Looking for a small town with traditional values that is within easy reach of Orlando? Apopka may be just the place! Located just 12 miles northwest of Orlando, Apopka continues to exude its strong sense of community while being the second largest city in Orange County. Nicknamed "The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World" for one of its particular industries, this is a remarkable place to call home. If an affordable family-friendly city with proximity to Orlando's businesses and amenities sounds like a dream, don't miss our Apopka real estate guide to learn more about this unique community.
The area was named by early Seminole settlers in the 1800s after a Native American term for "potato eating place". A Masonic lodge, now just known as "The Lodge," was built in 1859 in Apopka, where it still stands today as the oldest continuous use lodge room in the state. In 1912, ferns became a major industry in the city, with other tropical plants being added to the mix over the years, earning the city its unique nickname. Today, this city of 41,500 residents has five buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for having one of the longest-serving mayors in the US, for over 61 years in office.
A majority of the homes for sale in Apopka are single-family homes. There is a small selection of condos, which are likely apartment conversions, and some townhouses scattered around the city. Some of the condos are priced below $100,000. On the whole, single-family homes rule the day in Apopka, and the styles of the homes vary depending on the neighborhood. There are concrete block homes from the 1940's and 50's that are also priced around $100,000 all the way up to lakefront or multi-acreage lot homes with prices nearing $1 million. Apopka is known for giving its residents room to spread out on oversized lots and remains an affordable choice, with an average sales price of just $225,000.
Living healthy in Apopka is simple due to the amenities within the city limits and the ongoing efforts of the local government. There are no less than a dozen fitness centers and yoga studios in Apopka, to give residents a wealth of choices. If looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, a sure bet is to check out the Three Star Flea Market on the weekends, located on South Orange Blossom Trail. Better yet, grow your own! While yards are big here, if you don't have room for a garden, you can join the Apopka Billie Dean Community Garden.
Apopka officials and residents care about their environment and natural resources. Just one example is the city's recent partnership with its neighbor Altamonte Springs for an important environmental program. The new program will send 1.6 billion gallons of reclaimed water each year to the city of Apopka that will both conserve drinking water reserves and protect scenic natural resources.
Apopka is a perfect place for families. Most of the city is served by the Orange County School District, and there are eleven public schools within the city as well as several private schools. Residents also have access to the North Orange Branch of the Orange County Library System, located on Semoran Blvd. After school programs and camps are available throughout the city that are administered by the Apopka Department of Recreation.
The city's recreation department has the motto "Where the Fun Begins!". The city has nine parks and recreation centers that offer such things as picnic areas, sports courts and fields, playgrounds, fitness classes, and walking trails. The city's athletics department organizes sports for all ages from soccer to football to 5k runs. Residents of this scenic town are fortunate to live right on the shores of Lake Apopka, the third largest lake in the state, as well as to the south of Wekiwa Springs State Park, a popular kayaking and hiking spot.
While the famous theme parks of Orlando are just to the south, residents of Apopka don't have to leave town to have a good time. There are ongoing events and annual festivals here that ensure life is never a dull moment. The community Food Truck Roundup happens on the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Kit Land Nelson Park. The popular Old Florida Outdoor Festival takes place in mid-February at the Northwest Recreation Complex. In keeping with its roots, the Apopka Art and Foliage Festival takes place in April. Later in the year, residents can attend the Fall Family Festival and the Apopka Festival of Trees.
It's understandable that those who work in Orlando may not want to live there. Congestion and elevated home prices make the surrounding areas attractive, and Apopka has become a top choice for many. Once named by Forbes Magazine as one of the "Friendliest Cities in America," we wholeheartedly agree and the affordability of Apopka real estate makes this charming city near Orlando accessible to just about anyone.
