Signature Lakes
Amenities & Attractions
Independence Living: Local Insights & FAQs
To help you make informed decisions, we've compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Is Independence the same as Signature Lakes?
Yes. Independence is the community's name today. The land was originally planned as Signature Lakes, and many county records and MLS listings still use Signature Lakes, so you'll see both names for the same Horizon West community.
Where is Independence located?
Independence is a master-planned community of about 1,900 homes on roughly 1,300 acres in Horizon West, in unincorporated Orange County with a Winter Garden, FL 34787 address. It sits near SR 429, about 15–20 minutes from Walt Disney World and about 10 minutes from downtown Winter Garden.
Who built the homes in Independence?
Independence broke ground in 2003. Homes were built by several builders, including Lennar, Taylor Morrison, and Meritage Homes, with most homes dating from about 2005 to 2017.
What types of homes are in Independence?
Independence has single-family homes and townhomes. Based on MLS listings and sales from the past 12 months, homes typically range from about 1,270 to 4,980 square feet with 2 to 6 bedrooms.
How much do homes cost in Independence?
The median sale price in Independence over the past 12 months was about $540,000 (MLS data, September 2026). For today's numbers, see the live stats and current listings at the top of this page.
What are the HOA fees in Independence?
Recent MLS listings show Independence HOA dues of roughly $185 to $410 per month (median about $195) as of September 2026, varying by neighborhood and home type. Ask for the specific home's HOA and any CDD amounts before making an offer.
Who manages the Independence HOA?
The association is Independence Community Association, Inc. It is managed by FirstService Residential, with an on-site office at the Town Square Residents Club, according to the community's website (2026). See independenceflorida.com for current contact details.
What schools serve Independence?
Most Independence homes are zoned for Independence Elementary, which is located in the community, and Bridgewater Middle. High school zoning is split: recent listings show Horizon High School for most homes and Windermere High School for some.
Confirm a specific address with Orange County Public Schools' Find My School tool, and compare school grades in the Florida School Accountability Reports.
What amenities does Independence have?
Independence has two residents' clubs with pools and fitness centers, tennis and basketball courts, a dog park, about 15 parks, more than six miles of trails, and two boat ramps.
