An increasingly popular Central Florida city on the brink of change
Ocoee is the fastest-growing city in Orange County. With over 48,000 residents and counting, the city is expected to flourish exponentially in the upcoming years as Ocoee’s 43-million-dollar master plan hits the ground running. Area-defining developments—such as a retail epicenter, a 146-acre baseball and hotel megaplex and a Main Street USA project to revitalize downtown—are all in the works. However, despite all this change, the city retains its comfortable, family-friendly feel. “It’s very family-oriented,” says Scott Swinson, Jr., a Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty. “I grew up there. My parents have lived there for 60 years.” Ocoee’s convenience is another major draw. “The location’s hard to beat. It’s got great access to major roads,” he says. With its natural beauty, solid school system and proximity to Orlando, it’s easy to see why Ocoee’s motto is “The Center of Good Living.”
Ocoee is close to several major highways and offers Lunx bus service for public transit.
Ocoee's Downtown area has just gotten a facelift with new renovations.
Ocoee’s 43-million-dollar master plan hits the ground running with new planned developments.
Palm trees line streets of Prairie Lake and neighborhoods near by.
Locals love to eat at the Breakfast Club near Prairie Lake.
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Steadily increasing housing market
Most of Ocoee's residential streets are lined with sidewalks and shady trees. In neighborhoods like Arden Park, Brookstone, Forestbrook and McCormick Woods, backyards often feature pools, and front yards are neatly landscaped. Typical housing styles range from Mediterranean to modern Floridian and classic ranches, many with tiled or terracotta roofs and white stucco exteriors. Ocoee has several lakes, big and small, and homes that back up to them boast water views and sometimes private docks. Townhouses with two-car garages and condos in gated communities are also available throughout the city. According to 2022 census data, around 73% of residents are homeowners. About 47% of homes are valued between $300,000 and $499,000, with a median price of $470,000. Homes in Ocoee stay on the market for an average of 49 days, more than the national average of 44 days.
Prairie Lake Reserve is a townhome community with attached garages.
Find bright homes with unique accenting in the architecture in Prairie Lake.
New townhomes and subdivisions are popping up throughout Ocoee.
A beautiful row of two story homes with attached garages in Prairie Lake.
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Outdoor recreation along Lake Starke and athletic-focused parks
Lake Apopka sits to the west of the city and is a favorite for boaters and birders. Bill Breeze Park is the city’s largest park where locals fish, kayak and paddle board in Lake Starke. Vignetti Park on Adair Street offers lighted baseball and softball fields that buzz with activity during community league games. There are also basketball, racquetball and tennis courts and a playground shaded by towering trees. Year-round youth and adult recreational classes are available at the Beech Recreation Center, adjacent to the popular and state-of-the-art Family Aquatic Center. A new 146-acre sports complex is currently in development and aims to accommodate the travel baseball industry. It will house 16 baseball fields, nine batting cages, a recreation park, and two hotels with seven retail and restaurant buildings.
Bill Breeze Park is a short drive from Ocoee and hosts many annual events.
If fishing is up your alley, Ocoee has plenty of docks inclusing Bill Breeze Park by City Hall.
Kids of all ages love to play hoops on the basketball courts at Prairie Lake Park.
Vignetti Park also has a workout center for Ocoee locals and members.
Families gather to see their kids play baseball on the fields of Vignetti Park in Ocoee.
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Widespread retail and dining with future developments
Numerous shopping centers border the area’s neighborhoods. One of the most popular is Plantation Grove, which features Publix, fast-food restaurants, and services. Route 50, which runs through Ocoee, is lined with a variety of restaurants. West Colonial Drive has Walmart Supercenter, Aldi’s and the popular West Oaks Mall, which offers 115 stores and an AMC movie theatre. Ocoee’s downtown area features everything from vintage antique shops to clothing stores and fitness centers. There are many dining options downtown, from a trendy health store and eclectic coffee lounge to an artsy gastropub and retro hamburger joint. The Ocoee Village Center is a 43,000-square-foot shopping center currently under construction that will feature a grocery store, medical office building, restaurants and retailers.
Residents don’t have to go far for culture. National ballet, opera and musical groups take the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and over 5,600 pieces of artwork are on display at the Rollins Museum of Art in Winter Park. The famous Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios are each less than 20 miles away.
The largest hospital, Orlando Health Central, is located on the city's south side and is known for being one of the area’s largest employers.
Publix is one of the main grocers for Prairie Lake residents.
West Oaks Mall is located in the retail corridor of Hwy 50 in Ocoee.
Ocoee's West Oaks Mall has a 14 theater AMC.
