Orlando Magazine

Orlando’s 2025 Great Neighborhoods: Master-Planned Spotlight on Hamlin

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Hamlin’s Shoshone Park is a peaceful respite.

Hamlin, Winter Garden / Orange County

Niche.com A- Grade / Median Home Value $498,700

Located in Horizon West, just a stone’s throw from the magic of Walt Disney World, Hamlin is where modern living meets Florida charm—with a juicy backstory to match. This vibrant neighborhood is more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle destination buzzing with dining, shopping, entertainment and that rare sense of community that turns neighbors into lifelong friends.

From Citrus Pioneer to Community Namesake

If you’re wondering where the name Hamlin comes from, meet Arthur George Hamlin—a citrus grower, attorney and true Florida original. He developed the now-famous Hamlin orange, known for its sweet juice and resilience. His legacy lives on, not just in the groves but in the thriving community that bears his name.

A Town Center with a Twist

At the center of it all lies Hamlin Town Center—a thoughtfully designed, mixed-use hub offering everything from your morning coffee fix to sunset dinners on the lake. Whether you’re walking the pup to the local brewery, grabbing groceries or meeting friends at the movie theater, Hamlin was built to be walkable, livable and downright lovable.

Business owners are also flocking to this neighborhood. Jennifer Pelcher, owner of Abbott’s Frozen Custard, says, “I chose Hamlin for a couple of reasons, one: I am a part of this community, I live right down the street in Summerlake and knew that by already knowing the area, having kids in the schools and knowing a lot of the residents, I would have an easier time becoming a trusted and well-liked business in the community. Secondly, I had lived here for a few years by the time we were selecting a location and had seen how quickly the area had grown, and also how strong the need was for a business like mine. With this location, I feel there is no place to go but up!”

And it’s not just about convenience. This neighborhood is alive with energy thanks to its prime location right off SR 429. Residents enjoy effortless access to downtown Orlando, the Florida Turnpike, SR 408 and I-4. That means 20 minutes to downtown, 10 minutes to the magic of Disney and just a heartbeat away from the best of Central Florida.

Bowery Drive in the Ravenna community in Hamlin Ridge.

A Vision Born from Frozen Roots

Hamlin’s story starts in the 1980s, when devastating freezes wiped out acres of Central Florida citrus groves. Out of that frosty hardship blossomed opportunity. Orange County leaders teamed up with local landowners to reimagine the area’s future, turning thousands of acres of farmland into what is now one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the country.

This collaboration gave birth to Horizon West, five charming villages designed around the principles of “New Suburbanism.” Think lush green spaces, wide bike paths, walkable schools and neighborhoods designed to foster real community. And right in the center of it all? Hamlin.

Construction on a new home.

Growing Smarter, Not Just Bigger

Since 2011, Boyd Development has been steadily shaping Hamlin into a showcase for modern community planning. What began as 650 acres of raw land is now more than 1,200 acres of connected neighborhoods, lakeside parks, retail plazas and medical facilities. Today, more than 80,000 residents live within a 10-minute drive of Hamlin—and that number is still growing.

Orange County Public Schools has recognized the boom, too, committing over half a billion dollars to build 14 new schools in 12 years. From innovative educational programs to cutting-edge medical facilities, this is a place where families can plant roots and grow for generations.

Hamlin is where thoughtful planning meets natural beauty, where history and future mingle under the Florida sun—and where you just might find your next favorite place to live.

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