Conway homes

— Community Guide

Conway

Orlando, FL

“Conway is southeast Orlando's lake-chain neighborhood — four interconnected motorized-boat lakes totaling nearly 1,800 acres, 10 minutes from downtown and 15 minutes from OIA, with deepwater dockable lots mixed into established 1950s–1970s ranch streets.”

Lake access · ski/wake-friendly · 10 min to downtown · SE Orlando

What locals love

  • Four-lake Conway Chain of Lakes — ~1,800 acres, motorized boats allowed
  • Deepwater dockable lots at a fraction of Butler Chain / Windermere prices
  • Under 15 minutes to Orlando International Airport
  • Boone High School (Niche A-rated) serves the area
  • Six public lakefront parks including Swann Beach and Venetian Park

A brief history

Conway was established in the 1850s and was an organized community by the early 1900s — one of the first five paved roads in Orange County was the brick Conway Road connecting downtown Orlando to the settlement, running along what is now Curry Ford Road and Conway Road. Most of the current housing stock dates from the late 1950s through the 1970s, when the lake-chain neighborhoods filled in as Orlando expanded southeast. Conway remains an unincorporated CDP, not an incorporated city, which means no municipal property taxes on top of Orange County rates.

The housing mix

The dominant housing type is 1950s–1970s ranch-style single-family homes on lots ranging from 8,000–12,000 square feet, with a mix of 1980s–1990s builder product and more recent custom lakefront builds. Non-waterfront homes typically run $350K–$500K; deepwater dockable lots with lake frontage on the main chain command significant premiums, often $600K–$1.2M+. Screened lanais, boat docks, and private lifts are common on lakefront parcels.

Who lives here

Conway skews toward multi-generational Orlando families — buyers whose parents and grandparents bought in the 1960s and 1970s are often the reason the market stays tight. Boating-oriented buyers relocating from elsewhere in Florida or from the Northeast find the lake access without the Windermere price tag compelling. The OIA proximity draws aviation employees and frequent travelers. Median resident age hovers around 42, per 2020 census data, reflecting a mix of established families and empty-nesters who have no interest in leaving.

Landmarks & things to do

  • Lake Conway boat ramp (Hoffner Ave) — public lake access
  • Swann Beach Park — lakefront park with swimming area
  • Venetian Park — public green space on the chain
  • SODO District (5 min north) — Target, ALDI, restaurants on Orange Ave
  • Ventura Country Club — semi-private golf
  • Bass fishing — Conway chain is one of Central Florida's top largemouth bass lakes
  • Water-skiing and wakeboarding on the upper chain (North + Little Lake Conway)
  • Curry Ford West Main Street District — restaurants and local retail

Schools in the area

Frequently asked about Conway

What is the Lake Conway chain and can you really ski on it?

The Conway Chain of Lakes comprises four interconnected bodies of water — Big Lake Conway (Middle Conway), Little Lake Conway, Lake Gatlin, and South Lake Conway — totaling nearly 1,800 acres. Yes, motorized boats are allowed and skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing happen regularly. The upper two lakes (North/Middle and Little) are the primary ski/wake areas. Two public boat ramps exist on Hoffner Avenue and near Orange Avenue. Maximum depth is approximately 30 feet with an average depth of 8 feet.

Do Conway lakefront homes require flood insurance?

Properties adjacent to the lake shorelines are frequently in FEMA flood zones AE or AH (Special Flood Hazard Areas), which require flood insurance if the mortgage is federally backed. Non-waterfront interior blocks are typically Zone X (minimal risk). Before purchasing any lakefront or near-water parcel, verify the FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov and get a current Elevation Certificate. Flood insurance premiums on Orlando inland lakes are lower than coastal Florida but still meaningful — budget accordingly.

What schools serve the Conway area?

Public school zoning is address-specific in Orange County. Boone High School (Niche A-rated, 96% graduation rate) serves most Conway addresses for high school. Conway Elementary and Conway Middle serve many addresses, though Pershing K-8 serves portions of the area and has stronger state assessment scores. Private options include Conway Christian Academy (PK–12, founded 2021) at 2701 Conway Gardens Rd. Always confirm your specific address at ocps.net/find-my-school-home — boundaries shift with rezoning cycles.

How does Conway compare to Windermere for lake-chain living?

Both neighborhoods offer motorized-lake-chain access within Orange County, but at very different price points. Windermere's Butler Chain of Lakes commands premium pricing ($1M–$5M+ for lakefront) and includes gated communities with golf courses. Conway's chain offers comparable skiing and fishing at a significantly lower cost — deepwater dockable lots typically in the $600K–$1.2M range for lakefront, with non-waterfront inventory under $500K. The tradeoff: Windermere has newer housing stock, more master-planned subdivisions, and better-rated schools; Conway has urban proximity (10 min to downtown vs. 25+ min for Windermere) and lower price per acre of water.

How is the Conway real estate market right now?

The Conway market reflects the broader Orange County picture: median price around $420K, with days on market averaging 55–65 days as of early 2026. Waterfront lots move faster when priced correctly and can trade well above the neighborhood median. Non-waterfront inventory has softened slightly from the 2022 peak. The neighborhood's multi-generational ownership base limits turnover — which keeps inventory tight but also means well-priced listings still attract multiple offers. Verify current conditions with closed-sale MLS data for ZIP 32812 before making pricing decisions.

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