Downtown Ocoee is a nostalgic change of pace from it's other retail areas.
Discover the magic of Universal Studios, where adventure awaits in Orlando, Florida.
Walt Disney World opened in 1971, sparking Orlando's tourism and hospitality scene.
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A packed social community calendar and annual music festivals
The annual Easter Eggstravaganza and the Halloween Howl Night at Ocoee Lakeshore Center are just a few of the city’s many community events. The biggest is the yearly Ocoee Fall Music Festival, which draws in more than 20,000 patrons for a weekend of local and national entertainment, food and a massive closing fireworks display. McKey Street downtown hosts the annual Ocoee Block Party, where residents grab food from food trucks, enjoy family-friendly activities, and dance to live music. One of the newer events is the Ocoee Community Market which takes place on the first Thursday of every month at Bill Breeze Park and features food trucks, handmade goods and live music.
One of the largest public school districts in the country
Ocoee students are zoned to Orange County Public Schools, which gets an A-minus ranking from Niche. It’s the fourth-largest school district in Florida, serving roughly 208,000 students at 210 schools. Ocoee High School stands out in the city with top-performing sports teams and award-winning arts programs. Niche gives the school a B rating. Valencia College operates two campuses where students can earn associate degrees in education, health care and information technology, among other disciplines. Osceola Technical College’s three local campuses award certificates in architecture, audiovisual communication and more. The University of Central Florida, the metro’s biggest university, is in nearby Orlando.
Ocoee uses some of their public transportation spots for bus pickup as well.
Ocoee High School is ranked 369th within Florida.
Families watch their children play football and track at Ocoee High School in Orange County.
Ocoee Middle School located in Ocoee.
Ocoee Middle School in Ocoee, FL serves 1240 students in grades 6-8.
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Multiple ways to get around and direct highway access
Most locals get around by car and enjoy the proximity to Interstate 4, which travels to other major Florida cities and landmarks. “You’ve got proximity to Disney and Universal. It’s easy to get to International Drive. Everything’s a straight shot,” Swinson says. Multiple bus routes operated by Lynx and LYNX Plus run throughout the city. The Orlando International Airport is about 25 miles away and offers flights to 135 domestic and international destinations.
Low crime rate and storm flooding risks
The most recent crime rates from the FBI are from 2021 and indicate they are lower than in 2020. In 2021, there were nearly 500 incidents of violent crime, down from almost 600 incidents in 2020. There were about 1,100 incidents of property crime, down from around 1,300 incidents in 2020. The Ocoee Police Department’s website has a comprehensive breakdown of crime incidents per area on their website.
Common Florida weather-related concerns such as hurricanes are a possible risk in Ocoee. However, the hurricane index level is lower than the state’s average due to the city’s inland location. Storm flooding, on the other hand, is considered a very high risk because of the area’s numerous surrounding lakes and ponds. Active storm tracking alerts and updated FEMA flooding maps are provided by the city to help inform residents of flooding warnings. Multiple departments within the City of Ocoee also work on a consistently updated floodplain management program to help keep the community safe and resilient against damaging storms.
Written By
Sara Huffman
Photography Contributed By
Jay Welker
Video By
Grace Kim
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Ocoee, FL sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocoee, FL over the last 12 months is $451,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE IMPROVEMENT- Motivated Seller. Your Lakefront Oasis Awaits....Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the highly sought-after gated community of Willows on the Lake in Ocoee, FL. Set on a peaceful lakefront lot, this residence combines elegance, comfort, and stunning water views. Step inside to discover a freshly painted interior with updated finishes
Large spacious 4 BD 2 1/2 BATH TWO-STORY HOME NESTLED IN Desirable OCOEE Presenting low HOA fees, solar panels, Extended Driveway with Gorgeous well maintained Lawn giving ALLURING Curb Appeal. Spacious Great Room w/Formal Living & Dining Areas Large Updated Kitchen has Lots of Counter/Cabinets, Stainless Steel Appliances & Bay Window Casual Dining Area. All Bedrooms are upstairs with remote
Move in ready! The Iris is a thoughtfully designed interior-unit townhome offering 1,935 sq. ft. of stylish living space. This spacious floorplan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a generous loft, and a 1-car garage with a 2-car brick-paved driveway. The open-concept layout is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen stands out with upgraded white cabinetry, modern cabinet
This beautifully designed home offers the perfect blend of functionality and charm. Featuring a 3-car garage and a split-bedroom layout, the floor plan provides privacy and convenience for the whole family. One of the guest bedrooms includes its own en-suite bathroom, making it an ideal space for guests or multi-generational living. The secondary bedroom wing includes a flex space—perfect as a
Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-family home nestled in the desirable Windsor Landing. This property offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Step inside to discover a spacious and inviting layout, featuring an open-concept living and dining area filled with natural light. The well-appointed kitchen boasts ample cabinet space, updated appliances, and updated
