Oakland, Florida

Population: 1,187 - 1,888 depending on who you ask

Once upon a time, growth, development and prosperity were lauded by Oakland residents who proudly declared themselves a city and prided themselves in being the most important district in Orange County. Times have changed for this quaint idyllic town on the shores of Lake Apopka. The town of Oakland has a population of less than 1900 people and they provide prospective developers with guidelines so specific and strict, that most determine to build elsewhere. One magazine wrote “voters have rejected proposals to pave the narrow clay streets for fear that more people might want to drive on them.”

One developer, Castle and Cooke has jumped through the hoops however and has established Oakland Park as a traditional development community complete with town square, village, and old world atmosphere including professional residences (remember when MD’s practiced downstairs & lived upstairs?). This community adjoins Winter Garden and borders the southern shores of Lake Apopka. Oakland Park embraces the history of its Central Florida location, the preservation and enhancement of its environment, and especially the comfort, health, and well-being of its residents. Its design incorporates a high degree of connectivity with a series of walkable avenues, streets, and parks linking its neighborhoods and providing an opportunity for its residents to get to know one another and form a true community. Oakland Park embraces a better way of living. Developers Castle & Cooke have invested significant time and resources to create a community that will transcend all other communities in Central Florida. A community that is active, healthy and civically engaged for the well-being of the Oakland Park residents.

The community of Oakland Park encompasses approximately 258 acres of land stretching from the shores of Lake Apopkasouth to Oakland Avenue. Much of what makes Oakland Park feel like a naturally occurring community is a steadfast commitment to preserving and enhancing the beautiful Old Floridafeel of the land. As would have been the case over a century ago, earthmoving has been kept to a minimum. The community follows the natural grade of the land, which slopes up from the shoreline of Lake Apopka, providing lake views for many of the homes near the lake. Magnificent live oaks have been preserved throughout the community.

Oakland Park is a Florida Green Building Coalition certified "Green Development", the first in Central Florida. Oakland Park is also the first certified green Traditional Neighborhood Development in the State of Florida. In addition to the community being certified green, all of the homes in the Oakland Park neighborhood will be built to the FGBC standards for green certification. As part of Oakland Park's Friendly Neighborhood Design™, great care has been taken in preserving and enhancing the area's natural assets. The Oakland Park philosophy embraces the environment with the ongoing restoration of Lake Apopka, the integration of the Hammock Preserve wetland and the Lake Brim preserve, and the preservation of centuries-old Sadler oaks. The landscape throughout the community focuses on native plant species, minimal use of irrigation, and protection of the land's natural beauty. For more information on Green Developments, visit the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) website.

The 5,500-square-foot sales center on Oakland Avenue - the first home completed in Oakland Park - has been certified as well and has many environmentally friendly features built into the design. It includes: high-performance windows - tall, double-paned windows filled with argon gas between the panes. The glass is also coated with a low-emission coating that lets in the light but not the heat. Icynene foam insulation - soft-foam and air-barrier insulation system that is sprayed directly onto the inside of the metal roof sheathing. Applied as a liquid, Icynene expands to 100 times its volume in seconds to fill cracks and crevices while remaining flexible to maintain the integrity of the building envelope.

high-efficiency "can lights" - 26-watt, plug-in fluorescent bulbs that can be controlled by a dimmer switch, unlike other fluorescent lighting fixtures. high-efficiency air-conditioning units - the building's energy-saving features made it possible to reduce the size of the cooling units by half, compared to what ordinarily would be required for a building that size. gas-fired tankless water heater - this appliance saves money by not storing and reheating water on a continual basis. Instead, it generates hot water instantly on an as-needed basis. pollutant-free indoor air quality - interior paints are rated as "low-VOC" paints, which refers to the amount of volatile organic compounds in the paint. drought-tolerant landscaping - uses native Florida plants and a drip-irrigation system.

The West Orange Trail begins (or ends) in Oakland at the Lake County line and winds through the town center, past Winter Garden, then bends to the north into Apopka. This was developed as part of Florida’s “Rails for Trails” program which converted now unused railroad easements into a biking, skating, jogging, walking path. The West Orange segment is now about 19 miles, however plans to connect Sumpter & Lake County’s segments on the southwest side and the Wekiva then Ocala National Forest segment to the north provide a network of about 200 contiguous miles of trail. According to Orange County's Parks and Recreation Department, the West Orange Trail provides enjoyment to over 77,000 users per day.

With 100 year old oaks and cypress trees fully protected you can hear the breeze rustling through the trees almost before you can feel it. If you want a place to call home where everyone knows your name, but is only 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, then Oakland in southwest Orange County is the place.

On Saturday, March 15th, 2008 the Oakland Police Department hosted its 4th annual Oakland Easter Egg Hunt in Speer Park. The Oakland Easter Egg Hunt, originally organized by the Silverliners (retired Eastern Airline Flight Attendants) represented by Diana McLaughlin, and supported again this year by the WellCare organization, offered a wonderful afternoon in the park. This year the event continued to grow as over 100 children sought out over 8500 eggs, filled with candy or prizes. WellCare provided both health care information to families and giveaways for children. Many of the children had their faces painted by a clown. The NEXT Community Church band played live music during the entire event while children either played in the inflatable moonwalk or took some time to get fresh cotton candy or snowcones. Several Oakland Police Officers, as well as their friends and family, were on scene helping as volunteers and supporting the event. A grand entrance by the Easter Bunny was a highlight for many small children who took the time to meet with the bunny or take a photo. Many families remained to listen to music in the park as the sunny and warm afternoon was cooled by an easy breeze.

Relocating to Orlando Florida or just looking for current real estate or homes for sale? Whether you are searching for your next home or condo, an investment property, or lakefront land, we have what you need for a successful move to the "Sunshine State."