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Waterleigh Real Estate FAQs

Waterleigh in Winter Garden, FL represents the pinnacle of master-planned community living, where 1,400 acres of natural beauty, pristine lakes, and world-class amenities create a lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation. This extraordinary community by D.R. Horton has captured the hearts of families seeking not just a home, but a sanctuary where every day brings joy, connection, and the promise of something beautiful.

A Legacy Born from Vision and Natural Beauty

Established in 2014, Waterleigh emerged from a bold vision to create Central Florida's most desirable residential community. Nestled along the shores of Lake Hickorynut in the thriving Horizon West area, this 1,400-acre masterpiece spans multiple phases and encompasses over a dozen sparkling lakes and crystal-clear ponds. The community's thoughtful development respects the natural landscape while enhancing it with architectural excellence and resort-style amenities that elevate daily living to extraordinary heights.

From its first groundbreaking, Waterleigh has consistently ranked among Winter Garden's most sought-after addresses, attracting families from across the nation who recognize the rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise just minutes from Walt Disney World.

Notoriety and Prestigious Recognition

Waterleigh has earned national recognition as one of America's premier master-planned communities, consistently featured in top real estate publications and awarded for its innovative design and exceptional quality of life. The community's strategic location in Horizon West places residents at the epicenter of Central Florida's most dynamic growth, with new shopping, dining, and entertainment venues opening regularly to serve this thriving population.

Celebrity sightings and high-profile residents have become commonplace, drawn by Waterleigh's unique combination of privacy, luxury, and accessibility to world-class attractions. The community's reputation for excellence extends beyond its gates, contributing to Winter Garden's recognition as one of Florida's most desirable cities.

Resort-Style Amenities That Transform Daily Life

Waterleigh's amenities package reads like a luxury resort brochure, designed to ensure residents never need to leave their neighborhood to find recreation, relaxation, or connection. Three magnificent resort-style amenity centers anchor the community, each featuring state-of-the-art fitness facilities, sparkling pools with water features, and elegant clubhouses perfect for entertaining.

The crown jewel is the Phase 2 amenity center, where families gather around the spectacular resort-style pool complete with thrilling water features and interactive play areas that delight children while parents relax on expansive sun decks. Multiple playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts ensure active families find endless opportunities for fun and fitness.

For those seeking tranquility, the community's nature trails wind through preserved wetlands and around pristine lakes, offering peaceful walking paths where residents can observe native wildlife and enjoy Florida's natural beauty. The fishing pier extends into Lake Hickorynut, providing the perfect spot for morning fishing expeditions or romantic sunset moments.

The community garden allows residents to cultivate their own vegetables and flowers, while the mini-golf course provides family entertainment steps from home. Dog parks ensure four-legged family members have dedicated spaces for exercise and socialization.

An Exclusive Tapestry of Luxury Living

Bay Hill's residential landscape reads like a love letter to architectural diversity and refined taste. From elegant condominiums starting around $400,000 to magnificent lakefront estates commanding over $10 million, the community offers a spectrum of luxury that caters to discerning buyers at every level. The tree-lined streets wind gracefully past Mediterranean-inspired villas, contemporary masterpieces, and timeless estates, each home a testament to its owner's personal vision of paradise.

The exclusive gated enclaves of Emerson Pointe, Bay Point, and Osprey Isle elevate the living experience to an art form, where privacy becomes precious and every sunrise feels personally curated. These neighborhoods within the neighborhood offer the ultimate in seclusion while maintaining easy access to Bay Hill's abundant amenities. With homes ranging from 1,000 to over 14,000 square feet on lots that breathe with space and possibility, residents enjoy the rare luxury of room to dream.

Architectural Excellence and Home Diversity

Waterleigh's residential offerings span an impressive range, from elegant townhomes starting in the mid-$400s to magnificent lakefront estates exceeding $1 million. The community features over 3,600 homes across single-family residences, townhomes, and condominiums, ensuring options for every lifestyle and budget.

Home designs showcase contemporary Florida architecture with clean lines, expansive windows, and outdoor living spaces that capitalize on the state's year-round beautiful weather. Many properties feature lakefront locations with private boat docks, allowing residents to enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports directly from their backyards.

Smart home technology, quartz countertops, and energy-efficient construction come standard, while professional landscape maintenance ensures every street maintains resort-like beauty. The community's concrete block construction provides superior durability and peace of mind during Florida's storm season.

Educational Excellence and Family Focus

Waterleigh's commitment to families extends to educational opportunities, with the brand-new Atwater Bay Elementary School located directly within the community. This state-of-the-art facility serves neighborhood children in a cutting-edge learning environment just steps from home.

Middle and high school students attend highly-rated Water Spring Middle School and Horizon High School, both within 1.5 miles of the community. These top-performing Orange County schools provide exceptional educational opportunities that prepare students for future success.

Lifestyle That Inspires and Connects

Life in Waterleigh unfolds with a rhythm that balances excitement and tranquility. Mornings might begin with sunrise walks along lake-shore trails, where gentle breezes carry the sounds of native birds and lapping water. Afternoons bring poolside gatherings where children splash in crystal-clear waters while parents connect with neighbors who quickly become lifelong friends.

Evening entertainment options are limitless, from outdoor movie nights at the clubhouse to impromptu barbecues in private backyards with views of Lake Hickorynut's shimmering waters. The community's active social calendar ensures residents always have opportunities to build meaningful connections and create cherished memories.

