About Independence Neighborhood
Independence was the first village to be developed within the Horizon West master-planned community, breaking ground in 2003 and establishing the benchmark for quality and lifestyle that has made this region one of the fastest-growing areas in Central Florida. The community takes its architectural inspiration from historic New England, featuring Georgian colonial-style buildings, tree-lined streets, and thoughtfully designed public spaces that foster genuine neighborhood connections.
The crown jewel of Independence is its Town Square, anchored by a stunning five-story brick Clock Tower trimmed with ornamental gardens and capped with a copper spire. The 512-foot reflecting pond known as "The Mall" creates a picturesque gathering place reminiscent of colonial American town centers. The 10,000-square-foot Georgian clubhouse, with its colonnaded façade and tall cupola, draws inspiration from historic Philadelphia, New York, and Boston architecture.
Independence encompasses approximately 2,500 properties including luxurious lakefront estate homes on Lake Hancock and Lake Speer, picturesque single-family homes, stately townhomes, and modern apartment residences. Construction was substantially complete by 2017, though a handful of premium lakeside estate lots remain available for custom builds. Home prices range from the mid-$200s for townhomes to over $2 million for waterfront estates with stunning views of the nightly Disney fireworks.
The community earned recognition for its New Urbanism design principles, featuring walkable neighborhoods, parks and trails within reach of every home, and a lifestyle calendar rivaling resort communities. Independence hosts signature events including the Independence Spring Festival, Fall Festival, Winter Festival, and the spectacular July 4th Fireworks show.
📊 Quick Facts
🏠 Home Features
Townhomes: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 1,500-2,200 sq ft, attached garages, low-maintenance living
Single-Family Homes: 3-5 bedrooms, 2-4 bathrooms, 2,000-4,000 sq ft, private yards, community views
Estate Homes: 4-6 bedrooms, 4-6 bathrooms, 3,500-6,800 sq ft, premium lots, custom features
Lakefront Estates: Direct Lake Hancock or Lake Speer access, private docks, Disney fireworks views
✨ What Makes Independence Special
- Iconic Architecture: Five-story Clock Tower, 512-foot reflecting pond "The Mall," Georgian clubhouses
- Resort-Style Living: Two clubhouses, two pools, fitness centers, tennis and basketball courts
- Water Access: Settler's Landing boat ramp on Lake Hancock, Lake Speer boat ramp
- Disney Fireworks Views: Lakefront homes enjoy nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks shows
- Signature Events: Spring, Fall, and Winter Festivals plus professional July 4th fireworks
- Walkable Design: 10-15 foot wide paths throughout, parks, dog parks, playgrounds
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Independence Location & Connections
Independence enjoys a prime location in the heart of Horizon West, positioned between Lake Hancock and Lake Speer in southwest Orange County. The community is accessed via New Independence Parkway, which connects directly to SR-429 (Western Beltway) providing quick access to Walt Disney World, Winter Garden, and the greater Orlando area.
The neighborhood's strategic location places residents just minutes from Hamlin Town Center, the commercial heart of Horizon West featuring over 100 dining and retail options, Cinépolis Luxury Cinema, and lakefront entertainment venues. The Orange County National Golf Center with its championship courses is nearby, as is the Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital.
🏘️ Adjacent Neighborhoods & Areas
- Orchard Hills
- Lake Hancock (waterfront access via Settler's Landing)
- Lake Speer (boat ramp access)
- The Mall at Independence (Clock Tower and reflection pond)
- Summerport (Windermere)
🚗 Detailed Commute Times
- Downtown Orlando: 30 minutes (22 miles)
- UCF Campus: 45 minutes (35 miles)
- Walt Disney World: 15 minutes (10 miles)
- Universal Orlando: 25 minutes (18 miles)
- SeaWorld Orlando: 20 minutes (15 miles)
- Cocoa Beach: 70 minutes (60 miles)
- Winter Garden: 10 minutes (6 miles)
- Windermere: 8 minutes (5 miles)
✈️ Airport Access
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): 35 minutes (28 miles)
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): 50 minutes (42 miles)
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Independence Amenities & Lifestyle
Independence offers an unparalleled lifestyle experience within Horizon West. The community's dedicated Lifestyle Team organizes year-round programming including festivals, Food Truck Thursdays, Splash Bash pool parties, and the spectacular Independence Day fireworks celebration that has become a regional tradition. Whether you're enjoying morning coffee by the reflecting pond, launching your boat at Settler's Landing, or gathering with neighbors at the clubhouse, Independence delivers the resort-style living Central Florida is known for.
The neighborhood's New Urbanism design philosophy ensures walkability throughout the community. Wide trails connect every section, making it easy to walk or bike to parks, playgrounds, the dog parks, tennis courts, and clubhouse facilities. The bald eagle preserve and natural conservation areas provide opportunities to observe Florida wildlife including blue herons, egrets, and other native species.
