Fairview Shores offers appealing prices close to Orlando-area attractions
Fairview Shores is an Orange County community of about 11,000 that offers a wide range of housing and convenient access to several of the Orlando area’s well-known destinations. “You enjoy affordable pricing with proximity to College Park and Winter Park,” says Angela McCloskey of Keller Williams at the Parks Realty, who sells homes throughout the area. “The draw is to get that proximity at a lower price point, at half the price per square foot.” The community is bordered by the neighborhood of College Park, home to a popular commercial district with a Bohemian vibe, and the city of Winter Park, whose historic downtown is full of Old World Charm. Residents are also within 5 miles of downtown Orlando and its Central Business District.
Diver housing ranges from traditional homes to lakefront properties
Midcentury-moderns and ranch-style designs on spacious lots are prominent among the community’s many options. These homes front walkable streets and feature large yards, driveways and either carports or attached garages. Cottage-style homes are among the most established, with many being built in the 1940s. Contemporary homes built from the 1980s through the present day offer a variety of designs. The newest homes are often built in the Modern Farmhouse style. The community’s largest and most expensive homes are concentrated near its lakes on the south and east sides. Prices for established homes range from the high $200,000s to the mid-$600,000s. New construction and waterfront homes range from the mid-$700,000s to more than $2 million. Flooding is not a risk this far inland, but wind damage is during hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
Activities center around lakefront recreation
The community borders three lakes, providing plenty of outdoor recreation. Lake Fairview is the largest, but boaters can enjoy Little Lake Fairview and Lake Killarney as well. Lake Fairview and Little Lake Fairview have public boat ramps, while Lake Killarney private. Many of the residents who live along the lake have their own docks. Lake Fairview is home to a marina and a waterfront restaurant accessible by boat and kayak. Five softball fields are the premier attraction at Lake Fairview Park. “They have a lot of sporting events there, and a couple of the crew teams have boathouses there,” McCloskey says. Beach volleyball courts will soon be added as part of upgrades that will include a new playground, boardwalk and fishing deck. Trotter Park just across Lee Road from Lake Fairview Park is a popular spot for organized youth baseball and soccer. Dubsdread Golf Course offers public play on a course that has been part of the area for more than 100 years.
Variety of stores, restaurants are found in and around the community
The Lee Road Shopping Center is a centrally located retail stop along the community’s main commercial corridor. The Orlando area is known for its Asian markets, and Woo Sung Oriental Food Mart on Edgewater Drive is a highly-rated grocer. Edgewater Drive leads directly to the neighboring community of College Park, where the thoroughfare is the heart of a buzzy commercial district. “The Drive,” as it is known to locals, features an array of popular restaurants and boutique stores selling everything from vinyl records to vintage clothing. “I’d say about 25 percent of the people in Fairview Shores take advantage of the shopping in College Park,” McCloskey says. Also nearby are the shops, restaurants and cultural attractions in downtown Winter Park.
Two schools within the community
There are two elementary schools within the community. Killarney Elementary is rated B-minus by Niche, with an A for diversity. Pinecrest Creek Academy is a K-5 public charter school rated B-plus. Older students can attend College Park Middle School, rated C-plus, and Edgewater High School, rated B-plus. Both schools are conveniently located nearby. Edgewater High features an engineering, science and technology magnet program.
Residents enjoy easy access to public transportation and the interstate
Residents can catch the bus along the community’s three main thoroughfares – Lee Road, Fairbanks Avenue and Edgewater Drive. Advent Health Orlando is less than 3 miles from the community. I-4 runs, which runs along the community’s east side, provides convenient commutes. “The location is great, with easy access to I-4, the main thoroughfare that takes you wherever you need to go,” McCloskey says. “You’re within 10 to 15 minutes in the morning to downtown.” Those commuting to more outlying areas can catch the train at stations in downtown Orlando as well as downtown Winter Park. The Orlando International Airport is about 17 miles away.
Written By
Matt Pallister
