fresh from the grove
Hamlin is a dynamic, master-planned mixed-use town center in Horizon West, offering an elevated blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and walkable residential living—all set within one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing communities.
Hamlin Town Center: The Heart of Horizon West
Strategically located along SR 429 (Western Beltway) in Southwest Orange County, Hamlin enjoys unmatched regional connectivity and daily exposure to thousands of residents and visitors. The Town Center sits just 7 miles from Walt Disney World’s Western Entrance, 10 miles from the US-192 tourism corridor, and only 20 minutes from Downtown Orlando.
With direct access to key transportation interchanges—including Florida’s Turnpike, I-4, and SR 408 (East/West Expressway)—Hamlin is perfectly positioned to serve both local and regional audiences. This accessibility, combined with a growing population, diverse commercial offerings, and top-rated schools, makes Hamlin one of Orlando’s most desirable destinations for living, working, and investing.
The upcoming extension of New Independence Parkway and Wellness Way will directly connect Hamlin to U.S. Highway 27 in Lake County, significantly enhancing regional access. This critical infrastructure expansion will provide smoother east-west mobility, reduce travel times, and open new development corridors for residential, medical, and commercial growth. As connectivity increases, Hamlin is uniquely positioned to serve as the central hub for health, wellness, and innovation in West Orange and South Lake counties—driving population growth, provider demand, and long-term community value.
A Sweet History
Horizon West: One of America’s Fastest-Growing Master-Planned Communities
Located in Southwest Orange County, Florida, Horizon West is a nationally recognized master-planned community designed around five mixed-use villages and anchored by Hamlin Town Center—the commercial and lifestyle heart of the region.
This visionary development emerged in the 1990s as a strategic partnership between Orange County officials and former citrus grove landowners, following a series of freezes that devastated Florida’s orange crops in the 1980s. What followed was a pioneering effort in long-range planning that gave rise to one of the nation’s premier examples of New Urbanism.
Adopted in 1995, Horizon West emphasizes walkability, outdoor living, and community-driven design. It has since become one of the fastest-growing communities in the U.S., with a 70% population increase over the past decade. Its popularity has spurred major infrastructure investments—including 14 new public schools in 12 years and over $500 million committed by Orange County Public Schools to meet rising demand.
With its blend of highly desirable neighborhoods, modern amenities, and sustainable growth planning, Horizon West continues to attract families, businesses, and best-in-class brands seeking a vibrant lifestyle community in the heart of Central Florida.
fresh from the grove
Hamlin is a dynamic, master-planned mixed-use town center in Horizon West, offering an elevated blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and walkable residential living—all set within one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing communities.
Hamlin Town Center: The Heart of Horizon West
Strategically located along SR 429 (Western Beltway) in Southwest Orange County, Hamlin enjoys unmatched regional connectivity and daily exposure to thousands of residents and visitors. The Town Center sits just 7 miles from Walt Disney World’s Western Entrance, 10 miles from the US-192 tourism corridor, and only 20 minutes from Downtown Orlando.
With direct access to key transportation interchanges—including Florida’s Turnpike, I-4, and SR 408 (East/West Expressway)—Hamlin is perfectly positioned to serve both local and regional audiences. This accessibility, combined with a growing population, diverse commercial offerings, and top-rated schools, makes Hamlin one of Orlando’s most desirable destinations for living, working, and investing.
The upcoming extension of New Independence Parkway and Wellness Way will directly connect Hamlin to U.S. Highway 27 in Lake County, significantly enhancing regional access. This critical infrastructure expansion will provide smoother east-west mobility, reduce travel times, and open new development corridors for residential, medical, and commercial growth. As connectivity increases, Hamlin is uniquely positioned to serve as the central hub for health, wellness, and innovation in West Orange and South Lake counties—driving population growth, provider demand, and long-term community value.
From Freezing to Flourishing
1894
The close proximity of the freezes of 1894 and 1895 created an *impact freeze situation that devastated citrus growers and rearranged the geography of the Florida citrus industry. The first freeze occurred on December 29-30, 1894. Immediately after, Florida experienced a month of warm weather, which made citrus more vulnerable for the second freeze on February 8-9, 1895.
1985
This freeze occurred on December 22-26. This freeze was the fifth *impact freeze recorded in Florida history, however it was the second *impact freeze in a single decade, leaving growers little time to recover after the freezes of 1983 and 1985.
2011
Boyd Development Corporation acquired 650 acres of raw land between State Road 429 and Lake Hancock. The company began master planning the property, which was formerly orange groves destroyed in freezes of the early 80s.
2022
Hamlin has grown to over 1,200 acres across SR 429 to the west side and encompasses a series of well-planned communities and walkable commercial districts. Today, Hamlin serves over 80,000 residents within a 10-minute drive and continues to expand as part of our commitment to creating a sustainable community and experiential destination.
The Villages of Horizon West
A Model of New Suburbanism in Central Florida
Horizon West is a visionary master-planned community in Central Florida, spanning over 21,000 acres (32 square miles) and comprised of five distinct villages and a thriving town center. Inspired by the garden city movement, its village-centric layout emphasizes smart growth, sustainability, and walkable urban design.
Each village is thoughtfully planned so that homes are within close proximity to commercial hubs, highly rated walkable schools, and public parks—all connected by wide, multi-use trails. Expansive green spaces, protected nature preserves, and community gathering areas are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, creating a harmonious balance between modern convenience and natural beauty.
This forward-thinking layout embodies the principles of New Suburbanism, offering residents a connected, outdoor-focused lifestyle surrounded by lakes, trails, and thoughtfully designed neighborhoods. It’s more than a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
The Legacy Behind the Name
A.G. Hamlin and the Hamlin Orange
The Hamlin name is rooted in Florida history—and citrus innovation. Arthur George Hamlin, born in 1855, was not only the first attorney in DeLand, Florida, but also a pioneering figure in the state’s legal and agricultural development.
Arriving in DeLand in 1883, Hamlin quickly became a trusted legal advisor to key figures shaping Florida’s future. His clients included Henry DeLand, founder of the city; John B. Stetson, renowned hatmaker and philanthropist; the DeLand Town Council; and even railroad magnates Henry Flagler and Joseph Parrot of the Florida East Coast Railway.
Beyond his legal influence, A.G. Hamlin left an indelible mark on Florida’s citrus industry. He cultivated the now-famous Hamlin Orange, a sweet, early-season variety that remains one of the most widely grown oranges in Florida. The Hamlin Orange originated from a seedling planted in 1879 by Judge Isaac Stone in DeLand. After acquiring the grove, Hamlin performed extensive bud grafting, especially after the devastating freezes of 1894–1895, to ensure the survival and expansion of the crop.
Thanks to its high and consistent yield, the Hamlin Orange became the leading choice for orange juice production in Florida—particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, it remains a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy and a symbol of Hamlin’s innovative spirit.
The community of Hamlin, Florida proudly honors this heritage—where modern growth meets deep-rooted history in the heart of Horizon West.