Discover the potential of this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath custom home nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac. With a little imagination and care, this spacious gem can truly shine! Step through the stunning stained-glass double doors into a warm and inviting space that’s brimming with character.The kitchen boasts granite countertops, ample cabinetry, and a cozy dining nook—perfect for family
This residence boasts an area of 1,570 SqFt, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a loft space. An open-concept main level, the kitchen features an island perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, enjoy a convenient laundry room and loft. The primary suite features a generous walk-in closet and bathroom. Greens at Forest Lake is conveniently located in Ocoee zoned for great schools and only minutes away from
Welcome to 2045 Erving Circle #101, a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo nestled in the heart of Ocoee, FL. This two-story unit offers a spacious layout. Enjoy a well-equipped kitchen with modern appliances and a cozy dining area perfect for entertaining. Enjoy access to community amenities including a pool, fitness center, and clubhouse. With easy access to major highways, shopping, dining,
Experience the best of townhome living at Ocoee Village. This Brand-New Community offers a convenient location that puts you just minutes away from shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With easy access to major highways such as the SR-429 full intersection. Providing a direct route to Disney World!These townhomes have it all! There are 5 different models to choose from with
Standing in Florida's Ocoee City, within the greater Orlando area, is Prairie Lake. "The area has an almost rural, small-town feel with the convenience of a residential bedroom community. There are mainly single-family homes and townhouses and plenty of parks to enjoy. It's a neighborhood that has a good sense of community," says Scott Taylor, a Realtor with Realty Center who has lived in Ocoee for over 30 years. The neighborhood has grass-lined streets and houses with front yards wrapped around a lake of the same name.
There are a variety of homeowners associations in the area. Gated townhouse developments are found in Prairie Lake Reserve to the south and Wentworth to the west. On the north side, Remington Oaks offers midsize homes with family-friendly amenities, including a private pool and playground. Prairie Lake is a nongated subdivision of contemporary multilevel homes and, nearby, is a collection of developments with smaller, single-story homes. "In Prairie Lake, buyers can get a larger house for their money. Homes range from $300,000 to around $600,000," Taylor explains.
Residents can access multiple medical care facilities along West Colonial Drive, just 5 miles away. Public bus stops are stringed along Silver Star Road. Commuters can take Interstate 4 to reach the rest of the Orlando metro area; the busy highway is about 15 miles from the neighborhood.
The surrounding area is brimming with convenience stores. Residents can head about 3 miles south to Publix at Silver Crossing for groceries, and CVS, Dollar General and Walgreens can be found at the same intersection. The area also has a handful of restaurant options. "Carlos Diner serves really good breakfast with a traditional American type restaurant that's very popular," Taylor says. He also recommends the family-friendly restaurant Breakfast Club.
Prairie Lake Park offers a collection of amenities for residents. The grounds have basketball and volleyball courts, a fishing lake and a playground. The walking paths beckon to joggers and locals walking their dogs. The smaller, kid-focused Forest Oaks Park is just a walk away and features a playground and basketball court. Golfing enthusiasts tee off and practice their swing at the public Forest Lake Golf Club, spanning over 200 acres.
Prairie Lake Elementary School serves kindergarten through fifth grade, and its Champions Before-and-After School Program helps children develop life skills through individual and group activities. The elementary has a B-minus grade from Niche. Kids move on to Ocoee Middle, which also has a B-minus grade, and then graduate from Ocoee High, earning a B. Parents may also send their young ones to Glad Tidings Academy, a faith-based school on the northern edge of Prairie Lake.
Ocoee's robust calendar of events is the source of Prairie Lake's entertainment and events. "The Ocoee Music Festival that takes place downtown, by City Hall, draws thousands of people. Previously, the event featured mostly country western bands, but recently, there have been 80s and 90s bands as well. It's really an amazing experience," Taylor says. The event also includes a car show, a beer garden and carnival rides. When the festival is over, neighbors enjoy Food Truck Friday and movie screening events at Bill Breeze Park. For weekend fun under 10 miles away, locals head to downtown Winter Garden, home to arts favorites such as the Garden Theatre and the Downtown Pavilion, where a farmers market is held year-round.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Ocoee Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
47,630
Median Age
40
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$82,026
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$101,864
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.4%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.6%
Advanced Degrees
10.7%
% Population in Labor Force
71.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
52°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
