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University

University

Suburban Neighborhood in Union Park, Florida

Orange County 32817, 32826

$385,006 Average Value
$249 Average Price per Sq Ft
81 Homes For Sale

A mix of old and new near UCF

University gets its name from one of the most notable features of the neighborhood: The University of Central Florida. Multiple suburban subdivisions surround the campus, which as of 2023 enrolled nearly 70,000 students. Due to a lack of on-campus housing, many students rent rooms in homes close to campus and those sections of the neighborhood have a more collegiate feel, with multiple cars parked in driveways, lawns that need some TLC and celebrations on game nights. But according to Shawn McCormick, a Realtor with ERA Grizzard Real Estate who has worked in Central Florida for 15 years, the neighborhood isn’t all college kids. “There are a lot of people who have been living in the area since the ‘80s,” he says. Those long-time residents tend to be a little farther from UCF, in subdivisions with stricter HOAs, but there are owners throughout the neighborhood who are drawn to the affordable prices and proximity to shopping, dining and events at UCF.

The University of Central Florida is in the heart of the University neighborhood.
The University of Central Florida is in the heart of the University neighborhood.
University residents are close to the beautiful University of Central Florida campus.
University residents are close to the beautiful University of Central Florida campus.
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Ranch and contemporary homes are abundant

University is home to several subdivisions and offers multiple housing styles, including midcentury-era ranch-style homes and custom contemporary builds from the early 2000s. Front lawns are often neatly manicured, especially in areas with stricter HOAs. Sidewalks are abundant, allowing some residents to walk to shopping and dining. Prices range from $200,000 for a three-bedroom fixer-upper to $1.7 million for a six-bedroom contemporary house on an oversized lot. Condos, townhouses and duplexes are also available, ranging from $150,000 to $275,000 for two or three bedrooms. Regarding crime, University scores a 4 out of 10 on the CAP Index, the same as the national average. Investors have been known to scoop up some of the houses in need TLC. They fix them up, and rent them to UCF students, especially in the subdivisions close to campus.

Single-family ranch-style homes are common throughout the University neighborhood.
Single-family ranch-style homes are common throughout the University neighborhood.
New construction custom homes offer various options for owners in University.
New construction custom homes offer various options for owners in University.
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Shopping and dining throughout the neighborhood

East Colonial Drive is lined with retailers, services and restaurants where residents run errands or get a bite to eat. Publix is just off East Colonial Drive, near Wawa and Circle K, and less than a mile west are popular chain restaurants like Taco Bell, Jollibee and Waffle House. More shopping can be found at the Waterford Lakes Town Center. Closer to UCF's campus, there are hip eateries along University Boulevard, like Lazy Moon Pizza, popular for its scratch-made sauces, 72-hour aged dough and late-night hours (it’s open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). UCF's campus offers many non-student activities, like cheering on the Knights at UCF Arena or catching a standup comedy show or concert at Addition Arena.

Lazy Moon in University offers large slices of pizza.
Lazy Moon in University offers large slices of pizza.
The Addition Arena is where the UCF basketball team plays.
The Addition Arena is where the UCF basketball team plays.
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Fresh air awaits at Blanchard Park and Downey Park

There are many green spaces in and around the neighborhood, including Blanchard Park, which spans 80 acres and includes walking paths around a tranquil pond, a covered picnic pavilion and plenty of open space. Nearby Downey Park offers 50 acres of amenities like fishing on the lake or letting the dogs out at the off-leash dog park. There’s also a skatepark, where kids can practice their tricks, a basketball court where friends challenge each other to games on the weekends, and a splash playground for the little ones.

A University resident enjoys practicing skating at Downey Park.
A University resident enjoys practicing skating at Downey Park.
University residents enjoy pickup basketball at nearby Jay Blanchard Park.
University residents enjoy pickup basketball at nearby Jay Blanchard Park.
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University High School offers many ways for kids to get involved

Kids may start school at Riverdale Elementary, which has a B on Niche, then head to Union Park Middle School and University High School, which score a C and A-minus, respectively. University High serves about 2,600 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1. It offers several clubs and organizations to join, like Girls Who Code, the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Families considering private education have various faith-based and preparatory schools to choose from. After graduation, kids can head to UCF, which offers a wide variety of bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees.

