Orlando community close to Universal Studios, hotels and other tourist hotspots
Universal encompasses nearly everything that makes Orlando “Orlando,” like Universal Studios, busy hotels, and tourist stops like ICON Park and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The only things missing are Disney World and Sea World—but they are still close by, 16 and 6 miles away, respectively. “That whole area is popular with the theme park and hotel employees because of how close you are to everything—you’re basically 10 to 15 minutes away from everything,” says Emily Armstrong, a Realtor at Keller Williams at the Parks Realty and team lead of Armstrong Family Group who sells throughout Central Florida. While the area’s condos are a big draw for many theme park and hotel employees who tend to be young or single, Universal also offers some residential pockets that are so traditionally suburban that newcomers might forget they’re smack dab in the middle of a bustling tourist destination. These pockets include Tangelo Park, Windhover and part of Dr. Phillips, and feature single-family homes, grassy front yards and access to solid schools and shopping.
Get Wild at Island of Adventure in Universal Orlando.
Comfortable communities with a short commute to downtown Orlando in Universal.
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An eclectic mix of condos and single-family homes
Universal offers a wide variety of condos, from 1990s- and 2000s-era high-rise buildings to smaller, two-story buildings built in the 1970s. Prices range from $115,000 for a one-bedroom to $680,000 for a three-bedroom in the upscale Vista Cay Resort complex. In the residential pockets to the north, there’s a mix of single-family homes: older ranch-style houses with three bedrooms built in the 1970s and 1980s and contemporary homes from the early 2000s that feature four or more bedrooms, backyard pools and new appliances. Prices range from $415,000 to $1.3 million, especially in the Dr. Phillips area. They sit on landscaped lots dotted with small trees and often feature two-car garages. The streets are quiet and frequently lined with sidewalks, though residents rely on cars and public transportation to get where they need to go. Regarding crime, the community scores a 4 out of 10 on the CAP Index, the same as the national average.
With theme parks in every direction townhomes have become a popular option for vacation homes.
Residents take pride in their homes in Universal and provide high property values.
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Shadow Bay Park and Bill Frederick Park bring residents closer to nature
When residents want to spend time outside, they head to green spaces like Shadow Bay Park, where the hiking and biking trails meander through 100 acres of woodland. The park also features Shadow Bay Pond, a popular area for fishing and kayaking, and the Lake Cane Tennis Center, which offers pickleball and tennis. Nearby, Bill Frederick Park encompasses over 200 acres of woodland on the shores of Turkey Lake and is a popular boating and camping spot for locals and out-of-towners alike. Residents head to Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center for indoor activities like swimming and exercise classes, or they spend an afternoon of tourist-style fun at Dezerland Park, which has minigolf, a bowling alley, a movie theater and trampolines.
Shadow Bay Park guests can enjoy a game of tennis in a beautiful and natural setting.
Residents love to go nature walks in Bill Frederick Park in Metro West.
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Students attend Orange County Public Schools
Dr. Phillips Elementary is where many students begin their education. The school has an overall A-minus on Niche. From there, they head to Southwest Middle School, which has an overall B on Niche. The school also offers various STEM elective classes for students to expand their interest in these subjects. Dr. Phillips High School has an A-minus on Niche and an A for college prep. The school serves about 3,200 students and specializes in international study and visual and performing arts magnet programs. Many faith-based and preparatory schools also serve the area for those considering private education for their kids.
Dr. Phillips Elementary School nurtures young minds and fosters a love for learning everyday.
Dr. Phillips High School builds futures with pride, passion and Panther spirit.
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Close to I-4 and Lynx bus stops
The area is divided by I-4 and bordered by main roads like Florida's Turnpike, West Sand Lake Road and International Drive, making it easy to access the rest of Orlando. For those taking public transportation, Lynx bus stops dot International Drive. Downtown Orlando is 10 miles away, and the HCA Florida Millenia Emergency Center is 5 miles away. For more travel, the Orlando International Airport is 17 miles away.
