Quick Facts
- County
- Orange
- Entity type
- Unincorporated master-planned community
- Major roads
- Alafaya Trail, SR 408, SR 417, Lake Underhill Road
- Housing types
- Single-family, townhomes, condos
- Lake access
- Community lakes and ponds
- Golf
- Courses nearby in east Orlando
- New construction
- Limited, mostly filled out
Waterford Lakes Map
Quick Overview
Waterford Lakes is a large master-planned community developed in east Orange County from the 1990s, centered on the Waterford Lakes Town Center at Alafaya Trail and Lake Underhill Road. It is one of the region's most recognizable family communities, with a shopping center, lakes, and miles of sidewalks.
The community is organized into dozens of villages and sub-neighborhoods, many with pools and playgrounds, and most homes were built between 1995 and 2010. Its location near UCF and the 408/417 expressways makes it popular with university employees and east Orlando commuters.
For relocation buyers, Waterford Lakes offers an established, amenity-rich package with strong schools options nearby, a dense retail base, and straightforward highway access, at more moderate prices than closer-in neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Waterford Lakes is a collection of villages with names like Waterford Chase, Hunter's Trace, and Waterford Landing, each with its own entry, HOA, and amenities. The community wraps around lakes and green space, and the town center anchors the retail and dining scene.
Nearby, the surrounding unincorporated area includes schools, parks, and the University of Central Florida corridor, so Waterford Lakes functions as a village within a larger east Orlando community.
Housing
Housing is predominantly single-family, with a meaningful share of townhomes and condos near the town center. Home styles range from 1990s two-story family homes to 2000s designs, with some newer infill.
HOA fees apply across the villages, and some sections carry CDD assessments. Buyers should review both, plus the age of the roof and HVAC, since the housing stock is now 15 to 25 years old in many areas.
Transportation
Alafaya Trail and Lake Underhill Road are the main local corridors, and SR 408 has an interchange at Alafaya, connecting directly to downtown Orlando. SR 417 (the beltway) is minutes away, linking to the airport and Lake Nona.
Traffic on Alafaya and near the 408 ramps is heavy during school and commute hours.
Drive times depend on traffic, route, and exact address. Depending on conditions, trips to downtown Orlando typically take about 20 to 30 minutes. The Walt Disney World area is roughly 40 to 50 minutes away, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) usually runs about 15 to 25 minutes.
Daily Life
The Waterford Lakes Town Center is the daily-life anchor, with big-box retail, grocery, restaurants, and a movie theater, all directly adjacent to the community. Community lakes, pools, and playgrounds serve the neighborhoods.
UCF's sports and events, the east Orlando parks system, and the Little Econlockhatchee River trail network are close by, and downtown Orlando is a manageable drive for nights out.
Schools
Waterford Lakes is served by Orange County Public Schools. Elementary, middle, and high school assignments vary by village, with several schools in the immediate area including Waterford Elementary and Timber Creek High serving nearby sections.
School zones are address-based and can change. Verify the assignment for any specific address with the Orange County Public Schools School Locator before buying.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Waterford Lakes
HOA and CDD fees
All villages have HOAs, and some areas carry CDD assessments. Review the full fee picture before buying.
Alafaya traffic
Alafaya Trail near the town center is busy and congested at peak times. Plan trips around rush hours.
Aging homes
Much of the housing dates from 1995 to 2010. Roof, HVAC, and kitchen updates are common considerations.
Flood zones
Homes near the community lakes and wetlands may sit in FEMA flood zones. Check designations before buying.
Nearby Communities to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Waterford Lakes in?
Waterford Lakes is an unincorporated master-planned community in Orange County, Florida, with an Orlando mailing address in east Orange County.
Is Waterford Lakes close to UCF?
Yes. The University of Central Florida is roughly 10 minutes away via Alafaya Trail, making the community popular with faculty, staff, and students.
Does Waterford Lakes have a town center?
Yes. The Waterford Lakes Town Center at Alafaya Trail and Lake Underhill Road has shopping, grocery, restaurants, and a movie theater.
What schools serve Waterford Lakes?
Orange County Public Schools serves the community, with assignments varying by village. Verify address-level zoning with the OCPS School Locator.
Is there new construction in Waterford Lakes?
Limited. The community is largely built out, with occasional infill and redevelopment.
Last updated: August 27, 2026. Published by Moving to Orlando Guide with Tyler Gibson.
