Abandoned Properties Stir Alarm in Orange County: The Rising Threat of Zombie Homes

ORLANDO, Fla. – In the West Lakes area, residents are no strangers to the sight of dilapidated properties. These vacant homes, often boarded up and neglected for years, are what locals refer to as “zombie homes.”

According to Darren May, who recently moved to West Lakes, these abandoned houses are a common sight. “You might see one good house, then you’ll see three houses torn down,” May explained, highlighting the prevalence of these derelict properties throughout the neighborhood.

Since settling in West Lakes nine months ago, May has observed numerous homes left to decay, each one a stark reminder of the community’s ongoing struggle with abandoned properties. These zombie homes, left empty after their owners have moved out, often languish in foreclosure limbo, becoming magnets for squatting and unlawful activities.

May expressed his frustration, noting, “They’re just taking up space. Somebody’s probably paying property tax on it.” He believes these homes could serve a greater purpose, suggesting they be repurposed to provide housing for young adults exiting foster care or individuals seeking a fresh start after incarceration.

“They’re just taking up space,” May said. “Somebody’s probably paying property tax on it. It could be used to help either a kid coming out of foster care find stability, or even somebody coming out of jail looking for a second chance.”

The West Lakes Partnership is raising money to buy these homes and flip them into affordable single-family houses for low- to moderate-income families. According to the organization, there were 25 zombie homes in the neighborhood as of June.

So far, the group has flipped four of those homes.

The organization says it plans to flip four more homes over the next two years. Three of those properties will be torn down and rebuilt as new homes for families.