Apopka, Florida, known as “The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World,” was established in 1882, although it was already inhabited in the 1850s as a major trading settlement in the area. Construction of Mason’s Orange Lodge #36 began in 1857, and the later settlement called Apopka was built around the lodge. The Lodge, completed in 1859, remains to this day at Alabama Avenue and Highway 441 as a historic site.
Apopka is 12 miles north of Orlando, Florida and approximately 7 miles west of Altamonte Springs. You’ll find local stores, restaurants, doctor’s offices, a hospital, and many other small businesses. There is a Wal-Mart and a Beall’s department store in Apopka. The Altamonte Mall is just 15 minutes from Apopka and the quaint shops of Mt. Dora are approximately 20 minutes north. A large farming community remains in the Apopka area, and each year, residents enjoy the Zellwood Corn Festival, also north of Apopka. A mix of ancient tradition and 21st century technology combine to make Apopka a great place to live.
The city of Apopka has grown from a small market town to its current population of 44,800 with many new residential communities surrounding the city. In fact, it is the fastest growing city in Orange County. There are 10 public elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools serving Apopka residents. There are also private schools located near Apopka, including Forest Lake Academy and Forest Lake Education Center, a PK-8 elementary/middle school. Currently, there are 1,195 businesses in Apopka.
Although close to Orlando, Apopka manages to maintain its small town atmosphere. There are brick streets in some neighborhoods that give it a small town feel. Many houses are registered historic sites which add to the charm of the town. Apopka’s main street has shops and businesses within walking distance for local residents. There is a large park on Park Avenue. “The Kitt Land-Nelson” park hosts many events each year, including the Foliage Festival.
There are currently 929 homes for sale in Apopka. There are also foreclosures and short sales available. There are numerous condominium and apartment complexes in and around Apopka. If you’re looking for a quiet environment to raise your family or just a nice quiet place to retire that’s close to amenities, Apopka is the place to look. Apopka has many quaint old neighborhoods with many large old houses. Generations of Apopka residents have raised their families in Apopka.
The median sales price of existing homes in Apopka, Florida was $126,386 in June 2010, up 0.09% from May 2010. This upward trend is expected to continue as the economy improves. If you’re looking for a new home, prices start at $156,900 to $204,300. New townhomes are also available from $109,000 to $169,900. Entertainment abounds in and around Apopka. A stone’s throw from Apopka is Wekiva Springs State Park. There is biking, camping, boating, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming in the park. The park is open 365 days a year from 9 am to sunset. There are 13 miles of trails for walking and biking. The park gives visitors a glimpse of what Florida was like when the Timucuan Indians lived here.
If you’re looking for excitement, the new Amway Arena, home of the Orlando Magic, is about 15 miles south of Apopka. Or take I-4 East and the Atlantic Ocean awaits. Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are less than an hour from Apopka. Further south from Orlando are Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. Less than a half hour north is Zellwood Station, a manufactured home retirement community complete with amenities. Apopka is a thriving community with a diverse culture. When looking for a new or used home, check out Apopka. We think you’ll be pleased with what you find.
