The suburban community of South Apopka
South Apopka, a suburban community less than 20 miles from downtown Orlando, offers single-family homes close to parks, schools and community centers. “Usually, people look in that area because it’s not as crowded as other places [in Orlando],” says Realtor Wendy Couto with Florida Realty Investments. Its average home value is significantly lower than the average for the Orlando metro area, offering a more accessible entry point for many buyers. A mix of humble older ranch-style homes with brand-new New Traditional homes offers a variety of options, and proximity to recreational amenities and nearby Lake Apopka helps residents stay active.
Plentiful inventory in a growing housing market
Currently, South Apopka’s inventory is plentiful, as new construction continues and purchases slow down. “The housing market, like everywhere, is slower right now,” Couto says. South Apopka is predominantly composed of single-family homes, with some townhouses interspersed throughout. Ranch-style and New Traditional architecture are common, and prices vary. Most home sales fall between $200,000 and $400,000, which generally buys a townhouse or modest ranch-style home. For $400,000 to $800,000, buyers can choose from a renovated ranch-style home or a newly built New Traditional home. Homes typically have small yards shaded by mature trees. Many residential streets do not have sidewalks.
Magnet programs in Orange County Public Schools
Orange County Public Schools gets an overall B-plus grade from Niche. Phillis Wheatley Elementary and Piedmont Lakes Middle School receive B-minuses, while Wekiva High School earns a C. Wekiva High School offers magnet programs in culinary arts, animal science and agritechnology.
Staying active at parks and exploring the outdoors at Lake Apopka
Many residents use Wheatley Park, the playground and basketball court outside Phillis Wheatley Elementary, to stay active. John Bridges Community Center has a playground and offers resources such as employment training, mentoring groups and an office on aging. About 1 mile away, the Billie Dean Community Center at Alonzo Williams Park offers a media room and meeting rooms, as well as a playground, a basketball court, picnic tables and a multipurpose field. Also 1 mile away, Armor CrossFit offers fitness classes and an indoor playground, and Apopka Dance Center has classes for babies through adults. Less than 5 miles away, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive offers visitors the opportunity to view the wildlife and plants near Lake Apopka, accompanied by an audio tour along the drive. Nearby, Magnolia Park has peacocks, campgrounds and bike paths beside the lake.
Local restaurants and grocery stores are less than half a mile away
Less than half a mile from South Apopka, Tacos Don Pepe’s is a casual Mexican restaurant serving tacos and other plates. Max & Me Jamaican Restaurant & Bakery serves homemade Jamaican dishes, such as jerk chicken and plantains, on a tree-shaded patio. Lula Mae’s Eatery serves home-cooked breakfast and lunch dishes for takeout and delivery. Dollar General and local grocers Central Grocery and La Taxqueña Grocery offer grocery access less than half a mile from the community.
Getting around the Orlando area
Florida 414 and U.S. Highway 441 pass through South Apopka, connecting it to Orlando. Lynx buses stop in South Apopka, offering rides to destinations across the Orlando area. The nearest hospital, AdventHealth Apopka, is about 3 miles away. When traveling out of town, residents can fly out of Orlando International Airport, about 30 miles away.
