About Citrus Chase Neighborhood
Citrus Chase occupies a prime corner of Dr. Phillips, sitting on the east side of S Apopka Vineland Road (CR-435) just south of West Sand Lake Road. The community's name pays homage to Dr. Phillips' famous citrus heritage — this corridor was once part of the vast orange grove empire of Dr. Philip Phillips, whose legacy still defines the character of southwest Orlando. The neighborhood's entrance sits directly opposite the gated Bella Notte at Vizcaya community, placing Citrus Chase at the gateway to one of Orlando's most sought-after residential corridors.
Homes in Citrus Chase were constructed primarily between 1981 and 1984, featuring traditional architectural-style townhomes with two to three bedrooms and one-car garages. Floor plans typically range from approximately 1,000 to 1,600 square feet, with standout features including cathedral ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, private balconies or patios, Florida rooms, and loft spaces that work well as home offices or flex areas. The block and wood-frame construction with stucco exteriors is characteristic of quality early-1980s Florida construction, and many homeowners have updated interiors with modern finishes including granite countertops, updated baths, and new flooring.
One of the most distinctive features of Citrus Chase is its mature tree canopy. Large native oak trees line the streets throughout the community, creating a rare shaded, park-like atmosphere that is uncommon in newer developments and adds genuine character to the neighborhood. The combination of this natural setting with a central Dr. Phillips address — walking distance to Trader Joe's and minutes from Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road — gives Citrus Chase a lifestyle value that far exceeds its price point relative to the surrounding market.
With a mandatory HOA that covers exterior maintenance, roof replacement, pest control, termite bond, and lawn care, Citrus Chase is particularly attractive to buyers seeking low-maintenance living. The HOA also provides access to the community's amenities including the pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, basketball court, and walking paths — making this one of the most comprehensive HOA value packages in the Dr. Phillips area for a townhome community at this price tier.
📊 Quick Facts
🏡 Home Features
Interior features commonly found in Citrus Chase:
- Cathedral and vaulted ceilings creating an open, airy feel
- Wood-burning fireplaces in living areas
- Loft spaces ideal for home office or bonus room
- Private balconies or covered patios
- Florida rooms (sunrooms/screened lanais) on many units
- Open floor plan layouts with living/dining combos
- Split bedroom floor plans in many units
- Updated kitchens with granite countertops and stainless appliances in renovated units
- Walk-in closets in primary suites
- One-car attached garages with additional parking pads
Exterior features:
- Mature native oak tree canopy throughout community
- Private courtyard patios and screened back patios
- Irrigation systems
- HOA-maintained landscaping and lawn care
- Sidewalks throughout
↑ Back to Top | View Available Homes →
Citrus Chase Location & Connections
Citrus Chase is positioned at one of the most convenient intersections in all of southwest Orlando, where West Sand Lake Road meets S Apopka Vineland Road in Dr. Phillips. This strategic location places residents within walking distance of daily essentials — Trader Joe's is just steps away, and the full Restaurant Row dining and entertainment corridor along Sand Lake Road is a short stroll or one-minute drive. Interstate 4 (Exit 74A) is less than two miles east, giving Citrus Chase residents some of the quickest freeway access in the Dr. Phillips area without the congestion associated with living directly on Sand Lake Road.
The community's position along S Apopka Vineland Road also provides outstanding connectivity without freeway dependence. Universal Studios Florida is approximately 2 miles northeast via Kirkman Road, Walt Disney World is roughly 5 miles to the south via SR 535, and Orlando International Airport is accessible in approximately 25 minutes via SR 528 (Beachline Expressway) with minimal theme park traffic on that route. The 32836 ZIP code consistently ranks among Orange County's most sought-after addresses, and Citrus Chase offers the rare advantage of entering that ZIP code at an accessible price point.
🏘️ Adjacent Neighborhoods & Areas
- Bella Notte at Vizcaya — directly across S Apopka Vineland Road (west)
- S Apopka Vineland Road (CR-435) — western boundary and primary access road
- West Sand Lake Road — northern border connecting to I-4 and Sand Lake Road corridor
- Restaurant Row commercial corridor — Sand Lake Road dining, shopping, and entertainment (immediately north)
- Grand Oaks commercial area — Dr. Phillips Boulevard commercial corridor to the northeast
🚗 Detailed Commute Times
- Downtown Orlando: Approx. 20–25 minutes (11 miles via I-4 East)
- UCF Campus: Approx. 35–40 minutes (25 miles via I-4 East to SR 408)
- Walt Disney World: Approx. 10–15 minutes (5 miles via S Apopka Vineland Road south)
- Universal Orlando: Approx. 10–12 minutes (2 miles via Kirkman Road / I-4)
- SeaWorld Orlando: Approx. 15–18 minutes (7 miles via Central Florida Parkway)
- Cocoa Beach: Approx. 60–70 minutes (64 miles via SR 528 East)
- Convention Center / I-Drive: Approx. 8–10 minutes (4 miles east via Sand Lake Road)
- Sand Lake Road / Restaurant Row: Less than 5 minutes (0.5 miles north)
✈️ Airport Access
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): Approx. 25 minutes (18 miles via SR 528 Beachline East)
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): Approx. 45–50 minutes (35 miles via I-4 North)
↑ Back to Top | View Available Homes →
Citrus Chase Amenities & Lifestyle
Life in Citrus Chase offers a rare combination: the shaded tranquility of a mature, tree-canopied townhome community paired with the unmatched convenience of a central Dr. Phillips address. Residents can walk to Trader Joe's for daily groceries, stroll to dozens of restaurants on Sand Lake Road, and still return to a quiet neighborhood enveloped by towering oak trees — a setting that feels worlds away from the urban bustle just outside the gates.
