My Sanford Seminole Magazine LIFESTYLE | BUSINESS | TOURISM
Claudia Mundlos
Sanford is a water town: in its early days, the community used local waterways to ship produce and build the city’s economy. Now, Sanford’s lakefront properties are among the most attractive areas in Central Florida.
It’s no secret that lakefronts provide a calming escape for busy owners, they’re excellent (and enduring) investments, and they can also generate substantial residual income as vacation homes. Interested yet? Here are four of the most popular waterfronts in Sanford.
LAKE MONROE
The 8th largest lake in the Orlando metropolitan area, Lake Monroe is a whopping 15.06 square miles (9638.4 acres). Air boating, sailing, fishing, and regattas are organized by the Lake Monroe Sailing Association all year round.
Mayfair and Marvania Neighborhoods
Due to popularity, snatching up one of these homes requires lots of patience—but it’s well worth it. The homes at the North end of Mellonville, Elliot, Summerlin, Scott, Virginia, Shirley Avenue, and Crescent Boulevard are lucky to call Lake Monroe their waterfront!
Perks: You can live a true lakefront lifestyle while enjoying nearby downtown activities. Access to scenic Riverwalk is only a short bike ride away!
Gateway at Riverwalk
Get a fantastic view of Lake Monroe and the St. John’s River from the high-rise condos of Gateway at Riverwalk. The complex offers one, two, and three-bedroom condos as well as luxurious four-bedroom penthouses. You can wake up to the rising sun over Lake Monroe every morning and watch the Barbara Lee, an authentic sternwheel paddleboat, passing by on its daily route. These condos are definitely an experience and prices are still affordable.
Perks: Lake views from the balcony and lake facing windows. Cute ground floor coffee shop with water views from the patio. Live an urban lifestyle while enjoying natural landscape and scenic views.
Floating Bungalows
This one is for people who’d like views of the water while on the water. At just 500 square feet, a floating one-bedroom houseboat may sound small, but when equipped with lofts and smart planning, it’s a wonderful solution for modern day explorers who can’t live without the water.
The bungalow echoes Sanford’s historic charm, and this mode of living has been increasing in popularity in recent years. Travel is as simple as docking your bungalow at the Sanford Marina.
Perks: Low maintenance, no property taxes, the coolest house on the block (or dock).
LAKE SYLVAN
This popular, private lake is located on the west side of Sanford. Around the 200-acre lake, you will find a number of newer subdivisions which carry the name “Sylvan” in some way or another. Nearly all of these subdivisions offer their non-lakefront home owners a boat ramp and lake access.
Perks: Skiable lake, easy access to water, Seminole Wekiva Bike Trail, and I-4/417. Plus, the homes are newer and larger.
WEKIVA RIVER
This river is a spring-fed aquatic preserve that’s perfect for nature lovers. You’ll often see many homeowners paddling on their canoes and kayaks to enjoy picturesque river-routes and observe wildlife first-hand. The Wekiva River also runs through Wekiva Springs in Longwood and Wekiva Falls in Sorrento—destination to thousands of locals and tourists every year.
Perks: Natural water routes that easily connect to other parts of Central Florida.
Wekiva River Oaks, River Crest and Wekiva Campsites
Custom log cabins with expansive windows and riverfront pool homes with guard gated subdivisions are a couple of the treasures you may find in these Wekiva areas. Subdivisions—like River Crest—offer all their residents’ access to the Wekiva River.
Perks: Scenic homes at close proximity to I-4/417, future beltway, and mall. Boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Easy access to Seminole Wekiva Bike Trail.
LAKE FOREST
Lake Forest is a 55-acre lake winding throughout the upscale guard-gated neighborhoods that bear its name. Here, are luxury homes priced from the high 300s all the way up to the million-dollar range.
Perks: Easy access to simple water activities like canoeing, water views, 24/7 guard gated neighborhoods, and amenities that promote an active lifestyle with clubhouse, pools, and tennis courts.
Think lakefront living is right for you? These are only a few of the many waterside options Sanford offers. Learn more about these neighborhoods and preview currently listed homes online at http://bit.ly/sanford-lakefront. For more questions, contact realtors Jose and Claudia Mundlos at 407-340-6458.
NUMBERS:
Sold Lakefront/Lakeview Properties within one year in Sanford: 24
Highest Sale: 1.8 million
Lowest Sale: $45,000
Currently for Sale: 20
