About Waterleigh Neighborhood
Waterleigh represents one of the most comprehensive master-planned communities in Winter Garden, encompassing over 1,400 acres in the southern Horizon West area. The community is built around the stunning 350-acre Hickorynut Lake, offering residents waterfront living, scenic nature trails, and nightly views of Walt Disney World fireworks from multiple vantage points throughout the neighborhood.
D.R. Horton, America's largest homebuilder, along with their luxury division Emerald Homes, began developing Waterleigh in 2015. The community features a diverse mix of housing options including single-family homes ranging from 1,568 to over 4,600 square feet, as well as townhomes for those seeking lower-maintenance living. All homes feature concrete block construction, smart home technology, and modern finishes including quartz countertops.
What sets Waterleigh apart is its unparalleled amenity package. The community boasts four resort-style pools, two clubhouses with fitness centers, a mini-golf course, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, fishing pier on Hickorynut Lake, dog parks, community gardens, and miles of walking and nature trails. The HOA includes professional lawn maintenance, making Waterleigh ideal for families and professionals who want resort-style living without the maintenance burden.
The community has grown to include its own shopping village featuring a Publix grocery store, restaurants, and local services, allowing residents to handle daily errands without leaving the neighborhood. With Atwater Bay Elementary School located within the community and Water Spring Middle School just 1.5 miles away, Waterleigh has become a top choice for families seeking convenience, amenities, and a strong sense of community.
📊 Quick Facts
🏠 Home Features
Standard Features Include:
- All concrete block construction
- Smart home technology package
- Quartz countertops in kitchens
- Stainless steel appliances
- Open-concept floor plans
- Energy-efficient designs
- Two-car garages
- Professional landscaping included
✨ What Makes Waterleigh Special
- Four Resort-Style Pools: Multiple amenity centers with water park-style features including splash pads and water bucket dumps
- 350-Acre Hickorynut Lake: Private fishing pier and scenic waterfront throughout the community
- Disney Fireworks Views: Nightly entertainment from Magic Kingdom visible from many locations
- On-Site Elementary School: Atwater Bay Elementary located within the community
- Waterleigh Village Shopping: Publix and local services without leaving the neighborhood
- Lawn Care Included: HOA covers all yard maintenance
- Golf Cart Friendly: Easy access to schools, pools, and shopping by golf cart
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Waterleigh Location & Connections
Waterleigh enjoys a prime location in the southern portion of Winter Garden, positioned along Avalon Road (CR 545) just south of Old YMCA Road. The community offers exceptional access to major attractions, employment centers, and transportation corridors while maintaining a peaceful, resort-style atmosphere.
The SR-429 Expressway (Exit 13 at Schofield Road) is just minutes away, providing quick connections to Walt Disney World (approximately 13 minutes), Universal Orlando (35 minutes), and the Florida Turnpike for travel throughout Central Florida. Historic Downtown Winter Garden and Winter Garden Village shopping are both easily accessible within 10-15 minutes.
🏘️ Adjacent Neighborhoods & Areas
- Hickorynut Lake (350-acre private lake within community)
- Storey Grove
- Winding Bay Preserve
- Avalon Cove
- Avalon Road (CR 545) Commercial Corridor
🚗 Detailed Commute Times
- Downtown Orlando: 30 minutes (25 miles)
- UCF Campus: 45 minutes (38 miles)
- Walt Disney World: 13 minutes (8 miles)
- Universal Orlando: 35 minutes (24 miles)
- SeaWorld Orlando: 25 minutes (18 miles)
- Cocoa Beach: 70 minutes (62 miles)
- Downtown Winter Garden: 12 minutes (6 miles)
- Hamlin Town Center: 10 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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Waterleigh Amenities & Lifestyle
Waterleigh offers an unparalleled resort-style lifestyle that rivals many vacation destinations. With four pools, two clubhouses, a mini-golf course, and miles of scenic trails surrounding Hickorynut Lake, residents enjoy endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and community connection. The community hosts regular social events, fitness classes, and seasonal celebrations that bring neighbors together.
Convenience is a hallmark of Waterleigh living. The on-site Waterleigh Village shopping center features a Publix grocery store, making daily errands effortless. With Atwater Bay Elementary School located within the community and both middle and high schools within a short drive, families appreciate the walkability and golf cart-friendly design that characterizes this thoughtfully planned neighborhood.
🏊 Neighborhood Amenities
Amenities found within Waterleigh:
- Four resort-style swimming pools with water park features
- Two community clubhouses
- Two fitness centers
- Mini-golf course
- Beach volleyball courts
- Tennis courts and pickleball
- Basketball courts
- Fishing pier on Hickorynut Lake
- Dog parks
- Community garden
- Walking and nature trails
- Multiple playgrounds and tot lots
- Covered picnic pavilions with BBQ grills
- Hammock beach areas
- Disney fireworks viewing areas
🛍️ Shopping & Services
Waterleigh Village, located within the community, features a Publix grocery store and local services for everyday convenience. The Hamlin Town Center is just 10 minutes away, offering over 100 retailers including restaurants, entertainment, and specialty shops. Winter Garden Village provides additional major retailers just 15 minutes from the community.
