Waterman Village is the premier retirement community near Orlando offering independent living duplex homes for active seniors. Located in Mount Dora, Florida, this not-for-profit campus provides a progressive living environment with duplex and quad-plex homes. This guide covers apartment floor plans, maintenance-free amenities, private outdoor space, and active senior housing options to help you make an informed decision.
Apartment Floor Plans
Choosing the right floor plan is the first step in securing your independence. Waterman Village offers distinct housing options across its two campuses, The Oaks and Lakeside. Understanding the differences between these layouts is critical for long-term comfort.
Duplex and Quad-Plex Homes at The Oaks
The Oaks is the original campus of Waterman Village, established in 1989. It exclusively offers duplex and quad-plex homes. These residences are designed with short hallways and close proximity to dining and covered parking areas. This design is particularly beneficial for seniors who may have difficulty walking long distances. The homes are situated in a village-like setting, fostering a strong sense of community.
Apartment and Duplex Options at Lakeside
Lakeside, which opened in 2022, offers a broader range of housing types, including independent living apartments and duplex homes. This variety allows residents to choose a layout that best fits their lifestyle and budget. Lakeside is located directly across the street from The Oaks, connected by a golf cart and pedestrian bridge. This connectivity ensures that residents have access to all campus amenities regardless of which campus they choose to live on.
| Campus | Housing Types | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Oaks | Duplex, Quad-Plex | Short hallways, village setting, established 1989 |
| Lakeside | Apartment, Duplex | Opened 2022, EV charging, screened lanais |
Maintenance Free Amenities
One of the primary reasons seniors transition to independent living is the elimination of home maintenance. Waterman Village provides a fully managed environment where residents are not responsible for exterior upkeep, landscaping, or major repairs. This maintenance-free lifestyle allows residents to focus on their hobbies and social connections rather than property management.

Dining and Culinary Services
Waterman Village offers six different dining venues between its two campuses. This variety is a significant differentiator, as residents can choose from a range of menus and atmospheres. The Oaks features the Lodge Main Dining Room, Bistro, and Cafe. Lakeside offers the Savor Main Dining Room, Brew Bar, and Social Sports Bar. This culinary diversity ensures that residents do not become bored with their meal options.
Wellness and Fitness Facilities
The campus includes two fully equipped fitness centers with professional trainers on-site. Residents have access to a comprehensive wellness program that includes weekly classes categorized by intensity. The program offers 'Move' classes for lower intensity, 'Active' classes for moderate pace, and 'Thrive' classes for higher intensity strength and endurance. This structured approach to fitness supports residents in maintaining their physical health and independence.
Private Outdoor Space
Living in Florida means enjoying the outdoors year-round. Waterman Village designs its residences to maximize private outdoor space, allowing residents to enjoy the subtropical climate in comfort and privacy.
Screened Lanais and Patios
Residences at Lakeside feature large screened-in lanais in all units. These spaces provide a protected area for relaxation, dining, and socializing, free from insects and direct sun. The Oaks homes also offer private outdoor areas that are well-maintained by the community staff. The landscaping is a key feature of the campus, with beautiful grounds that residents can enjoy from their private spaces.
Access to Community Grounds
Beyond private spaces, residents have access to the broader campus grounds. The community is designed with walking trails and biking areas. Residents can also drive their golf carts to downtown Mount Dora, which is just a mile or two away. This proximity to a vibrant town enhances the appeal of the private outdoor spaces, as residents can easily transition from their home to local shops and restaurants.
Active Senior Housing
Waterman Village is designed for active seniors who want to remain engaged in their community. The campus offers a robust activity calendar that is unmatched in the region. Seven full-time staff members make up the independent living wellness and activity departments, ensuring that there is always something to do.
Activity and Social Engagement
The activity calendar includes a wide range of options, from pickleball and touch tennis to water volleyball and walking clubs. Residents can also participate in support groups for various conditions, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and grief. The community fosters a strong social environment where residents can build lasting friendships. Many residents report that the social aspect of living at Waterman Village is a primary reason for their satisfaction.
Progressive Care Options
Waterman Village is a multi-level, progressive living community. This means that if a resident's needs change over time, they have access to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services on the same campus. The Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center is a highly rated skilled nursing home that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. This continuum of care provides peace of mind for residents and their families, knowing that high-quality care is available if needed.
Key Takeaways
- Waterman Village offers duplex and quad-plex homes at The Oaks and apartments and duplexes at Lakeside.
- The community is located in Mount Dora, Florida, which is ranked as a top small town to retire to.
- Residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with six dining venues and two fitness centers.
- Private outdoor space is a key feature, with screened lanais and well-maintained grounds.
- The campus offers a robust activity calendar with seven full-time staff dedicated to wellness and activities.
- Progressive care options include assisted living, memory care, and a highly rated skilled nursing center.
- Waterman Village is a not-for-profit organization, ensuring that earnings stay in the community.
- The community is connected to downtown Mount Dora, providing easy access to local amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waterman Village offer duplex homes for independent living?
Yes, Waterman Village offers duplex homes at both The Oaks and Lakeside campuses. The Oaks exclusively offers duplex and quad-plex homes, while Lakeside offers both apartments and duplex homes.
Where is Waterman Village located in relation to Orlando?
Waterman Village is located in Mount Dora, Florida, which is approximately 35 minutes from Orlando. This location provides easy access to the amenities of a larger city while maintaining a small-town feel.
What is the difference between The Oaks and Lakeside?
The Oaks is the original campus, established in 1989, and offers duplex and quad-plex homes. Lakeside opened in 2022 and offers apartments and duplex homes. Both campuses are connected by a bridge and share access to all campus amenities.
Does Waterman Village provide maintenance services?
Yes, Waterman Village is a maintenance-free community. Residents are not responsible for exterior upkeep, landscaping, or major repairs. The community staff handles all maintenance tasks.
What dining options are available at Waterman Village?
Waterman Village offers six dining venues across its two campuses. These include main dining rooms, bistro-style fine dining, cafes, and sports bars. This variety ensures that residents have multiple options for their meals.
Is Waterman Village a not-for-profit organization?
Yes, Waterman Village is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. This means that its earnings are reinvested into the community to enhance the lives of its residents and employees.
What types of care are available on campus?
Waterman Village offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care.
Can residents drive their golf carts to downtown Mount Dora?
Yes, residents can drive their golf carts to downtown Mount Dora, which is just a mile or two away. This provides easy access to local shops, restaurants, and cultural activities.
Conclusion
Waterman Village stands out as the ideal choice for active seniors seeking independent living duplex homes near Orlando. With its unique combination of duplex and apartment options, maintenance-free amenities, and robust activity programs, the community offers a comprehensive living experience. The not-for-profit status and progressive care options provide additional peace of mind for residents and their families. To learn more about available homes and schedule a visit, contact Waterman Village today.

