A family has grown citrus along the south shore of Johns Lake for generations. Now that land is set to become a planned community. The family plans to keep living there too.
It’s called Johns Lake Urban Village. Winter Garden approved it in May 2026. It won’t come all at once. You’ll see it grow in small pieces over many years.
Where Johns Lake Urban Village Sits
The land sits on the south side of Johns Lake. Marsh Road runs along the south. Avalon Road is to the east. The Lake County line is just to the west.
The main way in will be Williams Road. Waterside on Johns Lake is next door to the south and southeast. The neighborhoods will connect by road.
The land is inside Winter Garden city limits. Today it’s mostly old citrus groves and timberland.
What’s Planned on the Johns Lake Land
The plan covers about 340 acres. It allows up to about 600 homes. That works out to a little under 2 homes per acre.
That’s well below what the land is allowed to hold. The city says the low density helps protect the trees and the lake.
You’ll find a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. Lots run from small townhome and cottage lots up to lakefront estate lots at least 90 feet wide.
The plan calls for several builders instead of one. The goal is homes that don’t all look alike.
A Bed and Breakfast on the Lake
One corner of the land is set aside for a small inn. It’s planned as a 40-room bed and breakfast with cottages tucked among the oaks.
The plan also includes event space and a restaurant that takes reservations only. Amplified music has to stay indoors.
This part will stay privately owned. Stays and meals are by reservation, but they can be open to the public.
A New City Park and Open Space
About 14 acres will go to Winter Garden for a future city park. That spot was once planned for an elementary school. The school came off the plan after neighbors raised concerns.
The plan keeps about 85 acres as open space. There are smaller parks spread through the neighborhood too. The city says no home will be more than about 400 feet from a park.
Trails and sidewalks will tie the parks together.
Johns Lake Docks and the Shoreline
If you’re hoping for a lakefront lot with a dock, here’s what to know. Docks aren’t guaranteed.
The city has to approve a dock plan first. Some lakefront lots may not get a dock. Others may share one with a neighbor.
There won’t be a marina. Boat rentals aren’t allowed either.
Marsh Road, Williams Road, and New Independence Parkway
Neighbors raised traffic concerns during the city’s review. The approval includes road work. That means a roundabout at Marsh Road and Williams Road and improvements to Williams Road.
There’s also a timing rule tied to New Independence Parkway. No homes can be occupied until the parkway is substantially complete or January 1, 2028, whichever comes first. Model homes are exempt.
Orange County expects the New Independence Parkway extension to finish in early 2027. It will link Avalon Road to Wellness Way at the Lake County line.
How Fast Johns Lake Urban Village Will Grow
Homes will come in phases of no more than 50 at a time. The first phase is set to start in the southeast corner.
With about 600 homes, that’s a lot of phases. You should expect this one to take years to fill in.
There’s no community name for sales yet. We haven’t seen pricing or builders announced either.
Schools Near Johns Lake
The school district has noted that elementary school space in this area is tight. Assigned schools can change as new neighborhoods open.
You can check the current zoning for any address with the OCPS school locator.
More New Homes Near Johns Lake
If you like this corner of Winter Garden, take a look at another new community nearby on Hartwood Marsh Road.
Want bigger lots? Read about Hickory Nut Estates, just east of Panther Run.
We’ll share more on Johns Lake Urban Village as builders and pricing are announced.
Interested in a home at Johns Lake Urban Village? Fill out the form below and we’ll send you builder, pricing, and release details as soon as they’re available.