University High School, for grades 9-12, is conveniently located near University.
University High School, for grades 9-12, is conveniently located near University.
Riverdale Elementary School, conveniently located in University, educated grades K-5.
Riverdale Elementary School, conveniently located in University, educated grades K-5.
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Multiple highways get residents where they need to go

Route 417, Route 408 and East Colonial Drive are easily accessible and head into downtown Orlando, about 13 miles southwest of the neighborhood. Public transportation is limited, but Lynx bus stops along University Boulevard and East Colonial Drive are helpful for getting around the neighborhood. Orlando International Airport is about 18 miles south and offers flights worldwide.

The Lynx bus system makes transportation easy for University residents,
The Lynx bus system makes transportation easy for University residents,
The 408 Expressway offers convenient access for University commuters.
The 408 Expressway offers convenient access for University commuters.
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Sara Huffman
Written By
Sara Huffman
Joseph Van Bemmel
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Van Bemmel
Scott Wiggins
Video By
Scott Wiggins

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Jay Stewart, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Orlando International

28 min drive

Bus

N Alafaya Trl And University Blvd

Bus

University Blvd And Gathering Dr

Bus

E Colonial Dr And Piney Branch Way

Bus

N Alafaya Trl And Golden Knight Cir

Bus

University Blvd And Systems Way

Bus

N Alafaya Trl And Orpington St

Bus

E Colonial Dr And Rouse Lake Rd

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime University US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$371,000
Median Single Family Price
$384,250
Median Townhouse Price
$275,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$210,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$170,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$249
Number of Homes for Sale
81
Last 12 months Home Sales
303
Months of Supply
3.20
Median List Price
$377,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
8,913
Median Year Built
1988
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,685
Below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,254
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,045
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    1 - 4pm

    9681 Lake Douglas Place, Orlando, FL 32817

    $529,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,000 Sq Ft
    • 9681 Lake Douglas Place
    • New 2 days ago

    Get ready to see the home you have been waiting for. Lakefront on Lake Douglas and boasting one of the largest lots in the area - .65 acres. As you arrive you are greeted by the expansive new driveway and as you move toward the entry you are welcomed by the flowers that lead to your double front door. Entering you are then amazed by the fresh neutral paint throughout, the cherry wood floors

    Kristin Haughwout-Osorio PARKSIDE PROPERTIES, LLC

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  • Saturday, May 3
    10am - 1pm

    5836 Goldenwood Dr, Orlando, FL 32817

    $530,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,131 Sq Ft
    • 5836 Goldenwood Dr
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to 5836 Goldenwood Drive – a beautifully MAINTAINED 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom POOL home nestled in the desirable Sheffield Forest community. Offering 2,131 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, this residence perfectly blends COMFORT and FUNCTIONALITY. Built with durable CONCRETE BLOCK construction, this home features an inviting front patio sitting area with catty-corner WATERFRONT

    Mary Walason MEP REALTY INVESTMENTS LLC

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  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 3pm

    14867 Bonnybridge Dr, Orlando, FL 32826

    $654,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,709 Sq Ft
    • 14867 Bonnybridge Dr
    • New 12 days ago

    Welcome to your dream home located just minutes from the heart of the University of Central Florida campus! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom pool home offers 2,709 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, combining comfort, functionality, and modern style.Step inside and you’ll immediately appreciate the open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and the warm welcome of a formal

    Tony Mele ENGEL & VOLKERS GAINESVILLE

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jay Stewart, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
61,166
Median Age
26
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$51,092
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,644

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.4%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
35.9%
Advanced Degrees
11.2%
% Population in Labor Force
52.8%
Below 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®

42 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

2 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

51 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
University
Jay Stewart
SOUTHERN REALTY GROUP LLC
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