For comprehensive shopping information: View our Winter Garden Shopping Guide →
🍽️ Restaurants
Residents enjoy diverse dining options from the nearby Hamlin Town Center featuring PopStroke, Ford's Garage, and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, to the charming restaurants of Historic Downtown Winter Garden. Home State Brewing Co. offers craft beer and community atmosphere in the heart of Hamlin.
For comprehensive restaurant information: View our Winter Garden Restaurants Guide →
🎭 Arts & Culture
Historic Downtown Winter Garden hosts the Garden Theatre, art galleries, and the beloved Saturday morning Farmers Market. The Cinépolis Luxury Cinema at Hamlin Town Center offers a premium movie-going experience with reclining seats and in-theater dining.
For comprehensive arts & culture information: View our Winter Garden Arts & Culture Guide →
🏃 Health & Wellness
Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital provides comprehensive medical services just 10 minutes from Waterleigh. The upcoming Life Time Athletic Club at Hamlin will offer an 80,000 sq ft premium fitness destination.
For comprehensive health & wellness information: View our Winter Garden Hospitals Guide →
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Beyond Waterleigh's extensive internal trail system, residents enjoy access to the 24+ miles of trails throughout Horizon West and connections to the West Orange Trail. The upcoming Horizon West Regional Park will add 215 acres of recreational facilities nearby.
For comprehensive parks & recreation information: View our Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Guide →
⚽ Sports & Athletics
The Orange County National Golf Center offers 45 holes of championship golf just minutes away. PopStroke at Hamlin Town Center features Tiger Woods-designed putting courses. Urban Air Adventure Park provides indoor family fun.
For comprehensive sports & athletics information: View our Winter Garden Sports & Athletics Guide →
🎉 Fun Things to Do
Waterleigh's proximity to Walt Disney World (13 minutes) and Universal Orlando (35 minutes) makes world-class entertainment easily accessible. Residents enjoy nightly Disney fireworks views from community spaces. The Hamlin Town Center offers entertainment, dining, and seasonal events.
For comprehensive events & activities information: View our Winter Garden Events & Things To Do Guide →
🎓 Schools
Waterleigh is served by:
- Elementary: Atwater Bay Elementary (within community)
- Middle: Water Spring Middle School (1.5 miles)
- High: Horizon High School (1.5 miles)
Note: School assignments are subject to change. Always verify current zoning with the Orange County Public Schools district.
For comprehensive school information: View our Winter Garden Schools Guide →
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How Waterleigh Compares
Waterleigh stands out among Horizon West communities for its exceptional value proposition: resort-level amenities, no CDD fee, and included lawn maintenance. When compared to other master-planned communities in the area, Waterleigh offers a comprehensive lifestyle at a competitive price point.
| Feature | Waterleigh | Storey Grove | Watermark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Builder | D.R. Horton / Emerald | Lennar | Meritage Homes |
| Number of Pools | 4 Resort Pools | 1 Pool | 1 Pool + Splash Pad |
| CDD Fee | No | Yes | No |
| Lawn Care Included | Yes | No | Partial |
| On-Site Shopping | Yes (Publix) | No | No |
| School Within Community | Yes (Elementary) | No | No |
| Total Homes at Buildout | 2,500+ | 500+ | 237 |
💡 Value Proposition: Waterleigh offers the most comprehensive amenity package in the Horizon West area with no CDD fee and lawn maintenance included. The on-site elementary school, Publix grocery, and four resort pools make it ideal for families seeking maximum convenience and lifestyle value.
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Waterleigh HOA & CDD Information
Waterleigh is managed by an active Homeowners Association that maintains the community's exceptional amenities and common areas. One of the community's most attractive features is that HOA dues include professional lawn maintenance, eliminating the need for homeowners to hire landscaping services or spend weekends on yard work.
Importantly, Waterleigh does not have a Community Development District (CDD) fee, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars annually compared to many newer communities in the area that impose CDD assessments on top of HOA dues.
💰 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
- Professional lawn maintenance (mowing, edging, trimming)
- Four resort-style pool facilities and splash pads
- Two clubhouse facilities
- Two fitness centers
- Mini-golf course maintenance
- Tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts
- Dog parks and playgrounds
- Walking trails and nature preserves
- Community garden
- Common area landscaping and irrigation
- Fishing pier maintenance
- Community events and social programming
- Security and entrance maintenance
- Reserve fund contributions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HOA fee in Waterleigh?
Is there a CDD fee in Waterleigh?
What schools serve Waterleigh?
How many pools are in Waterleigh?
Can you see Disney fireworks from Waterleigh?
Is there shopping within Waterleigh?
Is Waterleigh golf cart friendly?
Who built the homes in Waterleigh?
Available Homes in Waterleigh
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