IT'S THE BIGGEST NEW-HOME EVENT IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

With more than 50 model homes in 25 communities (plus eight grand openings), Horizon West invites you to see why buyers are sold on the southwest.

Central Floridians have seen new-home extravaganzas before. But nothing like the second-annual Horizon West Tour of New Homes, which will be the biggest new-home event ever held in the tri-county area.

The tour is set to run Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 22, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Horizon West area. For the past decade, this master-planned swath of southwest Orange County has been the region’s busiest growth hot spot.

But now, the pace is quickening and new-home communities are sprouting on rolling acres of woods and groves dotted by pristine lakes.

Last year, thousands of would-be buyers were wowed when they toured decorated model centers during the inaugural tour. Turns out, they only got a taste of what was to come.

Just how big is the 2015 tour? Check out this preview:

• Nine of the region’s top homebuilders and one major developer are participating.

• There’ll be 25 communities, eight of which are celebrating grand openings.

• More than 50 model homes in an array of styles and price ranges will be open for tours. 

A major kickoff event is slated for Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Windermere Sound community with entertainment and information about the tour.  Go to www.LiveHorizonWest.com for more details.

Longtime followers of the local new-home market are hard-pressed to remember a time in Central Florida when eight new-home communities debuted at once, especially all within one defined area. 

But it’s no surprise that Horizon West would be the scene of such a history-making event. This one-of-a-kind, multi-village development is attracting intense interest — and notching record sales — for a variety of reasons:

• It offers close proximity to Disney World and all the region’s major attractions.

• An expanding transportation network, including S.R. 429 and Florida’s Turnpike, means all of Central Florida is easily accessible.

• Winter Garden Village, historic downtown Winter Garden and the area’s own soon-to-come retail districts mean every convenience is nearby.

• Recreation opportunities abound on the stunning Windermere Chain of Lakes, and many top-rated championship golf courses are just a chip shot away.

Following, in alphabetical order, are the participants in the 2015 Horizon West Tour of Homes, and the communities in which they will be showcasing homes. Communities celebrating grand openings are indicated first:

ASHTON WOODS HOMES

• Ashlin Park, townhomes, from the low $220s. Grand opening.

• Latham Park, single-family, from the $270s. Grand opening.

• Independence, single-family, from the $500s.

• Peachtree Park, single-family, from the mid-$270s.

KB HOME

• Lake Hancock Preserve, single-family, call for pricing. Grand opening.

• Orchard Park, single-family, call for pricing. Grand opening.

• Summerlake, single-family, from the high $260s.

• Vineyard Square, townhomes, from the $220s.

LENNAR HOMES

• Alexander Ridge, single-family, from the mid-$200s.

• Independence, single-family, from the $350s.

• Summerlake, single-family, call for prices.

• Windermere Sound, single-family, from the low $200s.

MERITAGE HOMES

• Watermark, single-family, from the high $220s. Grand opening.

• Enclave at Windermere Landing, single-family, from the high $380s.

• Johns Lake Pointe, single-family, from the high $260s.

• Windermere Trails, single-family, from the mid-$260s.

M/I HOMES

• Summerlake Groves, single-family and townhomes, from the low $260s. Grand opening.

• Hickory Hammock, single-family, from the high $280s.

PULTE HOMES

• Lakeview Pointe, single-family and townhomes, call for pricing. Coming soon.

• Royal Estates, single-family, from the $360s.

ROYAL OAK HOMES

• Avalon Reserve, single-family, from the high $200s.

• Black Lake Preserve, single-family, call for prices. Coming soon.

TAYLOR MORRISON

• The Cove at Hamlin, single-family, from the $260s. Grand opening.

• Independence, single-family, from the mid-$500s.

• Overlook at Hamlin, single-family, from the $270s.

• The Reserve at Carriage Pointe, single-family, from the low $300s.

TOLL BROTHERS

• Royal Cypress Preserve, single-family, call for prices. Grand opening.

• Casabella, single-family, from the $800s.

DEVELOPER: STARWOOD LAND VENTURES

• Summerlake, with a nine-home model center featuring homes from Beazer Homes, D.R. Horton Homes, KB Home and Lennar Homes.

Best of all, the 2015 Horizon West Tour of New Homes is absolutely free. During the event, many participating builders will be offering special incentives for buyers, so be sure to ask an onsite representative for details about special programs. 

IN BRIEF

When: Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 22, from noon to 6 p.m.

Where: The Horizon West area in southwest Orange County

What: The biggest new-home event ever in Central Florida, with more than 50 model homes in 25 communities. Eight communities will be celebrating grand openings.

Cost: Free

For more information go to www.LiveHorizonWest.com