The Mall at Millenia is close and groceries and other essentials are even closer
Residents run errands at the various retailers inside and just outside the community, like Publix, located in the Kirkman Oaks shopping center off South Kirkman Road. Residents find more shopping at the famous Mall at Millenia, a sprawling indoor mall 3 miles east of the neighborhood that features luxury brands like Gucci and Hermes and more middle-of-the-road shops like Urban Outfitters and Pottery Barn. Big box retailers like Target, Home Depot and Costco. The Orlando International Premium Outlets, an extensive outlet mall with shops like The North Face and Nike Factory, sits inside the neighborhood and offers bargains on clothes, shoes and more. While there are many popular chain restaurants throughout the community, both sit-down and fast food, there are also many locally owned gems. Nile Ethiopian Restaurant has been serving its authentic stews and injera bread since 2006 and is conveniently located just south of Universal Studios and Interstate 4. Café Tu Tu Tango is another iconic Orlando spot that has been serving small plates and tapas for over 30 years. It's located off International Drive, south of Route 482.
Pointe Orlando is a vibrant, outdoor dining and entertainment complex right off of I-Drive.
Kirkman Oaks Shopping Center features a large Publix offering residents everyday groceries.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Myers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park
Lester Mandell Park
Bill Frederick Park and Pool at Turkey Lake
Bike Trails
Camping
Disc Golf
Shadow Bay Park
Eagle Nest Park
Transit
Airport
Orlando International
20 min drive
Bus
3 - International Drive Value Center
Bus
Universal Blvd And Breakview Dr
Bus
International Dr And Austrian Ct
Bus
G9 - La Quinta Inn & Suites
Bus
International Dr And Austrian Row
Bus
Destination Pky And Tradeshow Blvd
Bus
International Dr And Jamaican Ct
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Universal
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Universal Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Universal, Orlando sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Universal, Orlando over the last 12 months is $405,049, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful Essex floor plan in the sought-after Orange Tree community — all renovations and updates are complete! Enjoy stunning golf course views from nearly every room in the home. This versatile 4-bedroom, 3-bath home features a desirable three-way split layout, formal living and dining rooms with a cozy fireplace, and panoramic views of the fairway. The enormous master suite includes a sitting
Room for everyone and everything! You’ll be very impressed with this exceptional home in the well-established Lake Cane neighborhood in Dr. Phillips. It starts with nice curb appeal – corner lot with majestic trees and quaint front porch greet you upon arrival. Major updates include: (1) fresh interior paint, (2) brand new carpet, (3) roof new in 2022, (4) re-piped in 2021. This home was
Welcome to Point Orlando Resort where this 7th floor, fully furnished 1 bedroom condo awaits you as a luxury vacation home or as an investment property. You cannot beat the location - close to Universal Studios, International Drive, the Orlando Convention Center, Seaworld, or Disney. Very close to the new Universal Epic Universe Theme park, due to open Summer 2025. From your private balcony you
Welcome to Point Orlando Resort, where this DIRECT POOLVIEW, fully furnished 1-bedroom condo offers the prime opportunity you've been waiting for! This is THE one to watch in 2025 and beyond with location, demand, and rental income potential. You cannot beat the location - close to Universal Studios, International Drive, the Orlando Convention Center, Seaworld, or Disney. So close to the new
Updated 2-Bedroom Condo in Enclave Tower 3 – Great Location! This sixth-floor unit in Enclave Tower 3 offers a comfortable and convenient living space with a great view. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this condo comes fully furnished and is ready for immediate use. The community provides excellent on-site amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and restaurant, all within close
Livano Grand National Apartments stands as a testament to sophistication and comfort. Our exclusive community offers an array of contemporary luxuries designed to cater to the most discerning tastes of its residents. Discover our beautifully designed studio, one, two, and three-bedroom layouts, luxury amenities, and resident-centric programming, and start living your way.
Legacy Universal is a new high-rise apartment community in the heart of downtown Orlando. Located just off I-4 at the intersection of Magnolia and Livingston, Legacy Universal features state-of-the-art amenities, ground-level shops and restaurants, and a pocket park at your doorstep. This innovative metropolitan design provides the convenience of urban living with the feel of a natural
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Myers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
18,422
Median Age
37
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,630
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,479
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.4%
% Population in Labor Force
70.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
64/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
45/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
