HUD Secretary's Best in American Living Award Winners 1998

The Villages of Southport

Orlando Florida

Sales Price of Unit Entered: $84,900

Median Home Price in the Metropolitan Statistical Area: $100,000

Description: The Villages of Southport is a 653-unit project located at the Orlando Naval Training Center, which closed in 1994. A variety of community leaders and citizens attended a total of 164 public meetings in order to develop a "base re-use" master plan.

The City rezoned the property, provided a neighborhood police and emergency medical station inside the neighborhood, and provided downpayment assistance to buyers. The local Fannie Mae office is also a partner with specialized mortgage products and assistance to fund counseling and education administered by the nonprofit partner.

The neighborhood is divided into 5 themed villages. Within each village, each different floor plan has three exterior elevation options, resulting in over 40 exterior alternatives.

The average price of a Villages of Southport home is approximately 10-15 percent below market value, and offers a homeownership opportunity unparalleled in the Orlando area.

1998 Awards Winners