The quiet suburb of Forest City, about 15 miles north of Orlando, has roots in the citrus industry but the city of 15,000 is better known these days for its tree-lined streets, convenient location and sought-after school district. The leading industries in Forest City are healthcare, finance and insurance. Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital is a major local employer less than 10 miles away.
A beautiful aerial view of I4 leading to downtown Orlando near Bear Lake.
Families take strolls together with their dog in the neighborhoods of Bear Lake.
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Forest City has ranch-style, Cape Cod and Spanish eclectic houses
The median price of homes in Forest City is around $380,000, lower than the national average. More than half of the current housing stock is single-family homes, ranging from midcentury ranch-style houses and Cape Cods to Spanish eclectic houses built in the 1980s and ‘90s. Townhouses and condos were also built in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Forest City is home to several lakes, providing many properties with waterfront backyards. Flood insurance is highly recommended. Hurricane season ranges from early June to the end of November.
A beautiful stone faced ranch-style waterfront home on Bear Lake.
Local kids love to skate board down the streets of Bear Lake.
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Parks are nearby in Altamonte Springs
Forest City is surrounded by beautiful parks. Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs is a popular 150-acre nature preserve. The city is also home to the Seminole Wekiva Trail, a paved pathway that follows a scenic route lined by mature live oaks. It runs along the east side of Forest City and connects to Westmonte Park, which has traditional park offerings like a shaded playground and facilities for tennis, pickleball, basketball and swimming. Jay Patterson, a Realtor with Keller Williams Advantage Realty, says Wekiva Island and Wekiva Springs State Park are recreational draws, too. “It’s only a 17- to 20-minute drive away, so many people like to go there," he says. "That, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.” The north shore of Lake Apopka, roughly 10 miles west, sprawls across 20,000 acres, and its looping trail is a popular destination for birding and viewing wildlife. “You see all some great biodiversity,” Patterson says.
Lake Lotus Park has several boardwalks leading to Lake Lotus.
Wekiva Springs natives can take a stroll or bike the beautiful Seminole Wekiva Trail.
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Forest City is served by the best school district in Florida
According to Niche, Forest City is served by Florida’s best school district, Seminole County Public Schools, which the website grades an A. Local standout Lake Brantley High earns an A-minus. The high school offers two programs of emphasis: the Academy of Finance and the Academy of Creative Design and Entertainment. Forest Lake Academy, graded A, is a popular private choice in the city.
Lake Brantley High School in Spring Valley boasts a 96% graduation rate.
Teague Middle School is located in the Bear Lake community of Altamonte Springs, Fl.
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Everything from Lowe's to Starbucks within “8 to10 minutes”
One of Patterson’s favorite parts of living in Forest City is its overall convenience. “Everything you need is within 8 to 10 minutes,” he says. “A neighborhood Walmart, a superstore Walmart, a gas station, the dentist, Starbucks, Home Depot, Lowe’s — you name it, it’s within 8 or 10 minutes.” Big box stores and chain eateries cluster around the intersection of Florida State Road 436 and State Road 434. More restaurants and shopping options are along Orange Blossom Trail.
Forest City is central to Orlando and Orlando International Airport
Forest City is less than 15 miles north of Orlando, and Interstate 4 — about 4 miles outside the community — provides a direct route. U.S. Route 441 is another way to get to the central city. LYNX buses provide public transportation with stops on Semoran Boulevard. Orlando International Airport is about 24 miles away.
Seminole County's low crime rate dropped more in 2024
Forest City is served by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and in 2024, the county’s crime rate dropped by 19%.
Taking care of people. That´s what I love to do. I always thought I´d be a doctor or physical therapist, so I went to college and got an Associate of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy Studies and then a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. These degrees gave me a framework for how to think analytically, and developed patience and perseverance in me. After college, I joined the United States Army as a medic with the 82nd Airborne Division. My favorite part of being in the army was taking care of my guys, making sure they were in peak physical condition and helping them recover when they were hurt. After all, jumping out of airplanes, again and again, does tend to be hard on the body. I learned to be calm under stress, and fully embraced the code of discipline, honor, integrity, and completing the mission no matter what the challenges.
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This brings us to now. I´m a real estate agent and a Military Relocation Specialist. I love what I do. It´s not a job to me, it´s my passion. These days, I get to take care of people in a different way- by helping them fulfill the American dream of home-ownership or commercial real estate ownership, or by finding great deals for investors seeking to begin or expand their portfolio.
So, let me do what I love to do by helping take care of you! I will prove to you that choosing me will be a decision you will never regret. You trusted me to protect your country, you can trust me to protect your assets.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
