Homes for Sale in Apopka

Apopka is coming into its own as major roadways continue the connections between this western Orange County city and growing communities in Orange, Seminole and Lake counties. The City of Apopka is seeing an increase in population that reflects the interest in Central Florida as a whole. In 1991, the population of Apopka was only 12,600; by 2000, it had more than doubled. Today, Apopka has over 57,000 residents. There is discussion that the city might grow some more, if and when it annexes the 1000 acres that make up the unincorporated southern part of Apopka.

The city’s growth mirrors that of many municipalities surrounding the mega region of Orlando. Pioneers into the area began to arrive in 1842, attracted as usual by the climate and the opportunity to grow crops throughout the year. Interestingly enough, many of these key new settlers were Masons. The Orange Lodge No. 36 building was built in 1859 and it is there today, at the corner of Alabama Avenue and SR 441.

By 1882, the City of Apopka was incorporated and gained fame as the “Indoor Foliage Capital of the World” because of a large number of greenhouse nurseries in the city. The growth of Apopka continued, with access to the railroad and eventually to commercial air travel. In 2009, the John Lake Apopka Expressway, (toll road 414) was opened and this has helped Apopka enter into a new growth period.

In addition to its location about 20 minutes from Orlando, Apopka is an outdoor mecca, with 27,000 acres of parks and recreational opportunities and 394 miles of bike and walking trails. Orange County is in the midst of planning the West Orange Trail which will provide additional bicycle trails.

Lake Apopka is one of the key features of the area. It is the fourth largest lake in Florida, located 15 miles northwest of Orlando. It is fed by a natural spring, stormwater runoff and rainfall.

The lake has a checkered history. The Timucua Tribe of Native Americans were already living along the lake when the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s, but the tribe was decimated by European diseases. In the middle of the 18^th century, the Creeks moved into Florida from Georgia and Alabama, and eventually became Florida’s most famous Native American culture—the Seminoles. Europeans came to Florida in the 1850s.,

After the Civil War, vegetables became a popular crop, but there needed to be a way to get these crops to market from landlocked Lake Apopka, so construction began on the Apopka-Beauclair Canal in 1879 and the lake level dropped, creating muck farms where there once were marshlands.

Even before the canal was finished, two different railways were completed, allowing agricultural products to be shipped throughout the area. Unfortunately, old growth pine trees, some several feet in diameter, were also cut down and shipped elsewhere, and soon, there were no old growth pine trees. With the disappearance of the trees, agriculture became even more important to the area.

In the 1940s, Lake Apopka was a key attraction for those who loved to fish for bass, and at the time, nearly two dozen fish camps could be found along the lake’s shore. At the same time, the citrus industry expanded…until the freezes of the 1980s moved this industry further south.

But agriculture, no matter how important, was one element that contributed to the pollution of Lake Apopka. A levee was built across the northern end of Lake Apopka, which allowed 20,000 acres to be drained for crops. The pumping of nutrient-rich chemicals such as phosphate overloaded the lake, and as a result, the lake was deprived of oxygen and sunlight and algae blooms overtook the once clear water.

Eventually, there was a multi-million dollar restoration project spearheaded by the St. Johns River Water Management District to bring Lake Apopka back to its more pristine condition. The district is still working on several fronts, and has been for more than 25 years, beginning with buying the muck farms and working to restore these soils to marshland. The projects include the Marsh Flow-Way to remove the phosphorus already in Lake Apopka, the harvesting of gizzard shad, that not only remove the fish from the lake but the phosphorus that is absorbed in the fishes’ bodies, and the planting of native aquatic plants. With each effort, the quality of Lake Apopka is improving, despite storms and an increase in population in the area.

Those who want to get an in depth look at Lake Apopka are welcome on the two-hour Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (as of May 2023, the drive is closed due to current construction but hikers and cyclists may still travel on the Lake Apopka Loop Road beginning at Magnolia Park). When open, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive stretches nine miles, and is open Friday through Sunday and on certain Federal holidays. Although it is a unique experience, and those slowly driving along the roadway will see alligators (really up close and personal!), a variety of birds and wildlife, it is a one-way drive…once on the drive vehicles must continue to the end; there is no turnaround areas.

