Winter Springs

Part of a nationally recognized school district and surrounded by nature, Highlands offers home buyers lush natural scenery with all the comforts of the city. Residents are a short distance from lush natural parks that host community events, as well as shopping centers and local businesses. The Highlands Homeowner's Association includes more than 1,400 area homes, encompassing a range of single-family houses, condos and townhomes. Homes range from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, mixing the spacious floorplans of ranch-style homes with the stucco exteriors and covered outdoor spaces typical of Spanish-revival-style houses. "There's a nice mix of established and new builds here," says Krystal King, a local Realtor at eXp Realty with over $11 million in sales. Most homes were built in the mid-to-late 20th century, with some more recent construction taking place in the communities condos and townhomes. Residents enjoy backyards looking out onto mature trees and wide streets with sidewalks connecting neighbors and providing routes for joggers and cyclists. The HOA amenities include four tennis courts, a junior-sized Olympic swimming pool, a playground, a lakeside park, nature trails and an outdoor grill area. Houses range in price from $200,000 to $449,000 and come with a monthly HOA fee of less than $30. Highlands is part of Seminole County Public Schools, widely recognized as a Premier National School District. Students begin their academic careers at Highlands Elementary, which ranks above the state average for test scores and student progress. Kids can also participate in various extracurriculars, including HLN News Crew and Leadership Academy. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions such as Indian Trails Middle and Winter Springs High School. Both schools have an overall A-minus rating according to Niche. The high school's rigorous fine arts program teaches everything from 3D design to TV production and theater. Most notably, the Winter Springs High School Chorus has earned the title of Honor Choir with Disney's Candlelight Processional. The high school also offers nearly two dozen athletic options, including water polo and lacrosse. Take the boardwalk in Spring Hammock Preserve and explore more than 1,500 acres of bald cypress trees, including some of the oldest trees in the world. Local athletes can head to Soldiers' Creek Park, hit home runs on the championship baseball field, youth and women's softball fields and batting cages, or take a ride along the mountain bike trail. This park also features an entry point for the Cross Seminole Trail, which spans over 20 miles and features pedestrian bridges connecting long-distance runners and cyclists to downtown Orlando. Kids will enjoy Torcaso Park, which has a nautical-themed playground and splash pad. Anglers reel in largemouth bass and catfish from the waters of Lake Jessup. Patrons beneath the sombrero-lined walls at Chilangos, an authentic Mexican restaurant serving homemade guacamole and deep-fried jalapeno poppers. Sweet treats and hot beverages are available at Argentinian Bakery and Café, a small counter-service spot famous for its gooey empanadas and sweet bread. Victorio's is a casual yet authentic Italian eatery known for its homemade, hand-rolled Italian meatballs. The Winter Springs Town Center is a modern, outdoor shopping complex. Grab groceries at the Publix Super Market, pick up healthy food at The Daily Dose and then come back for nightlife at the Spill Wine and Craft Beer Bar. A broader selection of shopping options can be found at the nearby Altamonte Mall and Oviedo Mall. Locals can bike around the neighborhood however cars and trucks are the main modes of transportation around Highlands. Public buses and the nearby SunRail transport commuters to Downtown Orlando, 15 miles to the south. The Central Florida Scottish Highland Games is the town's most popular event, featuring attractions like boulder boogie, bagpipe performances, and border collie demonstrations. During the Hometown Harvest Festival and Central Winds Music Festival, fresh produce vendors and live music performances populate Central Winds Park.