Waterleigh in Winter Garden: New Construction Community Guide

What is Waterleigh?

Waterleigh is a new construction community in Winter Garden, Florida, built by D.R. Horton, America's largest homebuilder by volume. The community is located in the western part of Winter Garden, between State Road 429 and the Horizon West master-planned area. It is one of the more affordable new construction options in the Winter Garden area, making it popular with first-time buyers and families.

Where is Waterleigh Located?

Waterleigh is located in west Orange County, approximately 20 miles west of downtown Orlando. The community sits off Waterleigh Parkway, south of State Road 50 and north of the Horizon West development area. Key location details:

About 10 minutes to Winter Garden's historic downtown on Plant Street
About 15 minutes to Walt Disney World via SR 429
About 25 minutes to downtown Orlando (traffic dependent)
About 30 minutes to Orlando International Airport
About 10 minutes to the West Orange Trail trailhead

The community has convenient access to SR 429 (the Western Beltway), which connects to major employment centers including Disney, Universal, and downtown Orlando.

Builder: D.R. Horton

Waterleigh is built by D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder in the United States by home closings. In Central Florida, D.R. Horton builds under multiple brands:

D.R. Horton -- Standard new construction homes with a range of floor plans and included features.
Express Homes -- More affordable, streamlined homes with fewer customization options and faster construction timelines.
Emerald Homes -- Higher-end homes with upgraded finishes and larger floor plans (less common in Waterleigh specifically).

D.R. Horton homes at Waterleigh typically include stainless steel appliances, granite or quartz countertops, and basic flooring packages in the base price. Design center upgrades are available for premium finishes.

Price Ranges

As of 2026, home prices in Waterleigh generally start at approximately $435,000 and range into the $500,000s for standard single-family homes. Exact pricing depends on floor plan, lot location, and phase. Larger floor plans and premium lots (water views, conservation views) add to the price. D.R. Horton is the entry-level anchor in this corridor, so Waterleigh is often among the more affordable new-home options in the Winter Garden and Horizon West area.

Community Amenities

Waterleigh offers a range of community amenities including:

Community pool and cabana
Playground and tot lots
Walking trails throughout the community
Pocket parks and green spaces
Dog park
Pond and lake views on select lots

Amenities are maintained by the Homeowners Association (HOA). Monthly HOA fees cover common area maintenance, amenity upkeep, and community management.

Nearby Schools

Waterleigh is within the Orange County Public Schools district. Schools serving the area include:

Water Spring Elementary School -- Located nearby, serving the community.
Bridgewater Middle School -- Relatively new school serving the area.
West Orange High School -- One of the larger high schools in Orange County.

School zoning can change. Verify current address-level assignments with Orange County Public Schools before making a decision.

HOA and CDD Costs

Waterleigh has both a Homeowners Association (HOA) and a Community Development District (CDD). The CDD financed infrastructure for the community and the fees appear on your annual property tax bill. Typical combined HOA and CDD costs range from approximately $2,000 to $3,500 per year, depending on the specific lot and phase.

What Buyers Love About Waterleigh

Affordability -- One of the lower-priced new construction options in the Winter Garden area.
Location -- Easy access to SR 429 for commuting to Disney and downtown.
D.R. Horton pricing -- Known for competitive pricing and builder incentives.
Proximity to Winter Garden -- Close to the historic downtown, farmers market, and West Orange Trail.
New community -- All homes are new construction with modern features and builder warranties.

Things to Consider

Construction timeline -- The community is still being built, so expect ongoing construction activity.
CDD fees -- Factor CDD assessments into your monthly housing budget.
Limited customization -- D.R. Horton offers fewer customization options compared to builders like Pulte or KB Home.
HOA restrictions -- Standard HOA rules apply for exterior modifications, landscaping, and parking.
Commute traffic -- SR 429 and Winter Garden Vineland Road can be congested during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Waterleigh part of Horizon West?

No. Waterleigh is a separate community located north of the Horizon West development area. It is within the city of Winter Garden's sphere of influence. The community is often compared with Horizon West communities because of its similar location and price point.

Does Waterleigh have a town center or retail on site?

Waterleigh does not have a dedicated town center. Shopping and dining are available in nearby Winter Garden (about 10 minutes) or along the SR 50 corridor.

How long does construction take for a D.R. Horton home?

D.R. Horton typically builds homes within 6 to 9 months from contract to closing, depending on the floor plan and customization level. Quick move-in homes may be available sooner.