$424,794Average Value$218Average Price per Sq Ft70Homes For Sale
Cozy living around Bear Lake near Orlando
Based around a scenic recreational lake, Forest City might not actually be a city, but nonetheless has much to offer for folks looking for a home in Central Florida.
Forest City is close to the suburban municipalities of Altamonte Springs and Apopka. Once a center of Florida’s signature citrus industry, the Forest City area has since become a residential haven serving commuters near more populous commercial city centers, including downtown Orlando, less than 10 miles away. “It’s an established community that really started coming together around the 1970s,” says Todd Schroth, a real estate agent with eXp Realty based in Altamonte Springs. “It’s kind of like a city within a city with Altamonte Springs there. It’s got top-of-the-line schools, lots of shopping and a community feel. Once we move in we don’t move out.” With Bear Lake at the center and spanning more than 300 acres, the natural feature makes Forest City an even more appealing place to live, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, jet skiing and other fun, exciting and relaxing activities.
A magnificent aerial view of Little Bear Lake and Bear Lake.
Local kids love to skate board down the streets of Bear Lake.
A beautiful aerial view of I4 leading to downtown Orlando near Bear Lake.
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Midcentury bungalows and modern traditional homes
As an almost exclusively residential area, Forest City has a plethora of condos, family homes in subdivisions, gated communities, retirement homes and ranch-style houses, with prices reflecting the architectural diversity. Home prices start at around $150,000 for condos in gated communities near one of Altamonte Springs larger shopping centers. Closer to Bear Lake and the smaller ponds and lagoons scattered throughout the community, older bungalows and ranch-style homes range from around $250,000 to $350,000. Still with ample space for development and growth, the community also features some spacious, contemporary builds with homes around 2,500 to 3,500 square feet. Prospective buyers can expect to pay between $400,000 to $800,000 for those properties.
A beautiful row of modern ranch style homes with garages in Montclair in Bear Lake.
A beautiful stone faced ranch-style waterfront home on Bear Lake.
A beautiful row of 70 homes with car ports in Bear Lake.
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High-grade schools in the Seminole County school division
Forrest City includes the public Bear Lake Elementary School and Teague Middle School. Niche gives both schools in the Seminole County school systems a B-plus. From there, students can advance to Lake Brantley High School, which earns an A-minus rating from Niche. At the high school, students can choose from 35 different Advance Placement courses and participate in in various clubs and activities, including dual enrollment in the Academy of Construction Technology, the Academy of Finance and the Aerospace Science JROTC program. Additionally, the Altamonte Springs campus of Seminole State College is adjacent to the neighborhood.
Bear Lake Elementary School is a public school serving the Apopka and Bear Lake communities.
Teague Middle School is located in the Bear Lake community of Altamonte Springs, Fl.
Lake Brantley High School in Spring Valley boasts a 96% graduation rate.
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Ski-lake fun and other activities
Bear Lake is partly accessible through the Bear Lake Clubhouse, a family-friendly recreation area with covered picnic areas, docks for boats, lawn chairs on the beaches, playground areas for small children and even pool tables. Hanging out in the water swimming or jet skiing is also exciting but Schroth advises caution. “I’ve been on that lake since 1990, and I haven’t been bit by a gator yet,” he says. “You just need to be careful.” For fun out of the sun, the community also has a large number of indoor athletic venues, from The Athlete Factory training facility and the Altamonte American Karate Academy to the batting cages at the All Stars Sportsplex and the indoor trampolines at Rebounderz Orlando. These entertainment options give casual exercisers and athletes-in-training access to workout space and equipment, each with a different flavor of activity.
Residents love to socialize at the private Bear Lake Club
After schools activities is abundant in Bear Lake with Altamonte American Karate Academy.
After schools activities is abundant in Bear Lake with All Stars Sport Complex.
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Suburban shopping malls and local eateries
Local shopping options include strip malls at Hunt Club Corners and West Town Corners, featuring major retailers such as Costco and Publix. For a wider selection of organic groceries, the Sprouts Farmers Market store is open 7 days per week at the Wekiva Riverwalk. In addition to a few national retailers and sit-down restaurants, the shopping center includes a Regal movie theater. While there are plenty of fast-food and casual franchise restaurants all around Forest City, folks can also patronize local family-owned eateries and shops serving international cuisines and goods, such as Sherry’s Trini Flavors and La Granja.
Residents of Bear Lake do their grocery shopping at Publix Super Market at Hunt Club Corners.
Residents of Bear lake also go the Sprouts Farmers Market.
Families of Bear Lake can take in a movie at the Regal Wekiva Riverwalk cinema.
Locals enjoy the foods of Trinidad at Sherry's Trini Flavors in Bear Lake.