The community's HOA-included amenities ensure residents enjoy a resort-like lifestyle without the upkeep. The community pool and clubhouse serve as social anchors, and the tennis and basketball courts are popular with active residents. For those who work in the theme park employment corridor or hospitality sector, the proximity to Universal Studios, Disney, and SeaWorld — without sacrificing quality of life — makes Citrus Chase a standout choice for working professionals and small families alike.
🏊 Neighborhood Amenities
Amenities found within Citrus Chase:
- Community swimming pool
- Clubhouse / recreation facility
- Tennis courts
- Basketball court
- Walking paths and sidewalks throughout
- Mature native oak tree canopy and green common areas
- HOA-maintained landscaping, exterior, and lawn care
- Deed restrictions maintaining community standards
- Buyer approval process (helps protect property values)
🛍️ Shopping & Services
Citrus Chase may be the most walkable neighborhood in Dr. Phillips for everyday shopping. Trader Joe's is literally steps from the community entrance, and the Grand Oaks commercial area along Dr. Phillips Boulevard and Vineland Pointe provide Target, HomeGoods, and major retail within 5 minutes. For premium department stores and luxury brands, The Mall at Millenia is approximately 7 minutes east via Sand Lake Road, offering Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, and Louis Vuitton. The Florida Mall provides additional big-box and mid-range retail options a short drive away.
For comprehensive shopping information: View our Dr. Phillips Shopping Guide →
🍽️ Restaurants
Citrus Chase residents enjoy the most coveted dining address in all of Orlando — walking distance to Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road, a stretch of 150+ restaurants representing over 30 global cuisines. From fine-dining steakhouses and sushi bars to casual bistros and wine bars, the concentration of independent dining here is unmatched in the Orlando metro. The neighborhood's proximity also gives residents easy access to happy hour deals, brunch spots, and date night destinations that most Orlando neighborhoods can't claim a short walk away.
For comprehensive restaurant information: View our Dr. Phillips Restaurants & Dining Guide →
🎭 Arts & Culture
The arts scene surrounding Citrus Chase reflects the cultured character of the Dr. Phillips community. The neighborhood's namesake philanthropy extends to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando — approximately 20 minutes away — which hosts Broadway touring productions, symphony performances, and world-class events throughout the year. The Dellagio Town Center on Sand Lake Road brings European-inspired architecture and gallery-quality design to the neighborhood's backyard, while the citrus heritage trail connecting the community to its agricultural past adds a uniquely local cultural dimension.
For comprehensive arts & culture information: View our Dr. Phillips Arts & Culture Guide →
🏃 Health & Wellness
Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital on Turkey Lake Road is the primary healthcare anchor for Citrus Chase residents, providing 24-hour emergency care, surgical specialties, and comprehensive outpatient services. The Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center — an Olympic-caliber aquatic facility built by philanthropist Harris Rosen — is less than 10 minutes away on International Drive. Boutique fitness options including Orangetheory, F45, and D1 Training are all within a short drive along the Sand Lake Road and I-Drive corridor, and a YMCA is conveniently close to the neighborhood.
For comprehensive health & wellness information: View our Dr. Phillips Health & Wellness Guide →
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park on Big Sand Lake — a 104-acre park with splash pads, playgrounds, a dog park, pavilion rentals, and lakefront access — is approximately 10 minutes south. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake provides additional outdoor recreation with fishing, hiking trails, and watercraft rentals. The Butler Chain of Lakes, one of Central Florida's premier freshwater recreation systems, is accessible via nearby Lake Cane with boat launch access for fishing, skiing, and paddleboarding.
For comprehensive parks & recreation information: View our Dr. Phillips Parks & Recreation Guide →
⚽ Sports & Athletics
Golfers in Citrus Chase have access to some of the best courses in Central Florida, including the renowned Bay Hill Club & Lodge — home to the annual PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational — just minutes away. The Orange Tree Golf Club, a private member-owned course, is also conveniently nearby. For water sports, the Butler Chain of Lakes offers world-class fishing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding. The Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center hosts competitive swim meets and public lap swimming just minutes away.