🏊 Neighborhood Amenities
Amenities found within Independence:
- Town Square Residents Club (10,000 sq ft Georgian clubhouse)
- Lake Trail Residents Club with billiards lounge
- Two resort-style swimming pools with inground whirlpool spa
- State-of-the-art fitness centers at both clubhouses
- Arcade and game room with classic and modern games
- Business center with computers, print/copy/fax
- Regulation tennis courts and basketball courts
- Settler's Landing Boat Ramp on Lake Hancock
- Lake Speer Boat Ramp
- Two dog parks
- Community parks and green spaces
- 10-15 foot wide walking and biking trails
- Children's playgrounds
- The Mall - 512-foot reflecting pond
- Five-story Clock Tower landmark
🛍️ Shopping & Services
Independence residents enjoy convenient access to Hamlin Town Center, the commercial hub of Horizon West featuring Walmart, Publix, Target, and over 100 retail and dining options. Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves is just 10 minutes north with additional shopping including Costco, Best Buy, and specialty retailers.
For comprehensive shopping information: View our Horizon West Shopping Guide →
🍽️ Restaurants
The dining scene near Independence has exploded with options at Hamlin Town Center including Ford's Garage, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, and lakefront dining at Home State Brewing Co. Waterfront dining with Disney fireworks views is available at venues overlooking Lake Hancock.
For comprehensive restaurant information: View our Horizon West Restaurants Guide →
🎭 Arts & Culture
Independence residents enjoy close proximity to cultural events at Hamlin Town Center and the annual Horizon West Fest. Cinépolis Luxury Cinema offers a premium movie-going experience with recliner seating. The community also hosts its own cultural programming including live music and local entertainment.
For comprehensive arts & culture information: View our Horizon West Arts & Culture Guide →
🏃 Health & Wellness
Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital provides comprehensive medical services just minutes from Independence, including emergency care, surgery, imaging, and specialty services. The upcoming Life Time Athletic Club will add an 80,000 sq ft fitness destination to Hamlin.
For comprehensive health & wellness information: View our Horizon West Health & Wellness Guide →
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Beyond Independence's own extensive trails and parks, residents enjoy access to the developing Horizon West Regional Park (215 acres) and over 24 miles of trails throughout the community. Connection to the West Orange Trail provides extended biking and walking opportunities.
For comprehensive parks & recreation information: View our Horizon West Parks & Recreation Guide →
⚽ Sports & Athletics
The Orange County National Golf Center offers 45 holes of championship golf just minutes from Independence. PopStroke at Hamlin combines Tiger Woods-designed putting courses with dining and entertainment. Youth sports leagues and pickleball, tennis, and basketball facilities are plentiful throughout the area.
For comprehensive sports & athletics information: View our Horizon West Sports & Athletics Guide →
🎉 Fun Things to Do
Independence lakefront homes enjoy nightly Disney fireworks viewing from their backyards. Urban Air Adventure Park at Hamlin offers indoor family fun. Lake Hancock water sports including boating, fishing, and paddleboarding are accessible from the community's boat ramps.
For comprehensive events & activities information: View our Horizon West Events & Things To Do Guide →
🎓 Schools
Independence is served by:
- Elementary: Independence Elementary School
- Middle: Bridgewater Middle School
- High: Horizon High School
Note: School assignments are subject to change. Always verify current zoning with Orange County Public Schools.
For comprehensive school information: View our Horizon West Schools Guide →
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How Independence Compares
Independence offers exceptional value as an established community with mature landscaping, proven amenities, and a well-maintained infrastructure. Unlike newer communities still under construction, Independence residents enjoy completed amenities, established neighborhoods, and a vibrant community culture that has developed over two decades.
| Feature | Independence | Newer Horizon West Communities | Windermere Lakefront |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 2003-2017 | 2018-Present | 1980s-2010s |
| Community Amenities | Fully Complete | Under Development | Varies by Neighborhood |
| Boat Ramp Access | Two Community Ramps | Limited/None | Butler Chain Access |
| Price Range | $250K - $2M+ | $400K - $800K | $800K - $5M+ |
| Landscaping Maturity | Established Trees | New Plantings | Mature |
| Disney Fireworks Views | Yes (Lakefront) | Some Communities | No |
💡 Value Proposition: Independence offers the rare combination of established community amenities, lake access with boat ramps, Disney fireworks views, and New England-inspired architecture—all at price points significantly below comparable Windermere lakefront properties.
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Independence HOA & CDD Information
Independence is a deed-restricted community governed by a mandatory Homeowners Association (HOA) that maintains the community's high standards, extensive amenities, and award-winning landscaping. The HOA also oversees the dedicated Lifestyle Team that organizes year-round events and programming for residents. The community also has a Community Development District (CDD) fee that appears on property tax bills.
The HOA maintains the Town Square and Lake Trail clubhouses, both resort-style pools, tennis and basketball courts, dog parks, extensive trail system, boat ramps, and common area landscaping throughout the community. Architectural review ensures that homes maintain the Georgian-inspired aesthetic that defines Independence.
💰 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
- Two clubhouse facilities maintenance and staffing
- Resort-style pool and spa maintenance
- Fitness center equipment and maintenance
- Tennis court and basketball court upkeep
- Boat ramp access and maintenance
- Common area landscaping and irrigation
- Trail system maintenance
- Dog park facilities
- Playground equipment
- Lifestyle Team programming and events
- Security monitoring
- Reserve funds for capital improvements
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HOA fee for Independence?
Is there a CDD fee in Independence?
What schools serve Independence?
Can I see Disney fireworks from Independence?
Does Independence have boat access?
What types of homes are available in Independence?
Is Independence a gated community?
How close is Independence to Walt Disney World?
Available Homes in Independence
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David Myers

