Narcoosee
A fast-growing lakeside corridor on Orlando’s southeast edge, Narcoosee draws buyers for its new neighborhoods, easy airport and Medical City access, and a quieter, outdoorsy pace. Visitors find a convenient base near East Lake Tohopekaliga, Moss Park, and the dining energy of nearby Lake Nona.
Quick Snapshot
| Category | At-a-Glance |
|---|---|
| Region | Central Florida, Greater Orlando — near St. Cloud, east of Lake Nona |
| Vibe | Suburban and lakeside, family-friendly, master-planned growth corridor |
| Housing Mix | Mostly single-family and townhomes; strong new-build inventory with some established lakefront and acreage pockets |
| Commute | Narcoossee Rd (CR 15), US-192, SR-417, SR-528; ~10–20 min to Lake Nona Medical City, ~15–25 min to MCO, ~25–45 min to Downtown Orlando (traffic-dependent) |
Why Move to Narcoosee
- Good value for new construction near major job centers, with modern amenities, trails, and community pools common in many neighborhoods.
- Quick access to Lake Nona’s Medical City, Orlando International Airport, and the broader Orlando tech, healthcare, and hospitality job markets.
- Lakes, parks, and preserves at the doorstep — East Lake Tohopekaliga, Moss Park, and Split Oak Forest offer boating, fishing, paddling, and hiking.
- A friendly, small-town energy anchored by nearby St. Cloud and neighborhood events, with higher-end dining and entertainment a short hop up Narcoossee Road.
Neighborhoods & Entertainment Districts
Locally associated with the Narcoossee/Lake Nona–St. Cloud corridor, this area stretches along Narcoossee Road from East Lake Tohopekaliga toward Orlando. You’ll find a mix of newer master-planned communities with clubhouses and pools, established lake-adjacent enclaves, and rural-feel acreage neighborhoods. Shopping clusters, everyday dining, and groceries line Narcoossee Road, while the Lake Nona Town Center and Boxi Park sit just up the road for weekend outings. The St. Cloud lakefront downtown offers an old-Florida stroll with eateries and seasonal events.
- Narcoossee Village — Townhomes and single-family homes with neighborhood amenities and sidewalks convenient to everyday shopping. A practical choice for first-time buyers and those wanting low-maintenance living.
- East Lake Park & East Lake Reserve — Gated and lake-oriented communities on the east side of East Lake Tohopekaliga, appealing to buyers who prioritize scenic pond or conservation views and proximity to boat ramps and parks.
- Bay Lake Ranch — Larger lots and a semi-rural, no-HOA lifestyle east of Narcoossee Road. Suits buyers seeking space for hobbies, RVs, or small equestrian interests while staying within a reasonable drive to town.
Schools & Education
Narcoosee is primarily served by the School District of Osceola County, with nearby Orange County Public Schools serving the Lake Nona side of the corridor north of the county line. Families often cite the convenience of neighborhood elementary schools and a growing menu of magnet and choice programs across both counties. Notable options nearby include STEM and arts magnets and access to higher education hubs such as Valencia College (Lake Nona Campus), the UCF College of Medicine and teaching hospitals in Medical City, and the University of Central Florida’s main campus to the north.
| Level | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Narcoossee Elementary; Harmony Community School; Hickory Tree Elementary | Neighborhood schools with typical STEAM/technology integrations; after-school activities vary by campus. |
| Middle | Narcoossee Middle; Harmony Middle | Electives often include performing arts, robotics, and athletics; advanced classes available by placement. |
| High | Tohopekaliga High; Harmony High; St. Cloud High | AP, CTE tracks, and performing arts offered; district magnets include NeoCity Academy (STEM), Osceola County School for the Arts, and Professional & Technical High (admission policies apply). |
Note: School options and performance can vary by attendance zone; buyers should verify current zoning and ratings.
Cost of Living & Housing
Compared with Orlando’s core neighborhoods, Narcoosee often delivers more house and newer construction for the money, with trade-offs that include HOA/CDD fees in master-planned communities and a car-centric lifestyle with toll road use for faster commutes. Grocery and utility costs are broadly in line with Central Florida norms, while homeowners insurance and flood considerations near lakes deserve careful budgeting, as they do throughout Florida.
| Item | Typical Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Home | $350,000 – $900,000+ | New-build 3–5 BR homes commonly land in the mid-$400s to $600s; updated lakefront or larger estate lots can trend higher, sometimes above $1M. |
| Townhome/Condo | $280,000 – $450,000+ | Townhomes are more common than condos; fees vary and may include community amenities, landscaping, and reserves. |
| Rent (2–3 BR) | $2,000 – $3,200 /mo | Newer communities and lake-adjacent areas command premiums; deals surface in older inventory or farther from major hubs. |
| Overall Costs | On-par to slightly below Orlando’s core | Housing can be more attainable than in Lake Nona proper; utilities are typical for Central FL; insurance and tolls can add to monthly costs. |
Insurance & HOA note: In Florida, homeowners insurance and HOA/condo fees can materially affect monthly costs; obtain current quotes.
