Azalea Park

Ease and accessibility are the cornerstones of this eastern Orlando suburb. Locals can spend their time strolling along the palm tree-lined paved paths that connect the well-constructed subdivisions that cater to a wide range of prospective buyers. Spend the day golfing at Rio Pinar Golf Club or dive into the community at local eateries like Mecatos Bakery and Café or attend annual events like the District 1 Spring Festival in March. Residents here enjoy the benefits of a suburban enclave while reaping the benefits of a quick 10-mile commute into bustling downtown Orlando. Prospective buyers are attracted to the affordable price point, the well-rated school district and the nearby urban amenities at Lee Vista Promenade. “The Chickasaw community is surrounded by mature landscaping, giving residents an impression of a secluded suburb when the city is actually not far at all,” says Raul Otero Jr., Broker at Vista Home Realty with over 9 years of experience selling in the area. Chickasaw features a range of housing options from traditional ramblers and newly-constructed contemporary styles to coastal homes with Mediterranean influences and multi-family townhouses. While a few townhouses can be found in Chickasaw, most residences are single-family properties built in the 1920s. Streets here are lined with paved sidewalks leading into compact cozy cul-de-sacs dotted with palm trees throughout the community. Chickasaw comprises several subdivision options from golf communities like Rio Pinar to gated 55 and older areas like Gulfstream Harbor and townhouses found in northern areas like Villa Valencia. Homeowners Associations are commonplace in this community but not universal. With a median sales price of $360,000, price points here can range from the mid $100,000s for a manufactured Ranch-style to upwards of $2,000,000 for a 5-bedroom Mediterranean-inspired coastal home in a gated community. Homes within gated communities are subject to increased price points here. Homes here often feature back patios or screened-in pools and are typically fronted by mid-sized lawns with mature landscaping and tropical flora. “The community is very established here with well-constructed homes and lower entry prices, providing the perfect opportunity for young families to enter the area,” says Otero. Students in Chickasaw can attend schools like Deerwood Elementary, Liberty Middle and Winter Park High School, all three of which earned a ranking of B-minus or higher from the educational review site, Niche. Deerwood Elementary School serves over 400 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, while Liberty Middle School offers a variety of arts and electives like Latinos In Action (LIA), and empowers Latino youth in hopes of strengthening their communities. Winter Park High School offers an advanced curriculum with 26 Advanced Placement (AP) courses for higher education preparation. Private institutions like Orlando Christian Prep and Faith Christian Academy are also common here. Those interested in pursuing higher education can look to the University of Central Florida (UCF), which is just 10 miles from Chickasaw. Golf enthusiasts are in luck with Rio Pinar Golf Club nearby, which offers an 18-hole course and driving range for golfers to enjoy. The course has hosted championship PGA and LPGA tour events and regularly sees more than 200 golfers on a typical weekend. Visitors can practice their swing at the facility for daily rates or enroll in their golf academy for children ages 7 and older. Glide under the neon lights at Astro Skate of Orlando roller-skating rink, which offers daily open-skate times and private lessons for beginners. Quad or inline skate rentals are available and vary depending on the day starting at $6 on Mondays to $8 on Fridays. Other forms of community activity are centered around South Econ Community Park, which features basketball courts and picnic tables for outdoor dining on-the-go. Also, the recreational center here offers athletic programs and classes ranging from ancient martial arts to jazzercise. Parents also take advantage of the after-school care offered here for students in kindergarten through Grade 5. In March, the District 1 Commissioner partners with the Orlando Police and Fire Departments in hosting the annual District 1 Spring Festival at Amhurst Park from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visitors can visit vendor tents, enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers and participate in activities like hayrides, face painting and bounce houses. It is also recommended to bring canned goods as the Second Harvest Food Bank will be accepting donations. Residents here can shop at Lee Vista Promenade, which offers a variety of department stores and retailers to choose from, like Michaels, HomeGoods and Ross Dress for Less. Groceries and other everyday essentials are available at nearby stores like Walmart, Publix and Walgreens Pharmacy. When dining in the area, locals can begin their day at Mecatos Bakery and Café for specialty Colombian coffee and Latin-inspired pastries. For deep-fried French toast and Cuban-inspired comfort food, head to Jack and Mary's Restaurant. And check out Don Julio Mexican Kitchen Chickasaw for authentic Mexican cuisine, margaritas and a wide selection of vibrant cocktails. Chickasaw relies on U.S. Route 408 and Curry Ford Road for easy access to downtown Orlando and neighboring areas like Cypress Springs and Lee Vista. Residents seeking public transit options can take the LYNX local bus service for trips in and around Chickasaw starting at $2.00 for adults one-way. Chickasaw riders can start their ride on bus route 3, which operates along South Chickasaw Trail and stops throughout the community. For those seeking to travel longer distances, the Orlando International Airport is only 8 miles away from Chickasaw. When seeking healthcare, residents are just 4 miles from AdventHealth East Orlando. Homes in Orange County may experience emissions from the Orange County Landfill located on Young Pine Road and are encouraged to report any odors to maintain upkeep.