Horizon West is an unincorporated Orange County Census-Designed Place, or CDP. There are five villages in Horizon West: Town Center, Village of Bridgewater, Lakeside Village, Village F, Hickory Nut (Village H), and Village I. Built on citrus groves that were destroyed during a 1980s frost, the property owners began their collaboration with Orange County in 1994 to develop this desirable community, which is now one of the country’s fastest-growing communities.
The city was developed on the fundamentals of garden cities and New Urbanism to create self-sustaining, mixed-use villages. The creative structure and architectural design does not disrupt the natural patterns of environmental preservation. Most places have a Winter Garden address, and people commonly refer to it as Horizon West, Winter Garden. It’s part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Before moving to Horizon West, note that it’s a safe, family-friendly community. The CDP of Horizon West has a low crime rate and a fairly competitive housing market. Living in Horizon West is outstanding! A suburb of Orlando, it’s rated by Forbes as one of the best places to live in Florida in 2023.
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Where Is Horizon West Florida?
Horizon West, Orlando, is located in Orange County and is bordered by Clermont, Four Corners, Bay Lake, Lake Butler, and Winter Garden. The distance is 20 miles from Orlando to Horizon West. A few transportation options are available in the area, including the LYNX Bus Service, which provides public transportation services for Orange County. FastLink is a bus service that the city of Orlando developed. It’s designed to make fewer stops in specific areas to help lessen commuter travel time, which is ideal for suburban residents. FastLink makes the average driving transportation time around 30 minutes and most residents commuting from Horizon West commute to Winter Garden, Orlando, and Windermere. The fare is $2.
Horizon West Population & Demographics
In 2010, the population of Horizon West was 14,000, compared to 58,101 today. The overall population is growing by 16.96% annually.
Demographics:
- Median household income: $107,695
- Median age: 35.4
- Gender demographics: 54% female, 46% male
- Racial demographics: 59% White, 22% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 7% Two or More, 4% Black, 1% Other
- Foreign-born population: 20.6%
- Educational attainment: 97.5% have high school diplomas or higher, 54.2% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
With lower crime rates than the state and nation, Horizon West is a very safe place to live.
- Horizon West crime rate per 100k people: 2,028
- 5.8% lower than the state and 13.6% lower than the country
- Horizon West violent crime rate per 100k people: 322
- 16.1% lower than the state and 17.0% lower than the country
- Horizon West property crime rate per 100k people: 1,706
- 3.6% lower than the state and 12.9% lower than the country
- Florida crime rate per 100k people: 2,153
- Florida violent crime rate per 100k people: 384
- Florida property crime rate per 100k people: 1,769
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
Horizon West has a great reputation for being a safe place to live and raise a family. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are only 1 to 310; there was a total of 963 total crimes committed last year. The Orange County Police Department has over 2,700 sworn police officers. Select officers help serve and protect Horizon West.
There are no FBI statistics available for Horizon West, Florida, as it’s a CDP. The above figures are for Winter Garden, a similar-sized city located near Horizon West. Expect similar crime rate statistics for Horizon West, FL.
Cost of Living in Horizon West
The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Horizon West, FL, is 119.2, which is 19.2% above the US average. A low crime rate, great schools, and an attractive housing market likely contribute to the higher cost of living.
The Economic Policy Institute recommends a salary of $84,950 for a family of four to live comfortably in Orange County.
Typical Horizon West living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $14.75
- 12-ounce Coke: $1.71
- Gallon of milk: $3.88
- Loaf of white bread: $2.57
- A dozen eggs: $3.17
- One pound of local cheese: $4.92
- Average Horizon West utilities per month: $204 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
These figures are for Winter Haven but expect similar prices in Horizon West.
The housing market in Horizon West is considered somewhat competitive, with a median sale price of $559,000 (9.19% less than last year), and the median price per square foot is $245, which is 1.4% less than last year.
Whether you’re looking for new construction homes or something a bit more established, there are hundreds of Horizon West, FL homes for sale on the market. The average Horizon West rent is $2,079 for a 983-square-foot rental; while these figures are for Winter Garden, expect similar prices in Horizon West, Florida.
