ORLANDO, Fla. — A large new housing development could soon reshape part of east Orlando with a community centered around farming, wellness and green space.
The Grow community is expected to bring more than 2,100 homes to the area along State Road 50, along with shops, parks and gathering areas designed to create what planners describe as a connected agricultural neighborhood.
Right beside rows of freshly grown vegetables, construction is already underway on the project developers say will stand out from traditional neighborhoods.
“One of Orlando’s very first agricultural communities,” said The Grow sales manager Tiffany Heiselman.
The development is being designed around a farm-to-table concept where residents can live while also harvesting some of their own food.
Plans also call for roughly 300 acres in the development to be preserved for conservation.
Developers say the project is aimed at people looking for healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections.
“We found that a lot of people are wanting to get back into the health and wellness of life,” Heiselman said.
Located in east Orlando along State Road 50, the neighborhood’s design blends residential living with active agricultural food production.
“So, we wanted our residents to be able to come here and grab their fresh vegetables,” Heiselman said.
Home prices will range from $400,000 to more than $800,000 for larger homes.
As with many large developments in Central Florida, traffic concerns are also part of the conversation.
The Florida Department of Transportation is working to widen State Road 50 from Avalon Park Boulevard to State Road 520.
The project will happen in three phases, with Phase 1 expected to begin in 2027.
Plans also include a traffic signal at The Grow’s entrance.
Longtime east Orange County resident Annie England said that while traffic continues to increase, growth across Florida is inevitable.
“All the area has grown because of the population. Everybody’s retiring to Florida,” England said. “So, we got to go somewhere, and it’s growing everywhere.”
Within the development, 9 acres will be dedicated solely to agriculture.
Developers say the farm operations will serve both residents and the surrounding community.
“Food will be used for residents for their farm share program,” said The Grow farm manager Nicole Bluh. “Additionally, for the public, we will have a farm store, outdoor farmer’s markets and any additional produce will be donated to community partners.”
Developers believe the fresh produce, green space and wellness-focused lifestyle will help make The Grow one of Central Florida’s most unique new communities.
FDOT is also working to schedule a community meeting in east Orange County to discuss ongoing traffic concerns along State Road 50.
The meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place on July 23.