For comprehensive sports & athletics information: View our Dr. Phillips Sports & Athletics Guide →
🎉 Fun Things to Do
From Citrus Chase, virtually every major Orlando attraction is within 15 minutes. Universal Orlando Resort is approximately 2 miles northeast — Dr. Phillips residents famously use the back-door Kirkman Road approach to avoid tourist traffic. Walt Disney World is about 5 miles south, and SeaWorld Orlando and Disney Springs are easily accessible via Central Florida Parkway. Annual pass culture is deeply embedded in this neighborhood, with theme park access treated as a genuine daily lifestyle perk rather than a tourist activity.
For comprehensive events & activities information: View our Dr. Phillips Entertainment Guide →
🎓 Schools
Citrus Chase is served by Orange County Public Schools:
- Elementary: Bay Meadows Elementary School
- Middle: Southwest Middle School
- High: Dr. Phillips High School — home to a nationally recognized performing arts magnet program that produced alumni Wayne Brady, Joey Fatone (*NSYNC), and DJ Khaled
Note: School assignments are subject to change. Always verify current zoning with Orange County Public Schools.
For comprehensive school information: View our Dr. Phillips Schools & Education Guide →
↑ Back to Top | View Available Homes →
How Citrus Chase Compares
Citrus Chase occupies a unique niche in the Dr. Phillips market: it offers the prestige ZIP code (32836), the celebrated school district, and walking distance to Restaurant Row at a price point significantly below single-family homes in the area. For buyers seeking low-maintenance ownership with strong HOA coverage and resort-style amenities, Citrus Chase is one of the few options in Dr. Phillips that checks all of those boxes.
The key tradeoff is size — Citrus Chase townhomes range from approximately 1,000–1,600 sq ft compared to larger single-family homes in surrounding neighborhoods. However, the HOA's coverage of exterior maintenance, roof replacement, lawn care, and pest control effectively reduces total cost of ownership, making the price-per-lifestyle-benefit ratio highly competitive within the 32836 ZIP code.
| Feature | Citrus Chase | Bella Notte at Vizcaya | Sand Lake Hills (SFH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Type | Townhomes | Single-Family (Gated) | Single-Family |
| Year Built | 1981–1984 | Varies (Vizcaya era) | 1970s–1990s |
| Typical Home Size | 1,000–1,600 sq ft | 2,500–4,000+ sq ft | 1,500–2,800 sq ft |
| HOA Type | Mandatory (covers exterior) | Mandatory (gated) | Varies |
| CDD Fee | No | No | No |
| Gated | No | Yes | No |
| Walk to Restaurant Row | Yes (short walk/drive) | Short Drive | Short Drive |
| Mature Tree Canopy | Yes (signature feature) | Landscaped | Varies |
💡 Value Proposition: Citrus Chase delivers the Dr. Phillips address, school zones, and Restaurant Row proximity at townhome pricing — with HOA coverage of exterior, roof, and lawn maintenance reducing the true cost of ownership. No CDD fee adds further long-term value versus newer developments.
↑ Back to Top | View Available Homes →
Citrus Chase HOA & CDD Information
Citrus Chase has a mandatory Homeowners Association that is notable for the breadth of services included. Unlike many HOAs that cover only common area maintenance, the Citrus Chase HOA encompasses exterior building maintenance, roof replacement, pest control, termite bond, and complete lawn and landscaping care — making this a true low-maintenance ownership experience. Residents handle only their interior, while the HOA manages most of the building envelope.
There is no Community Development District (CDD) fee in Citrus Chase. This is a meaningful financial advantage, as CDDs in newer Central Florida developments can add $1,500–$4,000 or more annually to a homeowner's tax bill. Citrus Chase buyers benefit from an established community with fully amortized infrastructure and no additional assessment obligations of this type.
💰 HOA Fees & Management Contact
HOA fees and management company information often change. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with the current HOA fee, payment schedule, and direct contact information for the HOA management company. We can also check for you to see if there are any current or upcoming special assessments.
📋 What HOA Fees Cover
- Exterior building maintenance
- Roof replacement (a major financial benefit for townhome owners)
- Pest control services
- Termite bond coverage
- Lawn care and landscaping maintenance
- Community pool maintenance and operation
- Clubhouse and recreation facility upkeep
- Tennis court and basketball court maintenance
- Common area insurance
- Reserve fund contributions
- Deed restriction enforcement
📜 HOA Rules & Restrictions Overview
- Buyer approval required prior to purchase (protects community standards)
- Deed restrictions in place
- Pet policies — verify current pet restrictions with HOA directly
- Rental restrictions may apply — confirm with HOA before purchasing as investment
- Exterior modification approvals required
For complete, current HOA rules, restrictions, and governing documents, please contact us — we can provide the most up-to-date information available.
↑ Back to Top | View Available Homes →