Horizon West Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Horizon West
While Horizon West has distinctive neighborhoods, the CDP itself is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando! Before moving to Horizon West, here is some insight into what to expect from these three lovely neighborhoods.
Hamilton Gardens | Family-friendly Horizon subdivision
Hamilton Gardens is located in the Hamlin Town Center Village and is positioned off New Independence PKWY. Delicious eateries like Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine are just miles away, and you’ll have easy access to beautiful neighborhood parks like Bass Park. Hamlin Middle School and Hamlin Elementary School are within walking distance from Hamilton Garden, making it family-friendly.
Hamlin Town Center has a competitive housing market with a median home sale price of $619,000, so you can expect similar prices in Hamilton Gardens. Most homes are single-family, ranging from 3 – 6 bedrooms and 2 – 4 bathrooms. Homes are on the market for a median of 31 days.
Independence | Lakefront Horizon West neighborhood
Located in the village of Bridgewater, Independence is a neighborhood within Horizon West with breathtaking Lake Hancock views. Independence boasts a location convenience with beautiful Florida wildlife views. Popular scenic parks are Blue Moon Pond and Signers Park. You’ll find amenities like a clubhouse, resort-style pools, a game room, a billiards lounge, a business center, two boat ramps, tennis and basketball courts, parks, and a community room. The neighborhood even has its own top-rated Elementary School – Independence Elementary School.
The housing market in Independence is competitive, and when homes are for sale, they sell quickly. Home prices can be as low as $420,000 and as high as $800,000; the wide price range makes it more inclusive.
Orchard Park | Conveniently located Horizon West neighborhood
Located in southwest Horizon West sits the lovely Orchard Park, one of the great Winter Garden neighborhoods within Horizon West. Horizons Orchard Park is positioned off Tiny Road and was built by KB Homes. Each home has received Energy Star certifications and meets EPA standards.
Sizing ranges from 1,723 to 3,737 square feet, with 3 – 6 bedrooms; there are 11-floor plans to choose from. The community’s amenities are a pool and lanai, recreation sports fields, playgrounds, a dog park, grills, and walking paths. The Winter Garden Village is less than two miles away, providing an optimal location.
The market here is competitive, and homes are rarely for sale. The average home price in Orchard Park is $690,000, and homes are on the market for an average of nine days. There is a 99% chance a home will sell if listed in this neighborhood. The HOA fee of around $516 every three months includes lawn service, bush trimming, irrigation, and insect control.
Horizon West Weather and Climate
Horizon West has weather patterns typical of Central Florida. You’ll find the weather is hot and humid most of the year, with very short, mild winters. According to the Koppen Classification, the climate is a humid subtropical climate. Horizon West summers are long, wet, and hot; in August, the average humidity is 77%. Winters are dry, cool, and cloudy.
The best time to visit Horizon West, FL, is mid-March to mid-June and mid-October to early December. Springtime provides optimal weather. The average high in April is 86 degrees, and the humidity is only 65%; it’s typically breezy and comfortable outside and is ideal for warm-weather activities like hiking, tennis, or golf. During the fall (October to December), the temperatures will dip, and the large crowds tend to dissipate, resulting in cooler weather and less congestion.
This city sees the most rain in the summertime. With an average of 20 inches, annual rainfall is 51.7 inches. Each month can receive as many as 15 rainy days. It hasn’t snowed in Horizon West or the Orlando area since 1977; the average annual snowfall is 0 inches.
Things to Do in Horizon West
There are many things to do while living in Horizon West! The main shopping center in Horizon West is Hamlin Town Center, but there is also Lakeside Village Center. However, shopping isn’t the only thing to do in this unique community; here are the top Horizon West activities.
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas
Cinépolis offers luxurious amenities like fine dining during your showing and a full bar! Unwind in the reclining seats while the full waiter service handles the rest. It’s a great Horizon West family-friendly outing or a romantic date!
14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden, FL 34787, (321) 250-3580
Horizon West Regional Park
Maintained by the Orange County Parks and Recreation, Horizon West Regional Park is a 215-acre family-friendly park with hiking, horseback riding trails, and picnic areas. Hours of operation are from sunrise to sunset.
