Orlando is a big place. And with that comes a TON of suburbs and neighborhoods. So how do you choose which one is best for you? I’ll be discussing what the Heathrow community, in Lake Mary, has to offer. This is the biggest and some could argue, the nicest and most sought after neighborhood in this area – so stick around until the end so you don’t miss out on a couple details that you may not have considered.

The neighborhood of Heathrow consists of a little over 2,000 homes, separated into 30 specific neighborhoods, with prices ranging from the 300s to over 2 million. The reason for this wide price range is because Heathrow has everything from condos, townhomes to single family residence. The Median price in 2022 for a single family residence in this community was $570,000.

I’m Chuck Shaver and I’m a local Realtor and resident here in Central Florida. If you’re thinking of moving to Central Florida, you can always call me directly at 352.604.4331. So, let’s get into just what Heathrow has to offer.

The main Heathrow community has TWO beautifully maintained Guard gated entrances. One on H.E. Thomas Blvd., the other on Lake Mary Boulevard. Inside you will find that this community offers everything you could want and need. From parks and playgrounds, to soccer and baseball fields, a basketball court to a clubhouse. The neighborhood also has tennis courts, a pool and a fitness center. There are several well maintained lakes and ponds. The park has a dock where you can fish and even catch big bass! And of course you can’t forget the golf course!

Heathrow has a couple events every year. Music in the park is one of my favorite and is held in the spring. They also do a “funival” in the fall with bounce houses, games, and food.

There is always something going on at Heathrow Legacy Country Club too! They offer memberships for golf or tennis. They also have a “social” membership for access to fitness, swimming and dining. The Country club offers lots of options for the kids like summer camp and kid’s club on Friday nights so the parents can go out.

Of course, all these amenities do come with a price. Because Heathrow is a master-planned community with several neighborhoods, each neighborhood comes with different dues and fees. The HOA dues can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per year. Though all neighborhoods allow access to the common amenities, some neighborhoods may offer more than others, such as lawn care and irrigation.

So how do you know which neighborhood is right for you? Well, your budget will help you determine that for one thing. Although every neighborhood in here is within the large gates of Heathrow and are all very well kept, some neighborhoods may have a different feel than others. Of course this just a local’s opinion, but I’ve been told that Cherry Ridge is very family oriented and is THE place to go trick or treating. There are a good amount of million dollar homes scattered throughout on larger lots, but Heathrow Woods is home to many of them. There’s a golf course and lakes scattered throughout Heathrow as well. So some neighborhoods offer different views than others.

Next, lets talk about location. Heathrow Is located about 25 minutes North of Orlando and about 45 minutes South of the beaches of Daytona and New Smyrna. Its only about 5 minutes to I-4 and the 417, allowing you to get just about anywhere in central Florida in under 45 minutes – and yes, this includes Disney and the Orlando International airport! Of course, traffic may affect these time frames, but with I-4’s express lanes, some of the traffic can be avoided. Some could argue that Heathrow’s location is one of it’s greatest assets.

Though you are still close to Orlando, you pretty much have everything you need right here in Lake Mary. From restaurants and shopping to activities and entertainment, this area really has it all. Heathrow specifically has its own little downtown area that offers a publix, a movie theater, a variety of restaurants, specialty gyms, and even an arcade bar! Just outside the front entrance is a Winn Dixie, restaurants and more in a shopping plaza.

Surprisingly, even with all these commercial developments close by, Heathrow is very close to the Wekiwa Springs state park area.  So there is still a ton of wildlife to be seen around the community such as Sandhill Cranes, deer, racoons, and turtles. There are also a variety of different parks and trails. So it is very easy to get out and enjoy the outdoors and the Florida humidity. The Seminole Wekiva trail is close enough to ride your back to.

So what is the downside to this seemingly perfect neighborhood? Well for starters.. some would say the price! With all that Heathrow has to offer, I’m sure a lot of people would consider it worth the cost. But what if you don’t plan to ever use all those amenities? Some could consider those extra fees to be a waste. Remember that wildlife I mentioned earlier? Well with that that comes bears… and you’ll need a bear proof trash can if you want to avoid cleaning up what’s left of your trash scattered on your driveway.

Another arguable downside could be the HOA itself. Don’t like being told what you can and can’t do with your yard? Want to put up a cool looking fence or park your car on the street? Well then maybe living in an a HOA community isn’t the place for you. Others could argue that this is a benefit, as it helps to keep up the presentation of the community. If you’d like to know if there are any homes in your price range available in Heathrow, just let me know!

Published on May 30. 2023 / Tags: Buying and Selling homes, FL, Heathrow, Lake Mary / no comments.