ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 As Florida continues to see soaring prices, communities across the state are looking for ways to keep residents from fleeing. That work is ongoing in Central Florida, where leaders are investing millions to make the region a place people can afford to call home.<\/p>\n
Barnett Villas, a 156-unit affordable apartment community at 1000 Barnett Villas Drive in Orlando\u2019s Pine Hills neighborhood, is officially open.<\/p>\n
Barnett Villas offers apartments for households earning between 50% and 70% of the area median income. <\/p>\n
The project received $6.8 million from Orange County\u2019s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $2.2 million in impact fee waivers and $2.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation also contributed $3 million in viability loan funds, bringing the total county investment to $9 million.<\/p>\n
The community was developed by Orlando-based Banyan Development Group, which manages more than 9,000 affordable housing units. <\/p>\n
Barnett Villas is designed as a green-certified development, featuring Energy Star-rated appliances, ceiling fans, upgraded lighting fixtures, washer and dryer hookups, a clubhouse with a fitness center and on-site business office space. Residents also have access to trails, sports fields and playgrounds at nearby Barnett Park.<\/p>\n
For residents like Fred Williams, the community has already exceeded expectations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, when I first walked in, I thought I was in Hollywood,\u201d Williams said. \u201cI walked in, the first thing that really took me by surprise was the bathroom, the shower, you know, everything\u2019s nice, neat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams also appreciates the community\u2019s affordable pricing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really helpful and I\u2019m [sure] the rest of the residents feel the same,\u201d Williams said.<\/p>\n
Residents at Barnett Villas have access to free support services through The Treehouse Foundation, an Orlando-based nonprofit that offers financial literacy courses, employment assistance and first-time homebuyer education programs.<\/p>\n
Barnett Villas is one of several new affordable housing developments taking shape across the region. In Osceola County, St. Cloud is in the process of approving an affordable housing apartment building for its downtown. <\/p>\n