Convenience Meets Adventure

Waterleigh's location provides the perfect balance between peaceful retreat and urban accessibility. Walt Disney World Resort sits just four miles away, making magical family adventures a daily possibility rather than special occasion. The proximity to theme parks, combined with easy access to highways 429 and 408, ensures residents can reach downtown Orlando, beaches, and airports with remarkable ease.

Shopping and dining options continue expanding within Horizon West, with new retail centers, restaurants, and services opening regularly to serve the growing community. A Publix grocery store within Waterleigh ensures daily conveniences are never far away.

Investment in Your Family's Future

Choosing Waterleigh means investing in more than real estate; it's an investment in your family's happiness, health, and future. The community's continued growth and development, combined with its prime location and exceptional amenities, ensures property values will continue appreciating while quality of life remains unmatched.

This is Waterleigh Winter Garden FL, where every sunrise brings new possibilities, every sunset paints the sky in brilliant colors over pristine lakes, and every day offers the chance to live your best life surrounded by natural beauty and genuine community spirit.

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Waterleigh Real Estate Q&A

Q: Waterleigh school grades and zoning?

A: Yes, Waterleigh is served by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), which is a highly regarded district in Florida. The primary high school is Horizon High School, known for its modern facilities and strong academic programs.

Elementary School: Water Spring Elementary (Rated B+)
Middle School: Water Spring Middle School (Rated B+)
High School: Horizon High School (Rated A-)
Future Planning: A new relief elementary school (Site 47-E-W-4) is under construction on Atwater Bay Drive to accommodate growth.

Q: What are the HOA and CDD fees in Waterleigh?

A: Yes, residents pay both a monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) fee and an annual Community Development District (CDD) assessment. The HOA fee generally covers community upkeep and amenities, while the CDD fee repays the bonds used to build the community's infrastructure.

Monthly HOA Fee: Approximately $200 – $300, varying by phase and lot size.
Annual CDD Fee: Approximately $1,800 – $3,400+, collected annually on your property tax bill.
Inclusions: The HOA fee typically includes lawn care (mowing/edging) and bundled cable/internet services.

Q: Is Waterleigh a short-term rental or Airbnb community?

A: No, Waterleigh is a residential community that strictly prohibits short-term vacation rentals to preserve the neighborhood atmosphere. The Homeowners Association actively enforces minimum lease durations to prevent transient lodging.

Minimum Lease Term: Leases must be at least 7 months in duration.
Enforcement: The HOA monitors for violations to ensure security and community cohesion.
Long-Term Rentals: Annual leases for primary residents are permitted.

Q: What amenities are available to residents?

A: Yes, Waterleigh features extensive resort-style amenities spread across multiple community centers. The developer designed the community to offer a "vacation-at-home" lifestyle with facilities for all ages.

Clubhouses: Two resort-style clubhouses with large pools and splash pads.
Recreation: Miniature golf course, beach volleyball courts, and tennis/pickleball courts.
Nature: Observation pier on Hickorynut Lake, community gardens, and miles of walking trails.
Fitness: Multiple fitness centers equipped with commercial-grade gym equipment.

Q: Does the HOA fee include lawn care and internet?

A: Yes, the monthly HOA fee is bundled to include essential services that reduce the individual maintenance burden on homeowners. This "maintenance-lite" model is a key selling point for the community.

Lawn Care: Professional mowing, edging, and blowing are included for townhomes and most single-family homes.
Internet & Cable: A bulk package for high-speed internet and cable television is included in the dues.
Exclusions: Homeowners are typically responsible for replacing shrubs, trees, and irrigation heads.

Q: How close is Waterleigh to Disney World?

A: Yes, Waterleigh is located in the Horizon West area, offering exceptional proximity to Walt Disney World Resort. Residents can often view the theme park fireworks from within the community.

Drive Time: Approximately 10–15 minutes to the Western Way entrance.
Access: Direct access via Avalon Road and Western Way bypasses heavy tourist traffic on I-4.
Views: Select lakefront and south-facing lots have views of the nightly fireworks.

Q: Is the community pet-friendly?

A: Yes, Waterleigh is a pet-friendly community designed with active pet owners in mind. The neighborhood layout encourages walking and outdoor activity for dogs.

Facilities: Designated dog parks (off-leash areas) are available for residents.
Rules: Pets must be leashed at all times when not in designated parks or fenced yards.
Waste: Pet waste stations are installed throughout the walking trails to ensure cleanliness.

Q: What types of homes are available in Waterleigh?

A: Yes, the community offers a diverse range of floor plans built exclusively by D.R. Horton and its luxury brand, Emerald Homes. Options range from low-maintenance attached units to expansive estate residences.

Townhomes: Approx. 1,500 – 1,800 sq. ft., often with alley-loaded garages.
Single-Family: Approx. 1,600 – 3,000+ sq. ft. on 40ft or 50ft lots.
Estate Homes: Approx. 3,000 – 4,000+ sq. ft. (Emerald Homes) on premium or lakefront lots.

Q: Is there shopping and retail within the community?

A: Yes, Waterleigh residents have immediate access to retail services anchored by Waterleigh Village at the community entrance. This commercial plaza is accessible by golf cart from inside the neighborhood.

Grocery: Anchored by a Publix Super Market.
Dining & Services: Features various restaurants, service providers, and small shops.
Nearby Hub: The larger Hamlin Town Center (movies, dining, Walmart) is less than 5 miles away.