Altamonte Springs

Although popular for its proximity to Wekiwa Springs State Park, the community of Wekiva Springs has more to offer than just summertime swimming with manatees. Beyond its emerald waters, people stay in Wekiva Springs for the community's high-performing schools and Mediterranean villas. Locals live in mid-size homes along quiet, forested streets with glittering ponds scattered around the community's landscape. These Mediterranean villas feature stucco exteriors and a variety of roofing styles. "Wekiva Springs is seeing a trend towards more eco-friendly and sustainable homes," says Keith Leveson, a local Realtor at MVP Realty with over $5.0 million in sales. As a result, it's common to see homes with rooftop solar panels. Most properties are in a homeowner's association, like the Wekiva Golf Villas, which feature amenities like a community pool. Townhomes, like Wekiva County Club Villas, are another popular option, which features stone exteriors and attached garages. There is also a smattering of modern bungalows and gorgeous, multi-level homes with bay windows, decorative trim and large front porches. Homes in Wekiva Springs range depending on size and home type, townhomes and condos starting at $280,000 and can go as high as $500,000. Larger single-family houses and villas range from $450,000 up to $3.1 million dollars. Wekiwa Springs is part of Seminole County Public Schools, which is widely recognized as a Premier National School District and has received an "A" rating from the Florida Department of Education. Lake Brantley High School provides a dual enrollment program that lets students earn credits at Seminole State College. The school also offers a career pathway that enables students to earn industry certifications in areas like 3D animation, digital audio production, construction and cosmetology. Rock Lake Middle School ranks well above the state average on test scores, according to GreatSchools.org. Kids can also choose from a variety of electives, including coding, cybersecurity and debate. Students at Wekiva Elementary rank well above the state average on test scores, student progress and equity, according to GreatSchools.org. Students can also sign up for Eco-Rangers, an eco-science program at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Wekiwa Springs State Park is the longest-running attraction in Orange County and provides year-round fun for residents. Although known as a place to swim with manatees, many enjoy paddling, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. This park also hosts the annual Wekiva Paint Out where people can watch artists live paint the Wekiva River. Local athletes can have fun at the tennis courts and baseball fields at Wekiva Hills Park. The 18-hole championship course at Wekiva Golf Club gives golf enthusiasts a place to practice their backswing. This private club also offers junior leagues and women's golf clinics. Along Hunt Club Boulevard is Rebounderz, an indoor trampoline arena with over a dozen attractions, including bumper cars, black light mini golf, virtual reality simulators and human foosball. For grocery shopping, the neighborhood has two Publix Super Markets. The nearby West Town Corners has big box stores like Walmart, Target and Costco, as well as clothing retailers like Macy's and Kohl's. There is also a range of local eateries to enjoy, such as Metro Diner, known for its griddle-seared Iron City Meatloaf, a dish that dazzled Guy Fieri on an episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." Meat eaters will rejoice in 4 Rivers Smokehouse, a barbecue restaurant serving everything from quesadillas and ribs to decadent dessert treats. For something fast and tasty, La Granja is a popular chain restaurant in Florida known for its Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken. Most people in Wekiva Springs depend on cars and trucks to get around town, utilizing major thoroughfares like Wekiva Springs Road and Semoran Boulevard. Downtown Orlando is just 15 miles to the south along the I-4 Express, so commuters working in the city can take a straightforward route home to Wekiva Springs.

Spring Valley encompasses the western side of Altamonte Springs, a mid-sized city about 10 miles north of Orlando that has all the elements of a traditional suburb: big parks, solid schools, a range of house styles and sizes and one of the last vestiges of suburbia, the indoor mall. Altamonte Mall sits just outside of Spring Valley, and unlike many indoor malls that are wasting away, it is thriving. "It's one of the last true malls in the area that's purely fueled by locals, not tourists. And it's always packed," says Mario Zendeli, a broker associate with Compass Florida who has sold over 500 homes as an agent. This abundance of shopping combined with the neighborhood's location makes Spring Valley a convenient place for those looking to have access to Orlando but not live in it. Most homes in Spring Valley are ranch-style from the 1960s and 1970s. They feature three or four bedrooms, low-pitched roofs and two-car garages. There are a handful of other home styles, too, including sprawling custom estates, built in the 2000s and sitting on almost an acre of land. "I think that's cool about Spring Valley is the homes are super unique there. You're not getting cookie-cutter homes. So many of them have really unique features," Zendeli says. Houses sit on spacious lawns, often landscaped with shrubs and other plants. Tall trees line backyards and dot the quiet residential streets. Sidewalks line many streets, allowing some residents to walk to shopping, schools and parks. Prices range from $260,000 for a compact three-bedroom to almost $3 million for a custom, six-bedroom lakefront estate. Condos and townhouses are also available, ranging from $110,000 for a one-bedroom to $330,000 for a three-bedroom. Regarding crime, Spring Valley scores a 5 out of 10 on the CAP Index, one point higher than the national average. Children in Spring Valley can start school at Forest City Elementary, which scores a B-plus on Niche. From there, they often head to Teague Middle School and Lake Brantley High School, which score a B-plus and an A-minus, respectively. Lake Brantley High serves about 2,600 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. It has multiple clubs and organizations, including Knitting Club, Dungeons & Dragons Club and Ping Pong Club. There are also numerous faith-based schools and one Montessori school serving the area for those interested in private education. Sanlando Park is an expansive green space where many residents go when they want to get outside. It features over 20 tennis courts, so there's almost always a place to play and a basketball court near the large parking lot. A one-mile trail winds through the woods for jogging and walking, and there is a playground near the three picnic pavilions, convenient for birthday parties and other celebrations. Residents who live in Spring Valley Farms head to Spring Valley Park for its array of traditional park amenities like tennis and basketball courts and the playground for kids. There is also a shaded dock, ideal for fishing and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the sunshine. Cranes Roost Park, a popular gathering spot for locals, is nearby and popular for the benches and covered seating areas circling the lake. “There’s also a walking and jogging path that goes around the lake, which is just beautiful,” says Randy Adams, a Realtor with RE/MAX Town and Country Realty who sells throughout Central Florida. The park is also home to the city's annual "Red Hot & Boom" 4th of July celebration, which features fireworks, live music and food. “It’s a big deal. Thousands of people show up,” Adams says. Multiple shopping centers inside Spring Valley and just outside offer residents their daily essentials, like groceries at several Publix locations and proximity to Altamonte Mall, a two-story indoor shopping center with retailers like Apple, Barnes & Noble and H&M. “It’s one of the last true malls in the area that’s purely fueled by locals, not tourists. And it’s always packed,” says Zendeli. Among the many restaurant options within the community, Vida Cocina & Tequila is a favorite for its classic Mexican dishes served in an upscale yet laid-back atmosphere. Though public transportation is available via Lynx bus stops along Wymore Road, most residents commute by car. Interstate 4 sits east of Spring Valley and provides easy access to Orlando, about 10 miles away.