Horizon West is one of the newest and most impressive master-planned communities in Central Florida, located in southwest Orange County, near Orlando. The project is revolutionizing the concept of suburban living and transforming the region’s landscape with its modern architecture, smart infrastructure, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Created based on the principles of Garden Cities and New Urbanism, Horizon West was designed to be self-sustaining and is surrounded by green spaces, offering an ideal balance between quality of life and proximity to Orlando’s main attractions, including Walt Disney World.
What is the “Garden Cities” Concept?
Horizon West was developed with the principles of Garden Cities and New Urbanism in mind. The Garden Cities concept was created by British urban planner Ebenezer Howard in the late 19th century, with the goal of designing self-sustaining communities that combine the best of the countryside and city life, avoiding the disadvantages of both.
These cities are designed to offer a high quality of life, promoting a balance between work, housing, and leisure in an environment that prioritizes residents’ well-being and environmental preservation. They typically include transport infrastructure, community centers, schools, leisure areas, and spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing the need for long commutes and minimizing environmental impact. The Garden Cities model influenced modern urban planning and served as the foundation for concepts such as New Urbanism, found in many contemporary planned communities.
Structure and Organization of the Villages
Horizon West consists of five main villages: Village of Bridgewater, Lakeside Village, Hickory Nut, Ovation Village, and Seidel Village. Each village has its own unique identity and was planned to be self-sustaining, with shopping centers, schools, and local services within reach of residents. The concept was designed so that the villages are walkable, with accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians, fostering a community-centered atmosphere.
In addition to the villages, Horizon West has a Town Center called Hamlin, which serves as the commercial core of the region, offering entertainment, shopping, dining, and events.
Once completed, the community is expected to house around 90,000 residents in a mixed-use development that will feature a central area with restaurants, shops, cafes, and various other establishments and entertainment hubs. The development is already under construction, with much of the project already finished, allowing residents to enjoy the originally conceived infrastructure. The entire project is expected to take around 20 years to be fully completed.
Hamlin Town Center
At the heart of the community is Hamlin Town Center, the main gathering area in Horizon West. The approximately 370-acre complex offers a large commercial area, a theater, a future boutique hotel, Class A office space, single-family residences, luxury apartments, lakeside restaurants, and various entertainment options.
The complex is currently under construction, and Horizon West residents, as well as neighboring communities, can already enjoy the attractions and services that are completed.
Schools in the Horizon West Area
Education in Horizon West is a priority, reflected in the investment by Orange County School District, which plans to open up to 19 new schools in the area by 2028 to accommodate the growing demand of residents. Seven of these new schools are planned specifically for Horizon West, with openings scheduled as existing schools reach capacity, ensuring a gradual and well-structured expansion of the educational system.
Currently, the region already offers high-quality schools, such as Keene’s Crossing Elementary, Bridgewater Middle School, and Horizon High School, which are recognized for their excellent teaching and infrastructure. With ongoing expansion, residents can look forward to a variety of new educational options in the coming years, further enhancing the family-friendly appeal of the community for those seeking a well-structured environment with strong educational opportunities for their children.
Learn more about the best schools in Horizon West by clicking here
Where is Horizon West Located in Florida?
The region is located just minutes from Magic Kingdom and extends into the established communities of Windermere and Winter Garden. As Horizon West is still in its development phase, it currently shares zip codes with these neighboring areas, a feature that reinforces its integration with traditional neighborhoods while it grows and establishes its own unique identity. See the map below: downtown Orlando is only a 25-minute drive away, making Horizon West an ideal choice for those looking for proximity to an urban center without sacrificing the tranquil, planned atmosphere of an emerging community.
Investment Opportunities in Horizon West
Horizon West already accounts for nearly half of all residential building permits issued in Orange County, making it the fastest-growing community in the county. Property values in the area are also on an upward trend.
This makes Horizon West an excellent opportunity for those looking to live in an ideal location near Orlando or to invest, whether by securing a property for rental income or as a hedge in U.S. dollars in one of the world’s most promising destinations.
Want to Live in Horizon West?
CAP International is a global real estate agency specializing in Florida and focused on international clients. With extensive experience in the Florida real estate market, we have in-depth knowledge of the main communities and cities in the Orlando area, ideal for those looking to live, invest, or acquire a second home. Central Florida stands out as one of the most attractive and promising destinations, with accessible real estate prices and greater potential for appreciation compared to more popular Florida hubs. Want to learn more? Contact us now and chat with me on WhatsApp: +351 91 252 9601 (Carlos Barros).