Harmony, a master planned community located on 11,000 acres southeast of Orlando, bills itself as “environmentally intelligent” and believes that people must positively interact with their natural surroundings if they are going to prosper. Only thirty percent of the land here will be developed; the rest will be left open for parks and recreation areas. There is a belief here that people have a responsibility to the land and need to protect it.
Developed on an old cattle farm, Harmony plans to have 7,500 housing units and will attract people of all ages. Many seniors find this mix appealing, but for those who prefer to live with others in their own age bracket, there are plans to build within the existing community an active-adult community with 55 as the minimum age. Eventually, 18,000 people will call Harmony home. The HOA fee includes amenities, park upkeep and infrastructure maintenance.
A small town atmosphere is the goal here, and there are plans in place to ensure that this goal is met. As Neighborhoods will be limited to 100 homes; pet ownership will be encouraged; there will be on-street parking, rich landscaping and small parks will be scattered throughout neighborhoods. Services will be within walking distance.
Owls, eagles, osprey, deer, otters and armadillos also make their homes here, and miles of walking and bicycling trails through wide open meadows provide residents with many opportunities to relax and admire the beautiful surroundings. There are two 500 acre lakes, Buck Lake and Cat Lake, but no houses are built anywhere near them.
Harmony also boasts an 18 hole, championship Johnny Miller signature golf course that is open to the public and that has golfers seeing nothing but great green expanses, wetlands and pine trees. No homes are built near the course. The 16,000 square foot clubhouse is a social center and houses a tavern and a restaurant.
Hospitals are located in nearby Orlando.
Average summer temperatures in this area are in the mid 90s. Winter temperatures generally stay in the 60s, with some low 70s. Rainfall is anywhere from one inch to 5 or 6 inches per month.
Housing costs are not lower than the national average, but Florida has no state income tax, which helps lower overall living costs.