Apopka not only has a lake, but the nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park celebrates the beautiful springs that feed the Wekiva River, and is a popular spot for visitors throughout the year. In the summer, the cool waters of the Springs are an enticing attraction and have been since the 19^th century. Be warned, however. Since Wekiwa Springs State Park is so popular in the summer, it is advised that visitors come early to park, and then enjoy  drifting down the shallow spring, snorkeling or swimming in its waters, or having a picnic along its banks.

Small groups (14 or less) may enjoy a unique experience with a four-hour Wekiva River guided kayak tour, complete with a stop for lunch. Several kayak outfitters on the river offer this tour, which costs about $80 a person.

Wekiwa Springs also has trails that range in length from a little under a mile to over 13 miles, going from the spring area to uplands. Hikers should bring plenty of water, insect repellent, snacks, a cellphone, map and compass.

Those who want to stay longer than a few hours or a day have that opportunity, since there are 60 campsites with electrical hookups and amenities located at the park’s campground. Recreational vehicles up to 50 feet long can be accommodated at the campground. Equestrians may enjoy primitive camping with their horses at Big Fork—no vehicle access is available at this site. Primitive camping is also available at Camp Cozy, which offers a more secluded camping experience. Two primitive camps—Otter Camp and Big Buck Camp, located on Rock Springs Run—are only accessible via canoe or kayak, with no vehicle access. Fishing is available at Sand Lake and on the Wekiva River.

Other activities in this area include hiking (of course) throughout Wekiwa Springs State Park, horseback riding along the Tram Bed Horse Trail (an unused bed of an old railroad line), bicycling along designated trails, and paddling—kayak and canoes may be rented at the park concession. Keep in mind that it will be necessary to portage the kayak or canoe at some points.

Other outdoor locations of interest in the Apopka are include:

• Rock Springs Run State Reserve has primitive campsites on Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River, plus 17 miles of bicycling, hiking or horseback trails. For an interesting view of Rock Springs, consider a two-and-a half hour small group glass bottom boat guided kayak eco tour, available through several kayak outfitters for about $80 a person.
• Blue Springs State Park is located on the St. Johns River near Orange City. It offers 51 campsites that can accommodate recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long, plus six two-bedroom cabins. Canoe and kayaks are available for rent plus there is a guided river boat cruise. The star of the show at Blue Springs State Park are the manatees, and hundreds are located in this refuge area during the winter months because of the 72-degree waters of the springs.
• Northwest Recreation Complex is a 180-acre multi-purpose facility on Jason Dwelley Parkway in Apopka. It offers a 9-mile walking trail, but most people know it for its 2 flag football fields, 2 lacrosse fields, 6 baseball fields, 6 softball fields, 6 full sided soccer fields, 4 tennis courts, 4 sand volleyball courts and 3 basketball courts. Two playgrounds are also at the sprawling complex. The complex also has the open air Apopka Amphitheater, with seating for 1500 within the shell, and for as many as 5,000 on the lawn. Events are planned at the amphitheater throughout the year, including special Saturday activities such as the Apopka Farmer’s Market, holiday activities and concerts.
• There are several parks in the Apopka area that are smaller than the state parks, but offer outdoor activities. Among them are Magnolia Park, with its boat ramp, picnic area and playground, plus its campground with electricity and water hookups (and keep an eye out for peacocks!). The City of Apopka purchased Camp Wewa on Binion Road from the local YMCA in 2021 and it offers basketball courts and picnic areas, plus it can host special events and parties with a dining hall, and a large pavilion for guests. During the summer months, the city hosts a summer camp for youth and teens offering boating, target sports, athletics, outdoor adventures and arts and crafts. Other pocket parks include Alonzo William Parks that has a neighborhood community center and outdoor activities; Kelly Park, owned by Orange County; and Kit Land Nelson Park that has tennis and racquetball courts, plus a gazebo and playground.