Lake Mary is newer than Winter Park and Maitland, and it shows in the housing. Much of the housing here was built in planned communities, some with a golf course, a gate, or both. I’ve worked north Seminole County for years, and I’m Golf Community Certified through RE/MAX Golf Lifestyles, which comes in handy here. My background: Over 37 years in the Real Estate Industry · licensed in Florida since 1989.

A little history

The city traces its start to two small railroad settlements, Bent’s Station and Belle Fontaine, on the line between Sanford and Orlando. It was a citrus community for most of its early life, and the lake was named for the wife of a minister who settled on its north shore. Lake Mary didn’t incorporate until August 7, 1973. The city describes heavy residential growth in the late 1980s and early 1990s, along with a large build-out of office space. That timing explains almost everything about the housing stock.

Housing stock and architecture

• Planned communities. Much of the resale market was built in and after the late-1980s growth period, so expect HOAs and architectural rules, and in some communities, a gate.
• Golf course communities. Heathrow and Timacuan are the best known, and they work very differently (more below).
• Townhomes and condominiums. A meaningful segment of the market, and a common choice for people who want less upkeep.

For homes built in the 1980s and 1990s, the age of the roof and the major systems now drives both insurance and price, so that’s where I start.

Neighborhoods and communities

• Heathrow. A private, gated community founded in 1985 by Jeno Paulucci. Its own association describes more than 2,061 homes on 1,800 acres, organized into 30 neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own architectural rules, so roof material, paint colors and even circular driveways can be allowed in one and not the next. Heathrow has a Lake Mary address but is in unincorporated Seminole County.
• Heathrow Country Club. Not the same thing as the Heathrow community. The club is a separate entity with optional, separately sold membership, covering 36 holes across its Heathrow course and the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes. Buying in Heathrow doesn’t make you a member.
• Timacuan. A 400-acre master-planned community built around an 18-hole course. The club is semi-private and open to public play.
• Downtown Lake Mary. The original town center around Lake Mary Boulevard and Country Club Road, with City Hall and Central Park.

Lifestyle and amenities

• Lake Mary Farmers Market. Saturdays in Central Park, outside City Hall.
• Colonial TownPark. A mixed-use district of shops, restaurants and offices.
• Golf. Heathrow Country Club and Timacuan are both here. If golf is part of your search, ask me how membership, dues and resale work in each community before you fall for a house.
• Local history. The Frank Evans Museum keeps the city’s history, and the Lake Mary Chamber of Commerce, founded in January 1923, is said to be the oldest continuously active chamber in the state.

Commute and getting around

• I-4. Lake Mary sits right on I-4, which is the main route south toward Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Winter Park and Orlando.
• SR 417. The northern end of the 417 meets I-4 in Sanford, just north of Lake Mary, giving you a toll route around the east side of the metro.
• SunRail. Lake Mary has a station on Lake Mary Boulevard, with Sanford, DeBary and DeLand to the north and Longwood, Winter Park and downtown Orlando to the south.
• Air travel. Orlando Sanford International Airport is east of Lake Mary off Lake Mary Boulevard, close to the 417 interchange.

Working with Will in Lake Mary

Lake Mary buyers often compare it with Winter Park, and I sell both, so I can give you a straight comparison of housing, lot sizes and commute instead of a pitch for one side. I’ve spent a long stretch in valuation work, so my pricing is built on adjusted closed sales. Credentials, stated plainly: 2026 RealTrends Verified, ranked #10 in Winter Park by transactions; RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

In HOA communities, I read the documents with you, including the budget, reserves and any rules that will affect how you use the house. That’s where surprises hide.

Lake Mary FAQ

Is Heathrow part of the City of Lake Mary?

No. Heathrow uses a Lake Mary mailing address but is an unincorporated community in Seminole County with its own master association.

Do I have to join Heathrow Country Club if I buy in Heathrow?

No. The club is separate from the residential community and membership is optional.

Which schools serve Lake Mary?

Lake Mary homes are in Seminole County Public Schools, and Lake Mary High School is on Longwood Lake Mary Road. Attendance zones change and don’t follow city lines, so verify any address with SCPS.

Are there townhomes in Lake Mary?

Yes, and they’re a meaningful part of the market. My guide to Lake Mary townhomes covers what to check.

How do you price a Lake Mary or Heathrow home?

From recent closed sales in the same community and home type, adjusted for features and lot, plus current competition. Association and club details matter to buyers. Get a free home value report.

Can you help me relocate to Lake Mary?

Yes. I help relocating buyers compare neighborhoods, HOAs, commute options including SunRail, and school assignments to verify with SCPS. Call or text 407-620-7785.

Call or text 407-620-7785, or get a free home value report.

Compare nearby areas

Longwood is next door to the south. If you’re weighing a closer-in address, see Winter Park, Maitland and Baldwin Park.

Thinking about Lake Mary?

Tell me what you’re looking for, or send me your address if you’re selling, and I’ll show you what’s actually selling.

Will LaValle, REALTOR® · RE/MAX 200 Realty · 1155 Louisiana Ave., Suite 110, Winter Park, FL 32789 · 407-620-7785 · will@irlhomes.com · FL license #3389936