Trailer City - Florida waterfront retirement on a budget.

Trailer City was built by the City of Winter Garden in the 1920’s to provide space for winter tourists visiting the resort area of Lake Apopka. It has evolved into a small community for those wanting to live the dream of a Florida retirement but on a budget.

There have been no tourists for decades as Lake Apopka has become the most polluted lake in the State. Most of the trailers are all 30-40 years old thus unmovable and sell for around $10,000. Monthly rent for the lot is $132. There are no real estate taxes as Florida trailers, even permanent ones, require only a vehicle tag. There is no insurance to deal with because of the value. All trailers here are in violation of the fire code because of narrow spacing between them. The City of Winter Garden would like to phase out Trailer City but is met by strong opposition whenever the issue arises.

The residents remain a happy close knit group of retirees. This precludes any “trailer trash” common in other inexpensive trailer parks. They stay proud of their neighborhood and keep it as tidy as possible considering its age. Many return up north for the summers while others make this their year round home. And, there are no modern day politically correct references to a “mobile home community”. It will always be called by its official name “Trailer City”.

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