Mann Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787, (407) 254-9086
Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge
Offering top facilities and conditions, this 36-hole golf course in Horizon West is one of the best golfing facilities in Orlando. Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge is a fine place for a fun date or outing with an older child.
16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden, FL 34787, (407) 656-2626
Additional attractions in and near Horizon West
Orange County Parks and Recreation maintains the Horizon West parks, but this community typically hosts its own events, which you can browse on their special events calendar. Many events are family-focused, like library pop-ups and children’s science fairs.
Horizon West Restaurants
There are many tasty eateries within this community; here are some of the top Horizon West restaurants.
Ford’s Garage
Located in Hamlin Village, Ford’s Garage provides a unique spin on your traditional American diner. This Ford Motor Vehicle-themed spot offers a robust menu. Indulge in Ford’s Signature Bacon Bourbon Burger, or keep it homey with the Mama Ford’s Meatloaf.
5375 Hamlin Groves Tr, Winter Garden, FL 34787, (407) 887-3673
Chick’nCone
Enjoy your fried chicken in a waffle cone while sipping a decadent milkshake. With only three in Florida, it’s a must-try during your visit.
16016 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787, (407) 217-2968
BELLA Italia Ristorante
BELLA Italia is the perfect Horizon West restaurant for celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or promotion. You’ll fins water-watering dishes like tomato bruschetta and perfectly curated flatbreads.
13848 Tilden Rd #192, Winter Garden, FL 34787, (407) 347-3277
Horizon West Jobs
Before moving to Horizon West, It’s a smart idea to browse the economy and job opportunities. While there are many Horizon jobs to choose from, most openings within the community are in industries like restaurants, coffee shops, retail, etc.
Many residents commute to jobs in Winter Garden, Windermere, or Orlando. 81.3% of commuters drive their own cars, and the average drive time is 28.5 minutes. Horizon West has a remote workforce of 17%, which is 1.5 times the rate in Florida. Orange County provides all government services for the CDP; they employ over 2,800 employees and have job openings often. To browse Horizon City jobs, take a look at the Orange County City jobs.
The main industries in the Orlando Metro Area are healthcare, hospitality and tourism, information technology, and aviation and aerospace. Horizon West’s metro area generated 31 billion dollars from travel and tourism in 2022. The largest employer in Horizon is Horizon West Hospital, and the main employers in the Orlando Metro are Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando International Airport. When working and living in Horizon West, the average hourly wage is $20.67 or $43,000 annually. Residents in the 10th percentile earn $22,000 annually, and residents in the 90th percentile earn $83,000 annually.
Horizon West Schools
The Horizon schools are fantastic and are a part of the Orange County School District. Horizon West Middle School was ranked the 17th best middle school in the Orange County School District and was given a score of 8/10. Independence Elementary was rated the 5th best Elementary in Orange County and was given an overall score of 92.38 by US News. Horizons’ location is also ideal for students as it’s near Valencia College and the University of Central Florida.
The Orange County School District provides exceptional services to its students. They have endless resources for new students and boast unique departments like their Career and Technical Education and provide necessary services like mental health awareness teams and in-school therapists.
The impeccable educational services are just one of the many wonderful attributes this CDP provides. They also have a fantastic local library – Winter Garden Branch Library. This is one of the best places in Horizon West to read, study, or find a new book.
Horizon West Statistics & Information
- County: Orange County
- Horizon West area: 38.13 mi²
- Horizon West zip code: 32836, 34786, 34787
- Horizon West area code(s): 407
- Horizon West elevation: 125′
- Horizon West time zone: Eastern Daylight Time
- Closest airport to Horizon West: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 29.6 miles from Horizon West
Horizon West Map
Moving to Horizon West can be a big step for you and your family. While our Horizon West movers are here to provide ample support and expertise, it’s important to have a good idea of what living in Horizon West is like before the big move! When you do decide to take on this new adventure, call 2 College Brothers at 813-922-1529 for a free moving estimate.
