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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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.
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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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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.
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.
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
Are you familiar with the Universal neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Universal, Orlando over the last 12 months is $413,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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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.
