Master-planned gated community near Disney with an on-site Orange County Public Schools elementary campus and no CDD fees.
Windermere Trails is a master-planned, gated community spanning more than 1,000 single-family homes and townhouses in southwest Orange County, developed primarily between 2012 and 2018 by Meritage Homes, Beazer Homes, and Mattamy Homes. The subdivision occupies 625 homes and 120 townhomes located between Lake Reams, Lake Sharp, and Lake Spar in Lakeside Village, part of Horizon West. Homes range from 1,539 to 4,900+ square feet and feature 3-7 bedrooms with 2-5 bathrooms, offering floor plans such as Meritage’s Angelou and Hemingway models and Beazer’s Hayes and McKinley options. The community fronts multiple lakes and retention ponds, with many homes offering water views and waterfront access.
The gated entrance with manned security and cameras reflects the community’s controlled access. Unlike newer Horizon West neighborhoods, Windermere Trails carries no Community Development District (CDD) fees, saving homeowners thousands annually-a competitive advantage typical of earlier-phase master-planned development. Median home prices cluster around $540,000, with single-family homes ranging from approximately $345,000 to $829,000 and townhouses from $250,000 to $435,000. HOA fees vary by home type and cover maintenance of the community pool with cabanas, splash pad, dog park with wash station, playground, exercise station, walking trails, and common landscaping.
The location offers unmatched proximity to Orlando attractions and education. An Orange County Public Schools elementary campus sits on-site and is walkable for elementary students. The community zones to an Orange County Public Schools middle campus about 1.5 miles away and to a high school that opened in 2017 and offers the Cambridge AICE Diploma Program. Zoning is assigned by address rather than by subdivision, so check the specific property with the district. Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom backstage entrance lies just two miles south, with Universal Orlando and SeaWorld within minutes. The area offers shopping at The Grove and dining along Restaurant Row, plus outdoor recreation at Tibet-Butler Preserve and R.D. Keene Park.
Windermere Trails draws buyers who want modern construction, Orange County Public Schools zoning, and theme park access at a lower entry point than Windermere’s historic estates. The absence of CDD fees, on-site elementary school, and proximity to Disney differentiate it from comparable master-planned communities in Horizon West. Residents enjoy mature landscaping despite being newer construction, and a strong community culture fostered through HOA events and master plan governance by Sentry Management.
Single-family homes typically range from $345,000 to $829,000, with an average around $540,000. Townhouses start near $250,000 and average $435,000. Prices reflect home size (1,539-4,900+ sq ft), lot features, and waterfront access. Current active inventory shows significant variation; consult a Market Connect Realty agent for current listings and builder options in your target price range.
Yes, Windermere Trails is gated with a manned entry, security cameras, and controlled access. This design provides residents with enhanced privacy while maintaining the community's residential character. The gated status is a defining feature and contributes to the subdivision's appeal within the affluent Windermere area.
Elementary: an Orange County Public Schools campus on site and within walking distance. Ask your MCR advisor to pull the current attendance zone for a specific address. Middle: an Orange County Public Schools middle school 1.5 miles away, with a second district middle school zone also covering the area. School assignments are set by the district and can change between enrollment years, so confirm current boundaries directly. High: an Orange County Public Schools high school that opened in 2017 and offers the Cambridge AICE Program. Zoning is assigned by address rather than by subdivision, so check the specific property with the district. School zoning can shift; always verify with Orange County Public Schools before purchase.
HOA fees vary significantly by home type (single-family vs. townhome) and range approximately $48-$654 per month. Fees cover pool, splash pad, dog park, playground, exercise station, walking trails, landscaping, and reserve funds. Importantly, Windermere Trails has no CDD fees, saving homeowners $2,000-$5,000 annually compared to newer Horizon West communities.
The community features a resort-style pool with cabanas and splash pad, dog park with wash station, children's playground, outdoor exercise station, walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and open green spaces. Residents also enjoy proximity to nearby parks (R.D. Keene, Tibet-Butler Preserve) and The Grove shopping center within a short drive.
Windermere Trails contains approximately 1,000 total homes, comprising 625 single-family homes and 120 townhouses. The community also includes 3 lakes, 4 ponds, waterfront lots, and conservation areas. It is one of the largest subdivisions in the Windermere area and spans multiple phases built between 2012-2018.
Short-term rental policies are determined by the Windermere Trails HOA and may vary by section. The HOA is professionally managed by Sentry Management, which handles architectural review and deed restrictions. Contact the HOA directly or a Market Connect Realty agent for current rental policies before purchase.
Windermere Trails was developed primarily between 2012 and 2017, with final phases completing in 2018. The community was constructed by Meritage Homes, Beazer Homes, and Mattamy Homes across multiple phases. This phased development created an established yet modern neighborhood with mature landscaping by the time later phases completed.