Outdoors, Activities & Lifestyle
Life here leans outdoorsy. Mornings on East Lake Tohopekaliga give way to afternoons on neighborhood trails or a quick run to Lake Nona for dining and live music. Families tap into parks along the lakefront in St. Cloud, weekend markets and seasonal festivals, and easy day trips to beaches or theme parks.
- East Lake Tohopekaliga & Ralph V. Chisholm Park — Launch a boat or kayak, fish for largemouth bass, or picnic under oaks with broad lake views.
- Moss Park & Split Oak Forest — A local favorite for shaded trails, birding, paddling, and quiet coves; expect deer, sandhill cranes, and lake breezes.
- Lake Nona Town Center and Boxi Park — Food stands, family-friendly entertainment, live music, and weekend events just up Narcoossee Road.
- Golf options — Public-access rounds at Eagle Creek, North Shore, and the Harmony area offer varied layouts and practice facilities.
- Seasonal highlight — July lakefront fireworks in St. Cloud, fall community festivals, and the Osceola County Fair each winter draw neighbors together.
Getting Around & Commute
Narcoossee Road (CR 15) is the main north–south artery, connecting US-192 in St. Cloud to SR-417 and SR-528 toward Orlando. Expect roughly 10–20 minutes to Medical City, 15–25 minutes to Orlando International Airport, and 25–45 minutes to Downtown Orlando depending on time of day and your exact location. The Beachline (SR-528) points east for Space Coast beaches in about 50–70 minutes. LYNX buses operate along parts of Narcoossee Road, but service is limited; most residents rely on cars and toll roads for speed. The nearest SunRail commuter rail stations are a drive away (such as Meadow Woods or Tupperware). Plan for school-hour slowdowns on Narcoossee Road and consider alternate timings or routes when possible.
Who It’s Ideal For
- Growing families seeking newer homes, community pools, and access to neighborhood schools and parks.
- Healthcare and airline professionals who want quick commutes to Medical City and MCO while maintaining a suburban lifestyle.
- Outdoor lovers and retirees who value boating, trail systems, and low-maintenance living near everyday conveniences.
Tips for Homebuyers
- Inventory patterns can be seasonal, with more new-construction releases in phases; secure pre-approval and be ready to compare builder incentives versus resale opportunities.
- Review HOA documents and any Community Development District (CDD) assessments; these can affect monthly and annual carrying costs.
- Check flood zones, wind-mitigation features, and roof age. Insurance quotes vary by home features and proximity to lakes or conservation areas.
- Drive your commute during rush hour and note school traffic on Narcoossee Road. If flight paths matter to you, visit during peak airport operations.
- Confirm school zoning at the time of offer; new communities sometimes trigger boundary adjustments as schools balance enrollment.
FAQ
Is Narcoosee a good place to raise a family?
Many families choose the area for its newer homes, neighborhood amenities, and access to parks and lakes. Public school options are diverse, with zoned schools and countywide magnets available. As with any fast-growing corridor, traffic can be busy at peak times, so proximity to your school or workplace is worth prioritizing.
How does the cost of living compare to nearby areas?
Housing costs are generally more attainable than in Lake Nona’s core neighborhoods but higher than in more rural parts of Osceola County. Groceries and utilities align with Central Florida averages. Insurance and HOA/CDD fees vary by community and can be significant, so it’s smart to model total monthly costs before you buy.
What’s the housing stock like?
You’ll see a strong concentration of new and recent single-family homes (often 3–5 bedrooms) plus townhomes for low-maintenance living. Established enclaves around East Lake Tohopekaliga offer mature landscaping and occasional lakefront properties, while acreage neighborhoods exist east of the main corridor. Condos are less common than in urban Orlando.
Bottom Line
Narcoosee blends new-home convenience with genuine access to nature and major job centers. It’s an appealing fit if you want a suburban Florida lifestyle with lakes, trails, and family amenities, while keeping Orlando International Airport and Medical City within an easy drive. Buyers who budget thoughtfully for insurance, tolls, and community fees — and choose a location aligned with their daily routes — tend to be especially satisfied here.
