Altamonte 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.