Locals enjoy the ChickenRoti from Trinidad at Sherry's Trini Flavors in Bear Lake.
Locals love to eat at Argos Family Diner in Bear Lake.
Locals love the Greek flair of Argos Family Diner in Bear Lake.
Resident of Bear Lake have close access to Costco near by.
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Easy highway access to Orlando and surrounding cities
State Route 436, in the north of Forest City, links the area to both Apopka and Altamonte Springs. Interstate 4 in the east provides drivers with quick access to Orlando, so Bear Lake is well-situated for commuters looking for a quiet, sunny home in a bedroom community.
A beautiful aerial view of Hwy 441 and Hwy 414 in Bear Lake.
A beautiful aerial view of I4 leading to downtown Orlando near Bear Lake.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joseph Boyd,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Seminole Wekiva Trail
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Lake Lotus Park
Boating
Fishing
Grills
Westmonte Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Spring Valley Farms Play Park
Basketball
Fishing
Lake
Riverside Acres Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Grills
Wekiva Club Playground
Trails
Playground
Transit
Airport
Orlando Sanford International
33 min drive
Bus
S Orange Blossom Trl And Benbow Ct
Bus
Gateway Dr And Lotus Landing Blvd
Bus
S Sr 434 And Orange Ave
Bus
West Town Pky And Rainer Dr
Bus
S Orange Blossom Trl And Hiawassee
Bus
S Sr 434 And Hillview Dr
Bus
Us 441 And Center St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bear Lake
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bear Lake, Forest City sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bear Lake, Forest City over the last 12 months is $382,309, up 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready and full of upgrades, this beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath home offers modern comfort on a spacious 0.5-acre lot. Recent updates include a newer roof (2020), brand-new HVAC system (2024), updated plumbing, electrical, and double-pane windows for lasting peace of mind. The open floor plan features wood plank tile throughout with luxury vinyl in the master suite. The gourmet
Low Maintenance Family Living in Camden Club – Your Perfect Home Awaits!Welcome to your dream home in the desirable Camden Club, a gated community tucked away in Altamonte Springs, Seminole County. This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers nearly 2,600 sq ft of well-designed living space on a private lot, just a short walk to the community pool and scenic backyard perfect for outdoor
Charming Home in Bear Lake Hills.This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in the sought-after Bear Lake Hills community offers 1,051 square feet of comfortable living space. Recently updated and move-in ready, this home features paid-off solar panels that will help keep your utility bills down.The interior showcases durable hard flooring throughout, creating a seamless flow from room to room.
Set on the third floor, with it's beautiful views you'll find this spacious, three bedroom, two bathroom with it's generous amentities is a great place to live. The gated entry helps provide secure peace of mind. You'll find value with the trash pick up and water included in the Condominium Association fees. Brantley Terrace also provides you with outdoor storage and covered assigned parking.
Welcome to Corniche Townhomes! This charming 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 1,304 sq ft of well-designed living space in a gated community. Each spacious bedroom has its own private bath, with a convenient upstairs utility room in between. Fresh new paint and carpet enhance the bedrooms, while downstairs boasts luxurious new vinyl plank flooring. The kitchen features brand new smart appliances —
Yes, this IS the one you have been looking for! This four bedroom home with four full baths is ready for buyers who would love to move right in! Located in desirable Brantley Estates, which has long been a very popular neighborhood thanks to quality homes, this home was built to be light, bright, and a pleasure to live in! Lovely landscaping with lighting as well as fresh exterior paint set the
FIRST FLOOR 2BED/2BATH CONDO IN GATED COMMUNITY. ENJOY LIVING IN THE HEART OF ALTAMONTE SPRINGS IN A BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORHOOD THAT OFFERS A LIFESTYLE THAT IS CONVENIENT TO EVERYTHING. COME RELAX AND ENJOY PEACEFUL LIVING AMONGST A WELL LANDSCAPED SETTING. OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH HIGH CEILINGS AND BEAUTIFUL LAMINATE WOOD FLOORS OFFERS A SOPHISTICATED EXPANSIVE FEEL. ELEGANT LARGE TRAVERTINE TILE
Lotus Landing Apartment homes feature 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment homes for rent in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Our community is close to prestigious schools in the Lake Brantley School District. We are just one-mile from the RDV Sportsplex, The Maitland Center and The Charles Schwab Center, and three miles from upscale shopping and dining. Some of our homes have been given a beautiful
Great Location! One bedroom, one bath, first floor with patio. Gated community. Fitness center, club house and tennis court with community swimming pool. Close to major road, restaurants and shopping and Seminole State College. Requires HOA approval.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joseph Boyd,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
19,263
Median Age
40
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,979
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$93,438
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
39.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.6%
% Population in Labor Force
72.3%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
52°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
29/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
11/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
