South Bay
Non-gated Butler Chain waterfront with mature oaks and Bay Hill golf proximity.
Live the MaxLife.
$950K
Median Price
$550K – $2M
245
Homes
$100–$300
Monthly HOA
1980
Established
Palm Lake Elementary School
School Zone
South Bay — What's Selling
Recent closed sales in and around South Bay, live from the Stellar MLS · about $328/sq ft · aggregates only, no addresses published.
Search Homes for Sale in South Bay
First access
Get notified when a South Bay home hits the market.
VIP members see new South Bay inventory 48 hours before Zillow.
Background
A brief history
South Bay was one of the first major residential developments built on the Butler Chain's Lake Tibet shoreline, beginning in 1980 and completing through the mid-2000s. The neighborhood was designed around waterfront access and proximity to Bay Hill Club and Arnold Palmer's course. Unlike later gated communities, South Bay chose an open, HOA-governed model with oak-lined streets and many water-or-golf-fronted homes. Build-out happened in phases, with architectural quality improving through the 1990s and 2000s.
The feel
What it's like to live here
South Bay feels like an open waterfront village. Oak-lined streets with large mature canopies are the visual signature. Homes range from 2,000 to 5,500 square feet, with many sitting directly on Lake Tibet or with fairway views into Bay Hill. Waterfront lots feature boat docks and lifts; interior lots offer oak tree privacy. The neighborhood attracts both longtime families and retirees drawn to the water access without the gate-community lifestyle. Bicycle paths and waterfront gazebos provide community gathering spots.
The details
What to expect
Architecture & Lots
Mix of 1980s–2000s homes, 2,000–5,500 square feet. Waterfront lots typically 0.5–1+ acre with docks and boat lifts. Interior lots 0.3–0.5 acre with mature oak canopy. Some homes date to early 1980s (renovation candidates); others updated through 2000s.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Butler Chain Lake Tibet waterfront access via private docks and lifts. Bicycle paths and waterfront gazebos throughout. Proximity to Bay Hill Club & Lodge restaurant and golf course (non-members can dine at the lodge). Walking distance to Apopka-Vineland and Sand Lake Road restaurants.
HOA Rules & Fees
Non-gated, mandatory HOA — $100–$300/month depending on waterfront vs. interior and section. Boat lift and dock installation requires architectural review (4–6 week approval). Short-term rentals permitted in some sections, prohibited in others (varies by sub-HOA). Seawall maintenance is owner responsibility on waterfront.
Schools
Zoned for Dr. Phillips Elementary or Bay Meadows Elementary, Southwest Middle School, and Dr. Phillips High School. Private alternatives: The First Academy ~20 minutes.
Access & Commute
Central Dr. Phillips location at Apopka-Vineland × Sand Lake Road. I-4 access via Sand Lake Road on-ramp. 3 minutes to Restaurant Row, 15 to Disney, 12 to Universal, 25 to MCO. Apopka-Vineland north-south routing provides I-4 alternatives.
Community
Amenities
- Lake Tibet (Butler Chain) waterfront with private docks and boat lifts
- Mature oak tree canopy throughout
- Bicycle paths and waterfront gazebos
- Proximity to Bay Hill Club & Lodge (dining available to lodge guests)
- Walking distance to Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road
- Near The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips and shopping
Know Before You Buy
HOA rules worth knowing
- Non-gated, multiple sub-HOAs — $100–$300/month
- Architectural review required for docks, boat lifts, seawall work
- Short-term rentals vary by sub-section — verify with HOA
- Waterfront owners responsible for seawall maintenance
- Boat registration and HOA notification required
Education
School assignments
- Palm Lake Elementary School
- Chain of Lakes Middle School
- Dr. Phillips High School
- The First Academy (private, ~20 min)
School zone assignments change. Verify with Orange County Public Schools before purchase.
Market Commentary
What the market is doing
South Bay waterfront homes command strong premiums — $1.2M–$2M+ for dock-ready properties on Lake Tibet. Non-waterfront interior homes trade $550K–$850K. Golf-fronting homes (Bay Hill edges) add 10–15% premiums. Average price per square foot is $305, reflecting the waterfront positioning and mature trees. Homes built in the 1980s–1990s, while well-maintained, often require renovation to modern luxury standards. Days-on-market 60–90 days, longer for trophy waterfront homes.
Active MLS Inventory
Search homes in South Bay
Live MLS search for South Bay is coming online shortly.
In the meantime, get notified when a home in South Bay hits the market — VIP list members see new South Bay inventory 48 hours before it appears on Zillow.
Get South Bay AlertsActive MLS Inventory
Homes available in South Bay
1 home currently listed in South Bay.
Also Worth Seeing
Related communities
Dr. Phillips
Bay Hill
Arnold Palmer's home course community, just off Restaurant Row.
$500K – $5M · 1,600 homes
Explore Bay Hill →
Dr. Phillips
Phillips Bay
A gated Dr. Phillips condo and townhome community on Spring Lake.
$280K – $650K · 200 homes
Explore Phillips Bay →
Dr. Phillips
Orange Tree
Dr. Phillips' established family neighborhood with mature oak canopy.
$500K – $2.5M · 900 homes
Explore Orange Tree →
Want South Bay homes first?
Hand-picked South Bay matches — 48 hours before MLS. Two to three per month.
Listings courtesy of Stellar MLS as distributed by MLS GRID
IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of June 6, 2026. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
Ryan Solberg, Broker · MaxLife Realty LLC · FL License #BK3354351 · Equal Housing Opportunity · Full disclaimer · DMCA