less than two miles from pharmacies, banks and grocers including Publix, Aldi and Walmart Supercenter; Poinciana Medical Center and other health services are also nearby.

The Townhomes at Anthem Park 4590 Calvary Way, St. Cloud, FL 34769 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Neptune (C); Neptune (B); St. Cloud (B) Amenities: Fitness center; playground; pool; parks; tennis, pickleball and basketball courts Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-933-3020 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $300s Notes: Close access to Florida’s Turnpike, lakefront, shopping, restaurants and theme parks.

The townhomes at Bellalago 3667 Circle Hook Street, Kissimmee, FL 34746 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Bellalago Academy (K-8) (C); Liberty High (C) Amenities: Two clubhouses, multipool aquatic center, fitness center, tot lot, tennis and basketball courts, nature and bike trails, lakefront boardwalk with gazebo, fishing pier and community boat ramp and lift Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-379-7769 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $300s Notes: Located just outside Bellalago, which encompasses shops, restaurants, banks and a Publix supermarket.

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 five miles of community trails Builders: Lennar Homes, 866-495-4059; Pulte Homes, 407-550-5534; Pulte Active Adult, 407-554-53733 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the high $300s Notes: New amenities center now open; located adjacent to a 370-acre conservation area with trails to Lake Tohopekaliga; five minutes from Florida’s Turnpike and walking distance to schools; wide variety of home designs and prices.

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POLK COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Polk County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cypress Park Estates 339 Bottle Brush Drive, Haines City, FL 33844 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Eastside (C); Shelley S. Boone (C); Ridge Community School (C) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, tot lot, dog park Builder: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Haines City residents and visitors enjoy proximity to beautiful lakes, golf courses, sports venues and the Legoland theme park; minutes from grocery stores and shopping and dining options.

Mattie Pointe 1008 Mattie Pointe Way, Auburndale, FL 33823 • kbhome.com

Schools/Grades: Lake Alfred (B); Jere L. Stambaugh (C); Auburndale (C) Amenities: Intimate community with water features Builder: KB Home, 407-587-3580 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: No CDD fees; convenient to I-4, S.R. 570 (the Polk Parkway) and U.S. 92; close to local employers including Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven Regional Airport and Publix Corporate; near local parks, including Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Auburndale Dog Park and Lake Hartridge Nature Park; easy commute to Orlando, Tampa and Lakeland.

tarpon bay 214 Tarpon Bay Boulevard, Haines City, FL 33844 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Sandhill (C); Lake Marion Creek (D); Haines City (C) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, picnic area Builder: Park Square Homes. 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Located in fast-growing Haines City, placing residents within easy reach of Orlando’s theme parks, attractions and commerce; be sure to visit the Excite model, which won the 2021 Polk County Home Builders Association’s Home of the Year.

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SEMINOLE 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 Seminole County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Celery Oaks 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: Landsea Homes, 407-565-7450 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Located less than a mile from the Downtown Sanford Historic District with its award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, tree-lined streets, parks and nature trails as well as a spectacular marina with boating, fishing and dinner cruises.

Concorde 3616 Botanical Way, Sanford, FL 32773 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Midway (B); Sanford (A); Seminole (B) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, playground Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-966-1969 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400 Notes: Historic Downtown Sanford features art galleries, local dining, unique shops, farmer’s markets, performing arts theaters and Sanford’s Riverwalk.

Eastgrove 3230 Eastgrove Terrace, Sanford, FL 32771 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Midway (B); Millennium (C); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, pool and cabana, walking trails Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Easy Access to I-4 and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay); convenient to Orlando International and Sanford International airports and nearby Lake Mary and Historic Downtown Sanford.

Grayson Square Jergo Road and Orava Lane, Winter Park, FL 32792 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Eastbrook (B); Tuskawilla (B); Lake Howell (I) Amenities: Abundant water features Builders: Pulte Homes, 407-337-8694 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $400s Notes: Minutes to shopping and downtown Winter Park, three miles to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).

Monterey East Palmetto Avenue, Longwood, FL 32750 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Longwood (B); Milwee (B); Lyman (B) Amenities: Abundant water features Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $300s Notes: Walk to Longwood SunRail station, close to heavily amenitized Reiter Park.

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SEMINOLE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

Oviedo Square South Central Avenue and Hillcrest Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Lawton (A); Jackson Heights (A); Oviedo (A) Amenities: Green Open Spaces Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-337-7713 Products/Prices: Townhomes, coming soon, prices TBA Notes: Location in the heart of Oviedo near South Central Avenue gives easy access to dining, shopping and UCF; a short drive from the Cross Seminole Trail and S.R. Highway 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).

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

Schools/Grades: Hamilton (C); Millennium (C); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, private residents’ clubhouse with a cabana and a swimming pool Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-605-6377 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the 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).

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VOLUSIA 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 Volusia County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2022 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Schools/Grades: Pine Trail (A); Ormond Beach (B); Seabreeze (C) Amenities: Gated community; clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, golf course, tennis courts, pool, fitness center Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030; Landsea Homes, 407-759-6329; Vanacore Homes, 888-519-1309; Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Minutes to the Atlantic Ocean, the Intercoastal Waterway and Tomoka State Park.

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

Schools/Grades: Chisholm (A); New Smyrna Beach (I); New Smyrna Beach (B) Amenities: Golf course, driving range, putting green, splash pad, pool, clubhouse, restaurant, lounge Builders: Paytas Homes, 386-402-8185; The Johnson Group, 386-767-8000; D.R. Horton Homes, 844-509-7695 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s; townhomes, from the low $300s Notes: Close to beaches; miles of trails for walking or biking.

Windchase at Halifax Plantation Ormond Beach, FL 32174 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Pine Trail (A); Ormond Beach (B); Seabreeze (C) Amenities: Gated community; clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, golf course, tennis courts, pool, fitness center Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$500s Notes: Minutes to the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and Tomoka State Park.

We are proud to announce that

HOMEBUYER is now available in more than 300

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

thefloridahomebuyer.com 7 1 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

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Exceptional Care. Exclusively for Women.

Discover a healthcare experience designed just for women from the leader in women’s health. At the new Orlando Health Women’s Pavilion – Winter Park, we’ve brought together healthcare providers, diagnostic testing and lab services in one convenient location for women of all ages. You’ll receive exceptional care that will help you look and feel your best through every stage of life. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/WinterPark 1111 W. Fairbanks Ave. | Winter Park, FL 32789

choose well.

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

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

LIVE

like you mean it.

New single-family homes and townhomes starting in the $400’s from four homebuilders. Visit lakenona.com to find your home.

lakenona.com